We Spent 1000 Hours Testing Skin-Tightening Creams—These Will Give You Radiant Skin (2024)

TL;DR

Our favorite skin tightening cream to promote anti-aging and offer a boost of hydration is the Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Moisturizer Youth Power Creme, a formula designed to plump the skin while providing a creamy base for other skincare and makeup products. For a more affordable option, we love the Derma E Ultra Lift Firming DMAE Moisturizer, which contains copper peptides, resveratrol, and caffeine to “wake up” the skin while filling in fine lines.

Why you should use a skin tightening cream

“People might turn to skin tightening products when they start noticing sagging or a loss of firmness in their skin, which can happen as we age or after weight changes. For many, it’s also about prevention—keeping skin looking youthful for as long as possible by boosting collagen and improving elasticity. These treatments can be a simple, everyday way to take care of your skin and stay ahead of the aging process, as well as a noninvasive option for those who want to improve the appearance of their skin without turning to procedures.”—McNaughton

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Stem cell extract, hyaluronic acid, moringa extract | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We were wowed by this pick from Estée Lauder after eight weeks of testing. The luxe cream immediately made our skin feel dewy and bouncy (thanks to the hyaluronic acid), and that lasted for hours after application. Under-eye circles and sunkenness were reduced, and it made our skin feel soft and plump. We noticed a significant improvement in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as an improvement in the texture of our skin.

Even though this cream is thick, it glides onto the skin effortlessly and quickly absorbs. We love that it doesn’t feel like it’s sitting on top of your skin and layers well with other skincare and makeup products. It does have a slight floral scent that some reviewers don’t love, but we didn’t notice it during testing. While the price is a little steep, that’s to be expected with an effective anti-aging product like this.

Clara, tester: “This cream has reduced my fine lines and improved the texture of my skin. I was able to see immediate results (dewy bouncy skin that lasted for hours) as well as long term results (reduced fine lines and wrinkles).”

Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, resveratrol, kakadu plum | Skin Type: Dry, normal, combination | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This budget-friendly moisturizer is loaded with firming ingredients. Copper peptides help boost collagen and elastin production, while retinol, resveratrol (an antioxidant that protects the skin against oxidative stress), and caffeine work to help firm your skin with continued use. The formula feels thick, rich, and creamy upon application, and we love that it’s thick enough to be used as a nighttime moisturizer.

We didn’t notice a significant reduction in wrinkles and fine lines, but we did notice a change in our “elevens” (aka the lines in between your eyebrows). They were less noticeable and a tad more filled in. It doesn’t have any noticeable scent, so it’s perfect for those with reactive or sensitive skin.

Carolyn, tester: “It feels thick and rich and creamy. It felt like other more substantial 'nighttime' moisturizers I've worn, and absorbed pretty quickly without tingling or burning.”

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Finding a skin tightening cream at the drugstore that works can be challenging, but this one from the age-old brand Gold Bond absolutely does. It wasn’t until we looked at our before and after photos that we noticed the change that this formula made to our neck and chest area. Our chest and neck looked firmer and our jowls were less “dangly.”

We love how lightweight this formula is—it’s thin but still creamy-feeling and absorbs pretty quickly. Unlike other tightening products we’ve tried in the past, this one didn’t leave our skin feeling tight or tingly, just smooth and soft. The results weren’t super dramatic (we probably need to use it longer to see more), but the before and after made us believers.

Cathie, tester: “The product was very comfortable on my skin.Prior skin tightening products have left me a little tight and tingly, but this did not.”

Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The texture is one of our favorite parts of the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream. It’s light but rich and luxurious, too. It absorbs quickly and has a clean, fresh scent that isn’t overpowering and doesn’t linger. The ingredients—resveratrol, vegan collagen, and hyaluronic acid—offer anti-aging, smoothing, and hydrating properties, respectively. It’s a great moisturizer for every day because it’s nonirritating, layers well over and under other products, and feels luxe.

We definitely noticed more hydrated, smoother, and fresher-feeling skin after testing this one. We think we would need to test it for longer to see more significant wrinkle-reducing and skin-tightening benefits, though.

Mandy, tester: “It was extremely comfortable and absorbed immediately.The smell was light, clean, and fresh, and the product layered perfectly.”

Key Ingredients: Idebenone, ergothioneine, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, sodium ascorbate | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The texture and consistency of this Elizabeth Arden cream feels incredibly soft and creamy when applied to the neck and décolleté. It absorbed well into the skin, and our makeup sat nicely on top of the cream throughout the day. This formula contains some less-than-common ingredients, including idebenone and ergothioneine. This dynamic antioxidant duo works together to help your skin fight against environmental aggressors, as well as calm skin and fade discoloration.

We didn’t notice immediate results from this pick, but we did notice smoother skin and a small improvement in fine lines and wrinkles over time. After a few applications, our skin began to feel softer—it did a nice job of hydrating the skin.

Cindy, tester: “This product felt very nice on the skin and did not have an overpowering fragrance. My makeup applied very well with this cream, and I would recommend it for everyday use.”

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin E | Skin Type: Combination, dry, mature, normal, sensitive | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It isn’t just acids and antioxidants that can create an anti-aging effect. Moisture-locking ingredients, like the hyaluronic acid and squalane in this formula, can help smooth and plump skin resulting in a more buoyant, youthful complexion. After only a few weeks of testing, we noticed some pretty significant results from this Fiera pick—our neck was definitely smoother with fewer fine lines. We also noticed a boost in hydration. This product helps with skin tightness and smoothness and gives your neck a “silky” feeling.

What we love most about it is the consistency and scent—there is little to no smell, and the “milky” consistency is very easy to apply and doesn't drip off your fingers. Plus, we love how quickly it absorbs into the skin and doesn’t leave any film-like feeling on your skin.

Sarah, tester: “This product is super comfortable on my neck. My skin feels more firm. I would often bring powder foundation on top of this down my neck a bit to blend in with my face and had no issues with applying it over small areas of my neck.”

Key Ingredients: Black tea complex, goji fruit extract, peptides | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Loaded with ingredients such as black tea extract, peptides, and goji fruit extract, this thick, heavy cream boosts firmness, protects against free radical damage, and makes skin appear more taut. We were wowed by how radiant and hydrated our skin felt after testing and noticed some immediate results after application. Our skin felt bouncy, firm, and full of life while testing.

The formula is incredibly moisturizing, so much so that we don’t think it would be a good option for folks with oily skin. We think it’s best to use it as a nighttime moisturizer. It was a bit difficult to use under makeup, as it takes a long time to absorb into the skin. In colder months, you can probably use this moisturizer in the morning with no issues, especially if your skin is super dry and soaks up facial moisturizer quickly.

Stella, tester: “The texture and consistency of the cream is very thick and rich. The product felt smooth once I spread the product over my skin. No tingling or burning sensation at all!”

Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, jojoba esters, oat extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

With a $525 per jar price tag, we were expecting powerful results with this formula—and thankfully, the Guerlain Orchidée Impériale The Cream delivered. We noticed more hydrated, youthful, and luminous skin almost immediately after we began testing, while the tightening and contouring effect was more noticeable towards the latter half of the testing period.

We were so impressed with how even-toned and bright this moisturizer made the skin look—our tester didn’t even have to wear foundation during the day. It spread evenly, absorbed instantly, and felt like silk on the skin. Plus, we really appreciated that you couldn’t feel it after it soaked into your face—it doesn’t sit on the skin.

Maria, tester: “I love the texture! 5, 5, 5. The consistency is 100%. It never wavered. It spread evenly and absorbed nearly instantly. It was like silk, or drinking water. It just distributed perfectly and didn't require too much per use.”

Key Ingredients: Tripeptide complex, ascorbic acid, alteromonas ferment extracts, hyaluronic acid, carnosine |Skin Type:All |Size:1.81 oz |Cruelty-Free: No

The biggest difference we noticed after testing this pick from Isdin was a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. The tripeptide complex increases levels of hyaluronic acid in your skin, while the alteromonas ferment extracts protect the skin from the harmful effects of pollution.

