I forgive friends and family when they ask me to recommend “a good collagen eye cream”. We’re often told that collagen is the structure that keeps our skin looking plump and firm, and it is. But applying collagen topically in your skincare routine isn’t actually the right port of call to replace or maintain collagen, especially if you’re looking to address wrinkles , under-eye hollowing or any concern around the eye area.

Do Collagen Eye Creams Work?

“Collagen in skincare is a bit of a tricky subject, because collagen itself is a huge molecule and carries a large molecular weight; therefore, it won’t penetrate the upper layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) to any meaningful or functional depth, so it won’t affect stimulation of collagen,” says Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon. “It can condition the surface, however, as it works as a humectant to attract and trap moisture so will make skin feel smoother but it won’t actually replace dermal collagen, just by putting it on the surface,” she says.

What to Look for

Instead, you want to look for skincare ingredients that stimulate collagen. “If you really want to improve firmness, elasticity and smooth fine lines, look for collagen-boosting ingredients like peptides. Other great ingredients include gentle retinoids (vitamin A), vitamin C and E,” says Dr Hawkes. “Vitamin C encourages collagen production but also works to protect against environmental damage and can improve pigmentation caused by sun exposure. These ingredients actively stimulate your skin to produce its own collagen, which is what makes a real difference over time,” she says.

“Peptides are the gold standard to look for in your eye creams—they are signalling molecules, so essentially they signal to the fibroblasts (the cells that make structural proteins) to synthesise new collagen and elastin,” adds Dr Hawkes. “There are over 300 types of peptides used in skincare, but ingredients like Matrixyl 3000 remain the gold standard because they’re well researched and consistently deliver results.”

Scroll on for our edit of the best eye creams and eye serums that harness these ingredients to encourage collagen production, including recommendations from Dr Hawkes.

Best Eye Creams for Collagen Production

1. Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye

Retinoids (such as tretinoin, retinol or retinal) are one of the few proven ways to stimulate collagen production. So looking for eye creams such as this one makes for a sensible investment in your eye care. It contains retinaldehyde (which works 11 times faster than retinol) to stimulate collagen production, and it also contains peptides, which help to plump the eye contour. It’s a great one to use alongside Medik8’s Crystal Retinol serum, and the eye cream version also comes in varying strengths as your skin adjusts, so the results compound over time. I have sensitive skin, but even I’ve not experienced any irritation with this eye serum.

2. Marks & Spencer Formula Ultra Peptide Eye Cream

When I asked Dr Hawkes to recommend a good peptide eye cream, this eye cream was at the top of the list and comes in at just £20. Clinical trials showed that it reduced fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks, and it harnesses the plumping effects of peptides, which work in tandem with caffeine, bakuchiol and niacinamide to address dark circles and puffiness. It’s a great all-rounder to add to your routine and won’t make your bank account cry like other expensive eye creams.

3. Tatcha The Brightening Eye Cream

This luxurious eye cream from Tatcha is one of my favourites. It contains slow-release vitamin C, which helps to encourage collagen production, but also has a skin-brightening effect that can be useful for brightening dark circles. The silky texture never fails to ensure my makeup glides on like butter, so I always recommend it as a good daytime eye cream that will make your concealer sit beautifully throughout the day, too.

4. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal

This is another of Dr Hawkes’ favourites that also happens to come in at under £20. It features 2% retinal liposome to help plump fine lines, whilst ginseng root extract, niacinamide and glycerin work in tandem to hydrate and brighten the eye area. It’s a great eye cream to try if you’re new to retinal, as it’s gentle on sensitive skin and delivers brilliant results with consistent use.

5. Dermalogica Smart Eye Density Redensifying Undereye Serum

Under-eye hollowing can be caused by the loss of collagen in the skin, but it can be very difficult to treat outside of in-clinic treatments; however, since adding this eye cream into my routine, I’ve noticed a softening in its appearance. The growth factors work to stimulate collagen fibroblasts, helping to plump the delicate, thin skin around the eye area. It has a silky, serum-like texture that makes great prep for makeup application, too.

6. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt Eye Cream

7. La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream

How We Tested