I don’t think my eight year-old knows how good he has it. Every time I kiss his delicious, bouncy cheek, I say: “Look at all that collagen!” And—now that I’m seeing increasing signs of collagen loss at 45—I realize that I, too, once took my structural proteins for granted.

I was recently scrolling through photos and stumbled upon one of myself from a Christmas gone by, looking rather denser in the face than I do now. I texted the shot to my friend with a note: “Remember collagen?” To which she, at 49, replied: “I don’t know her.”

Alas, collagen degradation happens to us all—starting at about 20, in fact—and the first signs of it are easy to spot. “You might notice your skin looking a little less firm or bouncy,” board-certified dermatologist Noah Gratch tells Vogue. “Fine lines show up more easily, 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 the reason.”

For the uninitiated, collagen is a structural protein naturally found in the body, but its reserves decline as we age; the less collagen we have, the more signs of aging we experience. “While we can’t stop collagen loss altogether as it’s a natural part of aging, there are ways to slow it down with the right approach,” Dr. Gratch continues. Healthy lifestyle habits are key, of course: avoiding smoking, eating a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet, and getting adequate sleep all contribute to a sound collagen-supporting regimen.

Next, consider your skin-care routine. Start by ensuring you have adequate sun protection. “The biggest culprit of collagen breakdown is UV radiation, so daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF is essential,” double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Akshay Sanan, MD explains. Sunscreen aside, the rest of your regimen is worth evaluating too. “While topical collagen itself can hydrate the skin, it doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to stimulate collagen production where it counts, in the dermis,” he continues. “What’s more effective are products that stimulate your body’s own collagen synthesis.”

With increasing buzz around regenerative ingredients like peptides, growth factors, and exosomes—all of which might slow down collagen loss—those wanting to hang onto bounce and firmness for a little longer have plenty of products to explore. And of course, retinol is the longstanding star of the anti-aging category. The only question is, which products deserve a spot in your skin-care routine? Ahead, experts and Vogue editors weigh in on the collagen-boosting ingredients to know, plus the best products that incorporate them.

In This Story

• What ingredients spur collagen production?
• Is it actually possible to slow down collagen loss?
• How We Tested
• Meet the Experts

Best Retinal: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

• Why We Love It: Medik8’s Crystal Retinal serum works wonders for both beginners and experienced retinol users, thanks to its range of concentrations. From 0.01% to 0.24% retinaldehyde (a form of vitamin A that works faster than regular retinol but tends to be gentler on the skin, according to Dr. Gratch), this blend combines the antiaging powerhouse with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin to balance out its potency with expert nourishing agents. “It’s released slowly overnight, so you get great results, like fewer fine lines and smoother skin, without the irritation some people get from stronger retinoids,” he continues.
• Editor’s Experience: “I like my retinals non-irritating and customizable, which is why I’ve been relying on Medik8’s Crystal Retinal 3 Serum. Encapsulated retinaldehyde leads the formula, working in tandem with glycerin and hyaluronic acid to improve fine lines, skin tone, and texture.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping

Best Under Makeup: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer

• Why We Love It: This Paula’s Choice moisturizer is made with three peptides that can support natural collagen production: Hexapeptide-5, oligopeptide-1, and tridecapeptide-1. These are all 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 intensely hydrating. In addition to peptides, it contains the emollient squalane and humectants like glycerin.
• Editor’s Experience: “From its ‘Pro-Collagen’ M.O. to its hot-pink bottle and the rosy hue of the moisturizer itself, this cream has a peppy 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. Because my skin needs all the hydration it can get, I usually follow this with a thicker moisturizer, and I always top off with SPF in the daytime. Luckily, this layers like a dream.” —J.B.

Best With Growth Factors: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

• Why We Love It: Of all the buzzy skin-care ingredients taking the market by storm right now, few come as acclaimed as growth factors, which, explains double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Eunice Park, “act as signaling molecules that communicate with skin cells to stimulate collagen production.” Of the formulas available, SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ is the most expert endorsed. A first-of-its-kind formula, this is powered by 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 nearly any time I prod them for their favorite anti-aging products. This one takes a while to show its full effects—the brand claims that it takes about 12 weeks of consistent use for the skin to appear smoother and tighter. But after a quick trial run, I can attest that it delivers immediate hydration and gives the skin a subtle glow; I also like the convenience of having two powerhouse serums in one bottle.” —J.B.

