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Surprise: Many of the best collagen cream formulas out there might not even contain collagen. Before we get into that, though, here’s a quick refresher on collagen: “As one of the most abundant proteins in our bodies, collagen provides the building blocks for our muscles, bones, skin, organs, intestinal lining, and connective tissues,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in San Diego. “Our bodies produce less collagen as we age, which is why we experience joint pain, wrinkles, and skin laxity as we get older.” On top of this steady decline of our natural collagen, free radicals produced by sun exposure and pollution can also do a number on the collagen in skin.
While there might be some advantage to ingesting collagen via, say, your diet and collagen supplements, there’s much less data to back up the benefits of applying topical collagen through a wrinkle cream—in part because collagen molecules are usually too large to penetrate the surface of the skin. So while a literal collagen cream, meaning a cream made with collagen, “may provide hydration and the temporary appearance of bouncy skin, it’s not doing much to improve collagen production or elasticity,” Dr. Palm explains. In other words, they make for a great moisturizer for mature skin,but not much else.
That said, there are still skin care products that can boost your skin’s own production of collagen. Peptides, for instance, are strings of amino acids that play very specific roles in skin function. In fact, some peptides, like tripeptides, have been found to build collagen in a matter of weeks. These work “by upregulating the activity of cells called fibroblasts in our dermis,” says Dr. Palm. “Fibroblasts can both synthesize new collagen as well as break it down through enzymatic control.”
Meanwhile, hexapeptides seem to be helpful in building elastin fibers—which, along with collagen, make up the scaffolding that gives skin a firm, plump appearance. On top of that, “other topical actives that help to stimulate collagen production include retinoids, glycolic acid, and vitamin C,” she says. (Plus, these actives have the added bonus of evening out skin tone and reducing dark spots or hyperpigmentation, giving you another antiaging advantage.) Another perk? You can use many of the same ingredients on your neck too.
Finally, because of the sun’s ability to break down collagen, sun protection is key; the best sunscreen has a minimum of SPF 30 to keep you covered and protect against future damage. With that in mind, scroll ahead to discover the best collagen cream for you.
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This updated version of the brand’s A.G.E. Interruptor targets a particular culprit behind collagen breakdown: sugar. Through a process called glycation, sugar molecules turn your collagen and elastin brittle and weak, leading to loose, sagging skin. This deploys a whopping 18% proxylane, antioxidant-rich fruit extracts, and an anti-inflammatory compound to offset this process, improving fine lines, forehead wrinkles, laugh lines, marionette lines (around the chin), glabellar wrinkles (a.k.a. the 11s), and even crow’s feet.
Pros: The clinical results are pretty astounding.
Cons: It’s a big investment, price-wise.
Ingredients: Proxylane, antioxidant-rich fruit extracts
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This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula delivers a collagen-boosting peptide along with niacinamide to hydrate, firm, and brighten. You can use it day, night, or both—making it easy to slot into your skin-care routine—and enjoy around-the-clock moisture without a heavy feel.
Pros: A little goes a long way, so a single jar will last you.
Cons: Some reviewers say that it feels a little thick, although it doesn’t leave a film on skin.
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While some collagen-boosting creams can feel heavy—making them a tough sell for those with oily skin—that’s not the case with this weightless, gel-based formula. It harnesses botanically derived active ingredients, like gingko, to deeply hydrate skin and promote healthy collagen production. The payoff? Less-noticeable fine lines and wrinkles in as soon as two weeks, according to the brand.
Pros: It’s incredibly hydrating, so skin stays smooth and soft.
Cons: You’ll be missing out on proven ingredients like retinol and vitamin C.
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While this is technically a serum, not a lotion, it’s a great dupe for the brand’s beloved (and discontinued) C+ Collagen Deep Cream. Retinol (and its many alternatives) are the gold standard for encouraging collagen production and boosting skin elasticity, resulting in firmer skin and, just as a bonus, brightening skin tone—hitting two major signs of aging in one. This serum pairs two forms of actual retinol with two botanical alternatives, rambutan and bakuchiol, to work overtime on skin’s retinol receptors. Plus, it also contains hyaluronic acid and squalane to counter any potential for irritation.
Pros: It gives vitamin-A devotees as much retinol as possible without a prescription.
