Mariska Hargitay has been on our screens for decades, but somehow her skin still looks as smooth and radiant as it did in the early days of Law & Order: SVU. At 61, she’s glowing—the kind of glow that feels real, like healthy skin that’s actually well cared for, not over-polished or filtered. And the kicker? Her latest favorite isn’t a $200 luxury cream; it’s a $15 find from Cetaphil.
In a recent Allure interview, she said, “Cetaphil’s Skin Activator Hydrating and Firming Cream is a new favorite. When skin ages, it becomes dry and thinner, and it can get crepey, not going to lie. And then all of a sudden [this] just plumps everything up in such a beautiful way.”
Cetaphil Skin Activator Hydrating and Firming Cream
Amazon
Hargitay is not the only one seeing results—shoppers are loving it, too. One reviewer said their dermatologist first recommended it and pointed out that it was cheaper online than at the pharmacy, and it made “such a big difference” for their dry, saggy skin. Another said it “gets better every day,” calling it “lightweight, luxurious, and moisturizing” while helping with crepey skin “all around.”
A woman in her 50s noticed “a bit of plumping, tightening, and overall smoothing” when she tried it on her face. Though it’s primarily a body cream, it’s gentle enough for some people to use it on their face as well. Others pointed out that it does wonders for arms, legs, and those tricky dry spots.
It’s like a little pick-me-up for skin that’s starting to feel thinner or drier. It smooths, firms, and keeps skin comfortable, so it looks healthier and more refreshed. Users love that it sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy layer, which makes it easy to apply in the morning before getting dressed or at night as part of a low-effort routine.
Part of why it works is the hydration boost—it locks in moisture for up to 48 hours. Glycerin pulls water into the skin, while mild acids and soothing plant extracts smooth and firm over time. Shoppers report that they notice softer, more elastic skin after just a few uses, and with consistent application, it can even improve crepey patches on arms, legs, and other areas.
One reviewer said their dermatologist gave them samples to prevent crepey skin, and after using the full-size tub, they noticed “visible improvement particularly on my arms and legs,” and added that it “works beautifully” across the body.
Application is simple—use it twice daily, morning and night anywhere that needs extra moisture or firming. The texture is rich but absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft without residue. Many people love that it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic, so it’s low-risk to try.
Hargitay’s pick proves you don’t need a fancy, expensive routine to see improvements—sometimes a simple cream used regularly is all it takes. If you want to go all in on firming skincare, there are plenty of other products to help target specific areas and boost results. Here are our picks below.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Eye Cream
Amazon
Gold Bond Age Renew Neck & Chest Firming Cream
Amazon
Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Firming Face Mask
Amazon
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Firmeza Body Oil
Amazon
Medix 5.5 Retinol Body Lotion Firming Moisturizer
Amazon
