10 Best Over-the-counter Creams to Stop Turkey Neck

Noticing your neck has lost or is starting to lose firmness is one of the more distressing signs of aging. Often referred to as turkey or crêpey neck, it can be challenging to find a product that will make much of an impact on this delicate area.

There are some excellent options available that can help slow down the process of skin sagging. We have rounded up 10 of the best products with a reputation for being the most effective over-the-counter (including drugstore) firming neck creams that can significantly reduce signs of aging.

Kleem Anti Aging Retinol Moisturizer

Kleem Anti Aging Retinol Moisturizer
Kleem Organics is a trendy brand that you can find on Amazon. Their Neck Firming Cream uses 2.5% retinol and hyaluronic acid, which is very effective in reducing signs of aging.

The other key ingredients include Vitamin E, Green Tea & Jojoba Oil. This moisturizer is made with natural ingredients and is cruelty-free and vegan.

Find on Amazon 

Olay Regenerist

Olay Regenerist

The whole Olay Regenerist line is excellent for helping to get rid of wrinkles and promote firmer skin. Although not explicitly made for the neck, Olay’s Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Micro-Sculpting Face Moisturizer is often used in that area and the face.

Users find this cream helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discoloration for a fraction of the price you pay for some of the more expensive options.

Check the price on Amazon.com

Gold Bond Ultimate

Gold Bond Ultimate
If you are looking for a good quality budget option to help firm up the neck and chest area, a lot of people like the Gold Bond Ultimate Neck & Chest Firming Cream.

Some of the key ingredients include Salicylic Acid (BHA) to exfoliate, stress response proteins to improve the texture of the skin, and an Advance Hydration Blend to maintain moisture. It is fragrance-free and non-greasy.

Find on Amazon.com

Neck Firming Cream by Pure Research


This Neck Firming Cream by Pure Research is another decent option if you are looking for a moderately priced yet effective (for many users) product.

This cream is suitable for all skin types, is made in the USA and is hypoallergenic, and is free from GMOs, artificial colors, and fragrances. It is known for being good value for the price, absorbing well, and giving pretty good results after a few weeks of use.

Find on Amazon

Dr. Brandt Do Not Age Firming Neck Cream

Dr. Brandt Do Not Age Firming Neck Cream

Do Not Age Firming Cream is one of the more pricey options on our list. It is a high-end option that has excellent reviews and features all of the things that you want in an anti-aging product. It absorbs quickly, goes on smoothly, and moisturizes.

It doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy, and it can help to firm up the area on your neck. It contains no parabens, is dermatologist tested, and is never tested on animals.

Check the price on Sephora.com

StriVectin TL Advanced

StriVectin TL Advanced

The StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream often comes up as one of the most effective options on the market. I was hesitant to put it on this list,  as I didn’t find the TL Advanced to be particularly pleasant to use or as effective. It is possible that I just had a bad batch, and that would be why it left me a little underwhelmed.

Regardless, many consumers have had good results with this particular cream, so I included it as a possible, although pricey, option if you like the brand.

Find on Ulta.com

Clarins Super Restorative Décoletté and Neck Concentrate

Clarins Super Restorative Décoletté and Neck Concentrate
The Super Restorative Décoletté Concentrate from Clarins helps to firm and hydrate your skin. It has a smooth texture to it that goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

The scent is light, and most users will find it pleasant and not overpowering. Some of the more important ingredients in this Clarins’ product are Montpellier Rock-rose (helps to unify tone), Organic Harungana (helps to minimize lines), and Organic Oat Sugar (plumps and smoothes). It is recommended for women 40 and over.

Check the price on Clarins.com

Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE

Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE
The Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Decollete Firm & Repair Cream is a wonderful option if you want to see results quickly. It targets the skin on the neck to focus on tightening and smoothing, giving you a more youthful appearance.

It goes on smoothly, isn’t heavy, and doesn’t have a strong fragrance. It is a little pricey, but many users have seen a noticeable difference with this lotion.

Check the price on ElizabethArden.com

Estée Lauder Resilience

Estée Lauder Resilience

Estée Lauder makes some of the most popular and effective creams for your face. One best-selling product to try that will work well for both your face and your neck is Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 15.

