Collagen supplements and serums have become a fad among individuals in their late twenties and thirties, but one that is actually worth hopping on the bandwagon for. As we grow older, the natural protein levels that include collagen start to waver, and the regeneration process also slows down, making it a necessity to include the best collagen serums in our skincare routine to maintain that youthful complexion, elasticity, and lift. 

According to research, "Application of the collagen-like peptide on the skin significantly reduced the total surface of wrinkles and this effect was observed in 75% of the replicas...the results demonstrate that the collagen-like peptide acts deeply and intensely on wrinkles; these properties are of great interest in the field of antiaging skin care research (1)."

Collagen creams and serums are widely and easily available in the market. They contain collagen derived from plants or animals, giving you the liberty of choosing your source of collagen. Along with anti-aging benefits, these serums are also enriched with hydrating and nourishing formulations that help in the overall toning of the skin to reveal a brighter, radiant, and youthful complexion (2). 

Our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Collagen used in skincare products is typically derived from either animal or marine sources, or it can be synthetically produced. The most common source is bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) collagen. The raw materials undergo a process called hydrolysis, where they are boiled in water with some chemicals and enzymes to extract the collagen. Collagen can also be derived from fish, usually from the scales or skin. Marine collagen is often considered superior because it's more easily absorbed by the body, but it can also be more expensive. While plants do not produce collagen, scientists have found ways to genetically modify yeast and bacteria to produce collagen. This synthetic collagen is a good alternative for those who prefer not to use animal or marine products.”

Containing the power of fighting against the signs of aging, replenishing the skin, boosting the natural glow, and fuelling the skin with antioxidants and other potent ingredients, we have curated a list of the 11 best topical collagen serums.

• 1
  Best Skin Firming

  Advanced Clinicals Collagen Instant Plumping Serum

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First up on our list is the Advanced Clinicals Collagen Instant Plumping Serum, which helps to lift, firm, and nourish the skin to reveal a youthful, dewy complexion. While the collagen works toward skin plumping and locking in moisture, the formulation has other vital ingredients like soy extracts, aloe vera, glycerine, and algae extract. The blend of these magical ingredients helps to improve skin texture. They counter the effects of skin redness and inflammation, cellulite, acne scars and patches, and other visible signs of aging. At the same time, they help to lock in hydration and revitalize the skin texture by protecting the natural skin barrier and toning it. This serum has undergone dermatological testing and is an excellent alternative to unpleasant injections, used to boost collagen and achieve youthful and firm skin.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal

2

Best Natural Formula

artnaturals Glycolic Acid Serum

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Next on our checklist of best collagen serums is the Artnaturals Glycolic Acid Serum which features a hydrating, brightening, and plumping formulation. This 100 percent vegan product acts as a natural exfoliator that assists in improving skin circulation, removes dead skin cells, and adds an unmatched radiance to your skin. Infused with saffron, fruit extracts, and sugar maple, this collagen serum is soothing and does not irritate the skin. The main component is glycolic acid which targets the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark and age spots and makes the skin firmer. Please note that this serum should be used at night or followed by a broad-spectrum sunscreen if used during the day.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal

3

Best Radiance Restoration

Neutrogena Rapid Firming Collagen Triple Lift Serum

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Composed without dyes and mineral oils, Neutrogena Rapid Firming Collagen Triple Lift Serum is developed to show results within 4 weeks. It has been demonstrated to balance skin tone and lessen wrinkles and puffiness beneath the eyes. It is lightweight and moisturizing, crafted to hydrate the skin while noticeably lifting and firming for a more contoured appearance. Containing a triple-action collagen formula, this serum is composed of pure low molecular weight collagen, AHP amino acid, and amino sugar. It supports the skin's natural firming process and restores radiance. Great for mature skin, this firming facial collagen serum can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine and used twice every day.

Skin Type: Normal

4

Best Non-greasy Formula

Collagenic Serum Facial

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The aloe-scented Collagenic Serum Facial is a mineral oil-free formulation. As one of the best collagen face serums, it is enriched with essential nutrients that penetrate deep into the skin to impart even-toned and naturally glowing skin. The goodness of the collagen molecules in this facial serum is multiplied because of the benefits of vitamin E, vitamin C, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and retinol. They work to reveal smooth skin and a youthful complexion. The vitamin C in the serum supports the skin's natural collagen production, while retinol firms and tones the skin texture. These ingredients also help to reduce the look of fine lines, dark circles, and wrinkles over time. Applying a few drops of this facial serum every day will make your skin smoother, more luminous, and nourished.

