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While an in-office procedure is the only way to physically tighten your skin, the best skin tightening creams come pretty darn close. These powerhouse formulas are teeming with tried-and-true ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C to help you look smoother and more elastic. “When it comes to topicals, we can see improvement in fine lines and textural changes with consistent use [of creams],” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami.
Like Dr. Woolery-Lloyd’s derm-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 results, but they’re a serious upgrade from your usual moisturizer if you’re dealing with crepey or sagging skin. 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 Skin-Tightening Cream Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, $185
- Best for Neck and Décolletage: Revision Skincare Nectifirm, $106
- Best for Jawline: Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream, $145
- Best for Body: SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body, $165
- Best Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $27
- Best with Peptides: Neocutis Bio Serum Firm, $290
- Best with Retinol: Iope Retinol Expert 0.1%, $80
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a cream that really tightens skin?
- What do dermatologists recommend for tightening skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Skin-Tightening Cream Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
Why it's worth it: SkinCeuticals's A.G.E. Interruptor Advanced is one of our favorite moisturizers for mature skin for its nourishing, balm-like feel that works well to complement other active-packed serums. 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. 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 for hydration." It can also extend the results of in-office tightening treatments, like radio-frequency and ultrasound.
Tester feedback: "Many moisturizers sting my dry, sensitive skin—but not the A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced," senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor says. "It coddles my skin, comforting the extra-dry patches and leaving my complexion bouncy and bright."
Key ingredients: Proxylane, blueberry extract, glycyrrhetinic acid | Who it's for: those with dry skin or who are looking to skip or supplement retinol | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Neck and Décolletage: Revision Skincare Nectifirm
Why it's worth it: With age, crepey skin texture becomes more and more prevalent on the neck and chest, partly because we often overlook sun protection in these areas (there's always room for improvement!). As one of our favorite neck creams, Revision Skincare Nectifirm aims to tighten the décolletage using a blend of peptides and antioxidants—a combination that works well for Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. "Patients really like the results with this cream," she says.
The original version is intended for people with mild to moderate laxity in their skin. Still, if you're seeing more advanced signs of aging, the Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced takes things up a notch, incorporating even more peptides. Key ingredients: peptides, dihydromyricetin, vitamin C | Who it's for: those with loose skin on the neck | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Jawline: Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream
Why It's Worth It: Lancôme's Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream is another recommendation from Dr. Chang, who likes that it "combines a powerful combination of hyaluronic acid, over 300 different peptides, and niacinamide to improve wrinkles, pigmentation, and elasticity." This face cream stands out for its ability to target sagging in the lower half of the face and reduce the look of wrinkles and dark spots caused by sun damage.
Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Who it's for: those with sagging cheeks and jowls | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Body: SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body
Why It's Worth It: Dr. Woolery-Lloyd suggests the SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body to address any lax or sagging skin and uneven skin texture below the neck, making it an excellent pick for the décolletage, arms, and legs. Behind this product are "some studies that show improvement of crepey skin on the body," she says. The combination of antioxidant-rich botanical ingredients works alongside peptides, caffeine, and coffee seed oil to boost elasticity and target stretch marks and the look of cellulite.
Key ingredients: lemon balm, shiitake mushroom extract, caffeine | Who it's for: people addressing loose skin on the body | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Why it's worth it: A three-time Allure Readers' Choice Award winner, the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is proof that a quality skin-tightening formula doesn't need to tighten your wallet, too. "My new lines are less noticeable, and the deeper wrinkle I've had for years is looking a little better," says deputy beauty director Elizabeth Siegel. "The redness I'm prone to on my cheeks, nose, and forehead is way (way, way) better, too," Siegel adds. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is also a fan, noting that this formula "has a published peer-reviewed study that showed improvement in skin quality comparable to a retinoid," she says. If you don't love scented products or have reactive skin, the skin-firming cream also comes in a fragrance-free version.
Key ingredients: peptides, niacinamide, panthenol | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: no
Best with Peptides: Neocutis Bio Serum Firm
Why it's worth it: 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 Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. It's the growth factors that make this formula unique: They encourage cells to revive skin cell functions, like cell turnover and collagen production.
If you have particularly dry skin, consider the brand's Bio Serum Firm Riche, designed to be more moisturizing than its original iteration.
Key ingredients: growth factors, peptides, argan oil | Who it's for: people seeking a lifted effect | Fragrance-free: yes
Best with Retinol: Iope Retinol Expert 0.1%
Why it's worth it: For retinol newbies, Iope Retinol Expert 0.1% is a safe bet—and a favorite of Dr. Chang's. "It's formulated with a patented retinol that has been proven to improve skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles," she says. "In addition, it contains hydrating and soothing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and panthenol." The low retinol concentration makes it gentle enough for sensitive skin types, while its unique three-stage barrier system minimizes oxidation to keep the formula fresh and effective. Also, this is Iope's "10th generation" retinol, meaning it's been refined 10 times since 1997.
Tester feedback: Commerce editor Sarah Han counts this gentle retinol as one of her favorites and loves that the formula includes moisturizing heavy hitters such as shea butter and tocopheryl acetate (a common form of vitamin E). She experienced no irritation, even with the first few applications, and has since upgraded to Iope Retinol Expert 0.3%. (Han notes that she doesn't have particularly sensitive skin but has reacted poorly to some retinol.)
Key ingredients: retinol, panthenol, hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: retinol beginners | Fragrance-free: no
Best with Antioxidants: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
Why it's worth it: Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream is powered by hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and plentiful plumping peptides to brighten, tighten, and smooth the look of wrinkles. This formula embraces a "hydration first" philosophy, delivering deep moisture to prime and retexturize the skin. It's bright, it's youthful—and let's be honest, it's iconic. If you really want to commit to the bit, grab the serum version, which just so happens to be a dermatologist-favorite.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E | Who it's for: people with dry skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream
Why it's worth it: The Hydration Peptide Cream by Shani Darden is oil-free—hydrating without causing breakouts, plumping without clogging, and firming without drying. In addition to the rich peptide formula, the cream features moisture-locking hydrosella and barrier-protecting squalane. It works on all skin types because loss of elasticity does not discriminate.
Tester feedback: Interim shopping director Deanna Pai says, "It's the only formula that seems to balance my combination skin without clogging pores." She added: "it sinks in quickly while feeling nourishing enough to smooth and soften my skin," many thanks to the squalane and plumping peptides in it.
Key ingredients: squalane, niacinamide, peptides | Who it's for: people who need extra hydration, people prone to breakouts | 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." She also points to peptides, short chains of amino acids, to help improve skin hydration and support collagen production.
On the antioxidant side, vitamin C and niacinamide also promote collagen production and reduce the oxidative damage that can break down the protein, leaving skin loose and crepey over time. And 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," she says.
The best ingredients may ultimately depend on your skin type. For instance, if your skin is dehydrated, hyaluronic acid may be worth looking for, whereas people with sensitive skin might need to consider using peptides instead of retinol.
What do dermatologists recommend for tightening skin?
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, thus 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
- 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
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.
More skin care worth investing in:
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- 15 Best Serums for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists
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