While many of us can make peace with a few laugh lines, it’s a lot harder to be blasé about turkey neck — but what are you doing about it? 

You work hard to prevent wrinkles on your face by moisturizing, exfoliating, and protecting your skin with sunscreen. But many of us forget that the best skincare products need to be applied below the chin, too. The skin of your neck is just as fragile as the skin on your face. With that said, it deserves to be treated with just as much care. 

What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2022?

Whether you’re concerned with preventing neck wrinkles or you’re looking to treat existing crinkles, there are steps you can take to restore the youthful appearance of your neck — including investing in the best neck cream for turkey neck. 

Not sure where to start? No worries. Here at the Derm Review, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare regimen that’s safe and effective. Ahead, the 12 best neck creams for wrinkles, texture, and tone.

Best Neck Firming Cream: The List

BEST OVERALL
Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer, $60

FULL LIST
Deep Science Collagen Quench, $70

Formulyst Anti-Aging Night Cream, $80

StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream, $95

Revision Nectifirm Advanced, $134

NeoCutis NEO FIRM Neck & Décolleté Rejuvenating Complex, $135

Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Neck Contour Treatment, $58

Exuviance Age Reverse Toning Neck Cream, $82

Arbonne Age Well Firming Neck Cream With 0.5% Bakuchiol, $112

Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Neck and Décolleté Firm and Repair Cream, $115

PRAI Ageless Throat and Decolletage Crème, $30

Algenist ELEVATE Firming and Lifting Neck Cream, $84

Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Face and Neck Contouring Cream, $98

The Best Neck Tightening Cream VS Face Cream

While some experts may not agree, neck creams are a relevant part of one’s skincare routine — and no, they’re not just face creams disguised under a new name. Neck creams are typically thicker than facial creams. They are formulated with specific ingredients to help lift and tighten the loose, crepey neck and décolleté skin due to collagen and elastin loss over time. 

While you can use your regular face cream on your neck, you should still consider adding a targeted neck cream on top of it. Regardless, you should consistently be applying products to your neck and décolleté, even if you don’t have a separate neck cream. However, be aware that some anti-aging ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid may be much harsher and irritating on your neck than your face.

Consumers are clearly jumping on the neck cream bandwagon. Market insights suggest that the neck cream market revenue was Million USD in 2016, grew to Million USD in 2020, and will reach Million USD in 2026. 

The Number One Myth About Neck Wrinkles

Despite what you may have heard, neck wrinkles don’t just happen to aging skin. This is why you should be asking questions like, “Do neck firming creams work?” much sooner. Anti-aging products, including neck firming creams, work best in conjunction with your aging prevention skincare strategy — more on that next. 

Aging skin is compromised on several fronts. Mainly, it’s characterized to be dehydrated, chronically dry, sun-damaged, and wrinkled. It’s also less efficient in capturing and locking in moisture and regenerates at a slower rate. However, even the same features can affect the younger skin if preventative measures are not taken. 

How to Choose the Best Neck Cream

There are countless neck creams on the market, so how do you know which ones are the best? 

What to Look for in a Neck Cream

Along with evidence-based ingredients, the best neck cream should address the loss of tone and elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, and discoloration as all three typically show up simultaneously. Additionally, read product and brand reviews as we write here on the Derm Review. Has the product won any awards? Is it recommended by Dermatologists? What’s the average star rating? 

Also, while it’s not always 100 percent possible, try to avoid neck creams formulated with harmful ingredients like denatured alcohol, parabens, and fragrance and that test on animals. Look for clean formulas with a mix of synthetic and natural safe results-driven ingredients.

How Much Should the Best Neck Cream Cost? 

We’re not going to lie. The best neck firming cream typically doesn’t come cheap. That’s because a quality cream harnesses the power of several evidence-based or proprietary ingredients and technology in order to provide an effective result. 

If you can’t swing adding another costly product into your routine, at least make sure you’re applying anti-aging serum, moisturizer, and SPF below the chin line. 

What Do the Best Neck Creams Have in Common?

The best neck creams are formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients. You’ll know that a neck product is results-driven because these actives will be listed towards the top of the ingredient list. 

What are the Best Neck Cream Ingredients?

Neck creams can help with two things —  they can help firm the skin and tighten the appearance of the neck, while also preventing new wrinkles from forming. But not all neck creams are created equal. Some of the best ingredients to help firm and tighten the neck area include retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, peptides, vitamins, and caffeine along with super hydrators like hyaluronic acid and shea butter. Why these ingredients? They each play an important role in maintaining skin health but are stronger together.

