Skin Tightening Creams That Truly Firmed Testers' Skin (Our Fave is on Sale) (2025)

TL;DR

Our favorite skin tightening cream to promote anti-aging and offer a boost of hydration is the Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Moisturizer Youth Power Creme, a formula designed to plump the skin while providing a creamy base for other skincare and makeup products. For a more affordable option, we love the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer, which offers an instant tightening effect that only gets better over time, delivers lots of hydration, and helps plump the skin.

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Stem cell extract, hyaluronic acid, moringa extract | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This pick wowed our testers for imparting super long-lasting moisture (thanks to the hyaluronic acid in the mix), so we're crowning it our best skin tightening cream. It kept skin hydrated all day after morning application and all night long when used before bed. We love that it leaves the skin feeling deeply nourished and looking glowy and refreshed. The consistency is rich and luxurious; just make sure to give it a few minutes to fully soak into your complexion. And it’s also worth noting that this does have a light, floral scent. While we didn’t mind it, that may be slightly off-putting for some.

While one tester didn’t see a ton of improvement in laxity, she did call out that it effectively helped smooth out some wrinkles on her neck and generally left skin texture softer and smoother. Our other tester noted how well it smoothed fine lines and also applauded it for improving the texture of her skin.

Anna, tester: “Over the testing period, I found some slight improvements in the deepness of my neck wrinkles and my skin texture was overall softened. It was also a luxurious way to end my nighttime skincare routine.”

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, amino peptide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

There are lots of amazing drugstore skincare products out there, skin tightening creams included. Exhibit A: This pick, which our tester adored. The biggest pro: An immediate tightening effect that also got better over time (specifically around the eye area, according to our tester). At the same time, it delivered tons of hydration and plumped the skin. It was so effective that she specifically noted how well it stood up to its much more expensive counterparts. And as if the budget-friendly price tag wasn’t enough, a little bit also goes a long way, ensuring you get even more bang for your buck.However, while she didn’t mind the fragrance, she did note that some might find it to be too much.

Cindy, tester: “I felt an immediate tightening effect upon application. It helped me get glowing, plump, hydrated skin, and after eight weeks of use, I noticed an improvement on the lines under my eyes.”

Key Ingredients: Botanical extract, jojoba seed oil, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Our tester found this winner to be aptly named, invigorating, and refreshing her skin, all while delivering a multitude of different benefits. (Credit a botanical extract blend that helps to better oxygenate the skin’s surface.) It earned rave reviews for delivering a lovely amount of hydration without feeling greasy—and layering nicely with other skincare without pilling, too—while also brightening. But it was its plumping prowess that was particularly noteworthy, an effect that was seen right after application. After about a week of use, our tester noted some tightening as well; this just didn’t really impart a ton of lift. Still, it was such an all-around standout that she purchased another bottle before our testing period was even over.

Caitlin, tester: “This cream is like a breath of fresh air for your face. Immediately after application, I saw a plumpness that my sallow skin didn’t have before. It adds plumpness, brightness, moisture and reduces wrinkles all at the same time. It truly is a multi-tasking wonder.”

Key Ingredients: Tripeptide complex, ascorbic acid, alteromonas ferment extracts, hyaluronic acid, carnosine |Skin Type:All |Size:1.81 oz |Cruelty-Free: No

The biggest difference we noticed after testing this firming face cream from Isdin was a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. The tripeptide complex increases levels of hyaluronic acid in your skin, while the Alteromonas ferment extracts protect the skin from the harmful effects of pollution.

While using this formula, our tester's skin became softer, smoother, and more taut. The moisturizer is thick, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the face. We like that it absorbs quickly into the skin and looks great under makeup. We’re not totally convinced this pick will help achieve long-term tightness, but we think it does a great job of minimizing fine lines day-to-day, as you use it.

Jordan, tester: “The cream was thick, like Greek yogurt. It did not tingle or burn as I applied it—it made my skin dewy. It takes about five minutes to fully absorb. It definitely soaked right in.”

Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, collagen peptide, panthenol | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Even though the primary goal of a skin-tightening cream is to, well, tighten, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t still be moisturizing, especially if you have dry skin. (It is a cream, after all.) This took the cake in that department, with our tester lauding its deeply hydrating consistency. Still, despite how thick it is, it’s not in the least bit greasy or tacky and soaks in beautifully, leaving your complexion feeling comfortable and looking extra glowy. Plus, because it contains bakuchiol, an ingredient that works almost exactly like retinol, the formula helps to firm and smooth fine lines, too. Yes, please.

While not a major con, it's worth noting that the packaging feels pretty bulky for the amount of cream in the jar. But if you're looking for a super moisturizing option, we highly recommend this one.

Key Ingredients: Kurenai TruLift Complex, ReNeura technology, VP8 technology | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This pick does a fantastic job of hydrating the skin as well as improving tone and texture without irritating ingredients. It is light but super moisturizing, and it doesn’t feel greasy throughout the day. It takes about a minute to absorb and doesn’t contain any ingredients that can sometimes irritate those with sensitive skin, like retinol or artificial fragrance.

The VP8 Technology in the formula contains multiple ingredients such as tea, olive root, and angelica root extracts to help reduce and prevent signs of aging. The KURENAI-TruLift Complex contains Benibana flower to strengthen skin and make it appear a bit more lifted. We love how well it layers with other products. It’s also a great base for makeup and can be used both morning and night. If you need a hydrating formula that has a slightly tightening effect, we definitely recommend this. While it doesn’t provide long-term tightening results, it firms your skin a bit each day you use it.

Jennifer, tester: “I noticed improved tone and texture with this product. My skin felt like a baby's when I used this.”

Key Ingredients: Maxi-Youth, octapeptide-3, hexapeptide-8 | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you wear makeup often and need a moisturizer that smooths out the skin’s surface like a primer, look no further than the LAWLESS Forget the Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Moisturizer + Makeup Primer. We were impressed by how well it smoothed out the skin’s texture and prepped the face well for a makeup look that lasted all day long.

Our tester's skin felt moisturized and refreshed immediately after applying the cream—it looked smoother and softer too. It also makes skin look matte and ready to apply makeup, rather than shiny, greasy, or glowy, as many facial moisturizers do. If your skin gets oily and you prefer a mattifying moisturizer, this is a great option. That said, it wasn’t as hydrating as some of the other creams on this list. However, if you’d like a nice, matte, lightweight, yet slightly moisturizing base for under your makeup, this should do the trick.

Jackie, tester: “Although I did not notice any skin tightening effects, this cream did keep my face more matte and less oily than usual. It served as a great makeup primer. The product claim that 'makeup looks smoother and fresher all day' and I would say that's accurate.”

Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The texture is one of our favorite parts of the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream. It’s light enough to wear during the day, but rich and luxurious, too. It absorbs quickly and has a clean, fresh scent that isn’t overpowering and doesn’t linger. The ingredients—resveratrol, vegan collagen, and hyaluronic acid—offer anti-aging, smoothing, and hydrating properties, respectively. It’s a great moisturizer for every day because it’s nonirritating, layers well over and under other products, and feels luxe.

Our testers noticed more hydrated, smoother, and fresher-feeling skin after testing this one. We think we would need to test it for longer to see more significant wrinkle-reducing and skin-tightening benefits, though.

Mandy, tester: “It was extremely comfortable and absorbed immediately.The smell was light, clean, and fresh, and the product layered perfectly.”

Key Ingredients: Alguronic acid, vegan collagen, ceramides, milk thistle | Skin Type: Dry, normal, combination | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

This formula from Algenist is packed with star-studded ingredients. You will find the brand’s patented alguronic acid, an ingredient derived from algae that helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while boosting the benefits of other ingredients. You’ll also find vegan collagen to improve the skin's texture, as well as ceramides and milk thistle to protect the skin barrier and increase firmness in the skin.