Skin Type: Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal

5

Best Alternative To Retinol

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Renewal Serum

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Those who find retinols quite aggravating to their skin must definitely try out this anti-aging serum by Elemis. Formulated with a blend of amino acids, algae extracts and invigorating botanicals, the serum offers benefits identical to vitamin A-based skincare product, without causing any tingles or skin sensitivity. The collagen serum helps restore skin elasticity and plumpness, while also delivering oodles of hydration, so it never feels dull and distressed. This is the kind of product we’d recommend one to start using in their early to mid-thirties to age more gracefully.

6

Best Skin Toning

Foxbrim Naturals Collagen Peptide Boost Serum

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Foxbrim Naturals Collagen Peptide Boost Serum boasts a cutting-edge formulation, combining hyaluronic acid, peptides, and plant-based collagen. These powerful ingredients work towards reducing wrinkles and fine lines, brightening dark patches, and improving the overall tone, texture, and elasticity of the skin. It is also infused with gotu kola which smoothes skin appearance, aloe that evens the skin tone, and jojoba oil balances the natural oils of the skin. In conjunction, the formulation heals and hydrates the skin. Free from harmful toxins, you can safely use this serum around your eyes to reduce crow's feet and achieve soft, smooth, and glowing skin.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Norma

7

Best Hydration

Zone 365 Collagen Anti-Aging Face Serum

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Developed using safe and gentle ingredients, Zone 365 Collagen Anti-Aging Face Serum is enriched with hydrolyzed collagen peptides and a herbal blend of essential oils with 10% hyaluronic acid. You can soak your skin in this face serum to give it maximum hydration. These ingredients leave the skin feeling smooth and hydrated all the way. This collagen serum repairs fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Overtime use also helps to eliminate dark spots and undereye circles and makes the skin firmer and tighter. The serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin to replenish and regenerate the skin back to its splendor.

Skin Type: Sensitive

8

Best for Elasticity Restoration

SEFUDUN ESSENCE SERIES Active Collagen Serum

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Sefudun Active Collagen Serum is formulated to stimulate the skin's natural collagen production and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Containing stabilized pure collagen that permeates all the layers of the skin, this serum effectively improves skin's elasticity, making it smoother, firmer, and more youthful. The formulation contains plant-based compounds viz. soothing aloe vera, extremely hydrating hyaluronic acid, tightening niacinamide, and other essential vitamins and ceramides. These ingredients boost hydration and nourish the skin, restoring the natural glow. Free from artificial colorants, this serum also helps to repair sun damage and is recommended to be used twice daily for effective results.

Skin Type: All skin types

9

Best for Dry Skin

MIZON Original Skin Energy Collagen 100

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Ideal for sensitive skin, Mizon Original Skin Energy Collagen 100 contains 90% of highly concentrated collagen ampoules in the formula. It is the best collagen serum to smooth wrinkles and add a natural lift to the face. Enriched with ampoules and 11 kinds of vegetable extracts, this serum helps to form a protection film on the skin and preserve moisture levels. The blend of marine collagen, proteins, and peptides further aids with skin toning and managing the pores. This facial serum is non-irritating. In fact, it contains hyaluronic acid, allantoin, trehalose, and birch sap agents. These active ingredients hydrate the skin, making it radiant and healthy. The serum lasts long as you only require 2-3 drops because of its thick consistency.

Skin Type: All skin types

10

Best Antioxidant-rich Formula

DERMA-E Advanced Peptides & Flora-Collagen Serum

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Visible signs of aging can take a toll on us and make us appear worn out and dull. Derma-E Advanced Peptides and Flora-Collagen Serum are made to restore skin's youthful radiance and combat visible signs of aging. Packed with peptides and plant-derived collagen, this serum aims to give you a healthy-looking, vibrant complexion. The rejuvenating anti-aging antioxidants lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to antioxidant pine bark extract, this collagen serum is enhanced with green tea, soothing jojoba seed oil, and hydrating provitamin B5 and vitamin C extracts to target hyperpigmentation. The serum is also safe to be used by people of different skin types as it is dermatologically approved and is made sans any harmful toxins.

Skin Type: All skin types

11

It°S SKIN Collagen Nutrition Serum

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If Korean skincare has caught your attention then you should try the It°S SKIN Collagen Nutrition Serum. Promoting resilience-boosting care, this serum contains skin-firming collagen extract and Saussurea laniceps extract that supports a healthy complexion by regenerating and toning the skin. Malt extract and bearberry extract, high in amino acids, help to maintain the pH balance of the skin and add a natural glow. Ideal for mature skin, this serum prevents dryness, minimizes wrinkles and lines, and tightens saggy skin. It also helps to soothe and repair the skin affected by external pollutants and sun damage, resulting in a vibrant and renewed appearance.

