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The 8 Best Collagen Serums for Plump, Smooth Skin

File under: Plumper, smoother, tighter skin.

Three collagen serums displayed side by side from Biossance Olay and Kosas showcasing their bottles

Byrdie

TL;DR

While skincare ingredients often come in and out of vogue, none are quite as timeless as collagen. Found naturally all over the body, collagen is involved in many vital functions, such as tissue repair and regeneration. But as we age, our natural collagen supply starts to dip, making it harder to hold onto that plump, pillowy skin feel. The research is still unclear on whether topical collagen can penetrate the skin to offer the benefits brands claim; however, hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides are smaller molecules with the best chance of penetrating the skin.

Collagen may help improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and hydrate the skin. The best formulations pair it with powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and vitamin C for an added boost. To narrow down the best collagen serums, we tested a wide range of options, considering how each felt on the skin, the consistency, and the short- and long-term results. We also considered each serum’s price, potency, and additional benefits. Read on to find out which collagen serums made it onto our hotlist.

What We Like
  • Super gentle

  • Very hydrating

  • Boosts radiance

What to Consider
  • Pump can become clogged

Cruelty-Free: Yes | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily | Size: 1.69 oz

Don’t be fooled by the fact that this skin-plumping serum doesn’t have the word “collagen” in its name—it’s packed with collagen-boosting peptides, which made a noticeable difference to our skin when testing (alongside hyaluronic acid and squalene). It can be used day or night, after cleansing and before moisturizing, and it dries down quickly, so you don’t have to worry about pilling under makeup. This is a great all-around choice for most skin types, as it’s gentle enough for very sensitive skin and lightweight enough for oily skin. Plus, it delivers big time on hydration and radiance. Just keep in mind that the pump clogs easily.

What We Like
  • Leaves the skin feeling instantly soft

  • Fragrance-free

  • Fast-absorbing and lightweight

What to Consider
  • May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin types

Cruelty-Free: No | Skin Type: Normal, oily, dry | Size: 1.3 oz

There’s a reason that Olay has been used for generations, and that’s because the brand’s gentle formulas really work. Olay’s Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24-Day Serum is no exception. It leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and hydrated, thanks to a high concentration of collagen peptides and vitamin B3 (otherwise known as niacinamide). Plus, it’s fragrance-free, which is a win for sensitive skin, although it may be too gentle for deep hydration if you have very dry skin. The brand recommends applying it morning and night under moisturizer and following with sunscreen during the day for best results. What it lacks in luxurious packaging, it totally makes up for in texture and efficacy—so if you want great skin without totally breaking the bank, this is a serious contender.

What We Like
  • Boosts skin’s overall glow

  • Very hydrating

  • Great for refreshing and priming the skin

What to Consider
  • Spray-on format is not for everyone

Cruelty-Free: Yes | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.38 oz

A beauty editor and TikTok favorite, we’re happy to confirm that Kosas’ Plump and Juicy Vegan Collagen Spray is all that we hoped it would be. A brand-new innovation, this lightweight serum comes in a mist format that penetrates deeply into the skin while leaving an oil-free, illuminated finish. To use, simply spritz on after cleansing—the lightweight formula dries down ultra-fast and is an excellent base under moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup. This is particularly ideal if you don’t like the feeling of heavy formulas on your skin or want to create a dewy makeup look by using it as a primer. The secret to that raved-about glow? Its jam-packed formula of skin-loving ingredients includes hyaluronic acid, peptides, probiotics, and vegan collagen. Just keep in mind that the smell can be intense for some.

What We Like
  • Firms skin over time

  • Contains hyaluronic acid to provide an immediate plumping effect

  • Lightweight gel texture

What to Consider
  • Dropper can get clogged

Cruelty-Free: Yes | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily | Size: 0.67 oz

Packed with six pro-collagen peptides, the Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster provides both immediate and long-term benefits for anyone looking to firm skin. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, benefits like tightening and plumping can be seen in as little as 15 minutes, but it also works over time to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The fragrance-free formula has a refreshing gel texture and can be added to your moisturizer as a booster morning and night or used all on its own after toning and exfoliating. We just wish it came with more product in the bottle.

What We Like
  • Contains hyaluronic acid and collagen for double the boost

  • Improves uneven skin texture

  • Boosts radiance

What to Consider
  • Tingly feeling upon application that may not be desirable

Cruelty-Free: Yes | Skin Type: Normal, dry | Size: 1 oz

This is a great option if you have a dry skin type and want a serum that helps boost collagen and tackle hydration levels. It contains hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen peptides to visibly plump and micro-fill the skin while hydrating and smoothing the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. Use morning and night after cleansing or whenever your skin is in need of a pick-me-up—just keep in mind it may tingle at first.

