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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
Collagen is a buzzy word in the cosmetics industry. But what is it, exactly? Do you need it, and if so, how do you get more of it? "Collagen is a protein that supports the skin's structure," explains dermatologist Ramya Garlapati, M.D. "Think of it as scaffolding that helps the skin stay firm and plump."
Dr. Garlapati says you produce less of it as you age. "This small loss of collagen compounded over time can lead to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles." Luckily, certain skincare products can help the issue.
The research is still out on the benefits of topical collagen, and it may not be doing much for your skin. Some topical products actually contain collagen, while others call on collagen-stimulating ingredients. According to Dr. Garlapati, the latter includes retinol, peptides, and antioxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide. Beyond that, a daily SPF routine can help prevent collagen loss in the first place. Even if collagen creams don’t contain the actives to actually stimulate production, they still are incredibly moisturizing, and can be used for that benefit, too—you don’t need to throw away your beloved collagen cream, just yet.
Best Overall
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
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Amazon
Very hydrating
Improves firmness and elasticity
Reduces fine lines
Expensive
When it comes to collagen-stimulating moisturizers, Elemis Marine Cream is tough to beat. It leans on multiple marine extracts to deliver immediate hydration while boosting firmness and elasticity and minimizing the look of fine lines over time. Skeptical? The results are backed by independent clinical trials.
Notably soft and cushiony Marine Cream also contains nourishing shea butter, calming vitamin E, and the fan-favorite antioxidant vitamin C to help brighten and even skin tone. While this product doesn't offer any sun protection, there is an SPF 30 version. In the end, we just wish it was more affordable.
Price at time of publish: $89
Key Ingredients: Marine extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, shea butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
L'Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream
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Amazon
Plumps skin
Minimizes fine lines
No SPF
No collagen stimulating ingredients
This wallet-friendly favorite is proof money doesn't always equal quality in the confusing world of skincare. It contains nourishing shea butter and collagen, promising to hydrate the skin, while temporarily filling in fine lines for a smooth makeup result.
Price at time of publish: $11
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, boswellia serrata extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Drugstore
Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
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Ulta
Lightweight
Balanced formula
Firms skin
Pricey for a drugstore brand
Drugstore collagen moisturizers don't get much better than this. Rich in skin-firming ingredients like collagen peptides and tremella (snow mushroom) extract, it'll leave you looking healthy, luminous, and fresh. And while it's nourishing, the texture is actually quite light and non-greasy.
Price at time of publish: $40
Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides, niacinamide | Skin Type: Combination, mature, dry | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Splurge
Kate Somerville Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
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Ulta
Collagen-boosting ingredients
Improves firmness
Evens skin tone
Expensive
Contains PEGs and BHT
If you're willing to pay a premium for the top-shelf stuff, Kate Somerville won't let you down. The hero ingredients of this powerhouse moisturizer include collagen-boosting retinol and antioxidants like vitamin C and gooseberry extract to even skin tone and defend against free radicals.
Price at time of publish: $110
Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, gooseberry extract | Skin Type: Normal, dry, mature | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best with SPF
StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Vitamin C Moisturizer SPF 30
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Ulta
Prevents photoaging
Promotes collagen production
Revitalize dull skin
Expensive
You're wise to wear sunscreen during the day, every day. To kill two birds with one stone, reach for StriVectin Super-C. This non-greasy moisturizer offers SPF 30 protection against photoaging, while vitamin C promotes collagen production, fights free radicals, and revitalizes dull skin. Sunscreen and vitamin C are a powerhouse pair against sun damage and wrinkles and this cream is your one and done morning skincare step.
Price at time of publish: $69
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best with Retinol
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Cream
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Courtesy of Target
Affordable
Long-lasting hydration
Minimizes fine lines
Contains BHT and paraffin
According to Dr. Garlapati, retinoids (including over-the-counter retinol) are the "gold standard" for "their ability to stimulate collagen production." This affordable face cream combines retinol with hyaluronic acid to deliver long-lasting hydration, while working to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Mature, dry, normal | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best with Vitamin C
Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream
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Nordstrom
Stimulates collagen production
Replenishes skin barrier
Expensive
"Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that not only protects collagen breakdown from UV damage but also stimulates collagen production," says Dr. Garlapati. To add this all-star ingredient to your routine, go with Dewy Deep Cream. It combines vitamin C with its antioxidant buddy niacinamide, plus lactic acid (AHA) for gentle exfoliation and squalane to moisturize and replenish the skin barrier.
Price at time of publish: $75
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, lactic acid, squalane | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best with Niacinamide
It Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream
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Ulta
Firms and plumps
Minimizes fine lines
Calms inflammation
Contains fragrance and BHT
This moisturizer is formulated with firming and line-reducing retinol, as well as collagen-stimulating niacinamide to plump, firm, and protect the skin barrier. Vitamin E also helps soothe inflammation and keep free radicals at bay.
Price at time of publish: $69
Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Daytime
Clinique Superdefense Multi-Correcting Cream SPF 25
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Ulta
Prevents collagen loss
Plumps and firms
Contains PEGs and BHT
Only SPF 25
Clinique Superdefense is a great pick for your morning skincare routine. It plumps, firms, and protects against free radicals with vitamins C, B3, and E. While SPF 25, is better than nothing, dermatologists do recommend SPF 30+ to reap the full benefits of sun protection. Add a layer of a dedicated SPF for extra credit.
Price at time of publish: $56
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, vitamin C, niacinamide, vitamin E | Skin Type: Mature, combination, dry, oily | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Night Treatment
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream
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Ulta
Affordable
Ultra-moisturizing
Plumps, firms, and smooths
Slightly greasy
Before bed, slather on this ultra-moisturizing face cream. It contains vegan collagen (in the form of peptides), along with vitamins C and E, to not only quench thirsty skin but also plump, firm, smooth, and even out your complexion.
Price at time of publish: $25
Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Plumping
DHC Super Collagen Cream
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Ulta
Boosts collagen and elastin
Helps skin retain moisture
Slightly greasy
"Peptides are short-chain amino acids that you can think of as building blocks for proteins in the skin," says Dr. Garlapati. "They promote collagen and elastin production that leads to firmer-looking skin." DHC's peptide-packed formula promises to plump up your skin while helping it retain moisture and protecting from free-radical damage.
Price at time of publish: $50
Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Firming
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
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Ulta
Promotes collagen production
Improves elasticity
Minimizes fine lines
Expensive
Contains PEGs and fragrance
If it's firmer skin you're after, Murad's Youth Renewal Night Cream is your best bet. It combines collagen-stimulating niacinamide with multiple retinoids to enhance elasticity and reduce the look of fine lines.
Price at time of publish: $88
Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
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Amazon
Nourishing formula
Helps clear skin
Good value
Slightly sticky
No SPF
This cream is a great pick because it contains a slew of skin-clearing and firming ingredients, including peptides, niacinamide, glycerin, and squalane. It's rich and nourishing, making it a wonderful option for dry, irritated, or lackluster skin.
Price at time of publish: $42
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dry Skin
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream
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Sephora
Deeply hydrates
Promotes collagen production
Works as makeup primer
Expensive
Not ideal for oily skin
A cult favorite for a reason, Charlotte Tilbury's Charlotte's Magic Cream is full of nourishing oils to leave the skin primed for makeup and glowy. There's also hyaluronic acid plus vitamins C and E to boost the skin's natural collagen formation, leaving you looking firm and radiant.
Price at time of publish: $100
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1–5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Eye Cream
Tony Moly Plump-Kin Retinol Eye Cream
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Soko Glam
Promotes collagen production
Firming
Minimizes fine lines
May irritate sensitive skin
Don't let the cute container fool you—this cream does serious work for the skin around your eyes. It boasts a blend of retinol and antioxidant-rich pumpkin extract (a source of vitamin C) to minimize fine lines, stimulate collagen, and firm the eye area.
