The cosmetics industry often uses the word “collagen”. But what is it, and do you need it?
“Collagen is a protein that supports the skin’s structure,” says Dr. Ramya Garlapati, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Think of it as the scaffolding that keeps the skin firm and plump.
As we age, collagen production slows down. This can lead to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Research on topical collagen products is still ongoing. They might be worth trying if you’re starting to experience some of these symptoms.
Some products on the market contain collagen, while others use collagen-stimulating ingredients. If you’re unsure what’s best for you, we’ve done the research and consulted with Dr. Garlapati.
We considered formulations, ingredients, and potential side effects. We also looked at reviews and tried many of them ourselves.
This is our curated list of collagen creams that we recommend.
Best Overall: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
When it comes to collagen-stimulating moisturizers, Elemis Marine Cream is hard to beat. It uses marine extracts to hydrate, boost firmness and elasticity, and minimize fine lines over time.
Soft and cushiony Marine Cream also contains shea butter, vitamin E, and vitamin C. It helps boost radiance and even skin tone.
This product doesn’t offer any sun protection, but there is an SPF 30 version.
Who’s It For: This collagen cream is a must-have for dry skin types.
Key Ingredients: Marine extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, shea butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget: L’Oréal Paris Collagen Filler Day/Night Cream
This wallet-friendly favorite contains shea butter and collagen. It hydrates the skin and temporarily fills in fine lines for a smooth makeup result.
Its consistency is also something to marvel at. This collagen cream features a melting texture that absorbs quickly.
Who It’s For: This pick is for those looking for a lightweight, non-greasy collagen cream.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, boswellia serrata extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Drugstore: Olay Face Moisturizer
Drugstore collagen moisturizers don’t get much better than this. It contains skin-firming ingredients like collagen peptides and tremella extract.
It’ll leave you looking healthy, luminous, and fresh. The texture is quite light.
Who It’s For: This collagen cream is a must-have for those looking for extra hydration.
Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides, niacinamide | Skin Type: Combination, mature, dry | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best with SPF: StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Vitamin C Moisturizer
Wear sunscreen during the day, every day. StriVectin Super-C offers SPF 30 protection against photoaging.
Vitamin C promotes collagen production and fights free radicals. Sunscreen and vitamin C are a powerhouse pair against sun damage.
Who It’s For: This pick is for those who take their skincare routines seriously.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best with Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Cream
Retinoids (including over-the-counter retinol) are the “gold standard.” They stimulate collagen production.
This affordable face cream combines retinol with hyaluronic acid. It delivers long-lasting hydration.
Who It’s For: This collagen cream is perfect for those looking to elevate their nighttime skincare routine.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Mature, dry, normal | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best with Vitamin C: Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Cream
Vitamin C protects against UV damage. It also stimulates collagen production.
Dewy Deep Cream combines vitamin C with niacinamide. It has lactic acid (AHA) and squalane.
Who It’s For: If you aim to achieve dewy skin, this pick is for you.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, lactic acid, squalane | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Daytime: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream
Charlotte Tilbury’s Charlotte’s Magic Cream is full of nourishing oils. It leaves the skin primed for makeup and glowy.
It has hyaluronic acid plus vitamins C and E. We love applying this one during the daytime.
Who It’s For: This pick makes for a great daytime cream.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1–5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Nighttime: Pacifica Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream
Slather on this ultra-moisturizing face cream before bed. It contains vegan collagen, along with vitamins C and E.
It plumps, firms, smooths, and evens out your complexion. We do like this pick’s thick consistency.
Who It’s For: If you’re searching for a quality night cream, look no further.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Firming: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
Murad’s Youth Renewal Night Cream is your best bet for firmer skin. It combines collagen-stimulating niacinamide with multiple retinoids.
Another benefit of niacinamide? The ingredient can help improve hyperpigmentation.
Who It’s For: This collagen cream is a fast favorite for many.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Collagen Cream
This cream contains peptides, niacinamide, glycerin, and squalane. It’s rich and nourishing.
We also like that it’s free of parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and artificial fragrances.
Who It’s For: This collagen cream is made for sensitive skin types.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Neck: Neostrata Triple Firming Anti-Aging Neck Cream
This neck cream calls on amino acids. They help the skin create collagen.
It also contains Neocitriate. Looking for a neck cream that actually works?
Who It’s For: Looking for a neck cream that actually works?
Key Ingredients: Amino acids, Neocitriate™ | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 2.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Body: Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream
Go with Sol de Janeiro for below-the-neck care. This super-rich and luxurious body cream is formulated with collagen.
It also contains squalane, and cacay oil. The brand’s signature fruity-floral scent doesn’t hurt, either.
Who It’s For: We recommend this pick to those looking for a vegan-friendly body cream.
Key Ingredients: Collagen, squalane, cacay oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 8.1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Cruelty-Free: St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Moisturizer
This face cream from St. Ives boasts natural moisturizers. It uses collagen-boosting safflower seed oil.
It’s certified cruelty-free by PETA. This pick is made for sensitive skin types.
Who It’s For: This pick is made for sensitive skin types.
Key Ingredients: Water, safflower seed oil, glycerin | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Most ViralSimply: Vital Face Moisturizer Collagen Cream
This collagen cream is lightweight and non-greasy. It features marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamin E.
The result helps to boost the skin’s natural collagen production. We recommend this pick to those who’ve Googled “fountain of youth product.”
Who It’s For: We recommend this ultra-hydrating pick to those who’ve Googled “fountain of youth product.”
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, marine collagen, retinol | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Versatile: REMEDIAL PAX Face Moisturizer Retinol Cream
This collagen cream is lightweight and rich. It’s a must-wear for daytime and nighttime.
It boasts clinically proven ingredients. We appreciate this product’s commitment to hygiene.
Who It’s For: This pick is perfect for those craving a balanced formula.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, collagen, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.85 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Our top pick is Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. It’s a deeply hydrating moisturizer.
For something more affordable, try Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer.
How We Researched
Our team spent hours researching the best collagen creams. We evaluated features and customer reviews.
These include active ingredients and benefit claims. We also looked at preferred skin types.
What to Look for in a Collagen Cream
Understand how collagen functions in skincare. Determine if it’s the best way to achieve your skincare goals.
Skincare formulated with collagen plumps and conditions the skin. It doesn’t increase our collagen levels.
Look for other ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. This prevents collagen degradation.
Vitamin A is a tried and tested ingredient. Incorporate a retinol serum into your nighttime routine.
Layer a vitamin C serum underneath your SPF. This boosts collagen production.
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are good boosters. They help achieve short-term results.
They also contribute to better skin long term.
