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While an in-office procedure is the only way to physically tighten your skin, the best skin-tightening creams provide a hardworking dose of sag-reducing active ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C. With all skin care, consistency is key to seeing the best results, like improving skin laxity. (Again, said results won’t reach those of surgical levels, but will still be noticeable!) Just ask Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. “When it comes to topicals, we can see improvement in fine lines and textural changes with consistent use [of creams],” she notes.
Like Dr. Woolery-Lloyd’s professionally administered treatments, these creams also encourage collagen production to firm and smooth skin, lending it that “tighter” look over time. Sure, they take a little longer to deliver subtler results, but they’re a serious upgrade from your usual moisturizer if you’re dealing with crepey or sagging skin and act as a preventative measure for stalling said concerns from developing further. We tapped editors and board-certified dermatologists to break down how these creams work—and what makes their favorites stand out.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, $185
- Best for Neck and Décolletage: Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex, $150
- Best for Stretch Marks: Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter, $30
- Best for Dry Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night, $145
- Best for Retinol Beginners: Iope Retinol Expert 0.1%, $80
- Best for Advanced Retinol Users: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel, $40
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Neocutis Bio Serum Firm, $290
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
SkinCeuticals
A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
Skinceuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Commerce editor Sarah Han applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: SkinCeuticals' A.G.E. Interruptor Advanced is one of our favorite moisturizers for mature skin for its nourishing, balm-like feel that complements other active-packed serums. The key plumping ingredient is Proxylane, the brand’s proprietary post-biotic ferment extract. It boosts your skin’s natural levels of hydrating complex sugars, called glycan, for dewier, suppler skin. The formula also uses antioxidant-rich blueberry extract to offset the skin's decline in collagen, which can occur from aging and sun exposure. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, calls this formula a "great, thicker cream that provides improvement for age-related changes, as well as hydration." Because this moisturizes skin and doesn't contain actives, you can pair it with retinoids at night for a cell-turnover, fine-line-smoothing boost. It can also extend the results of in-office tightening treatments, like radio-frequency and ultrasound.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“In the daytime, my combo skin and I adore a lightweight gel-cream but come nighttime, I reach for a thicker cream that creates a strong seal for all of the essences and serums I slather on. SkinCeuticals' A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is one of the all-timers—it's rich but not overly heavy, a.k.a. it melts into my skin quickly. I especially love that it's targeted towards fine lines because, while I'm not considered mature yet, I've been seeing more faint forehead lines pop up and I want to do everything in my power (even though aging is a blessing!) to maintain elasticity and glow. A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is the perfect nightcap, hard stop.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Proxylane, blueberry extract, glycyrrhetinic acid
- Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Neck and Décolletage: Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex
Alastin Skincare
Restorative Neck Complex
Amazon
Alastin Skincare
Contributing editor Deanna Pai applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: Smoothing and firming the delicate neck and chest areas isn’t something more topical creams can easily pull off, but Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex Hydrating Lotion uses a patented peptide blend to get the job done. “It’s designed with TriHex Technology and antioxidants to firm, hydrate, improve elasticity, and reduce discoloration due to sun damage,” says Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago, Illinois. The fast-absorbing formula helps clear out damaged collagen and elastin, making room for healthier new fibers. And if you have uneven skin tone, you’re in luck: "The addition of phyto-antioxidants, along with the inclusion of niacinamide, allows this formula to improve hyperpigmentation," adds Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas. The lightweight texture feels more like a serum than a cream, making it easy to smooth one pump from jawline to décolleté.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Do I always have time to use neck cream? Not really—but I do whenever I remember, since I don’t always bring my skin-care products down to my décolleté (as the experts recommend). I love Alastin across the board, and appreciate that this stuff, which absorbs quickly and feels nourishing, delivers those same benefits below the face. So far, it’s done the trick to fade dark spots, and I’m hoping the investment pays off on wrinkles and lines down the road.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, phytoene, flaxseed extract
- Who it's for: people with sagging or crepey skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Stretch Marks: Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
Mama Mio
The Tummy Rub Butter
Amazon
Walmart
Shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: With its rich, velvety texture and pregnancy-safe formula, Mama Mio’s The Tummy Rub Butter is a favorite among both expecting moms and dermatologists. This ultra-hydrating body butter is packed with nourishing oils (like coconut, shea, and argan) that help seal in moisture, calm sensitive skin, and support elasticity as your belly grows. "These ingredients help the skin lock in moisture while improving elasticity and soothing delicate skin," Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. While it’s designed with pregnancy in mind, it’s gentle and effective enough to use all over—from bump to thighs to breasts, and wherever else you want a little firming power.
Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin
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"It's not too thick, not too oily, and comes in three scent types (including fragrance-free and a calming lavender-mint!). Though it's called a 'butter,' I find it to be a comfortable gel-like cream—think of the water-based moisturizers for your face that are truly weightless. It instantly melts into the skin and leaves it happy, hydrated, and glowing. The combo of shea butter, almond oil, and vitamin E gives my belly a real, lasting suppleness, and while I can't say it prevented stretch marks, it provided clear levels of hydration that never veered into greasy territory, and I never developed any scarring. I'd throw it as a bonus gift to any of my friends' registries!" —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: calendula extract, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, argan oil, grapefruit oil
- Who it’s for: people with stretch marks, ideal during pregnancy and postpartum
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dry Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night
Isdin
Isdinceutics Age Contour Night
Amazon
Dermstore
Contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night
Why it's worth it: Why it's worth it: You won’t find any active ingredients in the Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Moisturizer, but it’s still just as effective at boosting skin elasticity as more intensive formulas. This face cream swaps the harsher add-ins for hydrating hyaluronic acid and curry plant extract, which is rich in moisture-sealing antioxidants for all-around softer, bouncier skin by morning. Isdin’s night cream is also infused with carnosine, an anti-inflammatory amino acid that can help depuff swollen under-eyes. Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, says this combination of hydrating and firming ingredients increases the volume of your skin, making it appear fuller, and compares the effect to a sponge that goes from dry to damp. "When wet, the sponge expands to occupy more space, giving a plumping effect," Dr. Shamban explains.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“The Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night moisturizer is incredibly silky and glides on so smoothly. I’ve been using it mostly on my neck to help combat some serious tech neck, but I've also started slathering it over stretch marks on my inner thighs and the backs of my arms, as the hydration is next-level. It leaves my skin feeling plump and soft without any greasy residue. It’s too soon to notice any real tightening, but I love how it makes my skin feel plumper and firmer where I need it most.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, curry plant extract, carnosine
- Who it's for: dry skin, sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Retinol Beginners: Iope Retinol Expert 0.1%
Iope
Retinol Expert 0.1%
Amazon
Soko Glam
Why it's worth it: For retinol newbies, Iope Retinol Expert 0.1% is a safe bet (but, with that being said, its concentration is still too high for sensitive skin types). It's formulated with a mid-strength dose of pure retinol to improve skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles. "In addition, it contains hydrating and soothing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and panthenol," says Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Its packaging features a unique three-stage barrier system, which minimizes oxidation to keep the formula fresh and effective.
