Your neck and chest tell the truth about time. I tested StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus to see whether it truly firms and smooths or just makes nice promises. Here is what to expect, how to use it, and whether it is worth the price.
The neck is often the first place to show crepiness, horizontal “tech neck” lines, and loss of definition along the jaw. StriVectin’s TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus is a longtime bestseller with a devoted following. It promises a lifted look, smoother skin, and better elasticity on the neck and chest. After weeks of daily use, this review breaks down how it performs in real life, who will see the biggest payoff, and where expectations should land.
Overview
StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus is a rich, specialized cream designed for the neck and décolletage. It features the brand’s signature NIA-114, a patented form of niacin that helps strengthen the moisture barrier and improve skin resilience. The Plus formula also includes peptides for firmness, hyaluronic acid for plumping, and barrier-supporting lipids to cushion crepey skin. The goal is to visibly tighten, lift, and smooth the look of horizontal lines and slackness without irritation.
Texture-wise, it sits between a dense cream and a balm. It spreads easily, sets to a soft satin finish, and does not feel sticky under clothing. The scent is light and cosmetic. The product typically comes in a jar in multiple sizes, which makes it easy to scoop and massage over a large area, though jar packaging does mean repeated exposure to air and light.
Brand claims highlight immediate hydration, a more lifted look over 4 to 8 weeks, and a reduction in crepiness and neck lines. In my testing and in the context of what topical skincare can realistically do, the most reliable benefits are smoother texture, better bounce, and a subtle tightening effect with consistent use. Deep banding or significant laxity will not be erased by any cream, including this one, but the right formula can make the area look fresher, more even, and better supported.
Who it’s for
This is a good match if your main concerns include:
- Mild to moderate laxity along the jawline and neck, especially early “tech neck” lines.
- Crepiness and dryness on the neck and chest that make skin look deflated under V-neck tops.
- A preference for a richer, cushier texture that still layers well with sunscreen and makeup.
You may want to skip it if you are very sensitive to fragrance, strongly acne-prone on the neck, or hoping for a dramatic lift. Those with advanced laxity from significant weight loss or aging will likely see only subtle improvement from any topical and may prefer to combine skincare with in-office treatments for a bigger change.
How it feels and performs
The first thing you notice is the feel. The cream has a dense, velvety glide, almost like a whipped butter that melts as you massage. It spreads evenly without tugging delicate skin and sinks in after a minute or two, leaving a smooth, non-greasy finish. That satin finish is helpful under clothing collars or jewelry since it does not transfer or pill once set. The fragrance is light, and I did not detect a lingering scent after a few minutes.
Immediate results center on hydration and improved texture. The skin looks more supple right away, which softens the appearance of fine, crepey lines. Within the first week, the area typically looks better moisturized throughout the day, with less of that papery quality that can catch light in photos. If you tend to see horizontal rings from screen time, you should notice they look less etched when the skin stays well hydrated.
At the 4-week mark, the cumulative benefits are more apparent. The neck and chest look smoother and a touch more bouncy, and the border of the jaw can look slightly more defined, especially in people who started with mild laxity. The firming effect is subtle, not dramatic, and it relies on consistent use twice a day. By 8 weeks, results tend to plateau at a natural-looking improvement in texture, elasticity, and overall tone. Lines are softer and the skin looks better supported, but deep bands are still visible, which is expected for a topical product.
Sensitivity was minimal. Some users who are new to niacin-based ingredients may feel a warm tingle on the first few uses. That usually settles within minutes and fades with continued use. I did not experience redness or stinging, and makeup and sunscreen layered well on top without pilling when I allowed the cream to set for 60 to 90 seconds before applying anything else.
Compared with a standard face moisturizer used on the neck, the main differences here are texture and payoff. The richer, slightly occlusive feel helps smooth crepiness better than most face creams, and the peptide and NIA-114 combination seems to give a small but noticeable boost in elasticity over time. If you already use a high-quality face moisturizer with niacinamide and peptides, you can approximate some of these benefits, but the plush texture and subtle firming are why people return to this specific neck formula.
How to use for best results
Consistency and technique matter with neck creams. Use it morning and night and give the product time to work.
- Cleanse and apply your serum steps first. If you use vitamin C in the morning or retinol at night, apply those thin layers before the neck cream.
- Use a nickel-size amount for the neck and upper chest. Warm it between your fingertips.
- Apply in upward, sweeping motions from the chest to the base of the jaw. Include the sides of the neck and just under the jawline where skin can look slack.
