The 11 Best Neck Creams That Actually Work, According to Dermatologist Recommendations

Best Overall

StriVectin Neck Cream

$95 at Amazon $95 at Dermstore View on Strivectin.com

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, shea butter | Dosage: Thin layer in AM and PM | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s a lot to love about this best-selling neck cream, which is why we’re ranking it number one out of the bunch. The formula recently got an upgrade and now includes a unique patented ingredient complex, which the brand says can not only improve the elasticity of the skin on the neck but also lift and help minimize the look of horizontal fine lines—perfect for combatting the appearance of the dreaded tech neck. It also contains niacinamide and ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier, which is key for keeping easily irritated neck skin in check. The niacinamide also helps to minimize dark spots and even out the skin’s tone.

The combined ingredients have all you need to address signs of aging on the neck. When we tried the StriVectin neck cream for ourselves, we loved that our skin felt super hydrated and wrinkles looked blurred right after application. We also noticed that, after weeks of use, our neck area looked more radiant and smoother overall. While it may be on the pricier end of the spectrum, we'd say it's worth the splurge since it targets multiple concerns all at once.

Best Retinol

SkinCeuticals Neck Repair

$136 at Dermstore $135 at skinceuticals.com

Key Ingredients: 0.2% retinol, tripeptide concentrate, glaucine complex | Dosage: Small amount in PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you're looking for a medical-grade product that packs a punch, check out this neck cream from SkinCeuticals. Formulated to fight signs of aging that occur on fragile neck skin, this product contains 0.2% retinol and a 0.25% tri-peptide concentrate to minimize the look of neck lines and wrinkles. After using it daily (and giving it some time to work), you should be left with a firm, smooth, and youthful-looking neck.

We'll admit—it's pricey. However, it's totally worth it when you consider how effective it is and that it was formulated by dermatologists. Tip: Since it contains retinol (which can be super irritating for some), we suggest slowly integrating this product into your routine rather than diving in and using it every single night. Start out by using it once or twice a week to build up a tolerance so that you can handle nightly use.

Best Splurge

SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream for Neck and Décolleté

$135 at Amazon $135 at Dermstore $135 at skinstore.com

Key Ingredients: Rice protein, shiitake mushroom extract, antioxidants, peptides | Dosage: A good amount in AM and PM | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This super potent serum-like cream from SkinMedica is fortified with peptides (to boost the production of collagen) and antioxidants (to protect from free radical damage). It has a remarkable, luxurious texture (thanks to botanical extracts) that melts into skin without feeling greasy and encourages thicker, more elastic skin after continued use.

One thing to note: It can be irritating to those with sensitive skin, so we suggest easing into it. Start off by using it once a week until you can build up a tolerance to it (and use it more often).

Best for Uneven Skin Tone

Revision Skincare Nectifirm

$106 at Amazon $106 at Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps twice a day | Size: 1.7 oz |  Cruelty-Free: Yes

The skin on your neck and décolletage ages differently than the skin on your face, which can sometimes lead to discoloration. This unique formula from Revision Skincare contains antioxidants, youth-boosting peptides, and plant extracts to help uneven-toned, rough, and crepey skin look a lot less noticeable. “This is a great option for firming the appearance of the skin of the neck and décolletage,” says Dr. King. You can even apply it along your jawline to firm up that area as well." The formula is more lightweight than others we've tried, so you can expect it to absorb into the skin quickly. Though we love how hygienic the tube packaging is, some say it can be hard to reach every last drop.

Best for Face, Neck, and Chest

RoC 5-in-1 Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30

$27 at Amazon View on Rocskincare.com

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Dosage: A layer 15 minutes before sun exposure and every 2 hours while outside | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No

This formula from RoC has been clinically shown to reduce dark spots and discoloration, improve elasticity, restore radiance, hydrate, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. What's more, it doubles as a non-comedogenic face cream and contains SPF for protection from your forehead down to your chest (Just be careful when applying—if you get some on your clothes, it can stain them). We recommend waiting for the cream to dry before getting dressed.