Our tester's skin felt soft, moisturized, and plump after continued nightly use. It has an incredibly unique texture that feels like nothing we’ve ever tried before—it’s very thick and seems to seal in other products you’re using. Because the formula is so thick, it takes a little time to absorb into the skin. That said, it didn’t feel heavy after application, and it layered nicely over other skincare products overnight. And our tester noticed a significant decrease in skin dryness when she woke up each morning.

Key Ingredients: Hexyl-R complex, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This pick from ROC really impressed us— it worked well to depuff and tighten skin, especially for a drugstore product. Our tester said she won’t be going back to her old moisturizer—this formula is now part of her regular daily lineup. She noticed a softer and more hydrated neck and face, as well as diminished crow's feet around her eyes. We love that it also comes with SPF protection. You’ll find commonly used sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene in the formulation, which work together to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can lead to photoaging.

The cream is nice and thick, and very hydrating, too. It feels incredibly soft when you rub it into your skin and has a slight cooling effect. It fully absorbed in about 15 to 20 minutes, and didn’t leave any sort of film on the skin. We do wish there were a spatula with the cream (as there often is with skin-tightening creams). It would make the process of applying a bit more sanitary and economical since a little goes a long way with this one.

Alessandra, tester: “My skin on my face and neck feels really nice and soft and hydrated. I'm not sure if my skin looks much tighter, but it feels tighter and some of my finer lines, like my crow's feet, look softer.”

Key Ingredients: Squalane, saccharide isomerate, watermelon rind, lentil fruit, apple skin, coastal plants | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Every time our tester slathered on this pick from Summer Fridays, she noticed her skin felt much softer and smoother afterward. After using it for eight weeks, she saw a slight reduction in fine lines and redness, and had a plumping and smoothing effect. Squalane and saccharide isomerate add extra hydration to the skin, while watermelon rind, lentil fruit, and apple skin help add plumpness.

The cream is thick but absorbs easily, and once applied, it leaves a light, thin layer on the face (we didn’t love the film but felt like it acted as a sort of barrier). The product was comfortable, making our tester's face feel less itchy and dry. There isn’t really a smell to the cream, so if you are sensitive to fragrance, you will like this option. It layers well with eye gel and makeup and is great for everyday use.

Alisa, tester (not shown): “The product was comfortable and made my face feel great and not itchy. There wasn't really a smell to the cream so this worked to my advantage as I have allergies.”

FAQ

• Why should I use a skin tightening cream?

  “People might turn to skin tightening products when they start noticing sagging or a loss of firmness in their skin, which can happen as we age or after weight changes,” says McNaughton. “For many, it’s also about prevention—keeping skin looking youthful for as long as possible by boosting collagen and improving elasticity. These treatments can be a simple, everyday way to take care of your skin and stay ahead of the aging process, as well as a noninvasive option for those who want to improve the appearance of their skin without turning to procedures.”

• Do skin tightening creams work?

  While results may not always be the most dramatic, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak, M.D., FAAD, says skin-tightening creams do work. Similar to wrinkle creams, they can help slow down and improve the appearance of sagging, drooping, and laxity. Be sure to opt for a cream formulated for the specific area you’re trying to address—such as the face, neck, or arms—for best results.

• Are skin tightening creams safe?

  According to Dr. Russak, skin tightening creams are safe. Since they’re often formulated with collagen- and elastin-boosting antioxidants and peptides, they’re great for improving the overall health of your skin while targeting sagging and loose skin. However, skin tightening creams that contain retinoids may be on the harsher side, so be sure to patch test first and ease yourself into daily use if need be.

• How long do skin tightening creams take to work?

  While all results will vary, you should begin to see results from a skin tightening cream at around two to three months, if used at least once daily. “To maintain the benefits of any product, you’ll need to continue using it consistently,” says Emme Diane Burg, Arizona-based aesthetician and founder of Emme Diane Skincare. “Instead of hoping for a quick, permanent fix, I recommend thinking of it more like maintenance–you have to keep up with your routine to continue experiencing the benefits!”