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When it comes to skincare ingredients, there are few that get name checked more than collagen. From serums and moisturizers to drinkable versions, it seems like collagen is everywhere these days, and there’s a very good reason for that. A basic building block of a healthy complexion, collagen “forms the support structures of our skin and contributes to its firmness, plumpness and elasticity,” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Shafer Clinic in NYC.
“Unfortunately,” she says, “collagen declines as we age. Products that stimulate collagen production and/or deliver collagen directly to the body benefit us by supplementing collagen—helping to make up for what we lose with age—and supporting a more youthful appearance.”
Right now, one of the hottest trends in collagen boosting is the use of collagen face masks. Viral videos of beauty lovers sleeping in gel-like overnight masks have proliferated over social media, with fans showing off their enviably dewy post-mask results. Whether you’ve been wooed by the buzz or are a long-time collagen skincare devotee, we’ve rounded up some of the best collagen face masks around—from dermatologist approved versions to editor must-have to the internet obsessions racking up tons of five-star reviews—to get a little bit of that high-octane moisture into your routine.
The hydrogel mask that started a social media craze, this overnight mask is designed to be worn while you sleep, but I can personally attest that you can wearing it during your waking hours instead—it really clings to the face, even while you’re moving. Just make sure to give it a couple of hours to make sure you’re getting the maximum hydration out of it (Don’t worry, it will turn clear when it’s full absorbed so you don’t have to keep track of time.)
Key Ingredients: Collagen peptide, hyaluronic acid, galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide
Number of Masks: 4
A long-time leader in the skincare sleep mask trend (their overnight lip mask is a beauty icon) Laneige’s silky mask uses a patented peony and collagen complex that’s designed to help preserve the collagen you have and also encourage your skin to build more over time.
“I bought this cream a month ago, and I’ve noticed my skin has become more plump and hydrated,” one reviewer writes, “Definitely repurchasing!”
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, peony root extract, green tea probiotic lysate
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Dr. Engelman recommends this hydrogel mask from Meghan Markle-approved brand Medicube. “Made with collagen as well as DNA fragments derived from salmon sperm, this mask deeply hydrates and regenerates the skin, leaving it plump, nourished and dewy. It’s meant to be worn for a couple hours, so you really get maximum results in one use,” she explains, adding, “I like that the color changes from pink to transparent as the formula gets absorbed into the skin, so it’s easy to see when the mask is ready to be taken off.”
Key Ingredients: Salmon PDRN, hydrolyzed collagen
Number of Masks: 4
Want a speedy helping of collagen? These firming sheet masks deliver a hydrating punch of the good stuff in just 10-20 minutes to fast-forward your glow. No wonder its earned a 4.5 star rating from nearly 7,000 Amazon reviewers.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid
Number of Masks: 5
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Kaolin may not be the first ingredient you think of when it comes of hydration, but this mask blends the oil-absorbing power of clay with collagen and soothing oatmeal making ti a great choice for those who are dealing with both fine lines and acne.
One reviewer writes, “Leaves my skin feeling smooth and supple. I recommend for anyone I’m obsessed with collagen products and this one is definitely a go-to.”
Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay, collagen, oat kernel flour, zinc oxide
Similar in format to the Biodance mask but at a slightly lower price point, these hydrogel masks have a waffled texture and a slightly thinner feel which helps them achieve full absorption faster—ideal for impatient types. In my experience, they also have a slightly shorter nasal tab, which could make them more comfortable for those who prefer not to have extra material overhanging the tip of their nose.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica extract, bifida ferment lysate, tea leaf extract
Number of Masks: 6
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Prepping for a big event? This kit includes Knesko’s 24K colloidal gold infused face, eye, neck, lip, and décolleté collagen masks so you can look fresh and glowing from hairline to neckline.
Key Ingredients: 24K colloidal gold, marine collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, aloe
For those who prefer a more traditional sheet mask to a hydrogel mask, this biodegradable vegan collagen mask delivers a fast-paced dose of hydration to plump and firm skin.
Key Ingredients: Plant-based collagen, hyaluronic acid
Number of Masks: 10
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Instead of the usual essence-soaked mask, this two-step treatment includes a super potent ampoule packed with glycerin, collagen, and niacinamide that you apply before topping it with a rubberized mask to lock in the formula for peak absorbption.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hydrolyzed collagen, niacinamide
Number of Masks: 1
Think of this gel as the lovechild of an overnight mask and a classic peel-off mask. Chock full of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and anti-aging adenosine, you can let it sit on skin until dry and then peel off for an immediate lifting effect or leave it on overnight and peel it off in the morning to lock in the hydration.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed elastin, adenosine
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A new addition to Peace Out’s line up, this vegan collagen mask is already developing a fan following. It adds a blend of 5 peptides and 8 types of hyaluronic acid to its collagen for intense hydration that plumps skin and help protect your natural moisture barrier so dry skin stays more moisturized over time.
One reviewer writes, “Did wonders to my skin! I was breaking out and put it on for the night and woke up and everything was gone. Face clear and felt so confident.”
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid
Number of Masks: 1
What is collagen?
On its most basic level, collagen is a protein—in fact, it's the most common protein in your body, playing a major role in your muscles, tendons, and of course, your skin. “Our bodies naturally produce collagen, which forms the support structures of our skin and contributes to its firmness, plumpness and elasticity,” explains Dr. Engelman. Essentially, collagen-rich skin = bouncy, glowing, youthful-looking skin.
Is there more than one kind of collagen?
Considering its proliferation throughout the body, it's only to be expected that collagen takes multiple forms. “Type I and Type III collagen are the most abundant in skin, and are the types usually found in skincare products,” says Engelman. “Type I is the most common type of collagen in humans, making up about 90% of our total collagen.”
What skin types can benefit from collagen masks?
Unfortunately, our natural collagen production also tends to decrease with age, meaning that mature skin can particularly benefit from an infusion of this glow-getter, as well as those who struggle with dryness. That said, Engelman tells us, “All skin types can benefit from the hydrating, plumping effect of collagen masks.” As for contraindications, she explains that collagen masks are generally a safe choice for any skin type, though, as always, sensitive types should be especially cautious in checking ingredient lists for potential irritants like added fragrances. She adds, “I would not recommend using a mask over injured or broken skin.”
How are collagen masks different than other types of collagen-based skincare?
With its buzzy status, collagen has begun showing up in all sorts of skincare products. However, Engelman notes, “most products on the market right now do not have the technology to actually get collagen into the skin; the benefits of collagen-infused topical products are mostly short-term hydrating and plumping.”
Collagen face masks particularly well adapted for that particular task. “They provide deep hydration and can temporarily make the skin appear plumper and dewier with less-visible fine lines and wrinkles,” Engelman says. “However, they do not offer long-term skin benefits.”
To maximize your plumping, coupling the short term benefits of masks with a collagen moisturizer can be beneficial. “Collagen moisturizer, when used daily, is intended to deliver long-term anti-aging benefits—over time, helping to strengthen the skin barrier, firm and plump the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Meet the expert
Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in NYC.
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Lauren Hubbard
Writer
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.
