I don’t think my eight-year-old realizes how lucky he is. Every time I kiss his soft, bouncy cheek, I say, “Look at all that collagen!” And now that I’m 45 and noticing more signs of collagen loss, I realize I once took my own skin’s structure for granted too.
I was scrolling through photos recently and found one of myself from a past Christmas. My face looked much fuller than it does now. I sent the picture to my friend with a note: “Remember collagen?” She’s 49 and replied, “I don’t know her.”
Sadly, collagen loss happens to everyone—starting around age 20—and the early signs are easy to spot. “You might notice your skin looking less firm or bouncy,” says board-certified dermatologist Noah Gratch. “Fine lines become more visible, you may see sagging around the jawline or under the eyes, and your skin might lose that smooth, full look. Basically, if your skin isn’t snapping back like it used to, collagen loss could be why.”
Vogue’s Favorite Products to Slow Collagen Loss
Best Retinal: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum – $55 on Amazon
Best With Growth Factors: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum – $295 on Amazon
Best Daily Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream – $15 on Amazon
Best for Under Makeup: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer – $49, now $34 (31% off) on Amazon
Best Night Cream: Augustinus Bader Overnight Restorative Cream – $365 on Nordstrom
Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream – $22 on Amazon
Best With Exosomes: Plated Skin Science Intense Serum – $258 on Plated Skin Science
For those new to the topic, collagen is a natural protein in the body that gives skin structure. But as we age, our collagen levels drop, leading to more visible signs of aging. “We can’t stop collagen loss completely—it’s a normal part of aging—but we can slow it down with the right approach,” says Dr. Gratch. Healthy habits are key: don’t smoke, eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and get enough sleep. These all support collagen.
Next, look at your skincare routine. Start with good sun protection. “The biggest cause of collagen breakdown is UV radiation, so using a broad-spectrum SPF every day is essential,” explains Dr. Akshay Sanan, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Sunscreen aside, check the rest of your routine too. “Topical collagen can hydrate the skin, but it doesn’t go deep enough to boost collagen where it matters, in the dermis,” he says. “What works better are products that encourage your body to make its own collagen.”
With growing interest in regenerative ingredients like peptides, growth factors, and exosomes—all of which may help slow collagen loss—there are plenty of products for anyone wanting to keep their skin firm and bouncy longer. And of course, retinol is still the star of anti-aging. The big question is: which products deserve a spot in your routine? Ahead, experts and Vogue editors share the collagen-boosting ingredients to know, along with the best products that use them.
In This Story
What ingredients boost collagen production?
Is it really possible to slow collagen loss?
How We Tested
Meet the Experts
Best Retinal: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
Save to wishlist
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum – $55 on Amazon, $55 on Medik8
Why We Love It: Medik8’s Crystal Retinal serum works well for both beginners and experienced retinol users, thanks to its range of strengths. From 0.01% to 0.24% retinaldehyde (a form of vitamin A that works faster than regular retinol but is often gentler on the skin, according to Dr. Gratch), this blend pairs the anti-aging powerhouse with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin to balance its strength with nourishing ingredients. “It’s released slowly,” the experts note.Overnight, you get great results—like fewer fine lines and smoother skin—without the irritation that some people experience with stronger retinoids,” he continues.
Editor’s Experience: “I like my retinals to be non-irritating and customizable, which is why I’ve been relying on Medik8’s Crystal Retinal 3 Serum. It uses encapsulated retinaldehyde, which works alongside glycerin and hyaluronic acid to improve fine lines, skin tone, and texture.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
Love It
Leave It
It uses stabilized retinaldehyde, which works faster than traditional retinol.
You need to gradually increase the strength to avoid sensitivity.