• Retinol
  Retinol, which is derived from vitamin A, is the gold-standard ingredient when it comes to anti-aging. It encourages skin cell turnover which means skin looks smoother and firmer. How does retinol work? While most anti-aging skincare products work on a topical level at the epidermis, retinol works at a cellular level. This means it penetrates deep into the dermis, speeding up cell turnover and stimulating collagen production to help your body generate smoother, plumper, revitalized skin. Not only does retinol help new wrinkles from forming, but it also treats the ones you already have.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids
  Alpha hydroxy acids are water-soluble acids derived from fruits with a high sugar content. AHAs help make the neck look smooth and tight. Usually derived from fruit acids, AHAs work to dissolve dead skin cells and produce a peeling action that helps fade pigmentation and scarring, improves texture and tone, and softens fine lines and wrinkles. You may want to slowly introduce an AHA neck cream into your routine so your skin can work up a tolerance.

• Peptides
  Peptides, a common ingredient in anti-aging skincare, are short chains of amino acids and the building blocks of proteins that help support your body’s collagen production.Peptides for the skin have numerous benefits, which makes them one of the most attractive anti-aging ingredients. Peptides are incorporated into skincare products like the best neck creams because of their performance-specific effects, such as hydration, improved skin tone, and other anti-aging benefits, such as reduction of age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

• Hyaluronic Acid
  Hyaluronic acid is an aqueous substance that our bodies produce naturally to help maintain the skin’s moisture. Though it’s also found in our connective tissue, joints, and even eyes, we’re here to discuss hyaluronic acid in relation to the skin.We produce less of it as we age, resulting in increased dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For this reason, hyaluronic acid in skincare is incredibly beneficial. As it’s a humectant, it can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water, so it’s safe to say it’s a super-hydrator of epic proportions. Studies suggest hyaluronic acid is effective in improving the appearance of horizontal neck wrinkles. 

• Shea Butter
  Shea butter has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for centuries. Its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids and easy-to-spread consistency make it a desirable ingredient for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning the delicate skin on your neck.

• Caffeine
  Caffeine is often found in products like eye creams for dark circles and puffiness along with neck firming creams. It helps boost blood flow to a targeted area, and the theory is that the increased circulation makes skin look tighter. 

When and How to Apply a Neck Cream

When to Apply a Neck Cream

The best neck firming cream should be applied day and night. Ideally, you will own two different formulas: one formulated with SPF for the day and one non-SPF version with more active ingredients for nighttime. It’s when you’re sleeping and away from the sun’s harmful rays that the skin has a chance to repair itself. If you don’t want to invest in two neck creams, at least make sure you’re applying sunscreen after your neck cream. 

Neck Cream Application Process

When applying neck cream, be careful not to pull this delicate skin. Neck and décolleté skin is much thinner than facial skin and tends to show age more quickly. As with your face, apply your cream in upward-sweeping motions to discourage sagging. While this technique is no miracle cure, working against gravity is always a good idea.

Use a super-light hand when applying your neck cream. Allow the product time to absorb before getting dressed or putting anything on top of it because the cream can migrate very easily to the hair or shoulders, or settle into neck creases. 

How to Prevent Neck Wrinkles

Prevention, especially when fighting the signs of anti-aging, should always be your first line of defense, and there are plenty of options.

Wear Sunscreen

If your daytime neck cream isn’t formulated with an SPF, then you’ll have to use sunscreen, too. To prevent your neck and décolleté from looking saggy, always wear sunscreen with a high SPF daily. While most people are good about slathering sunscreen on their faces, the neck and décolletage are often overlooked. 

Make a point to cover up on a sunny day, and invest in a rashguard for the beach or pool. Or take a cue from supermodel Cindy Crawford. She’s tweeted that she always drives with a scarf to prevent sneaky sun damage.

Exfoliate Your Neck

Exfoliation encourages cell regeneration and gets rid of impurities and dead skin cells. You must exfoliate the skin of your neck at least once a week —  if not more. Just be sure to use a product that isn’t too harsh to avoid irritation or microtears in the skin.

Drink Water

Daily water consumption keeps the skin of your neck supple and healthy and helps prevent neck wrinkles. Drink at least 8 cups of water a day to ensure that your body is hydrated.

If you find that difficult, start by drinking 2 cups of water first thing in the morning when you get out of bed. Then drink another 4-6 cups throughout the rest of the day — add fruit slices or freshly squeezed lemon to help make it easier to reach your goal. 

