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’s the difference between a face and 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,” Dr. Hall notes. Some moisturizing agents featured in the creams on this list 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 skin-firming benefits.
What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?
Aside from the essential hydrators, 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 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.”
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
- Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama
- Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston
- James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- May Hall, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
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.
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.
