"It features a multi-dermal peptide to plump skin and boost collagen, encapsulated retinol that gently resurfaces to smooth lines and texture, and hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates to repair the skin barrier," says Dr. Goldenberg. The best wrinkle creams won’t necessarily work miracles, but certainly help minimize the look of fine lines, especially when used consistently over weeks/months/years. There are many processes that the body goes through when aging, and one of those is the production of less collagen, which can make your skin more susceptible to wrinkles, Dr. Yadav says. This CeraVe day cream is also made with encapsulated retinol, a type of non-irritating retinol, to further smooth uneven texture and improve the look of fine lines. Because it firming peptide treatment contains both retinol and glycolic acid—two powerful active ingredients that refine skin texture—this could make your skin extra sun-sensitive if you use it during the day. Underwood says that the formula itself is pretty creamy and moisturizing—a major plus for these types of products—making it a solid choice for normal to dry skin.
RETINOL CORREXION® Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream Fragrance Fr

Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica HA5 Hydra-Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator
Our favorite collagen cream is the Olay Collagen Peptide Moisturizing Cream, which has a lightweight formula that hydrates the skin without leaving behind greasy, sticky residue. Some other helpful ingredients to look for in collagen creams include niacinamide, ceramides, and plant-based retinol alternatives, like bakuchiol. The most effective collagen-boosting skin-care products are formulated with peptides or retinoids, Dr. Desai says. A collagen cream will definitely work if you only want to combat dryness and moisturize your skin. This lightweight yet mighty formula utilizes ultra-low molecular weight collagen (small enough for your skin to absorb extra-quickly) along with peptides to plump, firm, and smooth your skin.
Paula's Choice Plumping Moisturizer
It has a matte finish that works well under makeup, and it also layers well with products for a nighttime skincare routine. We love its lightweight texture that truly falls in place between a gel and a cream (and firming peptide treatment it applies so smoothly as a result). It has a super-smooth consistency that glides on effortlessly, leaving your skin hydrated and smooth.
Can collagen cream be absorbed through the skin?
Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Niacinamide also steps in to hydrate, improve texture, and support barrier health, while colloidal oatmeal calms on contact. "This is a great product for those looking for firmer, healthier skin," says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miam


What ingredients pair well with collagen? According to Dr. Yoo, the following ingredients can support skin health throughout the winter by bolstering the skin barrier, preventing water loss, and more. "Optimal texture and finish depend on your individual skin type, along with when it will be applied during the day," Dr. Yoo says. "The molecules of topical collagen are usually too big to penetrate beyond the surface of the skin," Dr. Adisa explain

Why face moisturizers are the hardest working part of your beauty routine
The GH Beauty Lab has a long history of testing anti-aging face and body treatments with skin-tightening claims, including serums, neck creams and night creams. Again, a firming cream can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve elasticity—as in, giving skin some bounce and suppleness—but no topical formula can actually tighten skin, which requires collagen remodeling on a much deeper level. While an in-office procedure is the only way to physically tighten your skin, the best skin-tightening creams provide a hardworking dose of sag-reducing active ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and vitamin

Best for Mature Skin: First Aid Beauty Firming Cream
For a hydrated, radiant glow, we love Medicube’s Collagen Jelly Cream, which is formulated with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and squalene. I basically forewent moisturizers on days firming peptide treatment I used this collagen cream—felt sufficiently moisturized without it." Our tester, who has a darker complexion, was thrilled that this product didn’t leave her skin looking dull or ashy due to the sunscreen in the formula. Our tester raved about the product’s quick results, sensitive skin-friendly formula, and layering qualities. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, deeply moisturizes, and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy.
More collagen creams we love:
Despite its rich, buttercream-like texture, it feels "cloud-like," leaving skin deeply moisturized, smoother, and more radiant. The formula pairs collagen with peptides—"a type of protein that works to improve elasticity by stimulating the creation of collagen," she says—to strengthen skin and restore bounce. Collagen amino acids and polypeptides help support elasticity and smooth the appearance of fine lines, while cacay oil, cupuaçu butter, and squalane nourish the skin with lasting moisture. A cocktail of humectants—glycerin, urea, trehalose, and hyaluronic acid—pulls in moisture, while vegan collagen helps plump and smooth. To prolong the effects of the treatment, I stocked up on firming peptide treatment the Medicube PDRN collection, and the peptide cream is the perfect choice for everyday use to keep my skin looking plump and smooth! Add retinol, and you’ve got a powerful formula that smooths fine lines while keeping your skin suppl