While using this formula, our skin became softer, smoother, and more taut. The moisturizer is thick, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the face. We like that it absorbs quickly into the skin and looks great under makeup. We’re not totally convinced this pick will help achieve long-term tightness, but we think it does a great job of minimizing fine lines day-to-day, as you use it.

Jordan, tester: “The cream was thick, like Greek yogurt. It did not tingle or burn as I applied it—it made my skin dewy. It takes about five minutes to fully absorb. It definitely soaked right in.”

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, ginseng root extract, caviar extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

The splurge of all splurges, this Kim K-favorite does not disappoint. Our skin looked glowy and felt more taut after testing out this luxe formula. The texture of this cream goes on super silky, but it somehow also feels light on the skin. Shea butter adds nourishing hydration, while ginseng root extract and caviar extract improve skin texture and brighten the complexion. This cream helped soften some of the fine lines around our eyes and made our skin look plumper and softer after each application.

This pick smells a bit like a more traditional, floral perfume, but the smell isn’t overpowering or off-putting. We tend to prefer skincare products with little to no fragrance added, but based on the ingredient list, it seems that most of the fragrance is derived from plant-based extracts. The high price point is not lost on us, but given how effective it was at softening, brightening, and plumping skin, we recommend it if you have the wallet room.

Kimberly, tester: “My skin looked dewy and glowy after applying the cream, and I noticed (and felt) a difference in my skin feeling more taut. I think the most immediate difference is in the texture of the cream itself. It goes on so silkily, it's like velvety butter, but also feels incredibly lightweight. It's truly a luxe experience, and feels amazing when putting it on.”

Key Ingredients: Maxi-Youth, octapeptide-3, hexapeptide-8 | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you wear makeup often and need a moisturizer that smooths out the skin’s surface like a primer, look no further than the LAWLESS Forget the Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Moisturizer + Makeup Primer. We were impressed by how well it smoothed out the skin’s texture and prepped our face well for a makeup look that lasted all day long.

Our skin felt moisturized and refreshed immediately after applying the cream—it looked smoother and softer too. It also makes skin look matte and ready to apply makeup, rather than shiny, greasy, or glowy, as many facial moisturizers do. If your skin gets oily and you prefer a mattifying moisturizer this is a great option. That said, it wasn’t as hydrating as some of the other creams on this list. However, if you’d like a nice, matte, lightweight yet slightly moisturizing base for under your makeup this should do the trick.

Jackie, tester: Although I did not notice any skin tightening effects, this cream did keep my face more matte and less oily than usual. It served as a great makeup primer. The product claim that "makeup looks smoother and fresher all day" and I would say that's accurate.

Key Ingredients: Hexyl-R complex, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This pick from ROC really impressed us— it worked well to depuff and tighten skin, especially for a drugstore product. Our tester said she won’t be going back to her old moisturizer—this formula is now part of her regular daily lineup. She noticed a softer and more hydrated neck and face, as well as diminished crow's feet around her eyes. We love that it also comes with SPF protection. You’ll find commonly used sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene in the formulation, which work together to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can lead to photoaging.

The cream is nice and thick, and very hydrating, too. It feels incredibly soft when you rub it into your skin and has a slight cooling effect. It fully absorbed in about 15 to 20 minutes, and didn’t leave any sort of film on the skin. We do wish there was a spatula with the cream (as there often is with skin-tightening creams). It would make the process of applying a bit more sanitary and economical since a little goes a long way with this one.

Alessandra, tester: “My skin on my face and neck feels really nice and soft and hydrated. I'm not sure if my skin looks much tighter, but it feels tighter and some of my finer lines, like my crow's feet, look softer.”

