The best neck creams that genuinely soften and tighten skin, according to 150 testers

Score: 90/100

This is an impressive score for any skincare product, let alone one for such a tricky area to treat. According to our panel, it’s worth the investment. Everyone told us their neck looked younger, healthier, firmer and smoother after using this cream for just four weeks. They also said their skin stayed hydrated all day after slathering it on, and any wrinkles appeared instantly softened.

“I loved the consistency, as it’s not watery or jelly-like but sinks straight into skin,” one panellist told us. Another said they found the cream a little heavy on their cheeks and forehead, so they stuck to using it on their neck. However, the formula is alcohol-free to prevent any stripping, and non-comedogenic, so although the consistency is thick and creamy, it shouldn’t block pores.

Score: 86/100

Everyone loved the texture and spreadability of this luxury cream, although at this price, some said they were trying very hard not to get hooked! “The texture was really lovely – it was light and whipped and sank into my skin really beautifully, with absolutely no stickiness whatsoever,” said one tester. Another told us: “This feels classy and smells fresh and clean. It spreads easily and immediately made the skin on my neck feel nicer.” Others were pleasantly surprised at the difference it made to their skin.

In fact, nearly everyone said their complexion felt instantly hydrated after application and most agreed they would love to continue to use it after the trial. “The fine lines on my neck were definitely smoothed, so I’m sure over time they’d improve even further,” said one panel member. Although it’s a pricey buy, testers said a little went a long way.

Score: 86/100

With all our top scorers coming with a pretty hefty price tag, it seems that you often get what you pay for in this category. This indulgent cream promises to tighten and firm the skin on your neck and décolleté, and everybody who tried it said their skin looked smoother after the full four-week trial period.

The cream currently comes with a dedicated massage tool (do double check this as it's for a limited time only), and our panellists were fans of its soothing properties. People told us it felt nice and “like a proper self-care moment”, while one was particularly impressed with the cream's firming effects, telling us: “My neck was so smooth and plumped.”

Everyone loved the subtle rose scent too, which made the cream a joy to use, and many praised the “premium, gold packaging”. Some struggled to dispense enough product without a few pumps, so they were concerned they wouldn’t be able to use every last drop, which at this price, you definitely want to!

Score: 84/100

Containing hyaluronic acid for hydration and larch extract to provide an instant tightening effect, we had high hopes for this well-priced formula, and many of our testers were delighted with the results. Even those who typically suffer with dry skin said it left their neck feeling “plump and hydrated”.

The fragrance was divisive, however. Some liked the soothing scent from the essential oils, while one person thought it “smelt faintly of baby products.” One of our panellists bemoaned the fact it didn’t make her look 20 years younger, but did concede that it had a softening effect on fine lines. While it’s not a miracle worker, we’d say this one is simple yet effective.

Score: 80/100

Many of us can feel like our necks are ageing faster than our face, but aren’t sure why. We often forget that our skin is a lot more delicate here and is desperate for a little extra TLC. That’s what this formula seeks to address and it’s the brand’s best-selling product for a reason.

While Prai claims the cream will make a significant visual difference in just one week, our panel found it took at least two to start seeing any change. They told us it was best at delivering extra plumpness rather than providing a tightening effect, but many were pleased to say their skin looked and felt smoother after the trial period.

“It has left me looking younger within the month, with no more lines or dry bits at all,” one satisfied tester told us. “My skin looks and feels much smoother.” How’s that for a result?

Score: 80/100

Dr. Sturm needs no introduction if you’re into your skincare, and this is another stellar product from the aesthetics pro and anti-inflammatory expert. One panellist praised the “silky consistency” and “improved skin elasticity” it delivered, while another told us: “I could see and feel the difference to my skin, particularly in the décolletage area – this is honestly fantastic.”

It delivered a big dollop of hydration to dry necks, and many testers liked the subtlety of the pleasant fragrance. “It really helped with post-summer skin damage that often causes crepey skin for me in that area,” one person noted, which is likely down to the kombucha and daisy extracts that help to balance skin tone and diminish the appearance of dark spots. “I also think my chin looks a little lifted, too,” they added. Sign us up.

Score: 79/100

Combat crepiness with this clever formulation from Perricone MD, a brand known for its next-gen formulations that are all efficacy, no frills. One tester told us they could see the difference to their neck in just two weeks, and another claimed: “This product is amazing! I’ve really noticed the wrinkles on my neck – which were quite deep – have improved significantly.”

This lost marks for its smell, which was compared to both PVA glue and tartar sauce packets from the fish & chip shop. Which may or may not appeal! That said, we’d sacrifice a fancy fragrance for a cream that’s super effective any day.

Score: 71/100

This deliciously rich, sumptuous cream uses a blend of collagen-boosting peptides to help soften the appearance of sagging skin and folds on the 'neck and dec'. A few testers had gripes about the deceptive packaging – the heavy pot makes you think you’re getting more product than you are.

The results were impressive, though, with one panellist telling us: “It absorbs straight into the skin, leaving it looking immediately refreshed, plump and nourished.”