Ingredient
Collagen
A protein naturally found in skin that keeps it firm. In topical skincare, hydrolyzed collagen — broken down into smaller fragments — forms a moisture-locking film on the skin surface that temporarily plumps fine lines and relieves dryness. It does not stimulate your skin to produce more collagen; it works purely as a surface hydrator. Look for 'hydrolyzed collagen' in the first half of the ingredient list.
Ingredient
Suitable for
Dry and dehydrated skin — the moisture-locking properties of hydrolyzed collagen are most visible where dehydration and surface dryness are the primary concern.
Also suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, combination skin and oily skin.
Ingredient
Ingredient combination
Combinations that work
- Hyaluronic AcidHydrating
Topical collagen is too large to replace collagen in the dermis; what it does well is hold water at the surface. With hyaluronic acid it gives a smoother, plumper-looking finish — a surface effect, honestly described.
- Vitamin CFirming
Vitamin C is the cofactor your skin needs to build its own collagen — that is where structural change comes from. Topical collagen works at the surface. The two address different layers, and the honest routine uses each for what it can actually do.
Combinations to avoid
Collagen has no documented conflicts with anything else in this library. It can sit anywhere in a routine.
Routine
Routines with Collagen
Routines featuring this ingredient are coming soon.