Collagen

What Collagen is & what it does

Collagen is a structural protein that is one of the main building blocks of skin, and in cosmetics it is typically sourced from animals or produced through biotechnology. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it is used mostly as a conditioning and water-binding ingredient that can help the surface feel smooth and hydrated. Applied topically it sits on the skin rather than replacing the body's own collagen.

What does Collagen do in skincare?

In topical skincare, collagen mainly acts as a conditioning and water-binding ingredient that helps the skin surface feel smooth and hydrated. Applied on the skin it sits on the surface rather than rebuilding the body's own collagen.

Is Collagen vegan?

Cosmetic collagen is traditionally sourced from animals, so standard collagen is not vegan. Some products instead use biotech or plant-based alternatives, so check the label if a vegan formula matters to you.

Is Collagen safe?

Collagen is a common, well tolerated conditioning ingredient in skincare and is generally considered safe for topical use. As with any protein ingredient, sensitive individuals can patch test before regular use.

Sunscreens with Collagen

We rate 23 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients