The 5 Best Firming Creams to Buy in 2024
What You Need to Know
Shopping for a good skin-firming cream isn’t easy, we know. There are literally thousands of choices out there. So how do you know which one to buy? First, you need to know what to look for in a good cream.
Each cream should be nutrient-rich, so it nourishes your skin while firming and toning. But every company has a different idea of what that means. There is a dizzying array of active ingredients, from collagen to elastane to jojoba, shea butter, oat sugars, and wheat protein. What you choose is ultimately up to you, but here are some guidelines:
Moisturizer
If what you’re eyeing has “moisturizer” on the bottle, that’s a pretty good indication that it will help with some of your skin woes. Dry skin is a killer, particularly in drier climes and especially during winter. A good firming cream will have that aspect as one of its main benefits. Hydrated skin is happy skin.
Reduces Cellulite
That’s another thing you should look for. Dimpling is a problem, and one you might be trying to solve. A good skin-firming cream that makes that promise can help.
Dermatologist Approved
This means your skin-firming cream was reviewed by a dermatologist, a specialist in skin, hair, and nails. Since dermatologists are medically certified, if 9 out of 10 dermatologists recommend it, that’s worth listening to.
Other Things You Might Take Into Consideration
Cruelty-Free
If you’re an animal-lover, you might want to stick to products with this label. It guarantees your skin-firming cream wasn’t tested on animals. It sometimes goes hand-in-hand with more natural ingredients too.
Free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Petrolatum, and Mineral Oil
This is another thing you’ll notice some products containing. Sulfates are a foaming agent, and can be a skin irritant. Parabens have been linked to cancer. Pthalates are associated with reproductive concerns and have been banned in the EU. If you’re concerned about your health, you might not want these in your skin-firming cream.
The follow are our top ten skin firming creams currently available.
1.L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler
Overview
This doubles as a face moisturizer and an anti-aging cream, reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles and filling in deeper ones. It also goes on creamy, and leaves your face feeling fresh. It moisturizes the skin excellently and it’s also contains collagen to fill in those wrinkles and make you feel younger. It provides a smooth, plump finish to your skin which helps you recapture its former glory.
When to Use
This cream can be used any time of day. Twice daily is recommended by the manufacturer.
How Does It Smell?
It has a pleasant fragrance of primarily shea butter. It isn’t overpowering at all but it’s a pleasure to use.
Is It Harsh on Skin?
Not at all. It’s formulated to be gentle on the skin so if you have sensitive skin you shouldn’t have an issue using this cream.
Pros
- Restores moisture, not harsh on skin
- Gives the appearance of smoother, plumper skin
Cons
- May not be for oily skin
- The cream can be a little thick.
2.Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
Overview
This firming cream was developed in conjunction with dermatologists. First, it improves the appearance of tired-looking skin. It also helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Not only that, but it aids the skin in retaining moisture.
When to Use
Apply this to your skin at night and wake up with fresh-feeling, glowing skin
How Does It Smell?
It doesn’t have a fragrance. If you’re someone who likes your beauty products to smell nice as you use them, this unfortunately doesn’t deliver. Many will enjoy the neutral smell however.
Is It Harsh on Skin?
It is specially formulated to be gentle on your skin. Whether you have sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin or normal skin, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t dry out your skin like harsher cleansers either.
Pros
- It can soothe very dry skin, especially in winter.
- Glides on smoothly and the skin absorbs it well.
- Thick without feeling heavy on the skin.
Cons
- If you apply it too close to your eyes, it might sting or burn.
- It doesn’t completely wear off overnight, so you can feel it on your skin when you wake up.
3.Radha Beauty Retinol Miracle Moisturizer
Overview
Although expensive, this is a superb cream. It’s another retinol-based skin-firming cream. But it doesn’t stop there – it also has vitamin E, organic aloe vera, green tea, jojoba oil, and shea butter, all substances known to make your skin happy. Not only that, it’s gentle enough to use as an eye-cream as well. And we know things like green tea and aloe vera are miracle workers all on their own. It can even get rid of older scars. Combined with everything else? Satisfaction in a jar.
When to Use
Day or night. If you use it in the daytime, you might want to pair it with sunscreen because it makes your skin more sun-sensitive.
How Does It Smell?
It’s fragrance-free so it’s good for those who like neutral smelling products.
Is It Harsh on Skin?
As it is a moisturizer, it’s not harsh at all. If you have sensitive skin it can help it feel soothed.
Pros
- Formulated with retinol, green tea and aloe vera, great products all on their own.
- Cruelty-free.
- Moisturizing.
- No alcohol, sulfates, PABAs, or parabens.
Cons
- Slightly less effective than other creams on the list.
4.Brickell Men’s Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream
Overview
We wanted to include a skin firming cream targeted at men on this list. It’s also one of the more expensive options, coming in at more than twice the average price of a firming cream. But there’s a reason for the price. It boasts natural & certified organic ingredients, including aloe, DMAE, MSM, and green tea. DMAE is an organic compound that gives your skin firmness, tone and lift, not to mention elasticity and luminosity. MSM is another organic compound which is noted for its pain relief qualities. It also contributes towards healthier skin. For an all-natural solution, this is the cream for you. It has powerful, all-natural ingredients to help fight the appearance of aging.
When to Use
Best used at night, when your skin dries out the most.
How Does It Smell?
It comes in two varieties; one is odorless, the other has a minty smell.
Is It Harsh on Skin?
It has a mousse-like texture and is easily absorbed by your skin. It doesn’t dry out skin even with twice-daily usage.
Pros
- Organic ingredients, including powerful compounds.
- All-natural
Cons
- Might be a bit pricey for some.
5.Olay Total Effects 7-in-One Night Firming Cream
Another budget-conscious item for those not looking to spend a fortune. Olay has a fairly comprehensive skin care line, and this is one of their best. It both moisturizes and renews your skin. It evens out your skin tone, firms your face and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin glowing. For a 7-in-1 option, it’s comparatively cheap. It’s from a company with a good reputation. Its ingredients include VitaNiacin Complex, with Vitamins C and E to exfoliate and renew skin, and the mixture is oil-free.
When to Use
Generally at night, so it has time to work its magic. Your skin loses more moisture at night than at any other time. Use a gentle cleanser first for the best results.
How Does It Smell?
It has a mild fragrance to it so it smells nice as you’re putting it on before bed.
Is It Harsh on Skin?
Although intended as a moisturizer, it can be a little harsh on skin. It’s probably not the best choice if your skin is overly sensitive.
Pros
- It’s an exfoliating cream, designed to strip off the dead skin while the other ingredients renew your skin.
- Vitamin-rich for healthy-looking skin.
- Moisturizing.
- Oil-free
Cons
- Has been known to induce rashes – check on an area of skin first.
- Might not be the best option for sensitive skin.