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Collagen and elastin are two of the biggest players in achieving healthy-looking skin. They are among the most abundant proteins in the body responsible for strengthening, stretching, and supporting the skin structure. These substances are why skin looks plump, youthful, and healthy when you're younger. Think of collagen as the scaffolding that gives structure to our skin; elastin fibers are like rubber bands wrapped among the scaffolding to help the skin stretch and then snap back quickly.
Our Top Picks
1
Best Lifting
Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream
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2
Best for Neck
Skinceuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair
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3
Best for Face
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Face Tightener
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4
Best for Brightening
StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream
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5
Best for Stimulating Collagen
SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion
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6
Best for Legs
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
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7
Best Luxury Face Cream
Babor HSR Lifting Anti Wrinkle Cream
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8
9
Best for Chest
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck Chest SPF 25
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10
Best for Mature Skin
QMS Medicosmetics Firming Collagen Body Lotion
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Studies have found that collagen production peaks when you're between 24 and 35 years old; after that, you lose about 1 percent of collagen per year, resulting in loose skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. But a healthy lifestyle can help slow down collagen loss: Apply SPF every day, don't smoke, eat a balanced, plant-rich diet, prioritize sleep and stress management—and follow a consistent skincare routine that includes a product that contains ingredients to improve elasticity and collagen production, says Roberta Del Campo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. These formulas help firm, tighten, and smooth the skin. To be clear, tightening creams won't get rid of loose skin, but they can help. They also help prevent further laxity.
Keep reading to learn more about skin-tightening creams, including how they work, what to look for when shopping for them, and the best options to try.
What ingredients should I look for in skin-tightening creams?
The goal of skin-tightening creams is to increase collagen and elastin production, says Howard Sobel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin. One of his favorite ingredients for firming and tightening the skin is retinol, which he says is the "gold standard in skincare" for its ability to increase collagen production.
Another word to to keep an eye out for is peptides; these proteins are the building blocks of collagen and elastin, says Del Campo. "Peptides are tried-and-true ingredients that increase elastin production in particular." Antioxidants, niacinamide, and growth factors are also beneficial in firming and tightening the skin, says Naana Boakye, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bergen Dermatology.
Do skin-tightening creams actually work?
Yes, skin-tightening creams are effective, but they aren't permanent. "Ideally, you want to start using one before there is a significant loss of skin elasticity," Sobel says. "It can help slow down laxity but won't eliminate it." Apply a cream daily and know that it takes about eight weeks to see an increase of collagen production. And remember that lifestyle plays a large role in how your skin ages, says Boakye: "As long as the individual doesn't smoke, obtain an excessive amount of sun, or have a diet rich in sugars and processed foods, then these creams are beneficial."
1
Best Lifting
Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream
1
Best Lifting
Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream
Pros
- Contouring
Cons
- Some buyers say it takes a while to see a difference
Peptides are one of the best anti-aging ingredients because they are the building blocks of collagen and elastin proteins, which promote a smoother, plump, and healthy-looking complexion. This daily cream also helps to firm and contour the face for a more lifted appearance.
2
Best for Neck
Skinceuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair
2
Best for Neck
Skinceuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair
Pros
- Clinically proven results
- Firming
Cons
- It's a splurge
The skin on your neck is thinner than other parts of the body, which is why it's usually one of the first areas to experience signs of aging. Keep the skin below your chin protected with this retinol-based cream that improves the look of sagging, crepiness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
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3
Best for Face
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Face Tightener
3
Best for Face
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Face Tightener
Pros
- Quickly firms skin
- Lightweight
Cons
- Temporary results
This cream recently went viral on TikTok for its ability to transform and tighten loose skin in minutes. It's made with Firm-A-Tite, which is a proprietary blend of skin-tightening ingredients that provide an almost instant firming effect.
