With skin-firming picks from Charlotte Tilbury, Dr. Dennis Gross, 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 Dr. Ramya Garlapati, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California. “Think of it as scaffolding that helps the skin stay firm and plump.” But as we age, collagen production slows down.1 “This small loss of collagen compounded over time can lead to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles,” says Dr. Garlapati. Research on topic collagen products—and whether they really work—is still ongoing, but they might be worth trying if you’re starting to experience some of these symptoms.2
While some products on the market actually contain collagen, others call on collagen-stimulating ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide.34 If you’re not sure what’s best for you, don’t worry—we helped you narrow down the best collagen creams by doing extensive research and consulting with Dr. Garlapati for her expert opinion. We considered formulations, ingredients, and whether or not the creams cause 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.5 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 boost radiance and even skin tone.6 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.
Who’s It For
This collagen cream is a must-have for dry skin types. Not only is it ultra-hydrating, but some customers say it has helped improve their skin texture.
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 nourishing shea butter and collagen to hydrate the skin and temporarily fill in fine lines for a smooth makeup result. Not only will it help you achieve a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance when you use it, but its consistency is also something to marvel at. This collagen cream features a melting texture that absorbs quickly without leaving behind a greasy or sticky feel.
Who It’s For
This pick is made for those looking for a lightweight, non-greasy collagen cream that is non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested.
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. Rich in skin-firming ingredients like collagen peptides and tremella (snow mushroom) extract, it’ll leave you looking healthy, luminous, and fresh.78 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.
Who It’s For
This collagen cream is a must-have for those looking for extra hydration—think dry and sensitive skin types.
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
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.910 Sunscreen and vitamin C are a powerhouse pair against sun damage and wrinkles, and this cream is your one-and-done morning skincare step.
Who It’s For
This pick is made for those who take their skincare routines seriously. When used regularly, this collagen cream is said to help support smoother, plumper-looking skin.
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
According to Dr. Garlapati, retinoids (including over-the-counter retinol) are the “gold standard” for “their ability to stimulate collagen production.”11 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.12 We also like that it absorbs quickly and goes on smoothly.
Who It’s For
This collagen cream is perfect for those looking to elevate their nighttime skincare routine, as it can be too thick or heavy as a day cream.
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 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.1314
Who It’s For
If you aim to achieve dewy skin, this pick is for you. It’s non-sticky, doesn’t pill, and helps replenish dull skin.
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
A skincare 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.15 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.
Who It’s For
This pick makes for a great daytime cream, a must-have for those searching for a silky-soft moisturizer that does more.
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
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.1516 Although some customers don’t like that it takes longer to absorb into the skin, we do like this pick’s thick consistency—essential for a night cream—and its subtly sweet, floral scent.
Who It’s For
If you’re searching for a quality night cream, look no further than this vegan collagen pick. Many customers say a little goes a long way in terms of application.
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
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.1712 Another added benefit of including niacinamide? The ingredient can help improve hyperpigmentation and decrease skin roughness.3
Who It’s For
This collagen cream is a fast favorite for many, especially for those who prefer a non-greasy formula that delivers benefits fast. And who doesn’t?
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 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. We also like that it’s free of parabens, sulfates, alcohol, artificial colorants, and artificial fragrances.
Who It’s For
This collagen cream is made for sensitive skin types due to its clean ingredient list, which steers clear of harmful chemicals.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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.
Who It’s For
Looking for a neck cream that actually works? Look no further than this cream, which is oil-free and helps rejuvenate the skin.
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
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 (a gentle retinol alternative) to not only moisturize but also improve your skin’s elasticity. The brand’s signature fruity-floral scent doesn’t hurt, either. Plus, the cream is on the thicker side, so a little goes a long way when it comes to application.
Who It’s For
We recommend this pick to those looking for a vegan-friendly, nourishing body cream that leaves your skin feeling velvety-soft.
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
We’re big fans of this face cream from iconic brand St. Ives, which boasts 100% natural moisturizers and collagen-boosting safflower seed oil to help promote a more youthful glow.18 It’s certified cruelty-free by PETA and is also non-comedogenic, which means this product does not cause blocked pores (aka less potential for breakouts). Many customers use this cream during the day and at night.
Who It’s For
This pick is made for sensitive skin types because of its all-natural formulation and conditioning properties.
Key Ingredients: Water, safflower seed oil, glycerin | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Most ViralSimply: Vital Face Moisturizer Collagen Cream
Scroll for less than 5 minutes on TikTok, and you’ll be served ads for products that seem too good to be true. In the case of this collagen cream, however, the hype is real. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and features skin-loving ingredients like marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamin E. The result? Helping to boost the skin’s natural collagen production and, in turn, supporting a healthier and more radiant complexion.
Who It’s For
We recommend this ultra-hydrating pick to those who’ve Googled “fountain of youth product”—according to customers, this is it!
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
Consider yourself low-maintenance when it comes to skincare? Reach for this collagen cream, which is equal parts lightweight and rich, making it a must-wear for daytime and nighttime. Each application boasts clinically proven ingredients such as retinol 1%, skin-firming collagen, and hydrating hyaluronic acid 5%. We appreciate this product’s commitment to hygiene thanks to its sealed design, too.
Who It’s For
This pick is perfect for those craving a balanced formula for the skin on your face and neck—day and night.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, collagen, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.85 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Our top pick for best collagen cream 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).
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best collagen creams on the market. We evaluated the following features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources:
- Active ingredients
- Benefit claims
- Preferred skin types
- Product size
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.”
- 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 boosting radiance 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 may be beneficial for slowing down wrinkles.19
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.20
What causes depletion of collagen in the skin?
In addition to it 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.