Perform Neck Exercises

Some people swear by neck exercises to keep the muscles firm and toned. One standard neck exercise includes a “forehead push,” where you place one hand on your forehead, then push your hand without allowing your head to move forward. Hold this position for 10 seconds before holding both of your hands behind your head, pressing backward with your neck, and holding for 10 seconds.

Improve Your Posture

Spending hours a day hunched over a phone or laptop also isn’t doing your neck any favors. As we bend our heads towards our phones, this deepens the creases in our necks, which only makes them look worse. Are you wondering how to get rid of tech neck wrinkles? Well, the next time you’re tempted to scroll through social media for hours, think about having a tight neck instead — and limit your time looking down on your phone. When it comes to working on a computer, invest in an ergonomic desk chair and make sure your desk is at the correct height. 

Stop Smoking

Lighting up blocks your major blood and fluid pathways, meaning your skin has a harder time deriving the nutrients it needs to become renewed and rejuvenated. Although well-formulated neck firming creams might help pull up the resulting saggy skin, you will still need to quit smoking to see a significant change.

Even the best neck cream for wrinkles won’t be enough to help you beat saggy skin if you don’t quit. Quitting cold turkey can be bad for your health — especially if you’ve been smoking for years — so get professional help if you can’t kick this bad habit. 

Avoid Overly Intense Workouts

Believe it or not, intense workouts can loosen up your face muscles, causing the skin to sag. Repeatedly bouncing can cause even more damaging effects to your skin. To retain the integrity of your skin, try to perform exercises at a slow to moderate intensity. If necessary, work with a personal trainer to determine the best type of workout to achieve your goals that also won’t speed up the aging process. 

Try to Avoid Weight Fluctuations

Between fluctuating hormones, a slowing metabolism, and being less active, rapid weight changes can cause neck skin to sag, making aging skin signs more prominent. If you need to lose weight for health reasons, work with a doctor so that the process is gradual and attainable for the long term.

Get The Best Neck Cream for Wrinkles

One of the best ways to keep a saggy neck at bay is by using the best neck firming cream. A good firming and tightening cream keeps crinkles at bay by keeping the delicate skin here well nourished, hydrated, and toned, and smooth. But how do you find neck creams that work? Start with what’s inside the bottle. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients you should look for.

What are the Best Neck Tightening Creams?

Whether you’re looking to tighten, smooth, or fight gravity, here’s a look at some of the best creams for neck wrinkles. 

BEST OVERALL
Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer, $60
This lightweight antioxidant formula is a hydrating powerhouse that leaves the neck feeling remarkably smooth and radiant. Overflowing with potent plant proteins, vitamins, peptides and amino-collagen, this Moisturizer from Carrot & Stick delivers multi-level hydration. 

FULL LIST
Deep Science Collagen Quench, $70
This product from Deep Science is a unique blend of 3 low- and high-molecular-weight and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acids to help estore a plump, smooth appearance to dry, dehydrated skin.

Formulyst Anti-Aging Night Cream, $80
A long-term anti-aging formulation explicitly developed for mature and devitalized skin, this night cream from Formulyst hydrates, soothes, and visibly transforms your skin while you sleep. Formulated with a nutrient-rich blend of complexes that are high in plant oils, essential fatty acids, and omega oils, this ultra-nourishing night cream with reparative properties gently exfoliates and regenerates the upper layer of your skin.

StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream, $95
This formula from StriVectin is arguably one of the most popular neck creams on the market and it has copious awards to prove it. Not to mention, the brand says that one jar of the cream is sold every minute worldwide. It visibly tightens, lifts, and firm the neck for a more youthful looking profile. It also smooths the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the neck and décollete and targets crepey texture. Myristyl nicotinate (Strivectin calls this ingredient NIA-114) provides many of the same benefits as niacinamide. For example, repairing the skin barrier and improving skin moisture, reducing inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling. 

Revision Nectifirm Advanced, $134
As the name suggests, Nectfirm is specifically formulated to firm the neck and décolletage, reduce the appearance of rough, crepey skin, and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to five types of peptides, plant extracts, and antioxidants. This firming cream is designed to work with the skin’s own microbiome — the ecosystem of microorganisms that live on the skin —  to help it look brighter and have a more even tone. According to the brand, 98% of clinical study participants experienced a more lifted appearance of the neck.

NeoCutis NEO FIRM Neck & Décolleté Rejuvenating Complex, $135
This neck cream does a little bit of everything. Glycolic acid rejuvenates crepey-looking skin, while vitamin C helps brighten it. Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan works to tighten the appearance of the neck while glycerin, argan, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil leave the neck area nourished, smooth, and hydrated. The formula enhances elasticity through the promotion of elastin formation, creating a more youthful, sculpted profile. Additionally, it boosts collagens III and VII, leading to the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Neck Contour Treatmen, $58
Say so long to your turkey neck. This cream contains hydroxyproline, an amino acid that helps build collagen, making the neck and décolletage look softer and firmer. Shiseido’s exclusive Anti-Photowrinkle system technology with chlorella extract helps stop wrinkle formation. The cream is formulated with the brand’s Firm Support Formula which forms a highly adherent film over the skin.

Exuviance Age Reverse Toning Neck Cream, $82
This fast-absorbing cream, designed just for the delicate neck area, contains NeoGlucosamine, which the company calls “skin’s natural filler.” It helps plump up the appearance of skin while also gently exfoliating it, leaving the neck area looking smooth and toned. CitraFill helps support the skin’s own natural collagen and is known to firm the appearance of loose skin on the face and jawline. 

Arbonne Age Well Firming Neck Cream With 0.5% Bakuchiol, $112
This fragrance-free firming neck cream by Arbonne is formulated to address the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness in thinner, more fragile skin on the jawline, neck, and décolletage. Bakuchiol, the heavy lifting ingredient, provides retinol-like effects without irritation,— such as reducing hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and redness. Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Neck and Décolleté Firm and Repair Cream, $115
Smooth on this rich cream to tackle a wrinkly neck and saggy skin. A blend of antioxidants and polymers helps increase collagen production to minimize lines and wrinkles. It also boosts cell turnover to even out skin discoloration and sun damage. The cream features the brand’s award-winning advanced Idebenone technology plus a protein restoring complex.Tightening polymers provide a more youthful and contoured appearance while optical pigments, encapsulated citroflavonoids, and retinyl linoleate improve skin’s radiance. Seven out of ten women noticed firmer, more lifted skin in the neck area and a reduction of crepiness in the neck and décolleté with regular use. 

PRAI Ageless Throat and Decolletage Crème, $30
On a budget, but do you still want to battle those pesky neck wrinkles? Consider this wallet-friendly neck cream from PRAI. It’s packed with moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, and will leave skin looking tighter and smoother. Enriched with a potent blend of mulberry, saxifrage, and grape seed extracts, the formula reduces the appearance of age spots and other forms of discoloration. PRAI’s Sepilift technology works overtime to restore elasticity and boost collagen. The best-selling formula absorbs quickly and spreads easily to avoid any stretching of the skin during application.

Algenist ELEVATE Firming and Lifting Neck Cream, $84
This ultra-firming and moisturizing neck cream was specifically formulated to target the specific needs of the delicate skin around the neck and décolleté. This unique vegan formulation combines alguronic acid, the brand’s patented and naturally sourced and sustainably produced benefit-boosting ingredient, and a vegan celery protein and peptide complex to visibly improve firmness and tighten the skin. Skin is smoother, revived, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is improved to create a more youthful, lifted look.

Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Face and Neck Contouring Cream, $98
Defy gravity with this luxurious anti-aging breakthrough. Formulated with 23.84% GFx Contouring Complex, this cream helps improve the appearance of definition, texture, crepiness, and fine lines while helping to brighten and even the look of skin tone. It’s powered by GFx Contouring Complex,  a cocktail of seven active ingredients such as peptide serilesine and zirhafirm, a blend of plant extracts that are thought to help with skin firmness. 

The Best Neck Creams: The Bottom Line

What is the best neck firming cream that really works? Overall, we suggest Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer. 

Use a serum as part of your anti-aging routine. Serums penetrate deeper and contain a higher concentration of active ingredients. We recommend Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum.

It’s never too early – or late — to start using a neck cream to address the loss of tone, fine lines, wrinkles, or sunspots. However, prevention is key if you want to minimize signs of age. Daily sunscreen, drinking enough water, exfoliating, performing neck exercises are a few ways to optimize the health of your neck skin. 

When shopping for the best neck cream, look for evidence-based ingredients like retinol, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and shea butter. Remember, to get optimal results from your neck cream, it has to be applied regularly (daily) and should be considered a permanent part of your skincare routine. 

What do you think is the best neck cream for turkey neck? Let us know in the comments below!

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to neck wrinkles and creams.

Sources:
“Hyaluronic Acid: A Key Molecule in Skin Aging,” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.
“Treatment of Horizontal Neck Wrinkles with Hyaluronic Acid Filler: A Retrospective Case Series,” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.