13 Skin Tightening Creams That Actually Firm Your Face

Tighten your skin while you sleep with this peptide cream. It achieved one of the highest firming scores ever in GH Beauty Lab tests, increasing skin firmness by 39% in four weeks, as measured by the Cutometer, a device that gauges skin laxity.

The night cream also excelled in hydration, boosting skin moisture by an impressive 46% over six hours, as measured by the Corneometer, a device that measures skim hydration levels. Additionally, it reduced dark spots by 12% in four weeks, according to Visia Complexion Analyzer imaging.

Testers Say: While some testers found the scent "heavy" and the texture "thick," others praised the formula as "rich" and "luxurious." Two testers noted, "I especially noticed firmer skin," and "My skin looked tighter and firmer."

This GH Beauty Lab night cream test winner from Olay offers incredible value, boosting skin firmness by 27% in four weeks, as measured by the Lab's Cutometer. It also excelled in lifting, brightening and softening skin, thanks to potent anti-aging ingredients like retinol, niacinamide and peptides.

Testers Say: 100% of testers agreed it made their skin feel softer. One tester noted, "My face was firmer and smoother when I woke up each morning," while another said, "I loved this night cream because I think it's working to brighten my complexion and firm my skin." However, one reviewer mentioned it left a residue, so be sure to rub it in fully.

RELATED: The Best Night Creams for All Skin Types

Skin-tightening products aren't limited to thick creams. Case in point: This Murad serum is lightweight yet high-performance. The retinol formula increased skin’s firmness by 24% after four weeks of use in calculations with the Cutometer, which was one of the highest measurements in our test of anti-aging serums. (Note that it didn't rank as well at smoothing lines.) The serum also reduced the look of pores by 5% in imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer.

Testers Say: They gave it top marks for its "non-greasy" texture, fast absorption, pleasant scent and making skin feel softer. "My skin definitely felt firmer and I thought looked less aged," a tester reported. "One of the best products I have tried in a while!"

RELATED: The Best Anti-Aging Serums

Loaded with a combination of ceramides and fatty acids, Algenist's rich balm was top at firming and evening out skin tone over four weeks of use in GH Beauty Lab night cream testing. Cutometer calculations showed that it upped skin elasticity and firmness by 33% over four weeks, and hydration increased by 28% in six hours in Corneometer readings. If you have combination or oily skin, take note: The thick formula may be too heavy for you.

Tester Says: “I was amazed that after only two to three nights I could really tell a difference in my skin," one tester said "It was more firm and moist 24/7.”

RELATED: The Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Jeanine Downie, M.D., a dermatologist and director at Image Dermatology P.C. in Montclair, New Jersey, loves that this formula contains ingredients that can support collagen and elastin production including peptides, shiitake mushroom, lemon balm and green microalgae extracts. "All of these ingredients work synergistically to help skin appear tighter and more toned," she says. In addition to tightening and firming, this body lotion claims to help with uneven skin texture.

Reviewers Say: Many online reviewers agree that while it's pricey, it's worth every penny. "I'm on my second bottle, and this lotion works better than anything else I've tried," says one Dermstore user. "It's expensive, but worth it!"

Lightweight, fast-absorbing, with a pleasant scent and effective formula? Absolutely. This drugstore serum from No7 won the GH Beauty Lab's neck cream test, firming skin faster and more effectively than its competitors. High-resolution before-and-after images revealed the most significant improvement in tightening and lifting neck skin after 12 weeks of use. It features a powerful blend of collagen-boosting retinoids and peptides.

Testers Say: "This made my neck more firm," one tester noted, while another observed the same effect on her jawline. However, a heads-up for those with sensitive skin: a few users reported inflammation and irritation.

RELATED: The Best Neck Firming Creams

Another favorite of Dr. Downie's, Alastin's body treatment utilizes the brand's proprietary TriHex technology, which contains a blend of peptides and botanicals to help support the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin. Dill extract is also included to help improve skin's texture. While it is quite a splurge, the product is designed to either be used solo or alongside in-office body treatments to help boost their efficacy.

According to the brand's clinical testing, there was a 63% reduction in crepeiness when used as a daily skincare treatment for eight weeks and a 59% increase in elasticity after 12 weeks of daily use.

Reviewer Says: "I use this product on the upper inner part of my arms and thighs and have seen results after just one application," one user marveled. "I was amazed to see the wrinkly skin become smoother by more than 50% after just one use!"

Say goodbye to sagging with this powerful SkinMedica serum. Dr. Downie highly recommends its formula, which includes a growth factor, peptides, botanicals and marine extracts "to tighten, lift and reduce sagging." It's also colorless and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

A clinical study that the brand conducted over 24 weeks revealed visible results in just two weeks, with progressive improvements measured over 24 weeks. But there are two drawbacks to keep in mind: the high price and the fact that some online reviewers said they had difficulty with the dual-sided dispenser.

Reviewer Says: "This is by far the best cream I’ve used," shared one Dermstore reviewer. "Instantly tightens my skin and gives me a smooth appearance!"

This luxurious cream from Fresh, designed for both face and neck, was a standout in the GH Beauty Lab’s neck cream test. It excelled in making the neck appear lifted and visibly smoothing lines in before-and-after photos after 12 weeks of use.

Testers praised the formula, which includes botanical extracts and moisturizing hyaluronic acid, for its ability to make skin look and feel hydrated. That said, while many users appreciate the rich, creamy texture, some found it too thick for daytime use.

Testers Say: "I use it on both my face and neck and have definitely noticed a difference after a few months," says GH Institute Product Analyst Grace Wu. "My skin looks and feels firm and bouncy after applying this moisturizer."

RELATED: The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

If your skin is sensitive or dry, Philosophy's nourishing formula — with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane — might be ideal for you. GH Beauty Lab testing showed it increased hydration by 34% over six hours and improved firmness by 29% in four weeks. While it is a top moisturizer, due to its rich texture, it may take a little time to fully absorb into the skin.

Testers Say: Users praised its smooth texture, subtle scent and firming effects. It's also gentle enough for sensitive skin, with nearly all testers reporting no irritation or redness. "It’s super smooth and feels really luxurious," one tester noted.

A GH Beauty Award winner, Skinbetter's AlphaRet Overnight Cream lives up to its claims, providing the benefits of retinol without the usual irritation — no dryness, redness or flaking. In GH Beauty Lab tests, it increased skin firmness by 28% in four weeks, according to Cutometer measurements (though it was less moisturizing than other options).

Testers Say: "The cream improved my skin texture and added bounce back into my cheeks," said one GH Institute scientist. "My skin looks tighter and brighter, and I experienced no irritation." Another staffer agreed: "Not only it is well-tolerated, but I got a smoothing and softening effect right after one treatment."

RELATED: The Best Retinol Creams

A Good Housekeeping Beauty Award winner for good reason: Shiseido's multi-tasking eye cream scored highest in Lab testing for making skin look and feel firmer and more hydrated and reducing the appearance of undereye wrinkles, crow’s feet and dark circles. The potent formula contains vitamin C and botanical extracts and also received perfect scores for not stinging or causing redness around eyes, which can happen easily in this delicate area. Testers liked that it absorbs quickly and is easy to apply, though they wished the directions were more detailed and expanded on how to use the spatula and apply onto lips.

Testers Say: "I felt like when using it, it was like Botox in a jar," one shared, while another felt that "regular use made the skin around my eyes feel firmer and more moisturized when I woke up every morning."

A triple threat, Matter of Fact's lightweight concentrate combines all-star anti-aging retinol with brightening vitamin C and clarifying azelaic acid. Think luminosity and tightening at its finest. Testers gave the serum the highest ratings for making skin appear visibly firmer and more radiant after four weeks of use, in addition to minimizing the look of wrinkles.

Users reported noticeable effects, including “brightened skin tone,” “faded dark spots,” “smaller and clearer pores” and “reduced fine lines.” The one drawback: testers didn't love the medicinal or metallic scent (which comes straight from the ingredients, as it is a fragrance-free formula.)

Tester Says: "It's very smooth and it makes the skin feel tighter and more supple," shared one tester. "It's also very moisturizing; I don't need a moisturizer on top of the serum."