8 best collagen creams for mature skin
If you’re looking to boost your skincare routine for mature skin, I recommend trying one of the best collagen creams. These line-smoothing moisturisers are not only packed with collagen, but also skin-boosting ingredients like peptides and amino acids that work together to make complexion appear more bouncy and resilient. While they won’t penetrate the collagen molecules deeply enough build collagen, Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology, says that they certainly can improve hydration, plumpness, and overall texture over time.
So, I've worked with mature skin testers, plus members of our Glamour staff in the UK and America, to test some of the best dermatologist-recommended collagen creams. Our top pick overall was the Medicube Triple Collagen Cream, because it’s affordable and its potent formula blends collagen with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to deeply hydrate. We also found drugstore options, night creams, and K-beauty favourites.
The best collagen creams, at a glance
How I tested the best collagen creams
It's really important to me that I don't recommend anything that hasn't been properly tested and reviewed. So, to pull together this guide to the best collagen creams, I worked with trusted Glamour testers and experts between the ages of 30 and 60 tested collagen creams by evaluating the formulas’ ingredients, texture, and results. In addition to collagen, we looked for derm-backed ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration), peptides (for plumping), and antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E (to defend against further damage to collagen and elastin).
The ones selected had creamy textures that were rich and nourishing, dried down quickly, and played well with other skin care and makeup products. They were efficacious in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for every tester, whether that was minimising developing lines or softening crepey skin or elevens, and they were supported by the derms we spoke to for this guide, too. You can find the list of experts I spoke to at the bottom of this page, and you can find out more about how we test here.
Best Overall: Medicube Triple Collagen Cream
- Pros: Effective after just a few weeks of use; smooth and rich, but non-greasy
- Cons: Not listed if the product is noncomedogenic so it may clog pores
This Medicube pick is also our top anti-ageing cream. The creamy formula blends a triple collagen complex with hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturise, plus elastin and shea butter help soften and increase bounciness. It also contains olive leaf extract, to help improve uneven skin tone and discoloration, making skin look clarified and plump. At under £20 the value is ideal for everyone.
Testing notes:
“This rich cream has a bouncy, gel-like consistency that glides right onto the skin and quickly sinks in, leaving you looking radiant but not overly shiny. I definitely think it made a huge difference in the fine lines on my forehead and around my nose after two weeks—both areas feel more firm and plump,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary, who shares that she fell in love with it the minute she tried it.
Best for Crepey Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Anti-Aging Cream
- Pros: Hydrates; has a thick texture
- Cons: Pricey; can be a bit sticky
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 elevens), and even crow’s-feet.
Testing notes:
Glamour contributor Helen Bonzulak noticed brighter skin and a firmer, lifted jawline after using this cream over the span of a few weeks. “I used it with the A.G.E. serum, and my skin still felt hydrated and plump three hours later. I also like to apply it on the décolleté to help address crepey skin in that area.”
Best Plumping: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Face Moisturiser
- Pros: Gel texture is very refreshing; smooths skin quickly
- Cons: Takes a minute to fully dry down; pricey
Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey is a big fan of this collagen plumping cream. “I love this moisturiser because it combines peptides and humectants to enhance hydration and skin smoothness,” she says. It has a thick gel consistency that dries down quickly and makes skin look radiant and fresh, free of dullness, dry skin patches, and uneven skin texture.
Testing notes:
“I really love this moisturiser because it’s cooling and fresh upon application, and gives me a gentle glow, without making me look oily,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “After using it for about a week, I’ve already noticed a difference in the fine lines around my nose, and my skin looks and feels a lot smoother and taut. It also is the perfect base for makeup—my tinted moisturiser glided right on with little finesse and rubbing after using this.”
Best K-Beauty: Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Retinol Power Boosting Capsule Cream
- Pros: Unique format that penetrates into the skin quickly and efficiently
- Cons: Might be a little harsh for sensitive skin types
Korean skincare products are renowned for their ability to give you glassy, dewy skin. This collagen-packed capsule cream is no different, and does a great job of making skin look fresh, smooth and extremely moisturised. A unique feature of this product are the spicules in it—tiny needle like structures that help the product absorb better into the skin. “They can be a little spicy, so go easy and use one to two times a week at first. Make sure you don’t use spicule skin care on active acne flare-ups or open wounds,” says David Kim, MD, a dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group.
Testing notes:
“There’s a delayed stinging sensation you feel after applying but it doesn’t cause irritation or redness,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “I like to use it when I need extra boost of radiance and plumpness.”
“This isn’t my first time using spicule-infused skin care, so I was ready for the not-so-mild tingle. The concentration of spicules in this gel cream is on the mild side, so it didn’t sting as much as some other spicule serums I’ve tried. If you’ve done microneedling, it feels like a mild version of that. I definitely get a noticeable plumping, firming effect with this moisturiser and I also put it over my neck and chest to help smooth the lines there. It’s one of the most well-formulated Korean moisturisers I’ve tried recently,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu.
