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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.
As we move into our mid-30s, we typically develop signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin. And while these issues stem from an inevitable breakdown of collagen and elastin (the two proteins essential for firmer, plumper, more youthful-looking skin), we can certainly mitigate them with a good skin tightening cream. “You can apply a skin tightening cream to help firm and lift your skin, making it look smoother and more youthful,” says Katie McNaughton, a New York-based aesthetician at Skincerely Rockland Med Spa. “These products boost your skin’s elasticity, targeting areas that may sag or feel loose over time. While they might not give you the same dramatic results as treatments like lasers, microneedling, or surgery, you can see noticeable improvements with regular use.”
To find which skin-tightening creams gave us a more lifted look, we conducted over 1000 hours of testing on 30 of the highest-rated skin-tightening creams to find the ones worthy of a spot in your routine. We used them for eight weeks, taking note of the skin’s appearance during and after testing and the formulas’ consistency. We also took before-and-after photos to show the contrast they made after use. Read on to discover the ones that truly made a difference.
Our Top Picks
Keeps skin hydrated for hours
Works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Layers well with makeup
Some don’t love the floral scent
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). 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.
![A person before and after using Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Moisturizer Youth Power Creme]()
PHOTO: Byrdie ![A before and after photo showing the effects of Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Moisturizer Youth Power Creme]()
PHOTO: Byrdie / Ciara McCune
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.”
Best Budget
Olay Cream Face Moisturizer
Affordable and accessible
Offers an immediate tightening effect
A little bit goes a long way
Fragrance may be overpowering to some
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 found it to be too much.
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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.”
Best Plumping
Dermalogica Phyto Nature Oxygen Cream
Effectively plumps skin while also moisturizing and brightening
Pump top makes for very easy application
Comfortable texture and layers well with other products
Not the most effective for sagging skin
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.
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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.”
Best for Fine Lines
Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Firming and Rejuvenating Cream
Targeted fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
Softer and smoother skin
Absorbs quickly into the skin
More subtle results
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 pick 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.
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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.”
Most Moisturizing
Dr. Jart+ Prejuvenation Firming Bakuchiol Cream
Extremely moisturizing but not greasy and leaves skin glowy
Has firming effects
Absorbs nicely
Packaging is a bit bulky
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.
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Best for Sensitive Skin
Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream Enriched
Free of irritating ingredients
Very lightweight
Layers well with other products
Not cruelty-free
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.
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Jennifer, tester: “I noticed improved tone and texture with this product. My skin felt like a baby's when I used this.”
Best Under Makeup
Lawless Skin-Plumping Perfecting Cream
Prepped our face well for makeup application
Skin appeared smoother and softer after first use
Makes your skin look matte and not greasy
Not as hydrating as other options
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.
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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.”
Best for Daytime
Caudalie Resveratrol Firming Moisturizer
Texture is light yet creamy and luxurious
Absorbs into the skin quickly
Hydrates and smooths the skin with hyaluronic acid
Takes continued use to see results
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 tested 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.
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Mandy, tester: “It was extremely comfortable and absorbed immediately. The smell was light, clean, and fresh, and the product layered perfectly.”
What to Look for When Buying Skin Tightening Creams
A good skin tightening cream will leave your skin firmer—and more fabulous—than you found it. To determine which skin tightening cream is best for you, we suggest considering the following factors.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamins C, B3 (niacinamide), and vitamin E can help boost collagen production, a key factor when it comes to scoring firmer, tauter skin.
- Retinoids: The powerhouse skincare ingredient can do no wrong. Just as vitamin A's collagen-enhancing benefits are great for warding off wrinkles, retinoids are also great for making skin firmer and less saggy.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Hydration adds more moisture to the skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, ceramides, and squalane to help add hydration into the skin.
- Peptides: Peptides are a useful ingredient in skin-tightening creams because they work to firm skin slowly. Peptides can also boost hydration and smooth the appearance of wrinkles.
How We Tested Skin Tightening Creams
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We started our testing process by gathering 30 of the top skin tightening creams. Our testers (who had a variety of skin types and textures) used each product for eight weeks, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or at least once daily. They weighed in on effectiveness, first and foremost, noting how noticeable the tightening effects were and how long it took to see results. They also took before and after photos of themselves and commented on other important attributes, including consistency (how easy the product was to apply and how it felt on skin) as well as wear and hydration levels. All of these insights were assessed and accounted for in order to come up with this final list of the eight best skin tightening creams.
Meet Our Experts
We consulted with the following experts for additional insight:
- Katie McNaughton is a New York-based aesthetician at Skincerely Rockland Med Spa in West Nyack, New York.
- Dr. Julie Russak, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Russak Dermatology Clinic in New York City, New York.
- Emme Diane Burg is an Arizona-based aesthetician and the founder of Emme Diane Skincare.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. A skincare enthusiast, she became all about skin-tightening creams when she learned that you start to lose elastin in your skin at a rapid rate after the age of 25. For the piece, she consulted skincare experts and reviewed findings from over 1000 hours of product testing conducted to evaluate effectiveness, tightening effects, length of time to see noticeable results, consistency, wear, and hydration levels to compile the list of our top picks.