Best Retinol Alternative

bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream

$60 at Amazon $55 at Target $60 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Phyto-retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid | Dosage: Good amount in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Retinol is undoubtedly one of the best anti-aging ingredients out there for both the face and neck, but it can come with irksome side effects (like irritation, redness, and dryness) that can be even more common on the neck. “Because the skin of the neck is thin and contains fewer oil glands compared to the face, the neck may get irritated more easily by ingredients like retinol,” explains Dr. King. 

That’s why we appreciate that this alternative relies on the natural, plant-based retinol alternative phyto-retinol to help deliver similar wrinkle-smoothing effects without the accompanying redness, dryness, or irritation. Peptides further up the anti-aging ante, while hyaluronic acid leaves the skin nice and hydrated. Just keep in mind that because it comes in a glass jar, you'll need to be extra careful when handling it. One slip off the counter can cause the jar to break.

Best With SPF

Perricone MD Cold Plasma

$76 at Amazon $95 at Ulta $95 at Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, alpha-lipoic acid | Dosage: Pat a small amount in AM and PM | Size: 1 oz | SPF: 25 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This SPF formula from Perricone MD treats signs of skin aging with alpha-lipoic acid (an ingredient known to boost collagen production) while niacinamide helps fade discoloration and strengthens the skin barrier. With continued use, it's said to smooth crepey skin, reduce the look of sagging, and prevent future signs of aging. Best of all, it has a lightweight formula that absorbs easily into the skin. The only thing we're iffy about is the size of the jar (it's one ounce), given the price.

Best Multitasking

Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum

$89 at Amazon $89 at Dermstore $125 at skinstore.com

Key Ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants, plant-based retinol alternative | Dosage: A good amount in AM and PM | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

This popular formula from Dermalogica contains antioxidants, anti-aging peptides, and a plant-based retinol (Rambutan extract, which helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles ) to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier and smooth and tighten. Though it takes some time to see results, it helps tone skin and leaves it lifted.

We love the formula, but it's the packaging that makes this neck cream super unique. The rollerball applicator gently rolls up the neck, from the chest up to the jawline, in one swift motion. This avoids tugging and pulling on the skin (which further exacerbates wrinkles!)

Best Natural

Elina Organics Cleopatra Neck Cream

View on Elinaorganics.com

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, colloidal gold, silk peptides, reishi mushroom | Dosage: 1 to 3 pumps once or twice a day | Size: 0.5, 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This neck cream from Elina Organics Skincare leans on a litany of natural and organic ingredients. To name a few: Hyaluronic and mandelic acids hydrate and fade discoloration, while silk peptides, reishi mushroom extract, and blue-green algae reduce inflammation and restore skin firmness. The only caveat: It contains sweet almond oil, which can cause a reaction in those with nut allergies.

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Night Treatment

$58 at Amazon $58 at urbanskinrx.com View on Hsn.com

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, kojic acid | Dosage: Good amount in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If hyperpigmentation is a concern, this formula from Urban Skin Rx boasts three different active ingredients (namely, niacinamide, bakuchiol, and kojic acid) to target and fade discoloration. It's intended for both day and night use, so thankfully, it has a smooth formula that glides on effortlessly and absorbs easily. Because of the active ingredients, some say the formula oxidizes and changes color over time, so try to use it before that happens.

Best for Wrinkles

Renée Rouleau Intensive Firming Neck Creme

$55 at reneerouleau.com

Key Ingredients: Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract, peptides, algae extract, apple fruit extract | Dosage: Small amount in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you want a lifted neck, listen up: the Intensive Firming Neck Creme by Renée Rouleau firms, depuffs, and smooths the décolleté area. The formula is loaded with saccharomyces cerevisiae extract (an antioxidant-rich ingredient that improves moisture retention), peptides, de-puffing algae extract, and apple fruit extract (which promotes healthy cell renewal from within). For best results, the brand recommends using this cream a few times a week to encourage cellular turnover for younger-looking skin. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, you should avoid this one, as it contains a subtle vanilla scent.