4
Best for Brightening
StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream
4
Best for Brightening
StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream
Pros
- Evens out skin tone
- Reduces look of crepey skin
Cons
- Some buyers don't like the scent
Whether your concerns are focused on your arms, legs, or anywhere in between, this body moisturizer is packed with peptides to lift and restore the look of crepey skin. The formula also includes turmeric powder to brighten and even out the skin tone.
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5
Best for Stimulating Collagen
SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion
5
Best for Stimulating Collagen
SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion
Pros
- Stimulates collagen production
Cons
- It's a splurge
This special blend of peptides, shiitake mushroom, lemon balm, and green microalgae extracts work together to stimulate collagen production, which can help offer a more toned, smooth, and tighter appearance.
6
Best for Legs
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
6
Best for Legs
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Buttery texture
Cons
- If you don't like strong smells, you may not like the sweet-floral scent
This nourishing body cream is made with guaraná, a caffeine-rich plant native to Brazil, cupuaçu butter, and açaí oil to visibly improve skin elasticity and tighten the appearance of loose skin over time.
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7
Best Luxury Face Cream
Babor HSR Lifting Anti Wrinkle Cream
7
Best Luxury Face Cream
Babor HSR Lifting Anti Wrinkle Cream
Pros
- Rich texture
- Reduces look of wrinkles and fine lines
- Promotes even skin tone
Cons
- It's a splurge
The rich creamy texture contains antioxidants, vitamin E, panthenol, essential lipids, and white lupin extract to visibly soften the look of creasing around the nose, eyes, mouth, and facial contours.
Pros
- Lifting
- Restores hydration and skin barrier
- Firming
Cons
- It's a splurge
While it's definitely a splurge, the results are worth it. The formula is packed with skin-benefiting ingredients, like peptides, antioxidants, botanical extracts, prebiotics, caffeine, and glucosamine, which all work together to reduce skin-aging concerns in the body.
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9
Best for Chest
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck Chest SPF 25
9
Best for Chest
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck Chest SPF 25
Pros
- Protects against sun damage
Cons
- Pricey
Packed with peptides, this nourishing cream works by helping to reverse sagging on the neck and chest. It also protects against sun damage and other environmental aggressors thanks to the addition of vitamin C.
10
Best for Mature Skin
QMS Medicosmetics Firming Collagen Body Lotion
10
Best for Mature Skin
QMS Medicosmetics Firming Collagen Body Lotion
Pros
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Pricey
The combination of murumuru butter, marula oil, and shea butter nourishes the skin, while the firming complex helps strengthen and tighten the skin long-term.
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11
Best for Fine Lines
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
11
Best for Fine Lines
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Pros
- Affordable
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Some customers find it takes a bit to dry
Dryness can exacerbate the look of loose skin and fine lines. Luckily, this sculpting cream not only firms the skin but hydrates and strengthens the skin's moisture barrier for a plump, bouncy, and youthful-looking complexion.
12
Best for Sensitive SKin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream
12
Best for Sensitive SKin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Calming
Cons
- Might be too rich for oily skin types
If you have very dry or sensitive skin, this soothing formula is packed with healing ingredients. Collodial oatmeal calms, niacinamide restores skin tone, and sodium hyaluronate helps smooth the look of fine lines.
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13
Best Budget-Friendly
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream with Q10
13
Best Budget-Friendly
Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream with Q10
Pros
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly into skin
Cons
- Some customers don't like the scent
Achieving tighter skin doesn't have to break the bank. Case in point? This lightweight gel cream that's available for 15 bucks and has been proven to offer results in just two weeks.
14
Best for Eye
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment
14
Best for Eye
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment
Pros
- Firming
- Brightening
Cons
- Pricey
Get rid of two concerns with one formula thanks to this eye cream made with three forms of vitamin C to combat dark under-eye circles and promote healthy collagen production. It also combines lactic acid for a boost of hydration and gentle exfoliation, and tranexamic acid to help even out the skin's tone.
Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok