Main Ingredients: Vitamin C, Peony, Green Tea | Target Audience: For sensitive skin | Fragrance Free: no
Best Brightening Neck Cream: Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Neck & Chest
Why it’s worth it: Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Neck & Chest is Dr. Wang’s top pick, with a rich, smooth feel and a formula that’s infused with niacinamide to brighten and hydrate. Plus, vitamin C (more precisely, a highly stable version called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbic acid) and copper peptides are packed with antioxidants to ward off photodamage. What to look out for: This whipped, non-greasy cream boasts a broad-spectrum SPF 25, but the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using formulas with a broad-spectrum rating of SPF 30 or higher, so we recommend applying a separate sunscreen.
Main Ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Copper Peptides | Target Audience: People with blemishes and sun marks | Fragrance Free: yes
Best neck cream for acne prone skin: iS Clinical Neck Perfect
Why it’s worth it: Alpha Hydroxy Acids are the name of the game when it comes to iS Clinical Neck Perfect. This cream uses an AHA blend to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and fade dark spots, while Salicylic Acid exfoliates pores to prevent breakouts and dark spots. This radiant moisturizer also contains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate skin and plump it up for a softer, more supple look.
Main Ingredients: Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid | Target Audience: Those who want both whitening and smoothing | Fragrance Free: no
Best Neck Serum: Necessaria Neck Serum
Why it’s worth it: For those looking to create a total neck and chest routine, we recommend prior to applying the neck cream a generous application of our hydrating yet incredibly lightweight Necessaire The Neck Serum. This hypoallergenic formula contains peptides to firm and lift, as well as rosewater to reduce inflammation and niacinamide to hydrate and even out skin tone.
Main Ingredients: Peptides, Niacinamide, Rosewater | Target Audience: Those looking for a lightweight option | Fragrance Free: yes
FAQ
Why does the skin on your neck age faster?
Unfortunately, that’s by design: “The skin on your neck is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told us. charm“Gravity, combined with constantly reaching for our phones, puts this area at particular risk for fine lines and sagging skin.” In other words, “tech neck” is real.
What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should you be wary of?
Retinol is a common addition because it boosts collagen production, combats the appearance of wrinkles, and improves skin texture. “This helps reduce sagging skin, lines, and wrinkles,” says James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Los Angeles-based Metropolis Dermatology. “Because the neck is a sensitive area, the concentration of retinol tends to be lower and the effects are more subtle.” Peptides are an emerging area of research for neck creams, as they’re often touted for their skin-tightening effects. Many neck creams also contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane to keep skin smooth and plump.
When should I consult a dermatologist?
If you notice loose skin around your neck or chest, Dr Wang recommends visiting a dermatologist to look for inflammation, swelling, or nodules. While severe loose skin, such as turkey neck, may require medical treatment, she says that neck creams can help hydrate and reduce the appearance of wrinkled skin on the neck.
Meet Our Experts
- Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans
- Hadley King, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- James Y. Wang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles
- Arash Akhavan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
How we test and review products
when charm When testing products, our editors look at them from every angle to ensure we’re serving you the best possible — they review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and look at peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies where appropriate. Not only do we test every product included in our reviews, but we also work with experts in the fields of dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine to vet ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best neck creams, we considered each product’s performance in five main categories: product ingredients and benefits, packaging, scent, texture, and how well the product lasts. Every product was judged to be outstanding in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, and also received special attention from board-certified dermatologists. For more information on our reporting and testing process, please see our full review process and methodology page.
Staff and testers
Beauty products are personal purchases. Maybe you’re looking for a face cream to clear up persistent dry skin, or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. Or maybe you’re just looking for the latest product that just hit the hair care market. Whatever your desires or personal needs and concerns, charm We want you to love everything we recommend in our articles, and we believe having a diverse team of writers and editors, in addition to a wide range of external testers and industry experts that we call on regularly, is essential to achieving that goal.
