Can Skincare Products Actually Firm Your Face? Here's the Truth (2024)

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.

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.

Bonus: 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 reduced the look of pores by 5% in imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer. Testers 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.

“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.” If you have combination or oily skin, take note: The thick formula may be too heavy for you.

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 proven ingredients for collagen and elastin production including peptides, sh*take 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. 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. "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. "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.

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.

GH staffers are fans of this product as well. "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.

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. However, due to its rich texture, it may take a little time to fully absorb into the skin.

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).

"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

The GH Beauty Lab has a long history of testing anti-aging face and body treatments with skin-tightening claims, including serums, neck creams and night creams.

In the Lab's most recent night cream test, changes in skin firmness, hydration, and improvements in texture, tone and wrinkles were evaluated using the Cutometer, Corneometer and Visia devices, respectively.

When choosing skin-tightening creams, both ingredients and technology matter.

"Skin tightening products for the face tend to focus on building collagen and elastin and decreasing photo damage, and often uses retinoids and peptides to do so," says Jeanine Downie, M.D., a dermatologist and director at Image Dermatology P.C. in Montclair, New Jersey. For the body, Dr. Downie recommends looking for similar ingredients as those in face creams, including peptides, vitamin A derivatives (like retinol) and caffeine.

Here's what to look for when shopping for skin-tightening products:

✔️ Collagen stimulation/production. "Ingredients like vitamin A and peptides help promote collagen production and provide structure to the skin," says Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. "Retinol is the most potent ingredient that helps build collagen and elastin, which leads to tighter, smoother skin."

✔️ Fortifying skin's barrier function. "Ceramides, niacinamide and fatty acids can improve and strengthen skin's defense and help repair damage," she says.

✔️ Exfoliation. Certain ingredients, like AHAs, remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

✔️ Moisturization. Nourishing skin can improve skin's elasticity and suppleness, making it appear plumper and firmer. Humectants that hold and bond to water molecules are often used, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and sodium PCA.

✔️ Temporary tightening. Caffeine or botanical extracts can temporarily tense skin by constricting blood flow and boosting circulation.

Both Wizemann and Dr. Downie agree that you should always look for products that have been clinically tested and backed by scientific studies. Consider consulting a dermatologist or skincare professional if you are unsure which product is safe and specifically right for you.

Topical skincare products can work to firm skin, but they take time and may not produce dramatic results.

“Many studies show that these ingredients can increase collagen production or decrease collagen breakdown,” Dr. Turegano explains, “but you need to use them consistently for months to see an effect, and they aren’t going to perform miracles or give you a facelift.”

Decades of GH Beauty Lab testing has confirmed that some leave-on skincare treatments can help firm skin over time, says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. “We have measured up to about a 40% improvement in facial skin elasticity with the Cutometer machine after four weeks of use of formulas like night creams,” she notes.

Dr. Downie recommends applying skin-tightening creams twice daily for the best results. "To maximize the benefits, it's also crucial to prevent sun damage, which accelerates skin aging and laxity," she advises. She emphasizes the importance of using

sunscreen on your face and all exposed areas of your body every day for optimal protection.

While certain skin tightening creams can have a firming effect when used consistently, dermatologists offer noninvasive skin-firming and -tightening procedures that can have effects that are more pronounced and lasting.

But because most of the treatments involve triggering skin collagen production, the bulk of the benefits aren’t immediate: “Most people start to see initial improvements in skin firmness and tightness within two to three months after treatment, continuing for up to six months as collagen production increases,” Dr. Turegano says

GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann conducted extensive research for this article, and helped review our top picks. With over a decade at Good Housekeeping, she has researched, tested and evaluated thousands of skincare products. GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek conducted our most recent neck treatment and night cream tests.

GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price researched and wrote the original version of this story, reporting on Beauty Lab testing data. GH Beauty Director April Franzino most recently updated this guide with newly tested products and insights from Beauty Lab scientists and dermatologists.