Whilst the effects of skin firming cream might be magical – the science underpinning them is very much real. Although those beauty obsessives in the know are increasingly turning to body firming cream to tighten, lift and brighten skin, many are still firming cream sceptics – wondering if they actually work. Whether you’re looking to switch up your body moisturiser or find your new favourite face cream, discover everything you need to know about the best firming creams here.
What is Firming Cream?
Firming creams are designed to tighten and firm the skin, reducing signs of ageing and plumping up tired, deflated skin. Firming cream formulas are typically highly concentrated, including active ingredients to penetrate the skin deeply. By stimulating elastin and collagen production, firming creams boost the radiance of the skin, giving it a youthful glow. Whilst all of us would probably enjoy the benefits of a firming cream, they’re particularly effective for those feeling self-conscious of their skin’s appearance – whether that’s wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, dullness or other signs of ageing – on body skin, facial skin, or both.
Do Firming Creams Actually Work?
Firming creams absolutely do work – you just need to pick the right one for your skin’s individual needs. If you know your skin is particularly sensitive, choose a gentle formula – avoiding harsh retinoids – which focuses on repairing the skin’s barrier, nourishing and hydrating. If you don’t have sensitive skin, it’s safer to choose peptide-rich formulas. Those with dry skin should try a firming cream with a richer, thicker texture. But those with oilier skin might prefer a lighter, fast-absorbing formula. Look out for ingredients like peptides, to promote collagen and elastin renewal, antioxidants, to combat the external factors, and hyaluronic acid and ceramides, to boost barrier repair and maintain hydration. Caffeine is also quite a common ingredient in firming creams, and some people find that it reduces the appearance of cellulite, as well as generally brightening up the skin. You’ll know if you’ve found the best firming cream for you if it seamlessly fits into your skincare routine, leaving your skin feeling comfortable and looking radiant.
The Best Body Firming Creams
With summer holidays beckoning, it’s time to get your skin looking and feeling its best. No one wants to feel self conscious on the beach or by the pool, and a body firming cream can help to combat any sagging, wrinkles, or dullness. Whilst there are plenty of tips and tricks for getting smooth skin and choosing the best body moisturiser for you – a body firming cream is our favourite, one-stop shop for giving your skin an instant glow-up.
Followers of cult brand Sol de Janeiro will already be familiar with their iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, but might not be in the know about the firming science behind their fragrant bestseller, or the best ways to use it. This deeply hydrating, firming formula is made up of caffeine-rich guaraná extract, which helps to visibly smooth and tighten the appearance of skin. There’s also a healthy dose of fast-absorbing cupuaçu butter in there, which delivers deep, silky hydration and essential fatty-acids. Açaí oil helps to prevent environmental damage, and Brazil nut oil helps to support the skin’s natural ability to protect itself, while giving it a healthy glow. And don’t be fooled by the name – this is one of the best belly firming creams in our range. (If you’re planning a holiday, don’t sleep on the travel-sized Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Jet Set – which includes the Bum Bum Cream.)
For those who prefer an oil-based firming solution, Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil is a visibly firming and deeply nourishing product. It’s enriched with guaraná to tighten skin, sustainably-sourced micro algae extract to help noticeably depuff, and Brazilian olive oil to deeply nourish without leaving a greasy feel. Plus, it’s got that signature mouthwatering scent of pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla we all love.
Serum lovers rejoice: Kopari Beauty’s Ultra Restore Firming Body Serum can be relied upon to instantly hydrate and smooth skin, as well as enhancing its natural elasticity. Thanks to a dual-peptide complex, it’s perfect for mature skin – as peptides have been proven to revitalise the appearance of ageing. Coconut water infused with electrolytes and vitamins will protect your skin’s moisture barrier, and refresh fine lines and wrinkles on your body, for your most radiant skin yet.
Put the bounce back into your skin with Herbivore’s Cloud Milk Coconut + Maca Firming Body Cream. Designed to deeply hydrate and firm, this rich but non-greasy body cream sinks into the skin rapidly to nourish and promote elasticity with a blend of skin-loving ingredients. Eco-certified coconut fruit provides intense hydration, vegan squalane locks in moisture and strengthens the skin barrier, while maca smooths the appearance of cellulite and firms the skin.
The Best Skin Firming Creams
Firming creams aren’t just for your body. Finding the right firming facial cream for you can transform your skincare routine – and boost your confidence, too.
Industry stalwart Estée Lauder’s Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Serum will make skin smoother and firmer – lifting, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and sculpting the skin, without clogging pores. Infused with a Double Hexapeptide+ Compound, this serum is the key to healthier, younger-looking skin.
The newest brands making a splash on the beauty scene have naturally focused on firming solutions, too – and Laneige’s viral Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask is the perfect example of one of the best newcomers we’ve seen. A radiance-boosting overnight mask, this formula features a Peony & Collagen Complex™, peptides, Hydro-Melt Glow Capsules and hyaluronic acid, to revitalise the skin and target dryness, dullness, and loss of firmness and elasticity. You’ll wake up to radiant, plumper-looking skin after application – and with consistent use, noticeably minimised fine lines and wrinkles, as well as visibly firmer skin.
For a more targeted treatment, try Laneige’s Retinol Firming Cream Treatment, which features retinol, hyaluronic acid and peptides to smooth, intensely hydrate and firm.
Another firming cream we love which uses retinol is Herbivore’s Moon Dew 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Firming Eye Cream. Transform your under eyes with this line-filling eye cream, to instantly tighten and smooth the eye area for a visibly lifted look, thanks to a blend of 1% bakuchiol and plant peptides that visibly firm eye creases over time with zero irritation. (You can find other techniques for combating under eye bags in our handy guide here.)
Allies of Skin’s Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment combats multiple skin concerns in a 5-in-1 daily moisturiser. Formulated with peptides, seven brighteners, eight antioxidants, and a 3% Teprenone Complex, this moisturiser provides the concentration of a treatment mask, and absorbs quickly to hydrate, tighten, refine, brighten, and protect the skin – to minimise the signs of ageing whilst leaving the pores breathable all day, with or without makeup.
Unveil a more youthful-looking you with Origins’ Plantscription Lifting + Firming Cream. A gentle but effective formula infused with anogeissus and a rice extract to smooth and soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Perfect for restoring radiant vitality and supporting the skin’s natural bounce, this moisturiser adds a healthy volume to the complexion for skin that feels firmer and looks more contoured.
Invest in a firming cream for tighter, brighter skin in an instant, so you can feel your best this summer.
