10 Collagen Creams That Actually Work, Reviewed By Experts 2024
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Have you ever wandered the skincare aisles at Sephora or your local drugstore, seen a “collagen cream,” and thought it seemed a bit gimmicky? You’re not totally wrong to be skeptical. It’s widly known that increasing our collagen production is a surefire way to improve texture, tone, and soften fine lines and wrinkles, so of course skincare brands are going profit from our interest in improving the long-term health of our skin by popping “collagen” on a label (not FDA regulated)—without much scientific backing. The same is generally true for collagen supplements.
“There is no evidence that collagen creams or supplements benefit skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Nancy Samolitis, co-founder of Facile Skin. “Collagen is a large molecule that can not penetrate deep into the skin when applied topically, and oral collagen gets digested by acids in the stomach.”
Of course, you’re reading an article about collagen creams, so there’s a more positive angle here: Some collagen creams can be effective, even beneficial additions to your skincare routine. “Collagen cream primarily moisturizes the skin, providing a plumping effect that can make the skin appear smoother and healthier,” explains board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick. “Some formulations contain hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) that can penetrate the skin more easily, potentially offering additional benefits like strengthening the skin’s barrier and supporting collagen production.”
If you’re trying to support your skin’s collagen production with the help of a face cream (which will probably yield added benefits), read on for the 13 highest-rated collagen creams on the market. All come vetted by dermatologists and are highly recommended by real customers.
1
Best Overall
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
Pros
- Contains peptides and niacinamide
- Great for all skin types, even acne-prone and dry
Garshick recommends this firming cream by First Aid Beauty because it combines peptides and niacinamide to help firm the skin and improve elasticity while providing deep hydration. It’s a great everyday moisturizer for all skin types, including sensitive.
One customer writes: “Melts into your skin, like butter. The results are instant and noticeable. It makes me look several years younger every time I use it! Also, it hydrates like a dream. If your skin needs more bounce or firmness, this is the [face cream] for you!” —Dani B.
2
Best Deal
TruSkin Firming Collagen Day Lotion
Pros
- Under $20
- Contains vegan collagen peptides
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it delivered results faster
TruSkin’s Firming Collagen Day Lotion contains ceramides and vegan collagen peptides, supporting the skin barrier and protecting against free radical damage. Garshick recommends it especially for dry skin types, and not for nothing, it’s the lowest price point on this list.
One customer writes: “After the first use, [I noticed] that my skin appeared brighter, more radiant, hydrated, and incredibly nourished. It was also evident that my skin’s texture and appearance significantly improved, and my pore size minimized. Overall, this is a great moisturizer, it’s gentle, affordable, and truly works.” —RoseMarie
3
Viral on TikTok
Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
Pros
- Instant results
- Beloved by Bazaar’s beauty team
Cons
- Texture is a little sticky
This K-Beauty cream is editor-approved, and for good reason. The bouncy formula contains freeze-fried collagen, which has a low molecular weight, so it penetrates deeper into the skin than collagen with a higher molecular weight. Plus, it has hydrolyzed elastin to further plump and hydrate skin.
What our editors are saying: “I love using this cream as an ultra-nourishing mask when my skin is extra parched. It’s also the perfect formula to pair my Medicube Age-R Booster Pro with, because it provides great slip and glide. Plus, it’s super affordable and the jar is massive.“—Katie Intner, beauty market and commerce editor
4
Best With SPF
Neutrogena Collagen Bank Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
Pros
- Available at the drugstore
- Includes sun protection
Cons
- Takes a minute to absorb into skin
Dermatologists agree that the best way to maintain your skin health (and optimum collagen production) is to protect it from damage. This new Neutrogena moisturizer is great because it uses a blend of patented micro-peptides (two times smaller than leading anti-aging peptides) to penetrate the skin and support collagen, and offers SPF 30 protection. (It also comes in a non-SPF formula, perfect for nighttime skincare.) “I love this moisturizer because it is non-irritating and does not clog pores,” says New York-based dermatologist Angela Lamb. “It can be layered with serums as well.”
One customer writes: “Right away, I [saw] significant improvement in my skin’s elasticity. That it has SPF, is such a bonus. I feel protected in the sun. My favorite part aside from the fact it works, is it smells so good. It truly is a great product.” —Roni
5
Best For Combination Skin
Solawave Nourishing Moisturizer
Pros
- Safe for acne-prone skin
- Fragrance-free
Andrew Silberstein, the founder and CEO of Solawave, developed the brand specifically with acne in mind. While red-light therapy is the brand’s bread and butter, Garshick recommends this moisturizer to those with combination skin because it’s oil-free and doesn’t clog pores. It combines peptides, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid, which boosts moisture and strengthens the skin barrier.