Price at time of publish: $25
Key Ingredients: Retinol, pumpkin extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Neck Cream
Neostrata Triple Firming Anti-Aging Neck Cream
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Dermstore
Generous amount
Promotes collagen production
Tightens, firms, and strengthens
Contains PEGs
You don't necessarily need a separate product for your neck, but if it helps you remember to moisturize the area, we're all for it. This neck cream calls on amino acids, which Dr. Garlapati says help the skin create collagen. It also contains Neocitriate, NeoStrata's patented molecule that promises to tighten, firm, and strengthen your skin.
Price at time of publish: $88
Key Ingredients: Amino acids, Neocitriate™ | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 2.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Body Cream
Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream with Collagen and Squalane
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Sephora
Deeply moisturizing
Improves elasticity
Smells amazing
Contains paraffin
For below-the-neck care, go with Sol de Janeiro. This super-rich and luxurious body cream is formulated with collagen (from amino acids), squalane, and cacay oil to not only moisturize but also improve your skin's elasticity. The brand's signature fruity-floral scent doesn't hurt, either.
Price at time of publish: $48
Key Ingredients: Collagen, squalane, cacay oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 8.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Our top pick is Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, a deeply hydrating moisturizer that reduces fine lines, firms the skin, and improves elasticity. For something more affordable, L'Oréal Collagen Moisture Filler is an excellent choice. But if you're interested in a retinol-infused formula and can swing the steep price, we recommend Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer.
Meet the Expert
Ramya Garlapati, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and skincare expert based in Los Angeles.
What to Look for in a Collagen Cream
Your Skincare Goals
It’s important to understand how collagen functions in topical skincare products, so you can determine if it’s the best way to achieve your skincare goals. "Skincare formulated with collagen plumps, hydrates, and conditions the skin, though they definitely don't increase our collagen levels,” explains facialist and aesthetician Melanie Grant, before adding that “the molecular structure of collagen is far too large to penetrate the skin.” If your goals are to do any of the above, opt for a cream with the ingredient.
SPF, Vitamin C, and Retinol
So if your overarching goal is to increase your own collagen stores (in turn plumping the skin and improving the look of fine lines) Grant suggests looking out for other ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and SPF: “You want to protect the precious collagen stores that you already have by employing a good quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent collagen degradation via UV exposure. Vitamin A is a tried and tested ingredient for collagen synthesis, so incorporate a retinol serum into your nighttime routine. For daytime, layer a vitamin C serum underneath your SPF to boost collagen production and protect against free radicals.”
In some instances, you can get a product that not only contains collagen molecules but also one of the above, so keep this in mind when you’re shopping around.
Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
These two ingredients are good boosters to collagen creams because they can help you achieve the short term results of plumping and brightening, while also contributing to better skin long term. According to Dr. Jennifer Hermann, MD, niacinamide, which is also known as vitamin b3, "helps restore cellular energy, repair damaged DNA, and reduce the immunosuppressive effects of sun-induced UV rays."
And hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin in a manner that can make fine lines less visible. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King says, "Hyaluronic acid can draw moisture from air and keep your skin moist, holding almost 1000 times its own weight in water."
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. For this story, she compiled tips and insights from multiple experts, including a board-certified dermatologist and an esthetician. Of the above products, she has personally tried Elemis, Olay, Kate Somerville, RoC, Dr. Dennis Gross, Murad, and Charlotte Tilbury. Theresa covers skincare, makeup, haircare, and beauty tools at Byrdie.
Emily Algar is not here to tell you that collagen in topical skincare will fix all your problems because it won't. But she will say that collagen in skincare, when combined with other actives, can visibly improve the look of skin (and believe her when she says she's tried it all). Emily has also called on skin expert Melanie Grant to support these claims.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any collagen creams from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.