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Keeping skin looking radiant and youthful is about more than just reducing wrinkles. As we age, skin on the face, neck and body can start to lose firmness. "Sagging skin is caused primarily by the loss of collagen and elastin (proteins that give skin structural support and elasticity) with age," says Mamina Turegano, M.D., a dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology in New Orleans, Louisiana. And there’s no shortage of skincare products proclaiming to counteract it with firming and lifting effects.
Most commonly in serum and moisturizer form, these skin tightening products "typically work through a combination of ingredients and technologies that aim to improve the appearance of lax skin," explains Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. "They usually incorporate one or multiple ways to achieve tighter skin including stimulating collagen and elastin production, strengthening the skin's barrier, exfoliating, and plumping and moisturizing" via ingredients like peptides, retinol, vitamin C, growth factors and niacinamide.
To find the formulas that really work, the GH Beauty Lab regularly tests anti-aging face and body treatments such as serums, neck creams and night creams using scientific instruments to measure changes in skin firmness before and after use. Consumer testers also evaluate the products on factors including ease of use, performance and satisfaction. In the Beauty Lab's most recent night cream test, scientists tallied 11,200 instrumental testing and consumer feedback data points to identify the top performers.
Read on for everything to know about the most effective skin tightening creams for the face and body, including GH Beauty Lab-tested products and dermatologist recommendations.
Pros
- Increased skin firmness by 39%, one of the highest levels measured
- Highly moisturizing
- Reduces dark spots
Cons
- The texture and scent were polarizing
Avon’s peptide cream is a true heavy lifter, boasting one of the highest scores for firming skin ever recorded in GH Beauty Lab testing. It increased firmness by 39% after four weeks of use according to calculations with the Cutometer machine, which gauges skin laxity.
The night cream also excelled at hydrating, boosting skin moisture by an impressive 46% over six hours, according to the Corneometer device that measures skin hydration levels. And that's not all: It reduced dark spots by 12% in four weeks per Visia Complexion Analyzer digital imaging.
While some testers didn't love the "heavy" scent and "thick" texture, others piled on the praise, calling the formula "rich" and "luxurious." Two enthused: "I especially noticed firmer skin," and "I thought my skin looked tighter and firmer."
Key ingredients | Peptides, glycolic acid |
---|---|
Best for | Dry and mature skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Firmed skin by 27%
- Great value
- Contains top anti-aging ingredients
Cons
- May leave a residue on skin
Talk about a bang for your buck: This GH Beauty Lab night cream test and Beauty Award winner from Olay raised skin firmness by 27% in four weeks per measurements with the Lab’s Cutometer device. It also outperformed others at lifting, brightening and softening skin thanks to top anti-aging ingredients retinol, niacinamide and peptides.
Bonus: 100% of testers agreed it made skin feel softer. "My face was firmer and smoother when I woke up each morning," one tester said. "I loved this night cream because I think it is working to brighten my complexion and firm skin," shared another. One reviewer did note that it left a residue on her skin, so make sure to rub it in fully.
RELATED: Best Night Creams for All Skin Types
Key ingredients | Retinol, niacinamide, peptides |
---|---|
Best for | Dry, aging skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- One of the most measurably firming serums in Lab testing
- Minimizes pores
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
Cons
- Not as effective at smoothing lines
Skin tightening products don't have to be thick creams. Case in point: this high performance Murad formula, a lightweight serum. Made with retinol, it boosted skin’s firmness by 24% after four weeks of use in Cutometer calculations, one of the highest measurements in the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging serum test. (Note that it didn't rank as well at smoothing lines.)
The serum reduced the look of pores by 5% in imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer. Testers gave it top marks for its "non-greasy" texture, fast absorption, pleasant scent and making skin feel softer. "My skin definitely felt firmer and I thought looked less aged," a tester reported. "One of the best products I have tried in a while!"
RELATED: Best Anti-Aging Serums
Key ingredients | Retinol, hyaluronic acid |
---|---|
Best for | All skin types |
Size | 1 oz. |
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Pros
- Raised skin's firmness by 33%
- Showed results quickly and over time
- Nourishing balm formula
Cons
- May be too rich for those with oily skin
Tighten skin while you sleep with Algenist's rich balm. Loaded with a combination of ceramides and fatty acids, this cream was top at firming and evening out skin tone over four weeks of use in GH Beauty Lab night cream testing. Cutometer calculations showed that it upped skin elasticity and firmness by 33% over four weeks, and hydration increased by 28% in six hours in Corneometer readings.
“I was amazed that after only two to three nights I could really tell a difference in my skin," one tester said "It was more firm and moist 24/7.” If you have combination or oily skin, take note: The thick formula may be too heavy for you.
RELATED: Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Key ingredients | Ceramides, amino and fatty acids |
---|---|
Best for | Dry, aging skin |
Size | 2 oz. |
Pros
- Contains top ingredients for collagen and elastin support
- Can be used on various body parts
- Makes skin look tighter
Cons
- Pricey
Dr. Downie loves that this formula contains proven ingredients for collagen and elastin production including peptides, shitake mushroom, lemon balm and green microalgae extracts. "All of these ingredients work synergistically to help skin appear tighter and more toned," she says.
In addition to tightening and firming, the cream claims to help with uneven skin texture. Users agree that it's pricey but feel that it's worth every penny. "I'm on my second bottle, and this lotion works better than anything else I've tried," says one reviewer. "It's expensive, but worth it!"
Key ingredients | Peptides, plant extracts |
---|---|
Best for | All skin types |
Size | 6 oz. |
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Visibly firms and tightens skin
- Appealing scent
Cons
- May be too strong for sensitive skin
Lightweight, fast-absorbing, a pleasant scent and effective formula? Yes, really. This drugstore serum from No7 won the GH Beauty Lab's neck cream test for firming skin faster and better than its competitors. Before-and-after images taken with high-resolution professional photography showed the most improvement in tightening and lifting neck skin over 12 weeks of use.
It has a powerful ingredient list including collagen-boosting retinoids and peptides. “This made my neck more firm,” one tester said, while another shared the same about her jawline. A heads up for those with sensitive skin: a few users noted that it didn't react well with their skin and caused inflammation.
RELATED: Best Neck Firming Creams
Key ingredients | Retinyl palmitate, peptides |
---|---|
Best for | Most skin types except sensitive |
Size | 1 oz. |
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Pros
- Contains powerful peptides and botanicals
- Hydrating and smoothing
- Can be used alone or post procedure
Cons
- Very expensive
Another favorite of Dr. Downie's, Alastin's body treatment utilizes the brand's proprietary TriHex technology, which contains a blend of peptides and botanicals to help support the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin. Dill extract is also included to help improve skin's texture. While it is quite a splurge, the product is designed to either be used solo or alongside in-office body treatments to help boost their efficacy.
According to the brand's clinical testing, there was a 63% reduction in crepeiness when used as a daily skincare treatment for eight weeks and a 59% increase in elasticity after 12 weeks of daily use. "I use this product on the upper inner part of my arms and thighs and have seen results after just one application," one user marveled. "I was amazed to see the wrinkly skin become smoother by more than 50% after just one use!"
Key ingredients | Peptides, botanical extracts |
---|---|
Best for | All skin types |
Size | 6 oz. |
Pros
- Increased skin's firmness by 28%
- Some immediate effects
Cons
- Not as hydrating
A GH Beauty Award winner, Skinbetter's AlphaRet overnight cream delivers on its promise. It delivers the benefits of retinol without irritation, including dryness, redness and flaking. In GH Beauty Lab night cream testing, it raised skin's firmness by 28% in four weeks of use per Cutometer calculations, though it wasn't as moisturizing.
"The cream improved my skin texture and added bounce back into my cheeks," Wizemann says. "My skin looks tighter and brighter, and I experienced no irritation." GH Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral is also a fan: "Not only it is well-tolerated, but I got a smoothing and softening effect right after one treatment," she says.
RELATED: Best Retinol Creams
Key ingredients | Retinol, glycolic acid, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
---|---|
Best for | All skin types |
Size | 1 oz. |
Pros
- Some results visible in two weeks
- Helps bolster sagging skin
Cons
- Very expensive
Say goodbye to sagging with this super potent serum from SkinMedica. Dr. Downie is a big fan of its ingredient list, which includes a growth factor, peptides, botanicals and marine extracts "to tighten and lift the face and decrease sagging as well." It's colorless and fragrance-free, making it safe for sensitive skin.
A clinical study that the brand conducted over 24 weeks revealed visible results in just two weeks, with progressive improvements measured over 24 weeks. Two drawbacks: the high price and that some reviewers had difficulty with the dual-sided dispenser.
Key ingredients | Growth factor, peptides, botanicals, marine extracts |
---|---|
Best for | Mature and normal skin |
Size | 1 oz. |
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Pros
- Moderate lifting effect
- Hydrating formula
- Smooths lines
Cons
- May be too heavy for daytime use
This luxe cream from Fresh — designed for both face and neck — was also a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s neck cream test. It scored well for making the neck look lifted and visibly smoothing lines in before-and-after photo evaluations after 12 weeks of use. Testers gave the formula, made with botanical extracts and moisturizing hyaluronic acid, high ratings for making skin look and feel hydrated.
GH experts love the product, too. "I use this both on my face and neck and have definitely noticed a difference after a few months," says GH Institute Product Analyst Grace Wu. "After applying this moisturizer, my skin looks and feels firm and bouncy." While many users love the rich, creamy texture, a few noted it was too thick for daytime application.
Key ingredients | Black tea, goji berry, lychee, hyaluronic acid |
---|---|
Best for | Dry and normal skin types |
Size | 1.6 oz. |
11
Best Skin Tightening Cream for Sensitive Skin
Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker+ Line-Correcting Overnight Face Cream
Pros
- Highly moisturizing
- Doesn't cause irritation
Cons
- Can take a while to absorb into skin
If your skin tends to be on the sensitive or dry side, Philosophy's nourishing formula — with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane — may be perfect for you. According to GH Beauty Lab testing, it raised hydration by 34% over six hours, and it upped firmness by 29% in four weeks.