It is a day cream that will give you a lifted look, protect you from the sun, and will help you smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. It comes in dry skin or a standard/combination skin formula. They also offer a night version that does not include the SPF. It is a lovely product to use, although it is a little on the pricey side.

Check the price on Esteelauder.com

L’Oreal Paris RevitaLift

L'Oreal Paris RevitaLift

This firming formula by L’Oréal is a well-reviewed option for those not looking to spend a lot of money.

It is made with pro-retinol A (L’Oréal trademarked name for its version of retinol), pro-lastyl (an ingredient that can firm and renew elastin fibers), and Criste marine extract (that will firm your skin and smooth wrinkles).

As well as its anti-aging benefits, it will also moisturize for 24 hours.

Check the price on Ulta.com

What causes neck skin to sag?

It is caused by a combination of your neck muscles weakening as you age, leaving your skin less supported, along with your skin losing its elasticity. Both of these factors cause the skin to sag and create the dreaded turkey effect.

Do firming creams work?

Like all beauty products, some creams may not work for you that work well for others. Since everyone’s skin is different, finding the right product may take a bit of trial and error. If you are unsure about a particular moisturizer, stick with brands you know and trust. Also, pay particular attention to ingredients (see below).

How do wrinkle creams work?

Mostly, they work by moisturizing and creating a more plumped-up appearance to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. They can also exfoliate dead cells to reveal more healthy-looking skin. Some brands use ingredients that are believed to help with the production of new collagen and elastin, helping to create a more youthful appearance. Most importantly, creams aim to improve texture and firm up the area, helping to reduce the look of a crepey neck.

What are the most effective ingredients to look for?

Retinol– Retinol is one of the best ingredients to look for if you are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity.

Peptides– Peptides can boost the growth of new cells and help plump up the skin.

Alpha-hydroxy acids– Alpha-hydroxy acids can work as a natural exfoliant to help brighten the skin and make it look smoother.

Antioxidants– Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals that can damage cells and cause your skin to age more quickly. They can also make the surface of the face appear more firm and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Stem cells-A few of the products on our list include Stem cell derivatives that are believed to stimulate collagen and elastin.

Do you have to get a cream specifically for the neck area?

Generally, anything you use on your face, you can also on your neck. However, since it does have fewer oil glands, you can use a thicker product than you would use on your face without having to worry about a breakout. By using a thicker product, you can help hydrate the skin and possibly make it more smooth and healthy-looking than with a lighter formula.

What Else Can You Do?

  • Use sunscreen to protect yourself from sun damage.
  • Pay the same attention to your neck that you do to your face (clean, tone, moisturize).
  • Make sure you keep your posture straight, and your spine stretched out to avoid horizontal lines developing.
  • Do facial exercises to help strengthen your muscles and reduce the look of wrinkles.

 Other Considerations

It is always disappointing to have high hopes for a beauty product only to discover once you have it, it isn’t right for you. Here are a few things to think about before you go shopping:

Is the product tested on animals?

Some great options specifically say they do not test on animals. Try BareMineral, NeoStrata, Gold Bond Ultimate, or Dr.Brandt.

Does this product have sunscreen?

Many neck creams don’t contain sunscreen and may have ingredients that make you more susceptible to sun sensitivity. If this is a concern, you may have to use sunscreen in addition to the cream.

How does it smell?

These days most facial moisturizers are relatively light on scent. If you are bothered by fragrance, look for unscented products (Gold Bond).

How long do you have to use it before you see results?

The time frame will vary between the different products, but you should start to see some results after using a product for at least three weeks. You can check reviews to see if other users are getting good results and what kind of time frame they see it in.

What is the texture like?

When you start to use neck creams, you may be surprised at just how thick some of them are. Since this body part has fewer oil glands than the face, you can use a thicker moisturizer without experiencing breakouts. For some people, the thickness is what they like about using a cream specially formulated for the neck. Not all products have a thick texture, but it is something to be aware of if you prefer a lighter cream.

Marie Davis
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