Any conversation I have about skincare manages to involve collagen in some way. Am I taking my collagen powder to support my complexion from within? Have I tried that new Korean collagen coffee yet? Should I be using the best collagen face masks for firmer, glowier skin?
These are just a few of the questions I’m posed on a daily basis. By becoming a beauty editor, I by no means expected to become a purveyor of all things collagen—but I get it. In recent years, It’s become quite clear that collagen is integral to maintaining a youthful complexion. It makes up about 30% of our body’s total proteins, and because these reserves diminish as we age, the cosmetics world has been researching how we can replenish them.
Vogue’s Favorite Collagen Face Masks
Collagen, as an ingredient, feels akin to a sort of beauty fountain of youth. The more you have, the better you can look (as it’s wildly perceived). When it comes to getting more of it, experts often recommend eating it—see the aforementioned powders and ingestibles. However, we’re seeing increased supply and demand of topical collagens, too. Searches for collagen skin-care in various forms are up upwards of 40% according to our metrics, and I have been noticing more collagen-infused products landing in the Vogue beauty closet. Biodance’s collagen mask was the first product of its kind that I tried and loved. It gave me the baby-soft skin of dreams, and I continue to use it weekly nearly a year after initially testing it.
But what stuck out to me was that the protein is not easily absorbed into skin due to its high molecular weight. “Contrary to popular belief, these masks are not actually going to stimulate collagen production,” dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin, MD explained. But why are we into topical collagen if it can’t really be absorbed by skin? Part of it is marketing, sure, but it’s also the other ingredients that come with the formulas. All of our favorites are also packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalane, and niacinamide, which per Dr. Amin “allows for topical application of hydrating ingredients for a prolonged period of time.”
Below, everything you need to know about the best collagen face masks to add to your skin-care arsenal—plus, the expert-approved products to shop.
Best Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
- Why We Love It: Vogue’s favorite collagen mask was a TikTok find—heavily influenced by all the people who wore it on long international flights, and arrived with an impeccably glowy visage. Though the Biodance mask rose to virality for its ability to quickly plump and smooth skin, it’s earned its hype. After overnight use, I find that it improves skin’s elasticity and reduces pore size via a blend of low-molecular weight collagen peptide, galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Plus, it clings to skin well—making it excellent to multitask in. For results we’d liken to a mild exfoliation treatment, just be sure to wear it until it becomes transparent to reap all its benefits.
- Editor’s Experience: “I fell in love with this mask at first use. While the application process is cool, what’s most notable is how the combination of low molecular weight collagen, galactomyces, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide delivers deep hydration, while reducing enlarged pores and illuminating the skin after just one use. Yes, I’m still obsessed with it one year later.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Low-molecular weight collagen peptide, galactomyces, oligo hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Type: Sheet
- Size: 4 masks per package