Key Ingredients: Peptides, glycolic acid, vitamin C | Who It’s For: Those who need additional smoothing
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does neck skin age faster?
That’s unfortunately by design. “The neck area has thin, sensitive skin compared to other parts of the body,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told Allure. “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.
When should I consult with a dermatologist?
If you’ve noticed any difference in skin laxity around your neck and chest area, Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist James Y. Wang, MD, of Metropolis Dermatology says, first and foremost, to consult 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.
What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?
Retinol is a common additive because it promotes collagen production and therefore addresses the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin texture. “This can help with skin sagging, wrinkles, and some crepiness,” Dr. Wang notes. “Since the neck is a sensitive area, the retinol concentrations tend to be low and the results are subtle.” Peptides are a newer area of exploration for neck creams as it’s frequently touted for their skin-firming benefits. Many neck creams also contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and squalane, to keep the skin smooth and plump.
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 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.
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.
