The first signs of collagen loss 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.”
Vogue’s Favorite Products to Slow Collagen Loss
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.
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 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.” Ahead, experts weigh in on the collagen-boosting ingredients to know, plus the best products that incorporate them.
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.
- Key Ingredients: Human-fibroblast-conditioned media, peptides, algae extracts
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
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.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, amino acids, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1.7 oz.
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 my test, I 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.”
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, shea butter
- Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
Best for Wrinkles: IS Clinical Youth Complex
- Why We Love It: “This antiaging 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.
- Key Ingredients: Tripeptide-1, hyaluronic acid, fruit acids (Vaccinium myrtillus, orange, lemon, sugar maple), white willow bark
- Size: 1 oz.
Best Retinol: 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.
- Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
- Size: 30 ml
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.
- Key Ingredients: TriHex Technology, niacinamide, silver mushroom
- Size: 1.0 fl. oz./29.6 ml
Best With Exosomes: Plated Skin Science Intense Serum
- Why We Love It: The beauty of exosome skin care 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.”
- Key Ingredients:
- Size:
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.
- Key Ingredients: Acetyl hexapeptide-1, sunflower sprout extract technology, Antioxidant Blend [THD Ascorbate (vitamin C), resveratrol, red seaweed], iris florentina root extract, Postbiotic Blend [Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, saccharide isomerate, bacillus ferment]
- Size: 1 oz.
What ingredients spur collagen production?
When it comes to stimulating collagen production at home, experts recommend incorporating a few potent ingredients into your skin-care routine.
- Growth Factors: According to Dr. Sanan, growth factors mimic the natural growth signals your skin uses to repair and regenerate. “They stimulate fibroblast activity, aiding in the repair of photodamaged skin and supporting new collagen production,” he says. According to Dr. Gratch, they can make a significant difference in overall skin texture and resilience.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): “Niacinamide doesn’t directly build collagen, but it’s still a powerhouse ingredient,” Dr. Gratch says. “It helps strengthen your skin barrier, reduce redness, and control oil production. By calming inflammation and supporting overall skin health, it creates an environment where collagen is less likely to break down.”
- Peptides: Dr. Gratch wants you to think of peptides as little messengers. “These short chains of amino acids tell your skin to make more collagen and elastin,” he says. “They’re gentler than retinoids, which makes them great for sensitive skin. Over time they help improve firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines.”
- Retinoids: “These are vitamin A derivatives and are some of the most well-researched ingredients in skin care,” Dr. Gratch explains. “Retinoids help speed up cell turnover and signal your skin to make more collagen. Over time they can improve texture, reduce fine lines, and even tone. They’re powerful, but they can also be drying at first, so it’s best to ease in slowly.” Those interested in a plant-based alternative, however, should turn to bakuchiol, which Dr. Sanan says “has been shown to increase collagen production without the irritation commonly associated with retinoids, making it a great option for sensitive skin.”
- Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid): “Vitamin C is a must-have antioxidant that helps protect your skin from things like pollution and sun exposure, two big culprits in collagen breakdown,” says Dr. Gratch, adding that it’s also essential for collagen production, brightening skin, and fading dark spots with consistent use. “For best results, look for it in a serum form at 10% to 20% concentration.” Dr. Sanan agrees, emphasizing one to look for stabilized, medical-grade formulations.
- Noah Gratch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in treatments for acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
- Akshay Sanan, MD, is a Boston double board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
