Collagen is the protein responsible for the skin's structure, firmness and elasticity. From our mid-twenties, natural collagen production begins to gradually decline, which can contribute to the appearance of fine lines, reduced firmness and changes in skin texture.

I like to tackle this two ways: from the inside with a good quality marine collagen supplement, and topically with a collagen-boosting serum.

These serums work by delivering specific active ingredients that signal the skin to produce more of its own collagen. A 2017 review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that topical Vitamin C is an essential co-factor for enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, helping to stabilise collagen and support the skin’s natural collagen production. Alongside natural Vitamin C sources like Kakadu Plum, ingredients like plant-derived peptides and amino acids act as messengers to encourage cellular renewal and support the skin's structural network.

How to use a collagen serum

I like to press my serums into clean, slightly damp skin right after cleansing and toning. During the day I layer a face oil over my serum, let it absorb, then follow with a day cream. At night I apply my collagen serum and follow it with a nourishing night cream.

7 of the Best Natural Collagen Serums to Try

1. Vanessa Megan Collagen Boosting Gel Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Vanessa Megan Collagen Boosting Gel Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the one I am using now. Suitable for all skin types, it combines pure hyaluronic acid with Australian native botanicals like Kangaroo Paw and Banksia to encourage skin elasticity, plus amino acids as essential building blocks for collagen production. The fast-absorbing gel texture layers beautifully under face oils or moisturisers.

2. Edible Beauty Plant Collagen Plumping Serum

The Edible Beauty Plant Collagen Plumping Serum has strong clinical data behind it — wrinkle depth decreased by 19% in 30 minutes, skin visibly lifted by 2.54mm in 28 days, and brightness improved by 25%. Formulated with wild-crafted Type I Plant Collagen alongside Millet Seed and Oak Extracts to strengthen the skin's collagen matrix, plus Australian Kelp, Davidson Plum and Aniseed Myrtle, which is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C, for additional firming and brightening support.

3. The Jojoba Company Ultimate Serum With Firming Collagen, HA & Ameliox

The Jojoba Company Ultimate Serum uses a naturally derived peptide called Ameliox alongside vegan collagen HumaColl21. In vitro testing shows this specific vegan collagen stimulates collagen type 1 by 197%, with clinical testing showing a 133% increase in skin firmness and a 9% increase in skin collagen.

4. Antipodes Hosanna Collagen-Plumping Water Serum

The Antipodes Hosanna Collagen-Plumping Water Serum is a water-based formula featuring New Zealand Mamaku Black Fern to support collagen synthesis and cellular renewal. Clinical testing shows it supports skin processes in human fibroblast skin cells by up to 72%. Enhanced with antioxidant-rich Raisin Vinanza to encourage elasticity, it absorbs instantly and layers easily.

5. LAMAV Collagen Support Booster

The LAMAV Collagen Support Booster is a certified organic option made with Kakadu Plum and Davidson Plum, two Australian native extracts that work together to support collagen synthesis. Kakadu Plum provides a high concentration of Vitamin C as a key cofactor in collagen production, and Finger Lime adds hydration alongside antioxidant benefits.

6. Metamorphosis Chrysalis Vital Collagen & Hydration Serum

The Metamorphosis Chrysalis Vital Collagen & Hydration Serum is specifically developed for peri and menopausal skin, addressing the rapid collagen decline that comes with hormonal changes. During the first five years of menopause, skin can lose around 30% of its collagen as estrogen levels decline. This formula uses amino acids vital in collagen synthesis alongside natural phytoestrogens and pure hyaluronic acid to support skin firmness and plumpness.

7. Biode Vitamin C Serum with Fingerlime and Kakadu Plum

The Biode Vitamin C Serum with Fingerlime and Kakadu Plum combines two of Australia's most Vitamin C-rich botanicals to support collagen production and skin renewal. Kakadu Plum is one of the world's richest natural sources of Vitamin C, and Fingerlime Caviar adds further brightening and antioxidant support. A gentle formula that is also suitable for sensitive skin.

Complete Your Routine With a Collagen Boosting Night Cream

Skin does a lot of work at night, making the evening routine a great time to support collagen production. Pairing a serum with a collagen-focused night cream can help reinforce that work.

Antipodes Avocado Pear Collagen-Boosting Night Cream

Clinically shown to help stimulate Type I collagen production by up to 92%, reduce the appearance of wrinkles by 22% and reduce skin dryness by 85%, the Antipodes Avocado Pear Collagen-Boosting Night Cream combines avocado oil, New Zealand Manuka Honey, macadamia oil and Vinanza Grape, an antioxidant-rich extract from Marlborough grape seeds, to nourish and support collagen production overnight.

Vanessa Megan Marine Collagen Firming Night Cream

The Vanessa Megan Marine Collagen Firming Night Cream combines plant extracts that support collagen activity with IBR-Dormin, a scientifically proven ingredient known to slow skin cell proliferation and support overnight cell regeneration. Australian Banksia and Tasmanian Kelp bring marine minerals, and a blend of plant oils, butters and marine algae helps replenish moisture and reduce overnight water loss.