Best Daily Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

• Why We Love It: Slowing collagen loss certainly doesn’t have to break the bank, and this option by Olay Regenerist is proof. Dr. Gratch calls it a solid, everyday moisturizer that helps firm the skin and improve elasticity. “It contains niacinamide—a form of vitamin B3—and peptides, both of which help support the skin barrier and boost collagen over time,” he says. “It’s great for anyone looking for visible results without a big price tag.” Boasting a rich yet lightweight texture, it sinks well into skin morning or night, making it great for all skin types; it’s no wonder it garnered more than 17,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Want a sunscreen version? Pick up the SPF 30 bottle, too.

Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

• Why We Love It: “This drugstore favorite has been around for a reason,” Dr. Gratch says. “It uses retinol to help smooth out fine lines and support collagen production.” In beauty shopping editor Kiana Murden’s test, she found it to be exceptionally gentle yet powerful enough to keep skin plump and bouncy. And at $30 a tube, Dr. Gratch adds, “it’s a good starter retinol for anyone new to antiaging skin care, effective, affordable, and easy to find.”
• Editor’s Experience: “What I love most about the RoC retinol is that it’s exceptionally gentle. While I normally experience some sort of purging when I switch to a new retinol, my skin remained calm throughout my initial tests of this one.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor

Best for Nighttime: Augustinus Bader Overnight Restorative Cream

• Why We Love It: Augustinus Bader’s newest cream supports the skin during its peak regenerative hours, which take place overnight. Powered by the brand’s Advanced TFC8 technology, the cream supports skin-cell communication, which, in turn, helps support collagen production. The high-tech formula is also deeply hydrating, as it’s made with a polyglutamic- and hyaluronic-acid blend and glyceryl glucoside. With consistent use, the cream can deliver a denser-looking complexion with more defined contours; in the shorter term, it helps one wake up to plumper, hydrated, smoother-looking skin by morning.
• Editor’s Experience: “Augustinus Bader has gorgeous, luxe packaging and a legion of celebrity loyalists—but I love that it has a heart of med-and-science cred. (It was, after all, 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 merely designed just for the sensorial experience. After using the reparative salve for just one night, I woke up to skin that felt hydrated and smooth and looked more even and luminous overall. I’m eager to see how this works over time, particularly when it’s used with the Augustinus Bader Elixir, also known to support collagen production.” —Jenny Berg, contributor

Best for Wrinkles: IS Clinical Youth Complex

• Why We Love It: “This anti-aging serum hydrates, firms, and stimulates collagen with a combination of peptides, antioxidants, and botanical extracts,” Dr. Sanan says. “It has both immediate skin-smoothening and long-term structural-support effects.” Not only does it deliver exceptional tightening and plumping to fine lines and wrinkles, but it feels quite lightweight on the complexion, achieving desired results sans irritation or dryness.

Best With Peptides: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

• 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 further enhanced by the inclusion of niacinamide, silver mushroom, and hydrolyzed pea protein, which support skin repair, maintain moisture levels, and promote even skin tone.

Best With Exosomes: Plated Skin Science Intense Serum

• Why We Love It: The beauty of exosome skincare is 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. Of the topical treatments available, Dr. Sanan cites this serum by Plated Skin Science as one to watch. “A cutting-edge serum powered by lab-grown exosomes derived from platelet growth factors,” he says, “[this] promotes skin regeneration, enhances collagen production, and improves elasticity—ideal for aging or post-procedure skin needing rejuvenation from within.”

Best With Vitamin C: Revision Skincare DEJ Daily Boosting Serum

• Why We Love It: Dr. Sanan is partial to Revision Skincare’s DEJ Daily Boosting Serum for its antioxidant-rich composition that supports cellular energy and collagen production. “It strengthens the skin barrier and improves firmness,” he says, by way of NAD+, adaptogens, and peptides. Those, along with a host of postbiotics and skin-nourishing agents, work together to improve the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation, and texture with ease.