The Best Topical Collagen Products for Healthy Skin

[Photo by Kamila Maciejewska]

Collagen is a protein in the human body that is one of the major building blocks of skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It can also be found in other body parts such as corneas, blood vessels, and teeth—and works by providing structure to the body by acting as a type of ‘glue’ that holds everything together.

We Tried Algenist’s New GENIUS Liquid Collagen Lip

As we age, our bodies being to produce less collagen, which causes our skin to be less firm and supple, among other things. Aside from age, others factors like a poor diet, smoking, and excessive sun exposure can destroy the collagen in our bodies. To help your body increase collagen production, it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet and take supplements to ensure that you’re getting all of the nutrients you need.

Aside from diet, you can also incorporate collagen products into your routine to help hydrate and plump skin and strengthen the barrier. Read on to discover and shop our guide to the best topical collagen products for healthy skin:

Algenist GENIUS Liquid Collagen ($115)

This vegan collagen treatment serum helps to restore skin's natural bounce and resilience while diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The lightweight serum includes patented alguronic acid )naturally sourced from algae and show to visibly minimize lines and wrinkles); exclusive active vegan collagen to strengthen and condition skin; and micro-algae oil, which hydrates, nurtures, and restores skin’s radiance.

Annemarie Borlind Natucollagen Boost Eye Pads ($38)

The rich care product with naturally extracted, vegan collagen provides and stores moisture. A booster made from white lupine supports the skin’s own production of collagen and smooths fine lines. For a youthful, glowing, and more alert look. Vegan.

Efficacy and skin-compatibility scientifically confirmed. No animal-based sources. Produced without animal-based products. Vegan.

DOCTOR BABOR Lifting Rx Collagen Serum ($155)

This four-week treatment is designed to help improve skin firmness by reducing the look of wrinkles and helping to improve skin elasticity, resulting in a more youthful and lifted appearance. Key ingredients include Tripeptide-1 solution for increased firmness; ECM-Protect, a blend of extracts from passionflower, black currant, and vine leaves, which work to prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers within the extra cellular matrix (ECM) of the skin; and Carnosine (a molecule made up of amino acids) to improve skin tone. Grape seed delivers photo-protective effects.

Epicuren Pro Collagen + Serum Amplifier ($104.50)

This collagen serum utilizes three different types of peptides at clinical levels, while also including the additional ATP supporting ingredients to increase cellular energy and metabolism, and a rare algae/polysaccharide blend to tighten the skin. It visually amplifies the effects of collagen synthesis to give the skin an immediate youthful, plump appearance, and works long-term to correct and prevent signs of aging.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion ($78)

This anti-aging treatment targets the appearance of wrinkles and loss of resilience by rapidly visibly re-volumizing skin and infusing skin’s surface with collagen amino acids. This fast-acting formula infuses skin’s surface with collagen amino acids and promotes optimal hydration.

Hyaluronic acid and an anti-aging peptide help boosts skin’s resilience and plump dehydrated skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while winged kelp smooths skin for a more youthful texture. Cellular hydro-lock plumps the look of skin and helps smooth surface fine lines and wrinkles.

Rapid Collagen Infusion is recommended as a step-two treatment in any Murad regimen and pairs perfectly with any exfoliating treatment or serum. 

Pacifica Vegan Collagen Skincare ($15-$24)

The new skincare line uses real collagen proteins produced through a plant-based fermentation process which have demonstrated its equivalence to animal-derived collagens through structural, biochemical, physical, and biological properties. The collection includes:

• Vegan Cream Creamy Gel Cleanser: This sulfate-free gel cleanser gently removes makeup, oil and daily residue while replenishing the skin with hydration.

• Vegan Collagen Hydrating Milk Tonic: This alcohol-free tonic delivers vegan collagen in a refreshing floral water essence that leaves skin with a healthy, dewy and replenished appearance.

• Vegan Collagen Complex Serum: This concentrated, bioactive serum includes a one-of-a-kind blend of vegan collagen, plant-based proteins and hyaluronic acid for a healthier, dewy appearance. 

• Vegan Collagen Every Day Lotion SPF 30: This lightweight, daily lotion with broad spectrum SPF 30 protection is formulated with a mix flower extracts and hyaluronic acid. 

• Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream:  While your skin is in rest and repair mode, this rich formula with essential lipids and antioxidants, help revive and quench the thirstiest skin. 

• Vegan Collagen Recovery Eye Cream: Packed with skin-loving ingredients, such as vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine, this nourishing eye cream boosts hydration and help support the delicate skin around your eye.

Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Collagen Moisturizer ($70)

This moisturizer is packed with seven forms of collagen-supporting ingredients to help skin appear firmer, smoother, and more youthful. Ingredients include marine collagen, plant collagen, and hydrolyzed collagen to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and firmness; hydroxyproline, peptides, collagen amino acids, and fatty acids to support natural collagen; and hyaluronic acid complex 5% and squalane, which leave skin feeling hydrated, visibly supple, and plump with moisture.

Sanitas Collagen + Elastin Face Cream ($115) and Eye Cream ($90)

The newest additions to Sanitas’ Collagen + Elastin line, this breakthrough collagen moisturizer and collagen eye cream offer proven results in 28 days. The face cream helps rid skin of worn-out cells and provides a mega dose of hydration. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, it supports skin’s natural resilience and leaves it firmer, smoother, brighter, and less red. The eye cream reduces the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet, visibly firming the under-eye and upper lid area while lessening the look of dark circles and puffiness.

Valmont Regenerating Mask Treatment ($170-$695)

Using the latest medical data and Swiss medical innovations, this 30-minute collagen mask offers four visible and complementary rejuvenating effects, including smoothed wrinkles and fine lines, intense hydration, restored tissues, and soothed skin. It provides a hydrating effect that visibly transforms the skin so wrinkles and fine lines are smoothed and radiance is stimulated. Ingredients include natural collagen, a hydrating agent, and collagen amino acids (in the post-treatment vial to seal the collagen’s effects). Ideal for all skin types.

[Images courtesy of brands]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk