Your medicine cabinet is probably filled to the brim with lotions for your face and body. But what about creams for your neck? Although some may argue that moisturizers for your face, body and neck are all the same, a neck cream is designed to target specific skin concerns in that area in ways that other moisturizers cannot, says Dr. Arash Akhavan, a board-certified dermatologist who focuses on the neck area among others.
Like the face, the neck can develop fine lines and crepey skin over time as we mature. Luckily, neck creams can help prevent and target these concerns, experts say. To determine the best neck creams, I spoke to board-certified dermatologists about what active skin care ingredients to look for to help combat these concerns and other factors to consider when shopping for one to implement into your daily skin care routine.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best neck creams | The best neck creams | What do neck creams do? | How to shop for neck creams | Why trust NBC Select?
How I picked the best neck creams
I spoke to experts about what to look for to make sure your neck cream is effectively helping your skin. They recommend considering the following in mind:
- Skin type: It’s important to shop based on your skin type — the same way you wouldn’t use a curly-hair shampoo if you have straight hair, you should find a neck cream that matches your skin type. Oily and acne-prone skin should look for a noncomedogenic cream. Dehydrated skin, which may feel itchy or dry, will probably respond better to a formula with hyaluronic acid. Those with mature and sensitive skin should look for a hydrating cream, but if you also have sensitive skin avoid irritants like fragrance.
- Ingredients: Neck creams will generally help moisturize the skin. To help get even more out of your creams, look for formulas with added ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. If you want to promote skin cell turnover and improve texture, retinol-based creams will be best, experts say. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are also helpful ingredients to have in a formula since they can reduce the appearance of fine lines and add hydration. You should also look for formulas with antioxidants, like vitamin C, to help protect the skin from sun exposure and stimulate collagen production, experts say.
- Neck concern: When shopping, first figure out what problem you are trying to address. If you are looking to add moisture to the neck area, look for formulas that are specifically targeted toward hydration. If you’re taking preventative measures, consider a morning neck cream with an SPF. To combat crepey skin, consider a firming neck cream that will target loose skin.
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The best neck creams in 2025
Below, I rounded up dermatologist-recommended neck creams, plus some highly rated options to consider that align with my experts’ guidance. Every option on this list focuses on hydration — our necks do not produce as much oil as our faces and are therefore naturally dry. We also included options that have retinol, retinol alternatives and antioxidants to suit various skin concerns and types.
Best overall: Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
- For vertical/horizontal lines
- Improves sagging skin
- Evens out crepey texture
- Higher price point
This Strivectin cream is a favorite of NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider’s because of its rich, thick consistency. “It’s quite thick, but that’s exactly why I like it,” she says. “It feels like it is making a difference on my neck, chest and décolletage. A little goes a long way; plus, I can still apply SPF or makeup over it.” The neck cream comes in two other sizes including a travel version.
Fragrance-free: no | SPF: no | Key ingredients: peptides, spilanthol, bearberry leaf extract
Best for dry skin: Neocutis Neo Firm Neck Cream
- Improves uneven tone
- Noncomedogenic
- Protects the skin
- Higher price point
Akhavan recommends this neck cream since it’s especially good at helping with hydration. It can also help firm up loose skin from the glycolic acid, jojoba oil and vitamin C in its formula since they exfoliate, hydrate and boost collagen production, says Akhavan. You can use it both day and night and should apply it in an upward motion, according to Neocutis.
Fragrance-free: yes | SPF: no | Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, jojoba oil, vitamin C
Editor’s pick: La Mer The Neck & Décolleté Concentrate
- Easy to apply
- Strengthens the skin
- Lifts and tightens
- Higher price point
To wrap up her nighttime skin care routine, NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown reaches for this rich cream because of how hydrating it is. “It has a thick consistency but absorbs at a surprisingly fast rate and leaves behind a beautiful sheen,” says Brown. It also comes with an applicator to help evenly spread the cream across your neck and decollete. “The mini brush made applying the cream feel like a ritual and something to look forward to every day,” she says.
Fragrance-free: no | SPF: no | Key ingredients: glycerin, miracle broth, lime tea concentrate
Best for dark spots: Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25
- Smooths fine lines
- Improves sagging skin
- Available in multiple sizes
- Not enough SPF
This firming neck cream has a lightweight, whipped texture that’s fragrance-free, making it great for all skin types, even for those with sensitive skin, according to the brand. It has vitamin C and vitamin B3 to help even skin tone and dark spots, peptides to firm the skin and mineral-based sunscreen so you can wear it during the day, according to Perricone. Reviewers say this neck cream, which has a 4.2-star average rating from 1,200 reviews on Amazon, is also fast-absorbing and noticeably tightens the skin on their neck, jawline and décolleté.
