We’ll cut to the chase: “collagen creams” are a little gimmicky. Skincare companies profit from our interest in increasing our own collagen production for 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 10 highest-rated collagen creams on the market. All come vetted by dermatologists and are highly recommended by real customers.
Shop The 10 Best Collagen Creams
- Best OverallFirst Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen CreamRead more
- Best DealTruSkin Firming Collagen Day LotionRead more
- Best With SPFNeutrogena Collagen Bank Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 30Read more
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Best Overall
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
$44 at Ulta Beauty$40 at Amazon$44 at Nordstrom
Pros
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Available in a jumbo size
Cons
Grashick 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.
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Best Deal
TruSkin Firming Collagen Day Lotion
$20 at Amazon$18 at truskin.com
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Paraben and sulfate-free formula
Cons
- Some customers offer would prefer a tube larger than 2 fl oz.
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
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Best With SPF
Neutrogena Collagen Bank Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
Now 25% Off
$22 at Ulta Beauty$22 at Amazon
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Contains broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons
Dermatologists agree that the best way to maintain your skin health (and optimum collagen production), is to protect it. 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, is lightweight so it won’t clog the pores, and offers SPF 30 protection. (It also comes in a non-SPF formula, perfect for nighttime skincare.)
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
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Best For Combination Skin
Solawave Nourishing Moisturizer
Pros
- Oil-free formula
- Petroleum-free formula
Cons
- May not offer enough hydration for super-dry skin types
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
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Best Drugstore Find
Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
Now 19% Off
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons
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 perfumy which I like. Olay is always a win for me.” –Shatera
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Best For Mature Skin
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
$140 at Revolve$140 at Amazon$70 at Walmart
Pros
- Award-winning formula
- Lightweight gel-cream texture
- Provides a silky base for makeup application
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
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Best For Face & Neck
Colorscience Pep Up Collagen Boost Face & Neck Serum
$179 at colorescience.com$179 at Amazon
Pros
- Designed to treat the face and neck
- Award-winning formula
- Non-comedogenic formula
Cons
- Over $150
Of course, you can bring your face cream down to your neck (and chest), but you may notice better results with a targeted neck treatment. This serum by Colorscience uses peptides to boost collagen production and improve skin firmness. It’s specifically formulated to treat the face and the delicate skin on the neck.
One customer writes: “My skin is softer, smoother, and more hydrated. Fine lines are less pronounced. I especially love it on my neck. A little goes a long way. It’s silky, smooth and the pump lasts a while.” –Lisa K.
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Best Night Cream
No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Night Cream
$33 at Ulta Beauty$29 at Amazon$50 at Walmart
Pros
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Contains subtle 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
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Best Eye Cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream
Now 34% Off
$20 at Amazon$30 at Ulta Beauty
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Dermatologist-tested formula
- Non-greasy formula
Cons
This eye cream stands out in the collagen-supporting category for its affordability and hero ingredient, retinol. This vitamin A derivative stimulates collagen production to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
One customer writes: “I noticed a difference after only a few days. Not a miracle cure, but helpful. I would buy it again.” M.S.
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Best Lightweight Serum
Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Serum
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Hygienic pump applicator
Cons
- Not as hydrating as a collagen cream
This is a lightweight gel serum, as opposed to a cream, but it has a similar effect on the skin. The design aims at protecting and preserving the skin’s collagen using a blend of collagen amino acids and antioxidants to offer protection.
One customer writes: “Today makes four weeks of using the serum, twice a day and after seeing the results already, I want to take a bath in this [serum] because I have more (bigger) parts of myself that need re-plumping.” –Lesley S.
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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.
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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. Effective collagen creams often include hydrolyzed collagen or peptides, as these smaller molecules can penetrate the skin better than whole collagen.”
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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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