Did you know that the neck is one of the first places to show your age? We spend so much time perfecting our face products, carefully choosing the right cleanser, the perfect serum and moisturisers but sometimes we forget our neck! (and décolletage). I have been using the 100% Pure Retinol Restorative Neck Cream since 2016, and it's still one of my all-time favourite skin care products 10 years on.

Here are my top picks to help you care for this often-forgotten area.

Why Your Neck Ages Differently

The skin on our neck is structurally different from the skin on our face, it's thinner and can be very sensitive. As women navigate their 40s and beyond, our bodies undergo significant hormonal shifts. During perimenopause and menopause, our natural hormone levels begin to fluctuate and this hormonal change directly impacts our skin's ability to produce collagen and retain moisture like it did in our 20s and 30s.

The skin on the neck has far fewer sebaceous glands than the face, which means it produces significantly fewer lipids, the natural oils required to keep the skin barrier strong, plump and hydrated. Without these protective lipids, the neck struggles to defend itself against everyday environmental stressors, making the area increasingly prone to severe dryness, premature ageing and prominent wrinkling.

The neck also has fewer melanocyte cells, which are responsible for producing melanin, our skin's natural defence against UV. Because your neck has less of this built-in protection, it is exceptionally vulnerable to sun damage. Every time you step outside without adding sunscreen to your décolletage, you are exposing this fragile skin to accelerated photo-ageing.

Why can't I just use my regular face cream for my neck?

You can, this is always a great option, but nothing beats a dedicated neck cream. Regular face creams are focused on treating your specific skin type, whether that is oily, dry, or combination skin. Products made for the neck focus on firming, lifting and restoring lost elasticity. They are formulated with active ingredients specifically chosen for this delicate area, with a molecular structure designed to deeply penetrate thin skin without causing irritation. Here are my favourite natural neck creams.

My Top Natural Neck Cream Recommendations

100% Pure Retinol Restorative Neck Cream

If you want to actively target fine lines and creases, the 100% Pure Retinol Restorative Neck Cream is a great place to start. It's made with natural Retinol to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, hydrolysed Quinoa to promote elasticity for a firmer, more lifted appearance, Niacinamide to brighten and even out skin tone, Olive Squalane to moisturise and soothe, and Hyaluronic Acid for lasting hydration. A well-rounded formula that addresses the key concerns of the neck and décolletage in one step.

Metamorphosis Revival Neck & Décolletage Cream

Specifically formulated for peri and menopausal skin, the Metamorphosis Revival Neck & Décolletage Cream is an award-winning targeted treatment for the neck, jawline and décolletage. It's made with Phytoestrogens, L-Arginine, Soy proteins and Rosemary Oil to strengthen capillaries, support the skin's natural regenerative processes and help tighten and firm for a more elastic, lifted appearance. A beautiful option for skin experiencing the crepey texture and dryness that often comes with hormonal changes. This one is also made in Australia and packaged in glass.

Dr Hauschka Regenerating Neck and Décolleté Cream

For mature skin, the Dr Hauschka Regenerating Neck and Décolleté Cream is a beautiful option. Formulated specifically for skin 40+ and certified to NATRUE standard, it treats the face, neck and décolleté as one connected area. It's made with Marsh Mallow, Birch Leaves and Red Clover for intensive hydration and moisture balance, Macadamia Nut and Argan Oils rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants to nourish and smooth, and whole Pomegranate including the peel to promote skin regeneration. The silky texture absorbs quickly without any greasiness, so you can dress straight away.

Rather just use 1 cream for both? Here are my top picks for face & neck creams:

If you'd rather streamline your routine with products that work beautifully on both face and neck, these are my top picks for doing double duty.

Metamorphosis Beyond Rejuvenating Night Cream

The Metamorphosis Beyond Rejuvenating Night Cream is specifically designed for skin going through hormonal changes, making it a wonderful overnight option for both face and neck. It's made with Wild Yam to help support skin during menopause, plant-based Bakuchiol Oil to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture without irritation, Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration while you sleep, and Rambutan to stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. Clinically shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles with excellent skin tolerance.

Weleda Pomegranate Firming Night Cream

The Weleda Pomegranate Firming Night Cream is a lovely overnight option for mature skin wanting to support firmness and radiance. It's made with antioxidant-rich Pomegranate Seed Oil to help protect against free radical damage and Maca Root peptides to improve skin firmness and elasticity as you sleep. In clinical studies, 70% of subjects showed increased elasticity and 81% agreed it nourishes intensively. A deeply nourishing overnight treatment for face and neck.

Thrive Tallow Phyto-Retinol Revive Crème

The Thrive Tallow Phyto-Retinol Revive Crème is a nourishing overnight option. It's made with Bakuchiol to smooth fine lines, support collagen and improve skin texture without irritation, Blue Tansy to calm and soothe, and a base of tallow and castor oil to carry the actives deep into the skin for lasting hydration. A thicker, richer formula that leaves skin soft, renewed and radiant by morning.

Tuttofare Holy Grail Tallow Balm

For something that works beautifully day or night, the Tuttofare Holy Grail Tallow Balm is a wonderfully versatile option for face and body. It's made with 100% Australian grass-fed beef tallow, which mimics the skin's natural barrier to deeply nourish, soften and balance dry and sensitive skin, along with raw Cocoa Butter and no added fragrance or essential oils. Rich in fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, it absorbs easily to deliver long-lasting hydration and a supple glow. A pure, simple option that works any time of day.

Don't forget, your neck and décolletage need the same care and attention as your face. Once you start, you will wonder why you ever stopped at the jawline.