"SkinMedica is a brand I've trusted for years, and their retinol product is, in my opinion, the gold-standard on the market," says Underwood. "Once your skin fully adjusts to retinol, you'll want to try more potent concentrations so you continue to see results," suggests Dr. Yadav. Now look, there's nothing wrong with aging gracefully—it's a celebration of a life well-lived—but I'd be lying to your face if I didn't admit that these changes caught me off guard and made me reevaluate my skincare routine. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. With endless options on the market (and I mean hundreds!), it can be hard to narrow down what the best options for your skin are. Thankfully, there are some very effective retinol alternatives such as plant-based bakuchiol which do a lot of the same great things as retinol, but are safe for pregnant women or those with very sensitive skin, says Dr. Spearman.
WHAT'S YOUR SKIN AGE?
Certain peptides, like neuropeptides, also serve as neurotransmitters in the skin. And, its combination of complexion-brightening ingredients makes it especially worthwhile to try if you have stubborn sun damage-related age spots and discoloration. Paired with peptides, algae extracts, jojoba esters, and squalane, it helps smooth roughness, brighten tone, and strengthen the skin’s structure. Hyaluronic acid adds plumping moisture, while the brand’s signature thermal spring water soothes sensitivity, giving you strong results without the harsh side effects. Neostrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is oh-so buttery, my goodness, collagen peptide face cream and infused with peptides, bakuchiol, and some ingredients I can't even begin to explain (looking at you, NeoGlucosamine
For a hydrated, radiant glow, we love Medicube’s Collagen Jelly Cream, which collagen peptide face cream is formulated with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and squalene. I basically forewent moisturizers on days I used this collagen cream—felt sufficiently moisturized without it." We love its lightweight texture that truly falls in place between a gel and a cream (and it applies so smoothly as a result).
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Blemish Patches, 30 Count
"The molecules of topical collagen are usually too big to penetrate beyond the surface of the skin," Dr. Adisa explains. Our Patented Micro-Peptide Technology is 2x smaller than leading anti-aging peptides to penetrate more than 10 surface layers deep to support collagen. Leading anti-aging peptides are too big to go below the skin's surface. Please refer to the ingredients list on the product packaging for the most accurate list of ingredients. Skin feels instantly hydrated with its lightweight, non-greasy face lotion formul
Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologist
She formally tested the InnBeauty Project cream featured on this list, but has also tried and used many of the other winners. Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. I used it around my eyes, between my eyebrows, along my forehead, around my smile lines, and it was effective at improving all of them." And, it only took a collagen peptide face cream nickel-sized amount to achieve said benefits (aka, you get a lot of product for the price). But the best part was that every time our tester applied it, it left her with a supersoft, brighter complexion.
RETINOL CORREXION® Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream Fragrance Fr
Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. Niacinamide also steps in to hydrate, improve texture, and support barrier health, while colloidal oatmeal collagen peptide face cream calms on contact. Not only does it moisturize skin, but it's also spiked with SPF 30 to protect skin from UV damage, says Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Mississippi.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer With Broad Spectrum SPF 30, 3.4 Fl.
This lightweight yet mighty formula utilizes ultra-low molecular weight collagen (small enough for your skin to absorb extra-quickly) along with peptides to plump, firm, and smooth your skin. Collagen creams, however, can have the rejuvenating effect on your complexion that hydrolyzed collagen supplements promise if they are formulated with proven collagen-stimulating ingredients, says board-certified dermatologist Nina Desai, MD. With testing insights and expert input, we compiled this collagen peptide face cream list of the best collagen cream
Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer, $49
Customers find the moisturizer provides good sun protection, giving their skin a natural glow and helping with wrinkles. "Great sun protection for my face. Lightweight and moisturizing. No white tint and non-greasy. It's expensive and a treat - I love it." Read more Customers find the moisturizer effective, keeping their skin hydrated and softening it immediately. "...Lightweight and moisturizing. No white tint and non-greasy. It's expensive and a treat - I love it." Read more "Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 is the best face cream I've used - ever. Love the texture collagen peptide face cream and the sun protection. And it smells lovely...." Read more "This is the best moisturizer and sunscreen combo I've found. The smell is amazing and Elemis makes the best products!..." Read mo
WHAT'S YOUR SKIN AGE?
Certain peptides, like neuropeptides, also serve as neurotransmitters in the skin. And, its combination of complexion-brightening ingredients makes it especially worthwhile to try if you have stubborn sun damage-related age spots and discoloration. Paired with peptides, algae extracts, jojoba esters, and squalane, it helps smooth roughness, brighten tone, and strengthen the skin’s structure. Hyaluronic acid adds plumping moisture, while the brand’s signature thermal spring water soothes sensitivity, giving you strong results without the harsh side effects. Neostrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is oh-so buttery, my goodness, collagen peptide face cream and infused with peptides, bakuchiol, and some ingredients I can't even begin to explain (looking at you, NeoGlucosamine
For a hydrated, radiant glow, we love Medicube’s Collagen Jelly Cream, which collagen peptide face cream is formulated with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and squalene. I basically forewent moisturizers on days I used this collagen cream—felt sufficiently moisturized without it." We love its lightweight texture that truly falls in place between a gel and a cream (and it applies so smoothly as a result).
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Blemish Patches, 30 Count
"The molecules of topical collagen are usually too big to penetrate beyond the surface of the skin," Dr. Adisa explains. Our Patented Micro-Peptide Technology is 2x smaller than leading anti-aging peptides to penetrate more than 10 surface layers deep to support collagen. Leading anti-aging peptides are too big to go below the skin's surface. Please refer to the ingredients list on the product packaging for the most accurate list of ingredients. Skin feels instantly hydrated with its lightweight, non-greasy face lotion formul
Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologist
She formally tested the InnBeauty Project cream featured on this list, but has also tried and used many of the other winners. Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. I used it around my eyes, between my eyebrows, along my forehead, around my smile lines, and it was effective at improving all of them." And, it only took a collagen peptide face cream nickel-sized amount to achieve said benefits (aka, you get a lot of product for the price). But the best part was that every time our tester applied it, it left her with a supersoft, brighter complexion.
RETINOL CORREXION® Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream Fragrance Fr
Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. Niacinamide also steps in to hydrate, improve texture, and support barrier health, while colloidal oatmeal collagen peptide face cream calms on contact. Not only does it moisturize skin, but it's also spiked with SPF 30 to protect skin from UV damage, says Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Mississippi.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer With Broad Spectrum SPF 30, 3.4 Fl.
This lightweight yet mighty formula utilizes ultra-low molecular weight collagen (small enough for your skin to absorb extra-quickly) along with peptides to plump, firm, and smooth your skin. Collagen creams, however, can have the rejuvenating effect on your complexion that hydrolyzed collagen supplements promise if they are formulated with proven collagen-stimulating ingredients, says board-certified dermatologist Nina Desai, MD. With testing insights and expert input, we compiled this collagen peptide face cream list of the best collagen cream
Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer, $49
Customers find the moisturizer provides good sun protection, giving their skin a natural glow and helping with wrinkles. "Great sun protection for my face. Lightweight and moisturizing. No white tint and non-greasy. It's expensive and a treat - I love it." Read more Customers find the moisturizer effective, keeping their skin hydrated and softening it immediately. "...Lightweight and moisturizing. No white tint and non-greasy. It's expensive and a treat - I love it." Read more "Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 is the best face cream I've used - ever. Love the texture collagen peptide face cream and the sun protection. And it smells lovely...." Read more "This is the best moisturizer and sunscreen combo I've found. The smell is amazing and Elemis makes the best products!..." Read mo