Key Ingredients: Kurenai TruLift Complex, ReNeura technology, VP8 technology | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This pick does a fantastic job of hydrating the skin as well as improving tone and texture without irritating ingredients. It is light but super moisturizing, and it doesn’t feel greasy throughout the day. It takes about a minute to absorb and doesn’t contain any ingredients that can sometimes irritate those with sensitive skin, like retinol or artificial fragrance.

The VP8 Technology in the formula contains multiple ingredients such as tea, olive root, and angelica root extracts to help reduce and prevent signs of aging. The KURENAI-TruLift Complex contains Benibana flower to strengthen skin and make it appear a bit more lifted. We love how well it layers with other products. It’s also a great base for makeup and can be used both morning and night. If you need a hydrating formula that has a slightly tightening effect, we definitely recommend this. While it doesn’t provide long-term tightening results, it firms your skin a bit each day you use it.

Jennifer, tester: “I noticed improved tone and texture with this product. My skin felt like a baby's when I used this.”

Key Ingredients: Retinol, glaucine complex, tri-peptide concentrate | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Our tester liked this cream so much that she ended up purchasing another bottle once the testing period was over. She was impressed by how much tighter it made her neck look and feel after testing. Her “turkey neck” was stopped dead in its tracks, and she noticed a more sculpted and contoured jawline and neck area. Perhaps she can attribute this to one of the key ingredients in this formula—glaucine complex. This ingredient is derived from the yellow poppy seed plant and works by boosting the skin’s resistance to neck aging.

This product absorbs beautifully and, interestingly, she also saw a huge reduction in breakouts around the neck. It layered perfectly under makeup, too. While she did find it hydrating, she wished it was just a tad more moisturizing for the skin, especially during the winter months. Additionally, you need to be careful when handling the bottle, as it’s made with glass—she accidentally broke the outer glass layer when it dropped.

Elena, tester: “The cream was thick but still very easily spread across the skin. My skin actually drank it up. Once it was on, it was gone and I could quickly layer on top of it. It just sank in and started working from the moment I applied. “

Key Ingredients: Squalane, saccharide isomerate, watermelon rind, lentil fruit, apple skin, coastal plants | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Every time we slathered on this pick from Summer Fridays we noticed our skin felt much softer afterward. After using it for eight weeks, we saw a slight reduction in wrinkles. It also reduced redness and had a plumping and smoothing effect as well. Squalane and saccharide isomerate add extra hydration to the skin, while watermelon rind, lentil fruit, and apple skin help add plumpness.

The cream is thick but absorbs easily, and once applied, leaves a light, thin layer on the face (we didn’t love the film but felt like it acted as a sort of barrier). The product was comfortable and made our face feel less itchy and dry. There isn’t really a smell to the cream, so if you are sensitive to fragrance, you will like this option. It layers well with eye gel and makeup and is great for everyday use.

Alisa, tester (not shown): “The product was comfortable and made my face feel great and not itchy. There wasn't really a smell to the cream so this worked to my advantage as I have allergies.”

FAQ

• Do skin tightening creams work?

  While results may not always be the most dramatic, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak, M.D., FAAD says skin tightening creams do work. Similar to wrinkle creams, they can help slow down and improve the appearance of sagging, drooping, and laxity. Be sure to opt for a cream formulated for the specific area you’re trying to address—such as the face, neck, or arms—for best results.

• Are skin tightening creams safe?

  According to Dr. Russak, skin tightening creams are safe. Since they’re often formulated with collagen- and elastin-boosting antioxidants and peptides, they’re great for improving the overall health of your skin while targeting sagging and loose skin. However, skin tightening creams that contain retinoids may be on the harsher side, so be sure to patch test first and ease yourself into daily use if need be.

• How long do skin tightening creams take to work?

  While all results will vary, you should begin to see results from a skin tightening cream at around two to three months, if used at least once daily. “To maintain the benefits of any product you’ll need to continue using it consistently,” says Emme Diane Burg, Arizona-based aesthetician and founder of Emme Diane Skincare. “Instead of hoping for a quick, permanent fix, I recommend thinking of it more like maintenance–you have to keep up with your routine to continue experiencing the benefits!”