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Skin tightening serums can give your face a more lifted, firmer appearance. But being in my late 30s, dealing with mild sagging around the jawline and the cheeks, and having tried serum after serum to remedy the situation, I can assure you that not all skin-tightening serums work the same way. For starters, some give you instant results. Though they’re temporary, results improve over time. And those serums, which you’re about to meet, are the reason why I haven’t been in to renew my Botox injections for quite some time now.
I know how frustrating it is to use a serum claiming to lift and tighten your face only to find out that it simply does not. And I’m here to save you the trouble. You’ll find below the best skin-tightening serums for your face. But first, I’d like to clear up any shadow of a doubt as to the efficiency of tightening serums. So here’s how they work, and what they do.
First things first, what makes your skin firm and tight are collagen and elastin. These two proteins are directly responsible for keeping the skin youthful, tight, and elastic. But our body produces these proteins less and less as we age. And the loss of elastin and collagen gives the skin a more saggy appearance. Not to mention, we might be responsible for the acceleration of their loss simply due to unprotected sun exposure.
So a good skin tightening serum should stimulate the production of these proteins. However, this is easier said than done. It certainly is not an overnight process. Most collagen-boosting ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C, require time to give noticeable results.
But thankfully, other skin-firming ingredients such as peptides, have instant, visible effects. So if you’ve just started to notice a loss of elasticity and sagginess in your skin, these skin tightening serums can help give your face a more defined, uplifted appearance.
The Best Skin-Tightening Serums For The Face
1. Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum
Pros
Instant results
Results improve as you continue to use
Dewy finish
Light texture
Cons
N/A
I’m starting to think that I’m biased toward this face serum. It’s literally my answer to any skin concern! But it works! And I have jowls! This is actually an antioxidant-rich serum made with resveratrol to help repair skin damage. But because its base is formulated with such skin-plumping ingredients that it visibly firms and tightens skin. Amino acids, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and squalane give the skin a smoother appearance while adding your complexion a hard-to-miss glow. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it makes when you take the time to massage this instant tightening serum into your skin. It’s oil-free, beautifully scented, and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Active Ingredients: Resveratrol, squalane, hyaluronic acid, peptides, peony extract
Skin Type: All
Size: 30 ml/1 oz
Other Features: Vegan, non-comedogenic, oil-free, %97 natural
2. Lancome Renergie H.C.F. Triple Serum
Pros
Visibly glowing skin
Super hydrating
Long-lasting effects
Long-term use improves hyperpigmentation
Cons
Pricey (but worth it)
This is one of the most innovative face serums I’ve come across lately. The serum bottle combines three separate serums. Each one has a different texture and you’re supposed to mix them in the palm of your hands. It sounds like a whole thing, but trust me, it packs everything you need! One formulation is your basic hyaluronic acid serum with a clear texture that hydrates and plumps instantly. The second is ferulic acid serum, an antioxidant that also boosts other antioxidants, and has a lotion-like texture. And the third serum is a stable vitamin C derivative combined with niacinamide and has a creamy consistency. You get a super replenishing, lotion-like texture that brightens, and tightens the skin. It’s the dream team, especially for dry skin. You’ll immediately see your skin glowing, feeling tighter, and looking smoother. It has a ‘clean’ scent, which is a treat for the senses too.
Active Ingredients: 3-O-ethyl ascorbate, ferulic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All, especially dry skin
Size: 50 ml/1.7 oz
3. The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum
Pros
Instant results
Hydrating
Affordable
Skin feels lifted and toned
Cons
N/A
When it comes to tightening and firming skin, which is as anti-aging as it gets, I usually don’t expect much from more affordable options assuming that they won’t be too generous with what they put in there. But this smart and minimal formula offers what you need to achieve tighter skin and nothing else. It’s made with a signal peptide commonly known as Matrixyl. Signal peptides boost collagen production to improve skin texture. They’re like the gentlest form of anti-aging. Also, peptides are formulated into what you can basically describe as a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum. So you have instantly plump skin, which makes your overall face look more toned and uplifted.
Active Ingredients: Signal peptide, hyaluronic acid, sodium lactate
Skin Type: All
Size: 30 ml/1 oz
Other Features: Fragrance-free, oil-free, cruelty-free
4. Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum Rapid Firm & Lift Treatment
Pros
Contains Argireline
Rich in antioxidants
Comfortable texture easy to layer
Has both instant and long-term effects
Cons
Requires consistent use for more noticeable effects
Speaking of peptides, my personal favorite is Argireline, aka acetyl hexapeptide-8. This is a neuropeptide literally made to mimic Botox. It works by relaxing and smoothing fine lines. So the effects are temporary but instant. But that’s not all, the formula is incredibly rich in antioxidants like vitamin C too. So you get to improve your skin texture and tone in the long run too. Amino acids, algae, hyaluronic acid, and other humectants support Argireline for a plumper and smoother appearance. I also love that the firming and lifting serum contains a variety of botanicals to reduce inflammation, and redness, and prevent further skin damage too. Skin firming bamboo extract and skin protecting St. Paul’s Wort extract enhance the formula to better target loss of elasticity and firmness.