One customer writes: “My skin felt so moisturized and youthful. I [am] impressed with how hydrating the moisturizer [is] without feeling too heavy. Highly recommend! Great price point as well.”—Jasmine
6
Best Drugstore Find
Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it delivered faster results and more hydration
If you’re looking for a simple nighttime moisturizer at the drugstore, this is the one. Garshick likes it because the cream hydrates and plumps the skin without greasiness, using collagen peptides to support collagen production and niacinamide to retain moisture and soothe the skin.
One customer writes: “The ‘Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer’ does just what the bottle says….provides plumping 24-hour moisturizer and hydration. It’s not sticky or perfume-y which I like. Olay is always a win for me.”—Shatera
7
Best Plumping and Hydrating
OLEHENRIKSEN Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t feel greasy
Cons
- Over $50
- Some reviewers wish it was more hydrating
Consider this cream like lifting weights at the gym—a powerhouse of ingredients like peptides, collagen, and ceramides plump and add volume, while also protecting your skin barrier and improving elasticity.
What our editors are saying: “It’s not often a cream truly “wows” me, but after using this Olehenriksen cream, it was like love at first sight. The texture and finish of this cream is fantastic—it adds the perfect amount of hydration while blurring skin,”—KI
8
Best Splurge
Sisley Night Cream with Collagen and Woodmallow
Pros
- Decadent texture and intense hydration
Cons
- Over $250
This night cream combines a high concentration of collagen with woodmallow, which softens skin and refreshes a dull, lackluster complexion, so you’ll wake up with firmer, brighter, and smoother skin by morning.
One customer writes: “I use this product both morning and evening after cleansing my skin. Night Cream with Collagen and Woodmallow does an excellent job in helping to calm and clear the rosacea I have on my cheeks.”—Adooronron
9
Best For Mature Skin
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Pros
- Delivers results in two weeks
- Lightweight gel textute
Cons
- Over $100
When it comes to collagen cream, Elemis is the name to know. It’s an investment, but Garshick likes that it uses marine-derived collagen to hydrate and improve skin elasticity, providing a smoother and more youthful appearance.
One customer writes: “Magic in a jar!!! I love how my skin feels [since] I started using the Pro-Collagen Marie Cream! My skin looks like it’s glowing from within and looks so much more plump and firm!”—Hann
10
Best Night Cream
No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Night Cream
Pros
- Great for face and neck
Cons
- Contains fragrance
Garshick recommends this No7 cream that combines collagen peptides and antioxidants to restore firmness and soften fine lines. She recommends it for mature skin types looking for a good, affordable night cream.
One customer writes: “I had been using a different brand for many years, and can honestly say I [prefer] the results from this night cream. My face and neck feel smooth and firmer; however, I haven’t seen drastic results on my fine lines and wrinkles.”—Lo
Meet the Experts:
• Nancy Samolitis, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Facile Skin.
• Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Heather D. Rogers, is a dermatologist and founder and CEO of Doctor Rogers.
• Courtney Rubin, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer of Fig.1 Beauty.
Does collagen cream actually work?
The biggest misconception about collagen cream is that using it will build new collagen—it won’t. “Collagen in a cream only moisturizes your skin; it is a humectant but does not build new collagen,” explains Rogers. “Ideally, we want to use a face cream packed with ingredients that support your skin barrier, maintain water levels, and prevent inflammation to maintain collagen.”
To determine if a collagen cream is effective, Garshick recommends checking out the ingredient list “for peptides and other active ingredients known to boost collagen production, such as retinoids or vitamin C.” She continues: “Effective collagen creams often include hydrolyzed collagen or peptides, as these smaller molecules can penetrate the skin better than whole collagen.”
Who should be using a college cream?
Anyone can benefit from collagen creams, especially as we lose one percent of collagen every year starting at the age of 25. “Collagen creams are great for anyone who wants to improve skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration,” says Lamb. The result, regardless, is plumper skin. Again, Lamb echoes Rogers in that collagen creams won’t boost your own collagen production because the molecules are too large to penetrate deeply.
How should I add collagen into my skincare routine?
You can use one of the collagen-banking or supportive creams listed above. Or, more simply, focus on quality preventative skincare.
“I do not have any favorite collagen creams as I do not typically recommend them,” says Rubin. “Instead, I recommend retinol (like the Fig. 1 Retinol Level-Up System), sunscreen (like the Fig. 1 SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen), and vitamin C (such as the Fig. 1 15% Vitamin C Treatment). Since these ingredients work to support and protect the skin’s collagen levels.”
Retinol is a good place to start. “To restore collagen levels, incorporate retinol or retinoids into your routine, as these are known to stimulate collagen production,” explains Garshick. “Additionally, in-office procedures, like microneedling or laser resurfacing, can boost collagen production. Using antioxidants like vitamin C and sunscreen to protect against UV damage is also beneficial.” If a collagen cream fits into your routine on top of that, more power to you.
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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