With skin-firming picks from Charlotte Tilbury, Elemis, and more
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.”
As we age, collagen production slows down. “This small loss of collagen compounded over time can lead to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles.” Luckily, certain skincare products can help the issue. However, it’s kind of controversial, as the benefits of topical collagen are still being determined.
Regardless, leaning on a collagen-rich topical formula can’t hurt. Some products actually contain collagen, while others call on collagen-stimulating ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide. To help you narrow down the best collagen creams on the market, we did extensive research and consulted with Garlapari for her expert opinion. We considered formulations, ingredients, and whether or not the creams caused breakouts, irritation, or other unwanted side effects. We also looked at reviews and tried many of them for ourselves. The result: This curated list of collagen creams that we wholeheartedly recommend.
Best Overall: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
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.1 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.2 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.
Best Budget: L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream
This wallet-friendly favorite contains nourishing shea butter and collage to hydrate the skin and temporarily fill in fine lines for a smooth makeup result. It doesn’t contain any collagen-stimulating ingredients—meaning it won’t actually do anything for the collagen in your skin—but it will help achieve a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance when you use it.
Best Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
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.34 And while it’s nourishing, the texture is actually quite light. It can be a bit greasy on the skin, so if you have oilier skin, you might want to skip this one.
Best with SPF: StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Vitamin C Moisturizer SPF 30
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.56 Sunscreen and vitamin C are a powerhouse pair against sun damage and wrinkles and this cream is your one and done morning skincare step.
Best with Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Cream
According to 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.7
Best with Vitamin C: Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream
“Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that not only protects collagen breakdown from UV damage but also stimulates collagen production,” says 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.89
Best for Daytime: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream
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.10 We love applying this one during the daytime, as it sits beautifully underneath makeup and gives base products like foundation and concealer a luminescent sheen.
Best for Nighttime: Pacifica Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream
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.1011
Best Firming: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
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.127
Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream with Peptides and Niacinamide
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.
Best for Neck: Neostrata Triple Firming Anti-Aging Neck Cream
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.
Best for Body: Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream with Collagen and Squalane
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.
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, you can’t go wrong with the Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer, a drugstore pick that’s rich in skin-firming ingredients (collagen peptides, included).
What to Look for in a Collagen Cream
Skincare Concerns
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.
Vitamin C and Retinol
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 retinol and vitamin C to prevent collagen degradation.
Vitamin A (aka the ingredient found in retinol) is a tried and tested ingredient for collagen synthesis, so incorporate a retinol serum into your nighttime routine. We love the RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Cream, a collagen-stimulating formula laden with retinol. For daytime, she explains, it’s key to either layer a vitamin C serum underneath your SPF or pick a collagen cream that’s infused with vitamin C—like the Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream— to boost collagen production and protect against free radicals.
Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are good boosters when paired with collagen creams because they can help you achieve the short-term results of plumping and brightening, while also contributing to better skin long term. That’s why we’re fans of the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Facial Moisturizer, which temporarily smooths fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, which is chock-full of nourishing peptides that leave the skin plump and radiant.
FAQ
Is collagen cream the same as moisturizer?
Because they contain moisturizing ingredients that hydrate the skin, collagen creams can be considered moisturizers. And like other moisturizers, you can find different collagen creams that are best for certain skin types, such as sensitive skin or dry skin.
How can I rebuild collagen in my face?
Our skin loses collagen over time, which can cause sagging and wrinkles. Beyond using collagen creams to try to help restore the appearance of our skin, healthy lifestyle habits may contribute to slower collagen loss. Eating less sugar, quitting smoking, and using sunscreen regularly all may be beneficial for slowing down wrinkles.13
What are the symptoms of lack of collagen?
From a visual perspective, the biggest symptoms of a lack of collagen are wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. Additionally, a lack of collagen might lead to brittle nails and hair.14
What causes depletion of collagen in the skin?
In addition to happening naturally (losing collagen is a part of life), lifestyle choices can also contribute to the depletion of collagen. Among those, smoking, drinking, and a diet that isn’t nutrient-rich “can cause the collagen and elastin in our skin to decrease, leading it to become rigid and less effective—thus causing wrinkles, uneven leathery texture in the skin, and breakouts,” according to estheticians.
