Frequently Asked Questions
Why does neck skin age faster?
The skin on the neck is thinner and lacks the same oil composition as facial skin, which makes it more prone to dryness and sagging over time, Dr. Hartman explains. 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.
What ingredients should I look for in a neck cream?
“Because the skin is more delicate, neck creams are formulated to provide more intense hydration, with a higher concentration of actives that are more suitable for the skin on your neck,” May Hall, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina, notes. Some common moisturizing agents are hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane to keep the skin smooth and plump. Peptides are a newer area of exploration for neck creams as they're frequently touted for their smoothing and firming benefits.
Aside from the essential hydrators, retinol is another additive you should look for because it promotes collagen production and, therefore, addresses the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin texture. "This can help with sagging skin, wrinkles, and some crepiness," says James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. "Since the neck is a sensitive area, the retinol concentrations tend to be low, and the results are subtle."
Pro tip: When applying your neck cream, remember to use gentle pressure and upward sweeping motions to avoid stretching the delicate skin.
When should I consult with a dermatologist?
If you've noticed any difference in skin laxity around your neck and chest area, Dr. Wang recommends consulting 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.
Meet the experts
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama
- James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles
- Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans
- May Hall, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
- Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston
- Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of skin-care brand BeautyStat
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best neck creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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