What We Like
  • Helps with dark circles and fine lines

  • Hydrating but not oily

  • Doesn’t pill under makeup

What to Consider
  • Contains fragrance

Cruelty-Free: Yes | Skin Type: Fatigued skin, dark circles | Size: 0.5 oz

This Swiss line’s award-winning eye serum is designed to counteract the signs of fatigue—such as lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. It works by taking a three-pronged approach to collagen production: First, it helps the skin produce more of its own collagen. Then, it strengthens the skin. Finally, it helps the skin preserve its existing collagen reservoir. Clever? Certainly. But most importantly, it’s silky smooth, nongreasy, and leaves the under-eye area feeling supple and hydrated. The brand recommends applying it morning and evening and following up with an eye cream to lock in hydration. It is fragranced, however, so may not be ideal for sensitive skin types.

What We Like
  • Helps lips appear fuller

  • Hydrating

  • Lightweight formula works well with other lip products

What to Consider
  • Vanilla-mint flavor might not be for everyone

Cruelty-Free: Yes | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 0.5 oz

Collagen is present all over the body, including the lips, so it can be beneficial to top up the levels here for an irresistible pout. BeautyBio’s lip serum uses hyaluronic acid spheres, collagen, and sunflower seed oil to hydrate, plump, and visibly increase elasticity in the lips. Wear it alone throughout the day for an instantly glossier, fuller pout, or as a base to lock in lipstick. We love its tingly sensation and vanilla-mint flavor, although the consistency might be too tacky for some. It also makes a great gift idea, too, if you want to start dropping hints.

What We Like
  • Made with a vegan collagen to firm and tighten

  • Hydrating

  • Boosts radiance and helps to fade dark spots

What to Consider
  • Not the best scent

Cruelty-Free: Yes | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1 oz

This buzzy pick is perfect for anyone looking to streamline their skincare routine while still addressing signs of aging. Made with vegan collagen crafted by fermentation, the Outset Firming & Plumping Vegan Collagen Prep Serum helps to firm skin and improve radiance. It layers well under moisturizer and sunscreen, and gives your skin’s hydration levels a boost with the help of the brand’s botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid. Plus, it even works as a priming base for makeup. Just keep in mind that the scent may be off-putting to some.

What to Look for in a Collagen Serum

  • Hydrolyzed Collagen and Collagen Peptides: As collagen is such a large molecule, it’s believed that hydrolyzed collagen—with a smaller molecular size—is more effective at penetrating the skin. Many of the products mentioned above also contain collagen peptides which are another variation of collagen created when whole collagen proteins are broken into smaller pieces.
  • Additional Ingredients: Collagen is a great ingredient, but its powers have their limits. Look to boost your results by finding formulations containing other collagen-stimulating ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. 
  • Vegan Collagen: The collagen used in skincare and supplements generally comes from animal products such as bone broth from pigs, cows, and fish. (You may see this labeled as bovine or marine collagen.) Vegan collagen, on the other hand, is made from genetically modified yeast and bacteria.
FAQ
  • How often should I use a collagen serum?

    “Many would opt to use a collagen serum once a day, but I would recommend using it twice a day for quicker results,” advises Dr. Hasan Benar, M.D., a dermatologist and aesthetic doctor. “To get maximum absorption, you can also apply it after exfoliating.”

  • Which is better for your face: collagen or retinol?

    Retinol is better understood and more supported in the dermatologist community as an anti-aging agent (it even stimulates collagen), but not everyone can use it.

    “Topical retinol in serums and face creams is great for kickstarting collagen by not only increasing cell turnover and improving skin tone but also protecting the skin from future external damage,” Dr. Benar says. But as retinol can irritate sensitive skin and isn’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it isn’t ideal for everyone. If you fall into any of these camps, a collagen serum, collagen cream, or another alternative to retinol may be a better option.

    Dr. Benar explains that while collagen is primarily responsible for keeping skin supple, smooth, and firm, other benefits include restoring hydration, brightening the skin tone, and improving skin texture. 

  • What can I layer with a collagen serum?

    Because collagen serums have a generally neutral pH, they pair well with most actives. If you’re using an AHA or BHA exfoliant, apply and wait five minutes before going in with a collagen serum. You can use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide before, after, or in the same step as collagen, while retinoids and vitamin C should be applied after. In the mornings, always top off your routine with a sunscreen with UVA protection.

Meet Our Expert

To determine the best collagen serums and which elements to consider when shopping for one, we spoke to an expert: 

  • Dr. Hasan Benar, M.D., is a dermatologist and aesthetic doctor.

Why Trust Byrdie

Catherine Hufton has been a contributing writer for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best maternity stores.

Edited by Caitlyn Martyn
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Pu SY, Huang YL, Pu CM, Kang YN, Hoang KD, Chen KH, Chen C. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Apr 26;15(9):2080. doi: 10.3390/nu15092080. PMID: 37432180; PMCID: PMC10180699.

  2. de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. 2021 Dec;60(12):1449-1461. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15518. Epub 2021 Mar 20. PMID: 33742704.

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