- For tech neck lines, gently press the cream into each horizontal line, then smooth it across the area.
- Add a simple massage for 30 seconds. Cup your hand under the jaw and sweep from the center to the ear. Repeat on both sides. Then, with flat fingers, glide upward along the front of the neck to encourage a lifted look.
- Let it set for about a minute before clothing, SPF, or makeup.
Pairing tips:
- Morning: layer a broad-spectrum sunscreen on top and reapply during outdoor time. Sun protection is what helps preserve any firming you gain from skincare.
- Night: if you use a retinol or gentle retinoid on the neck, apply that first, wait a minute, then follow with this cream to cushion and reduce dryness.
- Exfoliation: a mild chemical exfoliant once or twice weekly can help the cream penetrate better and smooth texture. Avoid over-exfoliation, which can make the neck itchy or flaky.
- Sensitivity: if you flush easily, start once daily for a week, then increase to twice daily as tolerated.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Comforting, plush texture that immediately softens crepiness; subtle but real improvement in bounce and smoothness over 4 to 8 weeks; peptides and NIA-114 support the barrier so the area stays hydrated longer; layers well with sunscreen and makeup; available in multiple sizes.
- Cons: Pricey compared with using a face moisturizer on the neck; contains fragrance that may not suit very sensitive skin; jar packaging exposes the formula to air with repeated use; firming is modest and will not replace in-office tightening for advanced laxity; may feel too rich for oily or acne-prone necks.
Final verdict
StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus earns its loyal following by doing the quiet work of smoothing, hydrating, and subtly tightening the skin on the neck and chest. The texture is the standout. It cushions crepey skin without greasiness and creates a more polished look under blouses and jewelry. With steady use, most people with mild to moderate concern will see softer lines and a touch more definition at the jaw. If you are expecting a dramatic lift, you will be disappointed, but if you want the neck and décolleté to look fresher and better supported, this delivers.
Is it worth it? If you prefer a dedicated neck formula and like a richer feel, yes. If you are on a tight budget and already use a well-formulated face moisturizer with niacinamide and peptides, you can come close to these results, though the texture here makes day-to-day smoothing easier. Either way, daily sunscreen on the neck and chest is non-negotiable if you want to maintain any gains.
See also
If loose skin is your bigger concern after body changes, you will find step-by-step strategies in A Friendly Guide to Tightening Loose Skin After Weight Loss. For signs of age on the hands and chest that can give away progress on the neck, explore our picks in Best Anti-Aging Cream for Hands: Protect, Smooth, Brighten and targeted fading advice in Best Dark Spot Treatments for Hands, Chest, and Neck.
To keep results from any neck cream, you need sun protection that you will actually reapply; see our practical recommendations in Best SPF for Hands, Chest, and Neck You’ll Actually Reapply. If you are comparing night creams that complement a neck routine, our take on a popular option is here: Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream Review.
FAQ
Will StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus fix a turkey neck?
No topical cream can replicate the effects of surgical or device-based tightening for significant laxity. This formula can smooth crepiness, soften horizontal lines, and give a subtle, more supported look with steady use. If the skin hangs notably when you tilt your head or you see pronounced banding, it can still help the surface look better, but a dramatic lift would require in-office treatments.
How long does it take to see results, and do they last if I stop?
You should see better hydration and a smoother look right away. Subtle firming and improved elasticity typically appear within 4 to 8 weeks. Like most skincare, results are maintenance dependent. If you stop, the skin gradually returns to baseline over several weeks as hydration and barrier benefits fade.
Can I use this neck cream with retinol or acids on my neck?
Yes. Apply your retinol or gentle chemical exfoliant first, allow it to absorb for about a minute, then apply the neck cream to cushion and reduce dryness. Start slowly if you are new to these actives, and avoid layering multiple strong exfoliants on the same night to prevent irritation.
Is it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?
The formula is generally well tolerated, but it does contain fragrance and the NIA-114 complex that can cause a brief warm sensation for some users. If you have very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin, patch test on a small area for several days and start with once-daily use before increasing to twice daily.
Is this better than just using my regular face moisturizer on my neck?
A good face moisturizer with niacinamide and peptides can certainly help the neck. The advantage of this product is the plush texture and targeted firming blend that tends to smooth crepiness more effectively and stay comfortable all day. If your budget allows and you want a dedicated step for the neck and chest, you will likely notice a refinement in texture and a modest boost in elasticity compared with a basic face cream.
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