Active Ingredients: Acetyl hexapeptide-8, brown algae, St. Paul’s Wort extract, vitamin C
Skin Type: All
Size: 30 ml/1 oz
5. Darphin Intral Inner Youth Rescue Serum
Pros
As light as water
Instantly plumps and lifts
Leaves skin glowing
Cons
N/A
If I didn’t see this working on my fine lines, I’d think that this is pure water; it’s that light! This French anti-aging gem is actually majorly calming. It’s made to prevent inflammation and sensitivity that lead to premature wrinkles. But besides its soothing benefits, it’s incredibly energizing and hydrating. It works better on the skin surface if you have visible dehydration lines, and surface fine lines. It’s made with antioxidants like resveratrol, green tea, peony extract, and watermelon extract. And to boost circulation, and make the skin appear lifted, it packs caffeine. The lightly pink-colored serum has the most amazing smell; almost like candy or sugar gum. I feel like the reason why it’s so effective is because of its light texture that absorbs and sinks into the skin instantly.
Active Ingredients: Resveratrol, peony extract, green tea, caffeine
Skin Type: All, including sensitive
Size: 30 ml/1 oz
Other Features: Non-comedogenic, %84 natural origin ingredients
6. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid (H.A.) Intensifier
Pros
Makes skin noticeably bouncy
Practically obliterates dehydration lines
Cons
Smells funny
Firming effects take time to show
A quick heads-up! Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a group of sugar molecules whose main function is to support proteins like collagen and elastin, the good stuff that gives us smooth and youthful skin. An example of GAG is hyaluronic acid. This face serum is made with 10% proxylane, a plant-derived sugar molecule that stimulates the skin into producing GAGs to help the skin get back to its bouncy, firm shape. That’s why this is a treatment and more than just a hyaluronic acid serum. Additionally, it contains 1.5% hyaluronic acid for instantly plump skin. It’s exceptional in making skin look a lot healthier and minimizing the look of more problematic wrinkles. SkinCeuticals claims that after a 12-week clinical study, they observed a 9% decrease in skin sagginess and a 30% increase in the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels. The reddish-colored serum is light, fast-absorbing, and easy to layer with other products too.
Active Ingredients: Proxylane, hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, purple rice extract
Skin Type: All
Size: 30 ml/ 1 oz
7. Babe Proteoglycan F+F Elasticity & Firmness Ampoules
Pros
Gives you smooth, radiant skin instantly
Makes skin plump, bouncy, firm
Relatively affordable
Light, weightless texture
Cons
Not much information available regarding the brand
Ampoules need to be used up shortly after opening
I first heard about this brand from my local pharmacist. The European brand has different skin ampoules to choose from. But you guys, this one is simply amazing! It’s genius! It’s made with 5% Argireline, the amazing Botox-like peptide. It also packs 1% proteoglycans, compounds similar to GAGs, to stimulate the production of the skin’s own hyaluronic acid. And it has a 5% natural moisturizing factor and 1% glycerin to attract and bind water to the skin to keep it plump, smooth, and firm. That’s what they call ‘Botox in a bottle’. And because these are ampoules, the active ingredients stay fresh and hygienic. But you need to use up each ampoule within 48 hours after opening. That gives you twice daily application for two days both for your face and your neck and chest area! Note that the proteoglycans are animal (bovine) derived.
Active Ingredients: Argireline, proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Skin Type: All
Size: Comes in 2x and 10x ampoules
Final Verdict
Facial skin-tightening serums can work wonders for your skin and your self-confidence. Needless to say, they’re not as effective as in-office skin-tightening treatments like lasers or radiofrequency. But when you’re dealing with sagging skin, and loss of firmness and elasticity, any minor improvement counts. So if you’re on the lookout for a good skin-tightening serum for your face, I swear by Caudalie’s Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Serum. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and gives the skin a visible lift, and a beautiful glow.
How To Choose a Skin Tightening Serum
Skin-tightening face serums can be divided into two categories: the ones that work instantly but give temporary results, and the ones that take time to work but give more permanent results.
If you’re like me and an instant gratification seeker, try the first category. And there are ingredients to look for in your serums. For example, peptides have a smoothing effect on the skin, which makes it look appear firmer and more youthful.
Humectants like hyaluronic acid have a plumping effect on the skin, which makes it look bouncier and tighter. Additionally, certain ingredients like caffeine have an instant tightening effect on the skin. Serums that contain these ingredients have more instant, visible benefits. But you have to keep using them to maintain these results.
If you have time and can commit to long-term use, go for the second category. These types of skin-tightening serums contain active ingredients like vitamin C, hydroxy acids, and retinol.
These science-backed ingredients encourage skin turnover and stimulate collagen production to help repair the skin. The change happens on a deeper level, so your results will be more permanent.