Best for Dry Skin: RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Cream
- Pros: Affordable; a little goes a long way
- Cons: Has fragrance
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. While the formula itself lacks collagen specifically, the combination of ingredients help stimulate collagen production in your skin, which is why it deserves a spot on this list. You can also find it at your local drugstore at under £30, which is a huge win. Shop more moisturisers for dry skin this way.
Testing notes:
“This moisturiser is one of the most luxurious in my collection, so I was shocked to find out that you can add it to cart for under £30. It has a cloud-like, fluffy feel that glides onto the skin like butter and adds a nice sheen of moisture, which is particularly great on evenings after I’ve had a long day and my skin is feeling extra dry. I love that it has a blend of both retinol and hyaluronic acid to gently exfoliate but maintain moisture, and so far, it’s done a really great job at correcting dark spots and post-acne scars around my T-Zone and on my chin,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Oily Skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (SPF 30)
- Pros: Hydrating; lightweight because of its gel consistency
- Cons: Doesn’t include antioxidants or retinol, which would also help with minimising wrinkles
While some collagen-boosting creams can feel heavy, that’s not at all the case with this weightless, gel-based formula – one of the best moisturisers for oily skin. It harnesses botanically derived active ingredients, like gingko, to deeply hydrate skin and promote healthy collagen production. The payoff? Less-noticeable wrinkles and improved elasticity.
Testing notes:
“This cream is an absolute dream,” says Bonzulak. “I love the scent and the consistency. It is so thick it stays on my finger even upside down, and yet it doesn't leave my face feeling greasy at all. My skin feels plump and fresh after using, and this time of year I want to slather myself in it!”
Best for Sagging Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
- Pros: Velvety and nourishing texture; doesn’t leave behind a greasy sheen
- Cons: Niacinamide is the star ingredient in this, not necessarily the collagen.
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 firming cream. 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. The potent combination in this pick makes it great for sagging skin types that need a little extra lift.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Biodance Pore Perfecting Collagen Peptide Cream
- Pros: Affordable; makes skin smooth and rids of uneven texture
- Cons: A little sticky
This skin-firming moisturiser for sensitive skin helps blur pores by creating a smooth surface. Along with collagen, it combines peptides and hyaluronic acid to support skin barrier, and is a great pick for sensitive skin types because it’s fragrance free and gentle.
Testing notes:
“I was a massive fan of this collagen peptide cream the minute I tried it because of its super-silky texture and luminous finish. It has no fragrance, sinks into the skin easily, and leaves my skin feeling and looking a lot more smooth, pore- and fine-line free,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Your frequently-asked collagen cream questions, answered:
What is 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.
Do collagen creams work?
According to the dermatologists we spoke with, collagen creams work, but you should have realistic expectations. “Topical collagen itself is too large to penetrate the skin deeply, so it won’t rebuild your natural collagen. However, collagen creams can hydrate, plump the surface, soften fine lines, and strengthen the skin barrier. The true magic comes when they also include peptides, antioxidants, or retinoids, which help support collagen production indirectly,” says Dr. Mitchell.
What’s better—retinol or collagen?
One ingredient is not necessarily better than the other, rather they target different things, according to Dr. Rambhia. “If the goal is actual collagen stimulation and long-term anti-ageing, retinol is the better-supported ingredient,” she says. Retinoids have decades of evidence demonstrating their ability to regulate collagen production, improve fine lines, and enhance texture. “Collagen creams, meanwhile, offer hydration and short-term plumping but do not significantly change deeper dermal structure. That said, you don’t need to choose one or the other. Many people can benefit from using retinol at night and a peptide-rich, collagen-supporting moisturiser during the day for complementary benefits,” she says.
Is there a downside to using collagen skin care?
“The only downside of collagen creams is expectation,” says Dr. Mitchell. While many people assume the products will rebuild collagen in the skin, they should temper those hopes to expect more temporary effects. “Also, richer collagen creams may feel heavy for acne-prone or oily skin, so choose lighter textures if you’re breakout-prone,” she says.
Is collagen good for anti-ageing and mature skin?
Collagen creams are great for anti-ageing routines. “Mature and aging skin needs hydration, barrier repair, and plumping—and collagen creams do all three,” says Dr. Mitchell. For significant discolouration, loss of volume, and deep wrinkles, Dr. Rambhia recommends combining collagen cream with retinoids, daily sun protection (of SPF 30) and in-office procedures like lasers or injectables from a board-certified dermatologist for best results.
Meet the experts
- Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology
- Biochemist Mollie Kelly Tufman, PhD, founder of The Beauty Lab,
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey
- David Kim, MD, dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group
This article originally appeared on Glamour US.
