Can we talk about collagen for a second? Because for years, it felt like the skincare world was telling us we needed a 10 step routine and a bank breaking serum to keep our skin looking plump and youthful.
The reality is that some of the most researched ingredients for supporting and protecting collagen have been around for years and you can find brilliant formulations without spending a fortune.
Of course, no skincare product can magically replace the collagen we naturally lose with age (if only!). But certain ingredients can help support collagen production, while others help protect the collagen you already have.
And the best part? You don’t need to spend hundreds. Here are five ingredients I always look for in five fantastic yet affordable formulations.
1. Retinoids — the gold standard for collagen
If there’s one ingredient that has earned its place in skincare history, it’s retinoids.
Retinoids, like retinol, retinal and prescription tretinoin are vitamin A derivatives that work by communicating with your skin cells, helping to speed up cell turnover and support the activity of fibroblasts (the cells responsible for making collagen).
Over time, this can help improve the look of fine lines, uneven texture and loss of firmness.
The trick with retinoids? Consistency. You don’t need the strongest product on the shelf — you need one you can actually use regularly without destroying your skin barrier.
Dermatologist and skincare expert Dr Gilberto Alvarez explains:
“Retinoids are at the heart of your skincare regimen, so I always recommend getting used to them first before adding anything else that might dry or irritate your skin. Ideally, start with this and then introduce alpha hydroxy acids a few months later, if tolerable.”
My pick
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
This is such a great beginner-friendly retinol because it’s gentle, hydrating and easy to use consistently. It combines encapsulated retinol with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help improve the appearance of fine lines and texture while supporting your skin barrier at the same time.
My top tip: Start slowly. A couple of nights a week is enough while your skin builds tolerance. And don’t forget your SPF!
2. Vitamin C — your collagen’s best friend
Vitamin C is one of those ingredients that deserves way more hype. Not only does it help brighten dull skin and fade the appearance of pigmentation, but it also plays an important role in collagen synthesis.
Your skin naturally needs vitamin C to help produce collagen, which is why a good vitamin C serum can be such a brilliant addition to a routine focused on keeping skin looking healthy and radiant.
It’s also a powerful antioxidant, meaning it helps defend your skin from environmental stressors that can contribute to collagen breakdown over time.
When choosing a vitamin C, Dr Alvarez recommends looking beyond the ingredient list and considering the packaging too:
“Vitamin C can oxidise easily, so I love formulas that come in airtight packaging, as this helps protect the product from oxidation.”
My pick
Rohto Mentholatum Melano CC Premium Vitamin C Essence
I love that this comes in an airtight aluminium tube, which helps protect the formula from unnecessary exposure to air and light. The lightweight essence sinks in really quickly and is a brilliant option for targeting dullness and the appearance of post-acne marks while adding antioxidant support to your routine.
My top tip: Use vitamin C in the morning underneath your SPF for an extra layer of antioxidant protection.
3. Glycolic acid — your skin’s little resurfacing expert
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works by gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter-looking skin underneath.
But the reason it makes this list? Research suggests glycolic acid may also help support dermal remodelling and collagen production over time.
Think of it as giving your skin a little reset button.
The key is not overdoing it; more exfoliation doesn’t mean better results. Happy skin is healthy skin.
My pick
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
This is such a great affordable toner that helps skin look brighter and smoother while improving the appearance of uneven texture over time.
My top tip: If you’re using retinoids too, alternate nights rather than using everything at once.
4. Peptides — the collagen messengers
Peptides are tiny chains of amino acids that act a little like messengers in the skin.
Different peptides can do different things. Some are designed to support the processes involved in collagen production, while others can help support the skin barrier and improve the overall appearance of firmness and hydration.
They’re also a great option if your skin is sensitive because peptide formulas tend to be much gentler than stronger active ingredients.
The research around topical peptides is still developing, so I don’t see them as a replacement for ingredients like retinoids. But I love them as a supportive addition to a good skincare routine.
My pick
Kiso Care Matrix Serum PE No.043
This is one of my favourite peptide serums because it’s lightweight, layers beautifully under other skincare and is packed with Matrixyl peptides. These peptides are designed to support collagen-related processes in the skin, making this a great addition if firmness and fine lines are among your concerns.
My top tip: Peptides work best when you’re consistent, so think of them as a daily habit rather than an overnight miracle.
5. Sunscreen — the ingredient that protects everything else
Okay, I know sunscreen isn’t technically a “collagen-building” ingredient, but it might be the most important one on this list.
UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to collagen breakdown and premature skin ageing. Over time, those little rays can trigger processes in the skin that damage collagen and contribute to visible signs of ageing.
So while your retinoid, vitamin C and peptides are working hard, sunscreen is the thing helping to protect all that effort.
And when it comes to protecting your hard work, Dr Alvarez has one non-negotiable:
“Sunscreen is the oxygen of your skincare regimen. Without it, everything else becomes far less meaningful because the sun will always contribute to collagen damage and photoageing. I recommend finding one you love and using it every day on your face.”
My pick
iUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sun Water SPF50+ PA++++
This is the kind of sunscreen you’ll actually want to wear every day because it feels more like a hydrating serum than a traditional SPF. It offers high UV protection, while centella and hydrating ingredients help keep skin feeling calm and comfortable throughout the day.
My top tip: Look for a broad-spectrum SPF50 and wear it every single day — even when it’s cloudy. And remember to reapply when needed!
Good skincare isn’t always about the most expensive bottle on the shelf. Some of the most researched ingredients in beauty can be found in genuinely affordable formulas.
The secret is choosing ingredients with science behind them, using them consistently and remembering that healthy, glowing skin is built over time not overnight.
