Meet Our Experts
If you’re on a mission to find the best collagen creams, you’re on the right track to plump, hydrated skin that defies howling winds, dry air, and other cold-weather factors that pose a threat to dewiness this winter. Ahead, Allure editors and board-certified dermatologists share the best collagen creams that actually firm, tighten, plump, and best collagen cream rejuvenate 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. 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. "There is no evidence that collagen creams or supplements benefit skin," says board-certified dermatologist Nancy Samolitis, co-founder of Facile Ski
It’s also worth noting that this product has a light, floral scent. It also stood out for delivering super long-lasting moisture (thanks to the hyaluronic acid in the mix). We love that it leaves the skin feeling deeply nourished and looking glowy and refreshed. It also applies well, is excellent for layering, and feels luxurious on the skin.
Best for Saggy Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Cream
Peptides function as a gentler alternative to retinol, making Neocutis's Bio Serum Firm a great bet for people looking for an easygoing but still effective option. I love that it comes with a special oxygen barrier system to prevent oxidation—because the last thing I need is my retinol to go bad prematurely! Its packaging features a unique three-stage barrier system, which minimizes oxidation to keep the formula fresh and effective.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream
A triple threat, Matter of Fact's lightweight concentrate combines all-star anti-aging retinol with brightening vitamin C and clarifying azelaic acid. The potent formula contains vitamin C and botanical extracts and also received perfect scores for not stinging or causing redness around eyes, which can happen easily in this delicate area. "It’s super smooth and feels really luxurious," one tester noted. GH Beauty Lab testing showed it increased hydration by 34% over six hours and improved firmness by 29% in four weeks.
Best for Advanced Retinol Users: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel
In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas. Meanwhile, radiofrequency devices, such as Thermage, also reach the deeper layers of skin, heating it to trigger new collagen production. On the antioxidant side, vitamin C, and niacinamide
best collagen cream also promote collagen production and reduce the oxidative damage that can break down the skin’s protein, leaving skin loose and crepey over tim
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. Niacinamide also steps in to hydrate, improve texture, and support barrier health, while colloidal oatmeal calms on contact. "Every Sol de Janeiro product smells incredible, and this one’s no different—the fruity-floral scent is almost good enough to eat. Sol de Janeiro’s Beija Flor Elasti-Cream doesn’t just smell like a tropical vacation; it delivers skin benefits that make it a staple. Mona Mislankar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, Ohio, recommends the Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream for combating sagging and tech neck. It leaves my skin feeling bouncy and refreshed all day." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
Rich in antioxidants, it helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and help fight against free radicals and environmental stressors. After cleansing and applying liquid lotion, smooth evenly over face. She tested StriVectin’s Peptide Plump Collagen Cushion Cream for this Byrdie article and had nothing but great things to say about the product. She has fine lines around her eyes, visible wrinkles in her forehead, and volume loss, particularly under her eyes. When continued use, it did look more plump over best collagen cream time without any irritations or breakouts." This cream delivered more than we expected, but it does leave a slightly sticky feeling behind as it absorbs, so keep this in mind if you have sensory sensitivitie
Collagen is vital for youthful looking skin. Starting in your 20's you lose up to 1% of collagen each year. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies.
Collagen Bank SPF Moisturizer
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. Plus, it has hydrolyzed elastin to further plump and hydrate skin. Garshick recommends it especially for dry skin types, and not for nothing, it's the lowest price point on this list. It's a great everyday moisturizer for all skin types, including sensitive. "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." With SPF moisturizer to protect against the #1 source of collagen depletion
The biggest misconception about collagen cream is that using it will build new collagen—it won't. 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. When it comes to collagen cream, Elemis is the name to know. 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 best collagen cream molecular weigh