If you regularly scroll through your newsfeed in bed, there's a good chance you've come across all the buzz surrounding collagen. Believe it or not, the hashtag "collagen" has 1.6 million posts on TikTok alone. But what, in fact, is collagen — and how does it help with anti-aging?
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified, previously told Shop TODAY that “collagen is the main molecule in the skin that provides structure and support." He explained that after the age of 30, collagen production starts to decline, which contributes to fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen serums make a great addition to your skin care routine in order to combat signs of aging, however, this particular product category may seem misleading. Why? Because many collagen serums don't actually contain collagen molecules (which are too large to be absorbed into the skin topically).
Instead, they "prioritize ingredients that stimulate collagen production and promote skin health," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi says.
We spoke with multiple board-certified dermatologists to find the best collagen serums for every skin type. Keep scrolling for our compressive list of expert-recommended products as well as an editor-tested favorite and other more affordable options — starting at only $10.
What to look for in a collagen serum | The best collagen serums, according to experts and tested by editors | More affordable collagen serums to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for in a collagen serum
When it comes to searching for a specific collagen-boosting serum, it is imperative to first consider the list of ingredients.
“Collagen is a huge molecule that is not absorbed in the skin, but little pieces of collagen called peptides and amino acids can be absorbed and stimulate collagen production, and that is what you want,” she explains.
It's also helpful to “look for serums containing retinols to enhance cell turnover and boost collagen production," says Shirazi. "Peptides are another excellent choice, as they trick your skin in making more collagen."
“Antioxidants, like vitamin C, protect against free radical damage, hence preserve collagen in addition to playing an important role in collagen synthesis," Shirazi says.
"Additionally, formulations that include hydrating agents, such as hyaluronic acid, can improve skin texture and plumpness, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the serum," Shirazi continues.
The best collagen serums, according to experts and tested by editors
Affordable expert pick: The Ordinary Argireline 10% Serum
- Hydrating
- Helps remove fine lines
- Maybe be watery
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Argireline peptide complex
"Formulated with a 10% concentration of Argireline peptide, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines by inhibiting muscle movement, similar to a gentle, topical version of Botox," explains Shirazi.
"Known for its ability to smooth expression lines and prevent further wrinkle formation, this serum is ideal for anyone looking to soften visible signs of aging without heavy textures or added oils," she says.
Cost-effective and softening: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum
- Softens skin
- Great for mature skin
- Hydrating
- Can make skin oily
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides
Dr. Kunal Malik, a New York City-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, loves this skin-softening serum from No7. "I like this serum as it is clinically studied to improve the appearance of wrinkles and contains peptides that help boost collagen production which leads to firmer more youthful looking skin," he says.
Editor favorite: Kiehl's Since 1851 Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+
- Absorbs quickly
- No white cast
- Doesn't burn around eyes
- Consistency is slightly sticky
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Collagen peptide
Senior SEO editor Jess Bender has several face sunscreens in her daily rotation, but this lightweight serum is the one that she most regularly reaches for. "It absorbs quickly, evens out splotchy red areas (thanks to the collagen peptide in the formulation) and leaves my makeup pillage-free," she explains.
In addition to providing protection against the sun, this sunscreen serum also helps visibly correct early signs of aging, says the brand.
Skin-firming: Isdin Serum Ampoules Flavo-C Ultraglican
- Makes skin feel smooth
- Easy to apply
- Brightens skin
- Bottle may break easily
Size: 0.68 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
"This one is great as it combines vitamin C which is a clinically studied antioxidant with proteoglycans and collagen-stimulating peptides for a well-rounded anti-aging solution," shares Malik. "It excels at improving skin firmness and elasticity over time," he suggests.
Ideal for acne-prone skin: Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster Serum
- Super hydrating
- Helps diminish wrinkles
- May be thick
Size: 0.67 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acids, pro-collagen peptides
"This lightweight gel serum contains pro-collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and amino acids to hydrate skin and support collagen and elastin levels to make skin feel smoother and firmer," explains Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey.
This hydrating serum is great for oily or acne-prone skin and is also free of fragrances and parabens.
Great for mature skin: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Serum
- Absorbs quickly
- Very hydrating
- Can irritate skin
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Peptides
Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a big fan of this hydrating serum that is designed to help tackle signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This product from Medik8 "contains 10 peptides in a very hydrating serum perfect for those with drier skin," she explains.
Amazon reviewers love that this collagen-boosting serum because it absorbs quickly into the skin and also has a nice texture.
Plumping and firming: Dr Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum
- Reduces fine lines
- Plumps skin
- Pricey for amount of product
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide
This hydrating serum is "designed to plump, firm and smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Shirazi. "This formula combines advanced peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to deeply hydrate and promote collagen synthesis, giving skin an instantly firmer, fuller look," she continues.
"It works by delivering moisture and nutrients directly into the skin’s layers to support elasticity and improve texture," Shirazi explains.
Splurge option: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
- Makes skin feel smooth
- Doesn't pill
- Expensive
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides
Jeffy recommends this anti-wrinkle serum from SkinCeutical which is "suitable for all skin types and tones," says the brand. This serum "combines peptides with niacinamide and barrier support for glowing smooth skin backed by clinical data," shares Jeffy.
More affordable collagen serums to shop
Budget-friendly choice: Medicube Triple Collagen Serum
- Feels nice on face
- Super hydrating
- May cause itchy skin
Size: 1.85 oz. | Key ingredients: Hydrolized collagen, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
This Amazon's Choice lightweight collagen serum is enriched with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid and can be used on both the face and neck. Many satisfied customers speak to the absorbency of this serum and also say it makes their skin glow.
Non-greasy: Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Serum
- Very hydrating
- Makes skin feel soft
- Very little product in bottle
Size: 1.3 oz. | Key ingredients: Collagen peptide
If you're looking for a serum that is super hydrating, look no further. This serum provides the benefits of collagen peptide plus 24 hours of hydration, says the brand. This fragrance-free serum can be used on your face or neck and shouldn't leave a sticky or greasy residue on your skin.
Great for all skin types: COSRX 6X Peptide Collagen Booster Toner Serum
- Brightens skin
- Smooths and softens skin
- Lightweight
- May cause irritation
Size: 5.07 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Designed for all skin types, this collagen-boosting serum is infused with skin peptides that improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines. This lightweight serum has over 1,900 five-star ratings on Amazon and is free of parabens.
How we chose the best collagen serums
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best collagen serums by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists and also asked our editors to share a tried-and-true favorite product as well. Additionally, we combed through hundreds of user reviews to find top-rated products that were affordable.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist. He is Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
- Dr. Azadeh Shiraziis a board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Laser Derm and AziMD.
- Dr. Kunal Malik, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and assistant professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey.
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skincare brand, BTWN.
