Not PDRN, Not Exosomes—Korean Beauty Experts Say This Is the Ultimate Hero for Glass Skin

It seems like there’s always a new buzzword in the skincare space. Retinol has become a household name among teens thanks to budget-friendly brands like The Ordinary, and peptides are all the rage with Gen Z due to celeb brands like Hailey Bieber’s Rhode. However, there’s a (somewhat) new kid on the block gaining popularity among skincare lovers, and it’s both the secret to TikTok-coined “glass skin” and ASMR-friendly: collagen jelly.

What Is Collagen Jelly?

Technically speaking, the term “collagen jelly” will populate a few different types of products with a simple Google search. Edible collagen jellies are a booming market (and are widely searched for), but we’re talking about collagen jelly creams here—the moisturizer subcategory consisting of bouncy gel creams that offer the “glass skin” look.

“Collagen jelly cream is a lightweight gel-cream moisturizer popular in Korean skincare routines that targets anti-aging by using low-molecular-weight collagen and niacinamide to plump the skin, reduce fine lines, and create a ‘glass-skin’ glow,” says board-certified dermatologist Debbie Palmer, MD. This approach to moisturizer isn’t groundbreaking, as Korean chemists and dermatologists have been popularizing it for quite some time—after all, nearly all skincare newness debuts in Asia before making its way to the Western world. However, its jelly-like texture is what makes this type of formula especially exciting for skincare lovers, so we compiled a list of the very best on the market today.

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As this is an expanding category, we expect to come back with updates once more formulas debut. Until then, keep reading for our list of dermatologist-backed, extra-hydrating collagen jelly creams that boost moisture, defy wrinkles, and offer a glazed-skin glow.

The Best Collagen Jelly Creams of 2026, at a Glance

Best Overall: Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream

Best Mask: Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask

Best for Dry Skin: Abib PDRN Collagen Overnight Face Mask Firming Jelly

Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Dermalogica Clear Start Cooling Aqua Jelly

What Is Collagen?

“Collagen is a protein composed of amino acids such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, arranged in a unique triple-helix structure,” says Ban. In simple terms, it offers structural support and firmness to the skin, which becomes especially important as we age. “Collagen is one of the major components of the dermis and serves as the foundation that helps keep skin strong and resilient,” he adds. “While elastin, which contributes to skin elasticity, makes up only about 5% to 10% of the dermis, collagen constitutes the majority of the dermal matrix and is considered the skin’s key structural protein.” Both are essential yet need some boosting as we age and collagen production drops. “Research suggests that after reaching adulthood, collagen levels decrease by approximately 1% per year,” Ban explains, and that’s without factoring in menopause.

Who Should Use Collagen Jelly Cream?

“Collagen jelly creams are particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing dryness or a loss of skin firmness,” says Ban. “They can also be a great option for those beginning to notice early signs of aging, such as fine lines or changes in overall skin condition.”

Most skin types can benefit from incorporating one of these creams into their skincare routines as well. “Because of their lightweight texture, they are suitable not only for dry skin but also for oily and combination skin types that may find heavier creams uncomfortable,” Ban adds. Overall, collagen jelly creams can be an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve both hydration and skin elasticity at the same time.

Why Are Collagen Jelly Creams So Effective?

“Jelly formulations (hydrogels) are more effective at retaining moisture, and typically contain high water content along with other hydrating ingredients to achieve an immediate plumping effect,” Song explains. “Specifically, collagen molecules are made into gel networks, which has been shown to improve wound recovery through supporting moisture, cell migration, and serving as the scaffold for delivery of active ingredients,” she adds. When these molecules are applied to the skin through gel mediums, they are able to better service the skin through the jelly’s hydration and barrier support properties.

When Should You Use a Collagen Jelly Cream in Your Skincare Routine?

Ban recommends using using collagen jelly creams as the last step in your routine—after the cleanser, toner, and serum (or whatever else you may use) has been applied. “They can be used both morning and night and are best used at the end of a skincare routine to lock in hydration and plump the skin,” Palmer adds. “Makeup and sunscreen can follow, but be sure to let the jelly settle for a few minutes before applying foundation,” she advises.

How We Chose

Who What Wear editors found the best collagen jelly creams on the market by researching this expanding category, testing new formulas ourselves (including Medicube’s buzzy pink formula), and consulting with three board-certified dermatologists about this burgeoning moisturizer trend. From there, we separated our four favorites from Medicube, Abib, Byoma, and Dermalogica into different categories and reviewed them accordingly.

Meet Our Experts

• Jae Yong Ban, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Banobagi Dermatology Clinic in Seoul, South Korea. Ban is also the CEO and founder of Bano Cosmetics.
• Debbie Palmer, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Associates of New York in Harrison, New York, and the founder of Replere.
• Teresa Song, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Dermatology in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.