Skin Type: Dry and mature skin

12

Elemis Lonodn Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir plumps, smooths, and nourishes the skin. This magic potion, though slightly on the pricey side, gives astounding results by completely smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles when applied daily. The bioactive ingredients used in this anti-aging concentrate include tri-peptides, African birch bark, red seaweed, and padina pavonica. These make the skin firmer and improve skin elasticity. The hyaluronic acid and omega-rich camelia oil in the solution help to deeply hydrate the skin, making the texture softer and more youthful. This collagen serum has a mild floral and citrus scent and can be worn comfortably both during the day and at night.

Skin Type: All, especially wrinkled

Although there are many more collagen serums available, we've chosen the top 11 for a variety of skin types. Using a few drops regularly will help lessen the appearance of aging and give you smoother, more radiant skin. Let's look at things to consider while choosing a collagen serum.

As we enter into our mid 20's, the natural production of collagen starts diminishing. Because collagen is a structural protein, it forms the blueprint of our cells and tissues. This helps to maintain and repair healthy and youthful-looking skin. Overtime loss of collagen, therefore, leads to skin sagging and signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

Serums are a popular way to give a dose of collagen to the skin because of their moisturizing and humectant characteristics. Here are two crucial points you should consider when choosing the best collagen serum for your face.

Skin Type

Assessing and recognizing your skin type is the first step to consider before you purchase any skincare product. Dry skin individuals, for instance, need more hydrating formulations and must stay away from ingredients like alcohol and parabens. Sensitive and acne-prone skin must avoid heavily fragrant products with artificial colorants. For those with an oily skin type, the serum should be lightweight so that their face doesn't feel greasy.

Ingredients

Collagen is a big molecule, and for effective results, it must be infused in an easily soluble form (3). Hydrolyzed collagen successfully permeates the skin, and this is what you must look at when choosing your collagen serum. Some other ingredients you can be on the lookout for are hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, peptides, antioxidants, etc. Needless to say, you should steer away from harsh chemicals. It is also a great time to check whether the product contains animal- or plant-based collagen and take a decision accordingly.

As per our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, choosing the right collagen serum involves considering several key factors other than skin type and ingredients. She says, “Consider the following factors while looking for a good quality collagen serum.

1. Form of Collagen: There are different types of collagen, including marine collagen and bovine collagen. Some research suggests that marine collagen is more easily absorbed by the body. So, choose accordingly.

2. Allergies: If you have known allergies, it's important to carefully read the product's ingredient list to avoid allergic reactions, based on which one must choose the product.

3. Ethical Considerations: If you're concerned about animal welfare or want a vegan product, look for serums that use synthetic or plant-based collagen, or brands that are cruelty-free.”

Among its myriad benefits, collagen serums help to rejuvenate and revitalize skin texture and complexion while reducing visible signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, crow's feet, under-eye bags, etc. Collagen serums also help to hydrate and deeply nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and radiant.  

The best collagen face serum for your skin type and concern should be used daily for effective results. Unlike other abrasive actives, collagen is gentle and mild on the skin. Most collagen serums, in fact, recommend that you apply it twice daily as a part of your morning and night skincare regimen. 

Here are 3 simple steps to follow when using a collagen serum.

1. Clean your face with a gentle cleanser. Exfoliating once or twice a week also gives better results. But note that excessive exfoliation can cause skin dryness and irritation.
2. Pat dry your face and apply a mild toner to soothe and hydrate the skin.
3. Immediately follow up with the collagen serum while the skin is moist. Take 3-4 drops, according to the consistency of your product. Apply gently in a circular motion and massage it into your skin. 
4. Avoid rinsing your face after this. You can top it up with your regular moisturizer and sunscreen during the day and night cream at night. 

Along with the best collagen serums, it is ideal to fuel your diet with high-protein foods containing the essential amino acids which help in collagen production. These include meat, eggs, dairy, soy, nutrients like zinc, vitamin C-enriched fruits, etc (4). Apt water consumption, refraining from smoking, and protecting your skin from direct UV rays are also some lifestyle habits that will help you stay fit and keep your collagen levels in check. If required, you can even consume collagen supplements but consult your doctor before resorting to any medical supplements. Collagen serums are safe to use and should definitely be a part of your daily skincare routine.

Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam