6 Best Skin-Tightening Creams That Are Dermatologist-Approved

While most of the products on our list are specifically for your face, Isdinceutics Age Contour is formulated for use on both your face and neck, making it a worthy investment and deserving of our top spot as the best skin-tightening cream. This pick contains a tripeptide complex, as well as hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated, while also firming and improving skin elasticity. It’s free from fragrances, parabens, sulfates and mineral oil, making it safe for all, including sensitive skin types.

Pros

• Created for all skin types
• Formulated to use on the face and neck
• Contains peptides and hyaluronic acid

Cons

• Expensive

When it comes to skin care, you’ll find plenty of products on the market with price tags in the triple digits. However, there are affordable picks that work just as well as the pricier options. If an expensive tightening cream just isn’t in your budget, Rebecca Marcus, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD,  recommends this firming cream. The moisture-rich formula, she says, creates a tightening effect by supporting and repairing the skin barrier.

“Hydrated skin that is able to retain moisture will certainly appear more firm and supple than dehydrated skin, so this product works by calming inflammation and setting the stage for intense hydration,” she explains. Apply it to clean, dry skin before bedtime and let it work its magic while you get some shut eye. Speaking of sleeping, here are more dermatologist-approved night creams for every type of skin.

Pros

• More affordable than other options
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Contains niacinamide to restore bounce and tone
• Made with colloidal oatmeal to relieve dry skin

Cons

• Might be too strong for sensitive skin

According to Dr. Garshick, Olay Regenerist is a multi-tasking cream that helps to hydrate, firm and improve elasticity, thanks to its vitamin B3, amino peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. Apply it as the last step in a nightly routine to lock in moisture and keep skin feeling hydrated as it tightens the skin.

Not only is it a dermatologist-approved drugstore beauty product, but shoppers on Amazon love it, too (there are over 9,000 five-star ratings!). Verified purchaser, VSmith, calls it the “the best face cream,” saying, “I have used Olay Regenerist cream for many years. I have also tried other very expensive face creams that do nothing compared to this skin cream. For smoothing fine lines or crepey skin, this is the holy grail.”

Pros

• Widely available and affordable
• Doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy
• Contains peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3 and antioxidants

Cons

• Some users say this cream isn’t truly fragrance-free

Not every face skin-tightening cream is also suitable to use on your body (like these body scrubs). Before you make a purchase, Dr. Garshick advises paying close attention to the labels. “Since some skin-tightening creams may contain retinol, it is always important to check the ingredients prior to applying on different parts of the body to minimize any potential for irritation,” she cautions.

She recommends SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate, which tightens and firms sagging, loose skin on the abdomen, upper arms, buttocks, thighs and knees. Dr. Garshick also highlights the fact that this formula includes 2 percent hydrolyzed rice protein, which helps the skin feel taught, and delivers a cooling effect for an instantly tighter appearance.

Pros

• Specially formulated for use on the body
• Doesn’t contain retinol, so less likely to irritate skin
• Paraben- and fragrance-free

Cons

• Can take at least eight weeks of consistent use to see results

Whether you’re a woman of a certain age or you’re constantly on the phone and starting to experience “tech neck,” this StriVectin pick is the best skin-tightening cream to address below-the-chin concerns. It’s Dr. Garshick’s go-to product, because it “helps to visibly tighten, lift and firm the neck, while also improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

She adds, “The patented Nia-114 Complex helps to strengthen the skin barrier, keeping skin hydrated.” Want to get a head start to prevent sagging skin? Find out when to begin vital skin care practices by age.

Pros

• Specially formulated for the neck and décolleté
• Available in three different sizes
• You may see results in as little as four weeks

Cons

• Some may not like adding another cream to their routine

There are tons of benefits to using products with retinol, but if you prefer something more natural, then Dr. Garshick suggests this Age Defying Lift & Firm Cream. “This cream combines fruit stem cell complex, resveratrol CoQ10 and hyaluronic acid to help support collagen and elastin, leaving the skin looking firmer and tighter, and improving its overall appearance,” she explains. This vegan formula is 98 percent nature-derived, as well as gluten- and cruelty-free. Additionally, the majority of ingredients are certified organic and Fair Trade.

Pros

• 98 percent nature-derived, organic ingredients
• Affordable price point
• Can also be used on the neck

Cons

• Some users don’t like the scent