Not PDRN, Not Exosomes—Korean Beauty Experts Say This Is the Ultimate Hero for Glass Skin
Gen Z is already obsessed.
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.
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
Best Overall: Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
Pros: Firms skin, smooths texture and tone, offers glass-like hydration
Cons: Honestly, none
Key ingredients: Collagen, niacinamide, squalane, elastin | Frequency: Morning and night
The most popular collagen jelly on the market is Medicube's Collagen Jelly Cream, which is also widely recommended by derms. This gelatinous K-beauty moisturizer is hot pink (a driving force behind its virality) and lauded for its skin-firming results and deeply quenching formula (hi, glass skin). "[It] contains niacinamide for brightening, [plus] squalane and hyaluronic acid for hydration," explains board-certified dermatologist Teresa Song, MD. The jelly-like formula also contains freeze-dried hydrolyzed collagen and elastin for skin elasticity, which reduces the appearance of fine lines with gradual use.
"Products like this have become popular because they combine collagen-focused skincare benefits with the unique bouncy sensory experience associated with jelly textures," board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bano Cosmetics, Jae Yong Ban, MD, explains. For the glassiest results, use this jelly in tandem with the celebrity-loved Medicube Age-R Booster Pro, a K-beauty tool that makes product absorption much more effective. In short, you'll get the most out of this nutrient-packed, ultra-hydrating jelly when you use it with this tool.
Customer review: "I would give it 10 stars if I could. When I first tried it, I was skeptical because of the stickiness. But I was wrong. Bought multiple jars since and cannot live without it. It has been a total game-changer for me and my family's skin."
Best Mask: Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance Facial Mask
Pros: Treats the skin quickly, minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, calms redness
Cons: Technically speaking, not a moisturizer
Key ingredients: Bio-collagen, tri-ceramide complex, cica, astaxanthin | Frequency: 1-3 times per week
While you won't get the ooey-gooey pink slime that Medicube's formula is famous for, this hydrating pick from Byoma still offers that glass-skin shine and firmness—just in a peel-off mask version. This thick, shiny formula hosts a skin-loving combination of texture-smoothing bio-collagen, barrier-protecting ceramides, and redness-reducing cica that treats the skin from all angles in a matter of 20 minutes. Simply apply an even layer to the skin and make your breakfast—by the time you're done eating, it'll be time to remove the mask and reveal your glassy, even skin.
Customer review: "This is insane! My skin soaked this up, and my wrinkles just melted away. I’ve only used it once, but I’m obsessed. Will def be a keeper in my vanity!"
Best for Dry Skin: Abib PDRN Collagen Overnight Face Mask Firming Jelly
Pros: Brightening, firms sagging skin, boosts elasticity
Cons: Not as fast-absorbing as a cream or 20-minute mask, may pose issues for side-sleepers
Key ingredients: Plant-based PDRN, 300Da collagen | Frequency: 2-3 times per week
Song recommends this jelly formula (another mask!) from Abib for a hit of deep hydration and firming collagen—this time, spiced with vegan PDRN for extra cell stimulation. To use it, simply brush on a layer of the jelly formula with the included silicone brush and go to sleep. In the morning, you can peel it off and go about your day with extra plump, glowing skin and all. "[It] contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration, squalane and ceramides for barrier support, niacinamide for brightening, and peptides for anti-aging support," says Song, who personally recommends this mask. If you have dry skin and want to wake up with a glassy barrier, this should be your jelly of choice.
Customer review: "I’ve been using the Abib PDRN Collagen Overnight Mask for a couple of months now, and it honestly made my skin look much healthier and more hydrated overnight. The jelly texture feels cooling and soothing when applied, and by morning my skin looks plumper, smoother, and noticeably more glowy."
Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Dermalogica Clear Start Cooling Aqua Jelly
Pros: Lightweight texture, absorbs quickly, controls natural sebum production
Cons: Doesn't offer glass skin
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, bioflavonoid complex, blueberry extract | Frequency: Morning and night
Sometimes overly hydrating skincare products (ahem, anything promising glass skin) can be too heavy or occlusive for acne-prone or oily skin types, but that doesn't mean that they are discounted from the collagen jelly category. For oily and acne-prone types, Palmer recommends Dermalogica's Clear Start Cooling Aqua Jelly: a deeply hydrating gel moisturizer that cools and refreshes the skin while simultaneously controlling oil production. This also makes it an optimal jelly cream for hot climates and summer skincare routines.
Customer review: "Very pleased with the moisturizer for my face and works very well to keep my seborrheic dermatitis from flaking during the day with my makeup on. No greasy feel, blends in right away. I wish I found this product long ago!"
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 5–10% 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," Bano 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, NY, and the founder of Replere.
- Teresa Song, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Dermatology in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, NY.
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.