Cons: You’ll still need a separate moisturizer.
Ingredients: Retinol, rambutan, bakuchiol, plus hyaluronic acid and squalane
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This vegan, cruelty-free night cream uses a plant-derived form of collagen to nourish skin—along with antioxidants (vitamins C and E, to be exact) and key lipids to support the skin barrier. They make for a powerful moisturizer, although results on the wrinkle front may take a little longer to see.
Pros: It’s moisturizing enough for even the driest skin types.
Cons: It has a floral scent that could be polarizing.
Ingredients: Antioxidants (vitamins C and E)
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RoC is a great entry point for those who want to dabble in retinol without paying an arm and a leg, and this hydrating cream (thanks to hyaluronic acid) is no exception. It’s quick to absorb, won’t clog pores, and can visibly firm skin in a matter of weeks.
Pros: It’s surprisingly nourishing for a retinol cream.
Cons: The scent can be a little strong.
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For all things collagen, Dr. Palm recommends Alastin. “This skin-care line is based off of peptide technology that has biological effects on the skin,” she says. For instance, she says, it can clear harmful molecules from skin, encouraging collagen-producing cells to do their job, and send unhealthy cells on their way. This does just that with the brand’s proprietary TriHex technology.
Pros: It offers unique, super-effective ingredients.
Cons: It’s expensive, and won’t double as a moisturizer.
If you’re already on the retinol bandwagon and want to up your results, this cult-favorite overnight treatment takes things to the next level by pairing retinol with alpha hydroxy acids—which help clear dead skin cells and, in doing so, allow retinol to better penetrate skin. If that all sounds too intense, no sweat: The formula also contains green tea extract, ceramides, and bisabolol to soothe skin and minimize redness while you snooze.
Pros: Potent cocktail of exfoliants, antioxidants, humectants, and beyond.
Cons: Retinol newbies will need to start slow.
Ingredients: Retinol, AHAs, green tea extract, ceramides
Some antiaging creams can be cloying. That’s not the case with this one, which is oil-free and non-comedogenic yet incredibly nourishing, thanks to a combination of skin barrier-boosting squalane, ceramides, and niacinamide. As for what it does for your collagen, it gets a lift from peptides—giving you all the skin-smoothing abilities without the clogged pores.
Pros: Its ability to hydrate without causing breakouts makes it a winner for acne-prone skin.
Cons: Those with dry skin may want something more moisturizing.
Ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, and niacinamide
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With a concentrated formula like this, who needs a cream? It uses not one, not two, but six peptides that target the proteins essential for collagen and elastin production—along with amino acids and hyaluronic acid for added hydration. Together, they make for a powerful treatment that can be added to your usual serum, moisturizer, or even eye cream for a wrinkle-fighting boost.
Pros: The peptides deliver meaningful changes in skin.
Cons: The dropper can be unwieldy.
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Japanese brand DHC is known for its innovative formulas, and this one is no different. It uses a patented peptide to deliver micronized (read: super-small) collagen to skin, where it works to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also brimming with vitamin C and vitamin E, an antioxidant duo that works synergistically to defend against further damage to collagen and elastin.
Pros: It has a blend of olive, rapeseed, and jojoba oils for a ton of moisture.
Cons: All those oils can contribute to a greasy feel.
Ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants (vitamins C and E)
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While collagen won’t simply replace the stuff in your skin upon application, it’s still a valuable protein in its own right, which is why you can find it—paired with peptides and niacinamide—in this gentle formula. While niacinamide is a winner for supporting the skin barrier and soothing inflammation, it’s the peptides that do most of the heavy lifting, since they work within the skin to boost collagen production. Another bonus: Since it’s paraben- and fragrance-free, it won’t upset sensitive skin types.
Pros: The texture feels velvety and nourishing, and doesn’t leave a greasy sheen.
Cons: The collagen doesn’t do all that much compared to the other actives.
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While yes, there’s actual collagen in this collagen moisturizer, there are other ingredients at work that may be contributing to its line-smoothing abilities. Inside, you’ll also find shea butter, which helps lock moisturizer into skin, as well as glycerin for hydration. If you have dry skin, consider this your one-and-done.
Pros: It works as both a day cream and a night cream.
Cons: It can take a while to absorb, which makes it hard to layer with makeup.
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