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Experts Agree—These Collagen Serums Are Worth Every Cent
It’s like a fountain of youth in a bottle.
As you age, your skin care lineup eventually includes all the letters in the alphabet. AHAs and BHAs provide exfoliation for skin renewal. Then, there’s the letter C. In addition to vitamin C, which can protect the skin against external pollutants that can exacerbate skin damage, there’s another import word that begins with the letter C: collagen. The powerhouse ingredient, found in several anti-aging formulas, aims to plump the fine lines and wrinkles forming as we age to keep us looking younger longer. Collagen is also naturally found in our skin, but its presence decreases over time.
“Collagen is a protein that supports the structure of our skin, acting as an underlying mesh that provides strength and structural support for the tissue we see on the outside. Naturally occurring collagen in our bodies breaks down over time,” explains Marisa Verdi-Liguori, master medical esthetician at Luminary Advanced Aesthetics. You can take collagen supplements to replenish the body “with amino acids to support the production of collagen and other proteins, benefiting the skin, hair, nails, and muscles,” she adds, as collagen “is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity, structure, and suppleness.” However, it’s important to note that topical collagen serums and moisturizers can only do so much. “Applying collagen topically mainly offers surface-level hydration, as it cannot penetrate deeply enough to influence internal collagen production,” Verdi-Liguori says.
Our picks for the best collagen serums of 2024
Still, several collagen serums can have transformative benefits for the skin, from imparting a surge of hydration to strengthening elasticity. We polled skin experts, perused our personal stashes, and combed through online customer reviews to find the 10 best collagen serums to turn back the hands of time.
Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Serum
Pros
- Visibly plumps the skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for super sensitive skin
Think of this serum as a time capsule for your youth. Collagen slips away as we age, but this formula helps to preserve what we already have and delay premature aging. While collagen amino acids are the main character, peptides, and antioxidants make up the powerhouse supporting cast.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Collagen amino acids, jojoba ester, wild indigo extract
Dermstore rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Adding this serum to my routine has helped my skin look more alive after sleepless nights. My skin looks less dull, more plumped, and a lot smoother than when I started.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
The Outset Firming & Plumping Vegan Collagen Prep Serum
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
To restore firmness and plumpness in the skin, The Outset’s serum combines vegan collagen and botanical elements so your skin looks more youthful, radiance, and bouncy.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Collagen, botanical extracts
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I absolutely love this serum! Being in my 60s, I’ve used a lot of serums, and this one, by far, is one of the best. In just one week, I noticed a difference in the texture of my skin—it was smooth and more even-toned. I highly recommend it. I have somewhat sensitive skin, and this didn’t bother me at all. I have rosacea, and this actually helped calm it down. It also pairs really well with retinol; put it on before your retinol and then your moisturizer. It’s magic.”
Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
Pros
- Smoothes lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Results take time
Dullness, sagging, and dryness are all the result of dehydrated skin. With plumping copper peptides and squalane, the skin is treated to a surge of hydration and a boost in elasticity.
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Key ingredients: Copper peptide, squalane
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Noticed a difference the first time I used it. After the first week, the lines above my mouth, neck, eyes, and forehead were significantly reduced. Also, it works great on my neck. Yes, it is pricey but only a few drops needed. Leaves skin very soft, smooth, and brighter.”
Alumier MD EverActive C&E®+ Peptide
Pros
- Fast-absorbing
Cons
- May not be suitable for super sensitive skin
Vitamin C is a potent skin care ingredient but also very unstable, so proper care is important when using a serum containing it. This trio of vitamin C serums comes in bite-sized tubes to limit oxidization and ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits. In this formula, a peptide named Matriyxl Synthe’6, derived from collagen, improves the skin's overall look and feel.
Size: (3) 0.5 fl oz
Key ingredients: L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E, Matriyxl Synthe’6
We Do Skin rating: 4.76/5 stars
Our expert says: “My top picks are AlumierMD Retinol Resurfacing Serums, Ultimate Boost Serum, and EverActive C&E®+ Peptide, as they focus on regenerative effects while addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic aging with clean, highly effective formulations. All of them also have a key ingredient called MATRIXYL® Synthe’6®, which is derived from a peptide naturally found in collagen and laminins. Not only does it help to strengthen the skin, but also works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”—Marisa Verdi-Liguori
Tammy Fender Natural Plant Milk Serum
Pros
- Soothes irritation
Cons
- Some users note it can feel a little greasy
Soothing and nourishing, this derm-favorite serum is basically a cozy hug for stressed, dull-looking skin. A blend of botanical extracts helps form a shield to keep hydration in and external threats out.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: White lily, mountain arnica, milk thistle
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “I love that this serum is nourishing and soft on the skin and helps to calm redness and irritation. It combines white lily, mountain arnica, and milk thistle to have a soothing effect on the skin. It is easy to layer and can be applied underneath a thicker moisturizing cream or balm.”—Marisa Verdi-Liguori
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Pros
- Firms the skin
Cons
- Some users dislike the strong scent
This reparative serum, which uses six pro-collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids, aims to smooth and plump the skin, ward off wrinkles and fine lines, and boost firmness.