Fragrance-free: yes | SPF: yes | Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin B3, peptides
Best for sensitive skin: BareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream
- Suitable for all skin types
- Smooths fine lines
- Increases hydration
- Natural odor from ingredients
Retinols can be irritating for certain skin types, so this retinol alternative neck cream is a good swap. The plant-based retinol, which has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, helps reduce the chances of sensitivity, while also improving the skin’s texture, says Green. Since it has a retinol alternative, it is safe to use in the morning and at night, according to the brand.
Fragrance-free: yes | SPF: no | Key ingredients: Phyto-retinol, protein peptides, hyaluronic acid
Best pregnancy-safe: Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream
- Improves discoloration
- Smooths fine lines
- Increases elasticity
- For dry, normal or oily skin
This cream, which has a 4.1-star average rating from over 800 reviews on Amazon, is pregnancy-safe, and helps tighten and firm your skin, according to the brand. The nonsticky formula is fast-absorbing, so it doesn’t transfer onto your clothes or settle in the creases of your neck, according to the brand. For the best results, apply one pump of the cream to your neck and dedécolletage in the morning and at night.
Fragrance-free: yes | SPF: no | Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, amino acids
Best for mature skin: Revision Skincare Nectifirm
- Suitable for all skin types
- Improves photodamage look
- Evens out crepey texture
- Higher price point
Akhavan has seen positive results from his patients — specifically those with mature and dry skin — who use this. It has natural oils, which help with hydration, as well as antioxidants and peptides, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines, according to Akhavan. You can use this on your décolletage and even your jawline, too.
Fragrance-free: no | SPF: no | Key ingredients: peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E, dihydromyricetin
Best for oily skin: Caudalie Resveratrol-lift Retinol Alternative Firming Night Moisturizer
- Very moisturizing
- Rich and silky texture
- Refillable
- Added fragrance
Green recommends this moisturizer because it won’t clog pores or cause any unwanted breakouts, and it’s suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. Instead of using retinol, which can be irritating, it instead uses a retinol alternative to help firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, according to the brand. Safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding, you can apply this to your face and neck at night after using a serum, according to Caudalie.
Fragrance-free: no | SPF: no | Key ingredients: vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, resveratrol
Best SPF option: No. 7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Cream SPF 30
- For face and body
- Firming
- Protects skin
- Only one size
To prevent visible signs of aging from sun damage, this neck cream has the dermatologist-recommended SPF minimum of 30 and ingredients to target neck area concerns, says Green, so it’s a great option to use during the day. The fragrance-free formula also has peptides and hyaluronic acid to firm up skin, and vitamin C for brightening.
Fragrance-free: yes | SPF: yes | Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
Best budget pick: RoC Multi Correxion Crepe Repair Face & Neck Cream
- For face and body
- Reduces crepey skin
- Rich consistency
- Natural odor from ingredients
This face and neck cream is great for those with oily skin, but can also work for mature skin and all other skin types, too, according to Green. “It plumps creases and fills out the lines and wrinkles around crepey skin,” she says. The scented cream is also the most affordable option on our list.
Fragrance-free: yes | SPF: no | Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, sweet almond oil, safflower seed oil
Best splurge: Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Japanese Neck Cream
- Firming
- Easy to apply
- Improves dull skin
- Nothing to note at this time
Suitable for dry skin, this Tatcha formula is also especially hydrating, according to Green. That’s because it has ingredients that help promote water retention and smooth fine lines, she says. Each tub comes with a gold spoon, so you can easily scoop out the right amount needed for your neck and décolletage.
Fragrance-free: no | SPF: no | Key ingredients: squalane, glycerin, cornflower extract, vitamin C
Best overnight treatment: SkinCeuticals Tripeptide R Neck Repair Cream
- Fast absorbing
- For vertical/horizontal lines
- Improves tone and texture
- For nighttime use
This cream smooths fine lines caused by early aging or repetitive movements like looking down at devices, commonly known as tech neck, according to the brand. Reviewers say that it is worth the price because it effectively improves firmness and sagginess. This cream has a 4.2-star average rating from over 100 reviews at Dermstore.
Fragrance-free: yes | SPF: no | Key ingredients: retinol, peptides, glycerin
Most lightweight: Nécessaire The Neck Serum
- Prevents fine lines
- Fast absorbing
- Firming
- Small size
Unlike other options on our list, this neck treatment is a serum, which is a lighter alternative to lotions and creams. Reviewers say this serum, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 160 reviews at Nordstrom, is suitable for all skin types, gradually helps increase the skin’s firmness and creates an overall tighter appearance on the neck and décolletage. It has five types of peptides that work to trigger the skin’s own collagen production, according to the brand.
Fragrance-free: yes | SPF: no | Key ingredients: peptides, niacinamide, squalane, glycerin
Easiest to use: Drmtlgy Advanced Neck Firming Cream
- Safe for day usage
- Free of common irritants
- Suitable for all skin types
- No additional size options
This firming cream helps improve crepey skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines on the neck and décolleté, according to the brand. In addition to improving the texture, it uses ingredients like ceramides to maintain the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss while others help reduce hyperpigmentation, according to Drmtlgy. This neck cream has a 4.3-star average rating from over 200 reviews on Amazon.
Fragrance-free: yes | SPF: no | Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides, vitamin E, shea butter
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What do neck creams do?
Unlike a regular daily face or body moisturizer, neck creams are designed to target the neck area specifically and have ingredients you won’t always find in your standard lotion or cream. Although there is some overlap between all three skin care products, neck creams tend to have more actives with higher concentrations, says Akhavan. They also tend to have heavier oils than a standard face cream because there is less worry about clogging pores since the oil production is lower on your neck.
For example, when the neck area gets depleted of collagen and elastin, you might start to see fine lines and loose skin. A neck cream can help the skin at a cellular level by boosting collagen production and elasticity, which helps fill in those fine lines, improve the texture of skin and hydrate the skin, according to Akhavan.
How to shop for the best neck creams
When shopping, experts recommend keeping in mind certain ingredients and your specific skin type. Below, I break down how to decide which eye cream is best for you.
Neck concerns
Neck creams can help soften fine neck lines, protect skin from sun exposure and treat existing concerns like discoloration and skin elasticity. To find the best neck or face cream for you, you should first identify what you’re hoping to achieve.
Skin Type
The skin on our neck can be drier than the skin on our face because it doesn’t produce as much oil. Because of this, it can be especially helpful to use heavier oils and fats in neck creams to make sure the skin on your neck is getting the moisturize it needs, says Akhavan. When shopping, look for formulas with hydrating ingredients — especially if you are also using a retinol that can dry out the skin, experts say.
If you have sensitive skin, look for creams without any irritants, including fragrances and dyes, to avoid any reactions or redness. If you have oily or acne-prone skin and are concerned about clogging your pores with oils or rich creams, look for formulas that are noncomedogenic.
Ingredients
Like face and body lotions, neck creams will have various ingredients to help moisturize the skin; they will also have ingredients that help address neck-specific concerns, whether it is tone and texture or fine lines. Experts recommend looking for four categories of ingredients when shopping: retinol, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, antioxidants and exfoliants.
- When it comes to smoothing fine lines, retinol is the best ingredient to have in a formula, according to Akhavan. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that promotes skin cell turnover to improve skin’s texture, says Green. However, since the neck area tends to be drier because of its lack of oil production, retinol can exacerbate that issue. Consider products that also have ingredients like glycerin to counteract this issue, according to Akhavan.
- Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are great when you want something smoothing and hydrating, according to Green.
- Antioxidants are another category to look for; they play a major role in neck creams. Vitamin C specifically is a popular ingredient you may find since it helps even skin tone and stimulate collagen production, according to Green. (Collagen is the building block and underlying support of your skin; when your skin has enough support, it can improve fine lines, sagging skin and elasticity according to Akhavan.)
- If you want a cream that will remove dead skin and help renew the skin at a faster rate, look for glycolic acid, according to Akhavan. The chemical exfoliant helps by causing minor yet healthy inflammation. “The inflammation activates the body’s natural wound healing pathways to generate collagen and elastin,” says Akhavan. Glycolic acid is typically safe to use on all skin types. However, it may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin or can be irritating improperly combined with retinol, according to experts in our guide on alpha-hydroxy acids.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Arash Akhavan is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and director of The Dermatology & Laser Group in New York City.
- Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at her own private practice in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am an associate reporter covering skin care and hair care, including recent stories on the best eye creams and the best body washes. For this story, I interviewed two dermatologists, shared their recommendations as well as NBC Select-staff favorites and highly rated options that met their guidance.
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