I Literally Gasped When I Saw The Results Of This Neck-Firming Serum

A year ago, I would have told you to skip the fancy neck-firming creams and use the money for a professional cosmetic treatment (think lasers, microneedling, and the like). The in-office route is still the most efficient, but topicals are becoming pretty sophisticated.

Take the ShapeShift V-Line Jaw Defining Serum. From biotech beauty brand SickScience, this topical promises to create a more sculpted neck and jawline by influencing cellular behavior.

If you're anything like me, you took one look at the words "jaw-defining serum" and raised a brow.

Sure, certain ingredients are known for stimulating collagen and tightening the skin (AHAs, retinoids, etc.), but these topicals can only do so much. "For wrinkled and sagging skin, exfoliators can play a role, but it is important to be realistic and be mindful that exfoliators will make a nominal change," board-certified dermatologist Flora Kim, M.D., FAAD, says about tightening the neck. 

The same goes for retinol, which can even irritate the delicate skin if you're not careful. "The neck skin is often more sensitive than other parts of the face," board-certified dermatologist Jeremy Fenton, M.D., says regarding neck creams, suggesting you proceed with caution when it comes to harsher ingredients. 

SickScience takes a different approach, firming the skin not with exfoliators or retinoids but rather exosomes. These compounds are extracted from either human or plant-based stem cells (the latter, in SickScience's case) that harness the power of your DNA to encourage certain outcomes, like a smoother, more contoured neck area. 

SickScience's exosomes—called NX35—specifically instruct fat cells to naturally release lipid droplets (which handle fat storage), thus revealing a more sculpted and lifted jaw and neck area over time.

Being the scientists they are, Koçak and Yildirim of course have clinical results to back up their claims. In a third-party clinical study of 31 volunteers for eight weeks, 90% of participants reported increased firmness of the skin, and 94% said their skin feels smoother after using the serum.

I tested the serum myself for a month and definitely noticed my neck appearing smoother and less irritated by week four. My own results aren't as dramatic as Koçak's, but everyone stores fat differently—plus age, hormonal status, and environment can all play a factor.

The serum itself has a lightweight, fragrance-free texture, so it seamlessly fits into my regular skin care routine. I already apply my skin care formulas down my neck and chest (as experts say, skin care shouldn't stop at your jawline!), so ShapeShift was just one more serum to add to the rotation. 

The ShapeShift before-and-after results are astounding. I've never seen a topical with this much contouring power, especially one that doesn't rely on any potent exfoliators (meaning no irritation). Exosome technology is quickly dominating the skin care sector, and I'm excited to see launches like this one making waves.