Tester feedback from Han
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“I fell in love with Iope’s Retinol Expert when I tested it for our 2023 Best of Beauty Awards—so much so that it won for best line-smoothing serum. I love that it comes with a special oxygen barrier system to prevent oxidation—because the last thing I need is my retinol to go bad prematurely!" While sensitivity isn’t too much of an issue, my skin has reacted poorly to other retinols in the past, so I was on high alert when I first tried it out. But after three weeks of use—applying every other night, alternating with a hydrating serum—I could safely say I didn’t experience any irritation. In fact, in the year since my first trial, I’ve also tried its upgrade, Iope Retinol Expert 0.3%, and can say the same re: no irritation. Of course, it helps that I built up my tolerance, and I recommend everyone else to do the same!" —Han
More to know
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- Key ingredients: retinol (0.1%), panthenol, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, vitamin E
- Who it's for: retinol beginners
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Advanced Retinol Users: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Adapalene Gel
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: People with oily skin will love the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel’s lightweight, fast-drying formula. This oil-free retinol gel is beloved for its formulation that targets multiple textural and tone concerns without the heavy, rich texture of other creams. The key retinoid in this formula is adapalene, a prescription-strength retinoid that’s more intensive than your usual retinol. "Retinoids like this one can even out skin tone, increase collagen production, and even treat acne and acne scarring," says Angelo Landriscina, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Its mattifying finish minimizes oil and sebum production, leaving skin velvety-smooth without a greasy film.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: adapelene (0.1%)
- Who it's for: oily skin, acne-prone skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Neocutis Bio Serum Firm
Neocutis
Bio Serum Firm
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Peptides serve as a gentler alternative to retinol, making Neocutis's Bio Serum Firm a great choice for individuals seeking a gentle yet effective option for aging skin. Peptides function as a gentler alternative to retinol, making Neocutis's Bio Serum Firm a great bet for people looking for an easygoing but still effective option. Neocutis Bio Serum Firm "contains a blend of proprietary peptides and human growth factors, as well as hyaluronic acid to restore skin hydration and boost collagen," says Dr. Chang. It's the growth factors that make this formula unique: They encourage cells to revive their skin cell functions, like cell turnover and collagen production, making this a great pick for anyone with irritated skin or a disrupted skin barrier.
If you have particularly dry skin, consider the brand's Bio Serum Firm Riche, which is designed to be more moisturizing than its original iteration.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: growth factors, peptides, argan oil
- Who it's for: people with sensitive, loose skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cream that really tightens skin?
Again, a firming cream can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve elasticity—as in, giving skin some bounce and suppleness—but no topical formula can actually tighten skin, which requires collagen remodeling on a much deeper level.
Still, certain ingredients can help, with retinoids being among the best. These are "vitamin A derivatives that can increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen," says Dr. Chang. "Retinoids have been shown to clinically reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture and complexion." Sensitive skin types should keep in mind that retinoids can be irritating, so be wary and patch-test before applying. If you’re too reactive to retinoids pregnant and/or breastfeeding, or want another active to enhance your existing retinol, Dr. Chang also recommends peptides. These short chains of amino acids improve skin hydration and support collagen production, leaving skin feeling more firm and supple over time.
On the antioxidant side, vitamin C, and niacinamide also promote collagen production and reduce the oxidative damage that can break down the skin’s protein, leaving skin loose and crepey over time. Finally, "Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping to plump and hydrate the skin to give a more youthful appearance," adds Dr. Chang.
The best ingredients may ultimately depend on your skin type. For instance, if your skin is dehydrated, consider using formulas with glycerin, squalane, or hyaluronic acid, whereas people with sensitive skin might want to use peptides instead of retinol.
What do dermatologists recommend for tightening skin?
If you want truly unmissable skin-tightening results, visit a board-certified dermatologist. There are two routes of tightening skin in the office: ultrasound and radiofrequency. These "stimulate collagen on a deeper plane to tighten and lift saggy skin more effectively," says Dr. Chang.
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is a fan of Ultherapy, which "uses high-frequency ultrasound to tighten skin," she says. That ultrasound energy heats the very deep layers of skin, triggering the body's wound response. Meanwhile, radiofrequency devices, such as Thermage, also reach the deeper layers of skin, heating it to trigger new collagen production.
Meet the experts
- Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Dermatology Physicians based in Chicago, Illinois
- Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City
- Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas
- Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City
- Angelo Landriscina, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
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 skin-tightening 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 two dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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