4 best collagen creams and serums for plump and youthful skin, tried and tested 2025
Wrong! Well, kind of...
What is collagen?
First things first, let's break down the need-to-knows. Collagen is a natural protein in the skin that acts as scaffolding to maintain a firm, youthful appearance. However, as we age (from the age of 25 and above, to be exact), collagen starts to deplete, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Naturally, this is due to ageing, but it can also be accelerated by factors such as pollution, sugar consumption, smoking and sun exposure, to name a few.
Can a collagen cream reduce wrinkles?
Unfortunately, not entirely. Cosmopolitan UK spoke to Dr Tara Francis, Dentist and Advanced Facial Aesthetician and Dr Sina Ghadiri, Consultant Dermatologist and founder of Sinaesthetics, who shared the science and facts. "Whole collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin barrier when applied topically," Dr Tara says. On its own, "topical collagen will just lie on the skin surface," Dr Sina adds.
That said, rather than relying on collagen to absorb directly, "collagen creams can still be effective if they include peptides (fragments of collagen), antioxidants, or ingredients that stimulate your own collagen production (e.g. retinoids, vitamin C)," Dr Tara counters.
Alternatively, Dr Sina says that another way to boost collagen in the skin is through ingestibles. "Ingestible collagen supplements are broken down into amino acids and peptides in the digestive system, then travel through the bloodstream to the skin and are thought to signal increased collagen production in the skin via fibroblasts," he explains. In terms of evidence, there is more robust scientific research surrounding this method of collagen administration benefiting the skin, compared to simply applying topical collagen.
The solution
"Think of collagen as a long-term investment in your skin," Dr Tara says, and we couldn't agree more. "You may not see dramatic changes overnight, but supporting your collagen consistently, through the right skincare and treatments, is like topping up your skin savings account over time."
So, while a collagen skincare product isn't going to miraculously improve the appearance of skin overnight, implementing one with peptides, antioxidants, retinol, or vitamin C can support it. That, as well as maintaining a balanced diet, reduced sun exposure and taking collagen supplements, is the key to plump, youthful skin!Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser
Dr Tara recommends this Paula's Choice moisturiser for youthful skin. It's packed with peptides and hyaluronic acid, providing 24-hour hydration and instantly plump, bouncy skin. Tick, tick, tick!
Not only that, but it's super lightweight on the skin and wears comfortably under makeup.
£49.00 at sephora.co.ukGF Next Generation
While it is super spenny (we know, we know), this serum contains over 18 (!!) powerful actives clinically proven to offer superior skin rejuvenation and skin barrier healing. Oh, and it's one of Dr Tara's favourites.
Without getting too sciencey, the clever blend of peptides and ceramides addresses all key signs of skin ageing; It promotes regeneration of damaged skin, repairs impaired skin barriers and improves overall skin health, so, is a winner all-round in our eyes.
$173.25 at cellderma.comCrystal Retinal®
"My favourite topical method to stimulate collagen is not a collagen cream, it's a daily topical retinoid, which is far more effective in actually signalling to the fibroblasts to produce more collagen," Dr Sina says. Our fave retinol product (and arguably, the best-selling, ever!) is Medik8's Crystal formula. Read more about it here.
£69.00 at medik8.comEnhanced Plus
If taken once a day, this tiny sachet can impact your skin, hair and body for the better. That's all down to its jam-packed formula, which includes 10,000mg of marine collagen, hydrolysed keratin, retinol and vitamins B6, B12, C and D. As Dr Sina previously explained, "Ingestible collagen supplements are broken down into amino acids and peptides in the digestive system, then travel through the bloodstream to the skin and are thought to signal increased collagen production in the skin via fibroblasts."
£31.49 at revivecollagen.com
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