More to Know
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
Best For: Retinol beginners or advanced users; those targeting fine lines or rough texture
Size: 30 ml
Best Under Makeup: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Paula’s Choice
Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer
$49 $34 (31% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: This Paula’s Choice moisturizer contains three peptides that can support natural collagen production: Hexapeptide-5, oligopeptide-1, and tridecapeptide-1. These are signal peptides, which, according to Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, “mimic collagen breakdown fragments, signaling fibroblasts to produce more collagen.” With a gel-cream texture that’s lightweight enough to layer under makeup—and give foundation a subtle glow—the product is oil-free but deeply hydrating. In addition to peptides, it includes the emollient squalane and humectants like glycerin.
Editor’s Experience: “From its ‘Pro-Collagen’ mission to its hot-pink bottle and the rosy color of the moisturizer itself, this cream has a lively feel—like a cheerleader for aging skin. Its gel-cream texture is so light and fast-absorbing; it has a cooling feel that makes it perfect for summer mornings. Since my skin needs all the hydration it can get, I usually follow this with a thicker moisturizer, and I always top it off with SPF during the day. Luckily, it layers beautifully.” —J.B.
Love It
Leave It
Its oil-free gel-cream texture makes it great for normal-to-oily skin types or for use under makeup.
The results focus more on hydrating and plumping than on visible firming.
More to Know
Key Ingredients: Hexapeptide-5, oligopeptide-1, tridecapeptide-1, squalane, glycerin, hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate
Best For: Normal, combination, oily, and mature skin; use under makeup
Size: 1.7 oz
Best With Growth Factors: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
$295 AMAZON
$295 BLUEMERCURY
Why We Love It: Of all the trendy skin-care ingredients right now, few are as highly regarded as growth factors. Double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Eunice Park explains that they “act as signaling molecules that communicate with skin cells to stimulate collagen production.” Among the available formulas, SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ is the most recommended by experts. As a first-of-its-kind formula, it uses human-fibroblast-conditioned media (naturally rich in growth factors) to improve the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and skin texture within weeks.
Editor’s Experience: “This is one of those holy-grail products that dermatologists recommend almost every time I ask about their favorite anti-aging products. It takes a while to show its full effects—the brand says it takes about 12 weeks of consistent use for the skin to look smoother and tighter. But after a quick trial, I can confirm that it provides immediate hydration and gives the skin a subtle glow. I also like the convenience of having two powerful serums in one bottle.” —J.B.
Love It
Leave It
The lightweight texture layers well under moisturizer and sunscreen.
The dual-chamber packaging can be tricky and may dispense the products unevenly.Occasionally, the formula delivers visible firming benefits.
More to Know
Key Ingredients: Human-fibroblast-conditioned media, peptides, algae extracts
Best For: Improving the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and skin texture
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best Daily Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Save to wishlist
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
$15 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Slowing collagen loss doesn’t have to cost a lot, and this Olay Regenerist option proves it. Dr. Gratch calls it a solid everyday moisturizer that helps firm skin and improve elasticity. “It contains niacinamide—a form of vitamin B3—and peptides, both of which support the skin barrier and boost collagen over time,” he says. “It’s great for anyone who wants visible results without a big price tag.” With a rich but lightweight texture, it absorbs well into skin morning or night, making it suitable for all skin types. It’s no surprise it has over 17,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Want a version with sunscreen? Grab the SPF 30 bottle too.
Love It
– The formula can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with collagen-supporting peptides
– Accessible price point
Leave It
– The scented version may not work for very sensitive skin, but a fragrance-free option is available
More to Know
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, amino acids, hyaluronic acid
Best For: All skin types; targeting loss of firmness, fine lines, and wrinkles
Size: 1.7 oz.
Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Save to wishlist
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
$22 AMAZON
Why We Love It: “This drugstore favorite has been around for a reason,” Dr. Gratch says. “It uses retinol to help smooth fine lines and support collagen production.” In beauty shopping editor Kiana Murden’s test, she found it to be very gentle yet strong enough to keep skin plump and bouncy. At $30 a tube, Dr. Gratch adds, “it’s a good starter retinol for anyone new to anti-aging skincare—effective, affordable, and easy to find.”