Size: 0.67 fl oz
Key ingredients: Pro-collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, amino acids
Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “I was pleasantly surprised how much I love this collagen [serum]. I have been using it every day and night for a couple of weeks, and my skin texture has improved so much. I can feel my skin is firmer and supple, and I can see my skin glowing, which it wasn’t before. I have been noticing some small improvements in my fine lines, and I’m hoping to see more in the next few weeks.”
Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Collagen Serum
Pros
- Boosts firmness
Cons
- Some users dislike rich texture
If your skin has been looking a little drab lately, this serum contains seven types of collagen to transform your mug. As the name suggests, this formula firms the skin and hydrates it, ensuring those pesky fine lines and wrinkles gradually fade.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Collagen, amino acids, peptides
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Wonderful product. Does everything it says it will do and makes my skin feel wonderful.”
The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum
Pros
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Results take time
This serum costs about as much as your favorite morning latte, and with consistent use, you’ll no longer need a shot of espresso to make you look and feel alive. Packed with peptides and Matrixyl 3000, a collagen-supporting additive, this serum helps reduce already existing signs of aging and prevent any new appearances.
Size: 1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000, Syn-Tacks
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have thoroughly enjoyed this product! I have purchased it three times now, and I’m completely in love with the quality and how well my skin has responded to this product! 10/10, highly recommend.”
SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish and Restore Hydrator
Pros
- Super hydrating
Cons
- Some users dislike the strong scent
While collagen production is the main function of this serum, the big two-letter molecule plastered on the packaging is equally as important: HA, aka hyaluronic acid. How important? The formula contains five variations of the ingredient to impart a major surge of hydration to the skin for added plumpness and firmness.
Size: 2 fl oz
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, hydra collagen
LovelySkin rating: 4.3/5 stars
A SkinMedica reviewer says: “I recently purchased the HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish. I really love this product and will order again. It is very effective in keeping my skin moisturized throughout the day. I saw a difference on the first day of use. It absorbs well and provides a nice base for either tinted sunscreen or makeup.”
Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Serum
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Applicator can be faulty
You can always count on Olay to supply quality formulas at unbeatable prices. The brand’s collagen serum hydrates, firms, and softens the signs of aging. Thanks to its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture, it works wonders in tandem with a moisturizer or under makeup.
Size: 1.3 fl oz
Key ingredients: Collagen, vitamin B3
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love the feel of this product going on at night. The next morning my skin looks and feels smoother. For me, that’s a win/win.”
How often should you use a collagen serum?
Collagen is a great addition to any skin care routine, but it needs support from other powerhouse ingredients for maximum effect. “Instead, look for serums that contain ingredients that actively support your skin’s natural collagen synthesis, prevent the breakdown of elastin fibers, and combat free radical damage. Ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C are key to promoting lasting firmness and elasticity, offering real results from within,” Verdi-Ligouri shares.
What skin types benefit most from collagen serums?
“All skin types can benefit from collagen-supporting serums, as collagen production naturally decreases with age. Rather than waiting for visible signs—like loss of elasticity, crepiness, or sagging—it’s beneficial to incorporate these serums early to maintain skin resilience and support long-term skin health,” Verdi-Ligouri adds. It’s never too early to incorporate a collagen serum into your routine, especially if you notice your skin is losing its elasticity and smoothness.
What other ingredients can you pair with a collagen serum?
According to Verdi-Ligouri, collagen pairs well with potent, renewing ingredients “like retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and vitamins.” To the uninitiated, retinoids encourage cell turnover, ultimately revealing fresher, clearer, smoother skin. “Retinoids are essential for boosting collagen production and promoting cell turnover, while peptides, antioxidants, and vitamins work together to enhance collagen synthesis, protect against free radical damage, and support overall skin vitality,” she adds.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose polled experts and combed through customer reviews to find the best collagen serums on the market.
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