Users raved about its smooth texture, subtle scent and firming capabilities. Plus, it's gentle enough for sensitive skin: Almost all testers said it didn’t irritate or cause redness. "It's super smooth and feels really luxurious," says one tester. Due to its rich texture, it may take some time to sink into skin.
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin |
---|---|
Best for | Dry, aging skin |
Size | 2 oz. |
How we test skin the best tightening creams
The GH Beauty Lab has a long history of testing anti-aging face and body treatments with skin-tightening claims, including categories like serums, neck creams and night creams. In the Beauty Lab's most recent night cream test, changes in skin firmness, moisturization, and improvement in the appearance of texture, tone and wrinkles were evaluated using the Cutometer, Corneometer (below) and Visia devices, respectively.
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Additionally, consumer testers completed questionnaires rating ease of use, performance and satisfaction after using the products for four weeks. In total, Lab scientists tallied a total of 11,200 data points, including 8,624 measurements from the Cutometer, Corneometer and Visia, to find the winners.
What to look for when shopping for the best skin tightening cream
When it comes to choosing skin tightening creams, both the ingredients and technologies are important. "Skin tightening products for the face tend to focus on building collagen and elastin and decreasing photo damage, and often uses retinoids and peptides to do so," says Jeanine Downie, M.D., a dermatologist and director at Image Dermatology P.C. in Montclair, New Jersey. For the body, Dr. Downie suggests looking for similar ingredients to face creams including peptides, vitamin A derivatives (retinol) and caffeine. Here is specifically what to seek out when shopping for skin tightening treatments:
✔️ Collagen stimulation/production. "Ingredients like vitamin A and peptides help promote collagen production and provide structure to the skin," Wizemann says. "Retinol is the most potent ingredient that helps build collagen and elastin, which leads to tighter, smoother skin."
✔️ Fortifying skin's barrier function. "Ceramides, niacinamide and fatty acids can improve and strengthen skin's defense and help repair damage," she says.
✔️ Exfoliation. Certain ingredients, like AHAs, remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
✔️ Moisturization. Nourishing skin can improve skin's elasticity and suppleness, making it appear plumper and firmer. Humectants that hold and bond to water molecules are often used, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and sodium PCA.
✔️ Temporary tightening. Caffeine or botanical extracts can temporarily tense skin by constricting blood flow and boosting circulation.
Both Wizemann and Dr. Downie agree that you should always look for products that have been clinically tested and backed by scientific studies. Consider consulting a dermatologist or skincare professional if you are unsure which product is safe and specifically right for you.
Do skin tightening creams actually work?
Topical skincare products can work to firm skin, but they take time and may not produce dramatic results. “Many studies show that these ingredients can increase collagen production or decrease collagen breakdown,” Dr. Turegano explains, “but you need to use them consistently for months to see an effect, and they aren’t going to perform miracles or give you a facelift.” Decades of GH Beauty Lab testing has confirmed that some leave-on skincare treatments can help firm skin over time, adds GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. “We have measured up to about a 40% improvement in facial skin elasticity with the Cutometer machine after four weeks of use of formulas like night creams,” she notes. (See the Best Overall Avon night cream above.)
Dr. Downie agrees and suggests applying skin tightening creams twice daily for maximum results. "In order to get the most out of these creams, you also want to prevent sun damage, which contributes to skin aging and laxity." She stresses the importance of using sunscreen on your face and all over the exposed areas of your body every day for proper protection.
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What is the most effective way to tighten skin?
While certain skin tightening creams can have a firming effect when used consistently, dermatologists offer noninvasive skin-firming and -tightening procedures that can have effects that are more pronounced and lasting. These include radiofrequency (like Thermage), micro-focused ultrasound (such as Ultherapy) and light therapy, says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., a dermatologist in Miami, Florida. They heat deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen production, tighten existing collagen fibers and create a lifting effect, Dr. Turegano adds.
While they are an investment, "these procedures typically yield the best results for skin sagging and laxity,” Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says. “Radiofrequency and laser skin tightening cause collagen fibers to contract and stimulate new collagen production, enhancing firmness and reducing sagging,” Dr. Turegano explains. “Ultrasound therapy is particularly effective for lifting brows, minimizing jowls and tightening the skin under the chin.”
But because most of the treatments involve triggering skin collagen production, the bulk of the benefits aren’t immediate: “Most people start to see initial improvements in skin firmness and tightness within two to three months after treatment, continuing for up to six months as collagen production increases,” Dr. Turegano says
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann researched skin tightening creams for this article, including details about what they are and how they work and contributed to the list of product picks. Since joining Good Housekeeping, she has researched, tested and evaluated thousands of skincare products for over decade.
GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price researched and wrote this story, interviewing GH Beauty Lab and dermatologist experts and reporting on Beauty Lab testing data.
GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek conducted the Beauty Lab's most recent neck treatment and night cream test and contributed expert insights to this story.
GH Beauty Director April Franzino updated this piece with new Beauty Lab-tested products and Beauty Lab scientist and dermatologist expert insights.
Dori Price
Contributing Beauty Editor
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
April Franzino
Beauty Director
April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.
Expert consulted:Sabina Wizemann
Beauty Lab Director
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.