Editor’s Experience: “What I love most about the RoC retinol is that it’s exceptionally gentle. I usually experience some purging when I switch to a new retinol, but my skin stayed calm during my initial tests with this one.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
Love It
– Easy to find at a local drugstore or on Amazon
– Helps skin look plump and bouncy with retinol
Leave It
– It contains fragrance, which may irritate very sensitive skin types
More to Know
Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, shea butter
Best For: Those new to retinol; targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture
Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
Best for Nighttime: Augustinus Bader Overnight Restorative Cream
Save to wishlist
Augustinus Bader Overnight Restorative Cream
$365 NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Augustinus Bader’s newest cream supports the skin during its peak regenerative hours at night. Powered by the brand’s Advanced TFC8 technology, it helps skin cells communicate, which in turn supports collagen production. The high-tech formula is also deeply hydrating, thanks to a blend of polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glyceryl glucoside. With regular use, the cream can give you a denser-looking complexion with more defined contours. In the short term, it helps you wake up to plumper, hydrated, smoother-looking skin by morning.
Editor’s Experience: “Augustinus Bader has gorgeous, luxurious packaging and a legion of celebrity fans—but I love that it also has solid medical and scientific credibility. (It was founded by a biomedical scientist and physician.) This cream, with a thick, almost paste-like texture and a slight medicinal scent, feels like the real deal—the opposite of creams designed just for the sensory experience. After using the reparative salve for just one night, I…”I woke up with skin that felt hydrated and smooth, and it looked more even and glowing than usual. I’m excited to see how this works over time, especially when paired with the Augustinus Bader Elixir, which is also known to support collagen production. —Jenny Berg, contributor
Love It
Leave It
Supports natural collagen production overnight; leaves skin looking plumper and well-rested by morning
The texture may feel too rich for those with oily or congestion-prone skin
Hydrates and calms the skin with a rich, salve-like cream
More to Know
Key Ingredients: Advanced TFC8, Circa Recovery Complex, Nordic rosehip extract, carob repair extract, polyglutamic and hyaluronic acid duo, glyceryl glucoside
Best For: Dry, mature, dehydrated, or stressed skin
Size: 1.7 oz
Best for Wrinkles: iS Clinical Youth Complex
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
iS Clinical
Youth Complex
$172 AMAZON
$166 BLUEMERCURY
Why We Love It: “This anti-aging serum hydrates, firms, and stimulates collagen with a mix of peptides, antioxidants, and botanical extracts,” Dr. Sanan says. “It both smooths the skin right away and supports its structure over the long term.” Not only does it tighten and plump fine lines and wrinkles, but it also feels very lightweight on the skin, giving great results without irritation or dryness.
Love It
Leave It
Smooths the skin and supports its structure
The results are more gradual and need consistent use over time
Lightweight texture; doesn’t cause dryness or irritation for most skin types
More to Know
Key Ingredients: Tripeptide-1, hyaluronic acid, fruit acids (Vaccinium myrtillus, orange, lemon, sugar maple), white willow bark
Best For: Fine lines and wrinkles; early to moderate signs of aging; loss of firmness
Size: 1 oz.
Best With Peptides: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Alastin
Restorative Skin Complex
$258 AMAZON
Why We Love It: “Alastin’s formula is packed with peptides and a blend they call TriHex Technology, which helps your skin clear out damaged collagen and make room for new, healthy collagen and elastin,” Dr. Gratch explains. “Over time, it can make your skin feel firmer and look more even.” These benefits are boosted by niacinamide, silver mushroom, and hydrolyzed pea protein, which support skin repair, maintain moisture, and promote an even skin tone.
