13 Best Skin Tightening Creams of 2023, Tested by Experts

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Say goodbye to sagging with these top-notch formulas.

Achieving smooth skin is about more than just reducing wrinkles. As we age, skin starts to sag and stretch both on the face and body. That's where skin tightening creams come in. "They typically work through a combination of ingredients and technologies that aim to improve the appearance of skin laxity and promote tighter, more youthful skin," explains Sabina Wizemann, senior chemist at The Good Housekeeping Institute. "While specific formulas vary, these products usually incorporate one or multiple ways to achieve tighter skin including stimulating collagen and elastin production, strengthening the skin's barrier, exfoliating, plumping and moisturizing and constricting blood flow to boost circulation."

As with most active skincare products, ingredients play a big role in getting the job done. "When it comes to the face, skin tightenings 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 board-certified dermatologist and director at Image Dermatology P.C. in Montclair, New Jersey. "For the body, the mechanism of action can be a little more controversial. Some products claim that antioxidants help to decrease toxins to help tighten skin but there isn't a ton of data to support that." Dr. Downie suggests looking for similar ingredients to face creams including peptides, vitamin A derivatives (retinol), caffeine and certain botanicals including parsley, ginger root and linseed extracts, among others.

The GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab regularly tests different types of anti-aging face and body creams using different instruments to track changes in skin before and after use (including moisturization and firmness), as well as on consumer testers, who evaluate the products on factors including ease of use, performance and satisfaction. In the Beauty Lab's most recent night cream test, scientists tallied 8,624 data points to find the best night moisturizers.

Keep reading for everything to know about the best at-home skin tightening creams for the face and body, including GH Beauty Lab tested products, dermatologist recommendations and editor picks. Plus, specific creams just for your neck and also nighttime.

Tighten skin while you sleep with Algenist's rich balm. Boasting a combo of ceramides and fatty acids, this cream was the top night cream at firming skin and evening out skin tone over four weeks of use, according to GH Beauty Lab assessments. Cutometer calculations showed that it boosted 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," says one tester. "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.

Talk about a bang for your buck. This top performer in GH Beauty Lab's night cream test increased skin firmness by 27% according to measurements with the Lab’s Cutometer device, which measures skin laxity. 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.

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. Dermstore reviewers 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!"

Lightweight, fast-absorbing, a nice scent and effective? 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. 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.

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 get rid of damaged elastin and collagen and help support the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin. Dill extract is also included to help improve skin's texture. 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 own clinical testing, there was a 63% reduction in crepiness when used as a daily skincare treatment for eight weeks and a 59% change 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," says one reviewer. "I was amazed to see the wrinkly skin become smoother by more than 50% after just one use!" While many reviewers saw great results, a few noted that it didn't do much for their crepey skin.

If lines are your biggest concern, try NeoStrata’s amino acid cream, a GH Beauty Lab neck cream test winner that was the best of all products evaluated at minimizing the look of testers’ neck lines and wrinkles in standardized digital imaging. While it didn't provide as much lift as some other products, testers liked that it moisturized skin well and had a nice fragrance. “Both my neck and my décolletage looked smoother," one tester shared.

Beloved by multiple GH beauty editors and scientists, Skinbetter's AlphaRet overnight cream (albeit pricey) truly delivers on its promise: It yields the benefits of a retinoid without irritation, including dryness, redness and flaking. "The cream improved my skin texture and added bounce back into my cheeks," says Wizemann. "My skin looks brighter and tighter, but I could apply this cream without additional moisturizers (or rich creams) and experience no irritation the next day or after continuous use." This cream is a game changer for her, as she has struggled to incorporate over-the-counter retinoids into her skin routine before, but has been successful (sans irritation) with this product.

GH Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral is also a fan of this gentle retinoid treatment that contains an AHA, for brightening and tightening. "Not only it is well tolerated, but I got a smoothing and softening effect right after one treatment," she says.

When it comes to brightening skin and reducing hyperpigmentation, vitamin C is the gold standard. Dr. Downie recommends this night serum from Isdin which contains vitamin C, in addition to bakuchiol, an all-natural retinol alternative, and melatonin. These ingredients work together to repair, restore and tighten skin while you sleep. "This product is magic in a bottle," says one Amazon reviewer. "I use it every night and my face is so radiant in the morning — it is a total transformation." Proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin: one reviewer with that skin type noted that it caused instant redness and itchiness.

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. Be mindful when pumping out product; some reviewers had difficulty with the dual-sided dispenser and noted that the product didn't come out from each side evenly.

Designed for both the face and neck, this luxe cream from Fresh was also a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s neck cream test and scored well for visibly smoothing neck lines in before-and-after photo evaluations. Testers loved that the formula, which has exotic botanical extracts like black tea, goji berry and lychee along with hyaluronic acid, makes skin look and feel hydrated. Our editors love the product too. "I use this both on my face and neck and have definitely noticed a difference after a few months," says Grace Wu, Textiles Product Reviews Analyst. "After applying this moisturizer, my skin looks and feels firm and bouncy. That being said, while I can feel my skin tighten and firm up, I'm fairly young and am not sure how it would be for mature skin." While many users love the rich, creamy texture, a few noted it was too thick for daytime application.

Both GH Beauty Lab testing and tester evaluations agree that Exuviance's face cream really works when it comes to minimizing the look for of fine lines and wrinkles. According to digital imaging with the Lab’s Visia Complexion Analyzer device, it improved the look of wrinkles by an impressive 10% in four weeks and raised skin’s firmness 31% in Cutometer measurements. Testers felt similarly, with a few noticing fewer lines on their skin. The best part? The gel-like treatment, which contains glycolic acid, peptides and retinol, is light as a feather and absorbs quickly, giving skin a pretty instant firming and lifting effect. One thing to look out for: A few users noted issues with the pump working, so make sure to test out before using.

If your skin tends to be on the drier 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 smoothing texture, subtle scent and firming capabilities. Plus, it's gentle enough for sensitive and dry 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.

Fast and furious is one way to describe this all-in-one serum from Ourself. Created for those who don't want to get injectables but crave similar results, this formula packs peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C into tiny structures called “vesicles” that claim to penetrate skin deeper than typical topicals. According to a clinical trial conducted by the brand, over 85% of testers said skin felt more hydrated and looked and felt smoother in as soon as two weeks. GH Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral recently tested the serum herself and has been really impressed upon initial use. "It instantly makes my skin look plump, gives it a dewy finish and feels supple to the touch as well." Reviewers agree and just note that as a pricey product, you go through the bottle fairly quickly.

As mentioned above, The GH Beauty Lab consistently tests anti-aging face and body creams including firming and tightening creams. When the Lab tests any anti-aging product category, we typically recruit 22 participants aged 35+, who are instructed to use the product daily for four weeks. For our most recent night cream test, different factors including moisturization, firmness and the improvement in the appearance of texture, skin tone and wrinkles were evaluated using the Corneometer, Cutometer and VISIA machines, respectively. Additionally, consumers completed questionnaires rating ease of use, performance and satisfaction. For this test, scientists tallied 8,624 data points from the Visia, Corneometer and Cutometer tests to find the winners.

When it comes to choosing skin tightening creams, both the ingredients and technologies or mechanisms are important in a product. "Formulating a product plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of its active ingredients and allowing them to perform optimally within the formula," explains Wizemann. Here are the main factors to seek out when shopping:

✔️ Collagen stimulation/production. "Ingredients like vitamin A and peptides help promote collagen production and provide structure to the skin," says Wizemann. "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.

"Skin tightening creams can provide temporary and long-term improvements in the appearance of skin laxity and firmness when used constantly," says Wizemann. "Results will not be dramatic, and it may take time to see noticeable change, but consistency in use is key."

Dr. Downie agrees and suggests applying skin tightening creams twice daily for the biggest bang for your buck. "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 single day for proper protection.

"Skin tightening creams can work even better when paired with non-invasive fat melting treatments," adds Dr. Downie. "The Zaffifo skin tightening treatment is a good one — it uses near-infrared technology with a hydrafacial-like component to tighten skin and can be used everywhere on the body and on all skin types." She also suggests using these creams alongside IntraGen (which uses radiofrequency to tighten skin) and INTRAcel (radio frequency microneedling) treatments to enhance the efficacy of both.

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 touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products for almost a decade. She carried out various studies from sunscreens (including formulas for sensitive and oily skin and mineral types), night creams, eye creams, makeup cleansers and more. She also lends a hand when it comes to explaining skincare ingredients, like occlusives, and verifies product claims.

Dori Price interviewed experts and compiled all of the product picks and details about each listed above. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals including dermatologists and aestheticians. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more.

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.

Sabina (she/her) is a senior chemist in 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.

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