If you’re overlooking your neck, you’re not alone. But finding the best neck cream to add to your skin-care routine can be critical since the décolletage — which is the delicate area from the chin to the chest — is one of the first places on our bodies to develop signs of aging.
That’s unfortunately by design. “The neck area has thin, sensitive skin compared to other parts of the body,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told Allure. “Combine that with gravity and the constant craning over smartphones, and it’s an area uniquely at risk for fine lines and sagging.” In other words, “tech neck” is very real.
Our Top Picks:
If you’ve noticed any difference in skin laxity around your neck and chest area, Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist James Y. Wang, MD, of Metropolis Dermatology says, first and foremost, to consult a dermatologist for an evaluation of any inflammation, lumps, and nodules. He adds that significantly loose skin, like the so-called turkey neck, may require in-office interventions, but neck creams can still be beneficial for replenishing hydration and subtly decreasing the look of lines on the neck skin.
Of course, this all depends on which ingredients are added to the formula. Dr. Wang notes that retinol is a common additive to these moisturizers for its ability to promote collagen production, which is what makes it a crown-jewel ingredient for addressing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin texture. “This can help with skin sagging, wrinkles, and some crepiness,” he says. “Since the neck is a sensitive area, the retinol concentrations tend to be low and the results are subtle.”
Dr. Wang also says peptides are a newer area of exploration for neck creams, but many skin-care products (as you’ll soon read) nowadays feature the ingredient for its skin-firming benefits. Many formulas also contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and squalane, to keep the smooth and plump.
Whether you’re looking for temporary skin-tightening benefits or formulas with discoloration-reducing ingredients, we rounded up the 15 best neck creams, as recommended by dermatologists, that will nourish the delicate skin below the chin.