Love It
Leave It
Features proprietary TriHex Technology, which supports the skin’s natural renewal process; ideal for post-procedure skin
The results are gradual and need consistent, long-term use
Lightweight texture that’s easy to layer
More to Know
Key Ingredients: TriHex Technology, niacinamide, silver mushroom
Size: 1.0 fl. oz./29.6 ml
Best For: Targeting loss of firmness, fine lines, and wrinkles; post-procedure skin support
Best With Exosomes: Plated Skin Science Intense Serum
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Plated Skin Science
Intense Serum
$258 PLATED SKIN SCIENCE
Why We Love It: The beauty of exosome skincare lies in its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, as Dr. Park previously told Vogue. It can stimulate the skin’s natural repair processes to address various signs of collagen loss, from sagging to pigmentation. Among the topical treatments available, Dr. Sanan highlights this serum from Plated Skin Science as one to watch. “It’s a cutting-edge serum powered by lab-grown exosomes derived from platelet growth factors,” he says. “[This] promotes skin regeneration, boosts collagen production, and improves elasticity—ideal for aging or post-procedure skin that needs rejuvenation from within.”
Love It
Leave It
Can be used post-procedure or as part of an advanced anti-aging skincare routine
The clinical evidence for this ingredient category is still emerging compared to more established anti-aging ingredients like retinol or peptides
Supports the skin’s natural repair and renewal processes
More to KnoweChevron
Key Ingredients: Exosomes (from platelets), growth factor signaling molecules, plus hydrating and conditioning agents.
Best For: Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, speeding up skin repair, calming redness, and fading dark spots.
Size: 1.0 fl oz
Best With Vitamin C: Revision Skincare DEJ Daily Boosting Serum
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Revision Skincare
DEJ Daily Boosting Serum
$230 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Dr. Sanan likes Revision Skincare’s DEJ Daily Boosting Serum because it’s packed with antioxidants that support cell energy and collagen production. He says it “strengthens the skin barrier and improves firmness” using NAD+, adaptogens, and peptides. These ingredients, along with postbiotics and other skin-nourishing elements, work together to easily improve the look of wrinkles, dark spots, and texture.
Love It
Leave It
– The antioxidant-rich formula protects skin from free-radical damage.
– The formula might be too complex for those who prefer a simple vitamin C serum.
– Supports firmer, more resilient skin over time.
– Can be used both morning and night.
More to Know
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
Key Ingredients: Acetyl hexapeptide-1, sunflower sprout extract technology, Antioxidant Blend [THD Ascorbate (vitamin C), resveratrol, red seaweed], iris florentina root extract, Postbiotic Blend [Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, saccharide isomerate, bacillus ferment]
Best For: Strengthening the skin barrier, improving firmness, targeting dark spots and wrinkles.
Size: 1 oz.
Everything You Need to Know
What ingredients boost collagen production?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
To stimulate collagen production at home, experts suggest adding a few powerful ingredients to your skincare routine.
Growth Factors: Dr. Sanan explains that growth factors copy the natural signals your skin uses to repair and renew itself. “They boost fibroblast activity, helping repair sun-damaged skin and supporting new collagen production,” he says. Dr. Gratch adds that they can greatly improve overall skin texture and strength.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): “Niacinamide doesn’t directly build collagen, but it’s still a powerhouse,” says Dr. Gratch. “It helps strengthen your skin barrier, reduce redness, and control oil. By calming inflammation and supporting overall skin health, it creates an environment where collagen is less likely to break down.”
Peptides: Dr. Gratch suggests thinking of peptides as tiny messengers. “These short chains of amino acids tell your skin to make more collagen and elastin,” he says. “They’re gentler than retinoids, so they’re great for sensitive skin. Over time, they help improve firmness and reduce the look of fine lines.”
Retinoids: “These are vitamin A derivatives and some of the most well-studied ingredients in skincare,” Dr. Gratch explains. “Retinoids speed up cell turnover and signal your skin to produce more collagen. Over time, they can improve texture, reduce fine lines, and even out skin tone. They’re powerful, but they can be drying at first, so it’s best to start slowly.” For a plant-based option, try bakuchiol. Dr. Sanan says it “has been shown to boost collagen production without the irritation often linked to retinoids, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.”
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid): “Vitamin C is a must-have antioxidant that helps protect your skin from things like pollution and sun exposure, which are major causes of collagen breakdown,” says Dr. Gratch. He adds that it’s also essential for collagen production, brightening skin, and fading dark spots with regular use. “For best results, look for a serum with 10% to 20% concentration.” Dr. Sanan agrees, emphasizing that you should look for stabilized, medical-grade formulas.
Is it really possible to slow down collagen loss?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
“Yes, it is!” says Peter Bittar.MD is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Starting in our late 20s, Bittar explains, we lose about 1% of our collagen each year due to a mix of internal and external factors. “Internally, our fibroblasts—the cells that produce collagen—simply slow down production over time,” he says. “Externally, UV damage and smoking can destroy the collagen we already have.”
To slow this loss, Dr. Bittar recommends tackling collagen breakdown from both sides. “Retinoids can directly stimulate our fibroblasts to boost collagen production, while also blocking the enzymes—like collagenase and MMPs—that break collagen down,” he says.
To prevent external damage, the most important step is protecting against UV rays with broad-spectrum sunscreen or sun-protective clothing, he notes. “Also, if you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your skin and overall health, because cigarette smoke increases the activity of MMPs that destroy collagen and restricts blood flow, which also lowers production.”
To further slow the process and reverse changes, he says laser treatments like ablative or non-ablative fractional resurfacing, radiofrequency treatments, or biostimulators such as Sculptra can restore lost collagen and improve skin quality.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a well-rounded approach to give you thorough recommendations. First, we rely on Vogue’s wide network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to get professional insight into the standout products in the industry, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We combine their expertise with our editorial best practices to create the thoughtful selections you see on our site.
For collagen-supporting skincare, we chose the best based on these factors: ingredients, texture, packaging, finish, and the skin concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert advice and reviewer feedback to decide which ones we would recommend to you. Read more about our testing methodology here.
Meet the Experts
Noah Gratch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in treating acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
Akshay Sanan, MD, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Boston.
Peter Bittar, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Miami Dermatology and Surgery.
Jane Yoo, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in Manhattan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the 10 products that skin experts say can help slow collagen loss
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What exactly is collagen and why is losing it a big deal
Collagen is a protein that acts like the scaffolding for your skin keeping it firm and plump As we age our natural collagen production drops leading to wrinkles sagging and fine lines Slowing that loss helps keep skin looking younger for longer
2 Do these products actually rebuild lost collagen or do they just prevent more from breaking down
Most of these products work primarily by protecting existing collagen from damage and stimulating your skin to produce new collagen They cant fully restore whats already been lost but they can significantly slow the loss and improve the look of your skin over time
3 What is the single most important product on the list
Sunscreen Without a doubt UV radiation is the number one cause of collagen breakdown No other product will be as effective if you arent using a broadspectrum sunscreen every single day
4 Im in my 20s Is it too early to start using these products
Not at all Prevention is much easier than correction Starting with a good sunscreen and a basic retinoid or vitamin C serum in your 20s can help maintain your collagen levels for decades to come
Advanced ProductSpecific Questions
5 Whats the difference between retinol and a retinoid Which is better for collagen
A retinoid is the umbrella term for all vitamin A derivatives Retinol is a milder overthecounter version Prescription retinoids are stronger and work faster to boost collagen For collagen loss prescription is generally more effective but retinol is a great starting point to avoid irritation
6 How does Vitamin C serum actually protect collagen
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant It neutralizes free radicals that would otherwise attack and break down your collagen fibers Its also essential for your body to synthesize new collagen
7 Ive heard of peptides in skincare How do they help with collagen loss
Think of peptides as signals