Skincare Ingredients for the Menopause: A Complete Guide to Nurturing Midlife Skin

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As women approach perimenopause and menopause, the skin undergoes dramatic changes influenced by declining oestrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal fluctuations often result in dryness, itching, redness, increased sensitivity, fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and breakouts. Products that may have served the skin well for decades can suddenly feel inadequate, leaving many wondering which skincare ingredients are most effective for this new stage of life.

Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of the most important skincare ingredients for menopausal skin, explaining how they work, their benefits, and any possible side effects. This guide is designed to help women navigate the overwhelming beauty market with clarity and confidence.

Understanding How Menopause Affects Skin

The drop in oestrogen levels during menopause affects collagen production, hydration, elasticity and skin thickness. Collagen can decline by up to 30% in the first five years of menopause, leading to noticeable sagging and wrinkle formation. Reduced oil production often causes dryness, while declining cell turnover contributes to dullness and uneven skin texture.

Menopausal skin is also more prone to inflammation, sensitivity and pigmentation changes such as age spots or melasma. Therefore, choosing targeted skincare ingredients is essential for maintaining radiance, firmness and comfort.

Humectants: Restoring Moisture and Hydration

One of the most noticeable effects of menopause is skin dryness. Humectants are ingredients that draw water into the skin, improving hydration and suppleness.

Hyaluronic Acid – A gold-standard humectant, hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, plumping fine lines and restoring elasticity. Look for products with different molecular weights to hydrate both surface and deeper skin layers.
Glycerin – A powerful yet gentle humectant that helps the skin retain moisture and improves barrier function.
Aloe Vera and Honey Extracts – Natural humectants that soothe irritation while locking in hydration.

Side effects: Generally safe for most skin types, but formulas with high concentrations of humectants should be paired with occlusives (like ceramides or oils) to prevent transepidermal water loss.

Retinol and Retinoids: Encouraging Renewal

Retinol and its stronger prescription-only relatives (retinoids such as tretinoin) are widely regarded as the most effective ingredients for anti-ageing during menopause.

How they work: Retinoids boost collagen production, accelerate cell turnover, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation and dullness, and refine pores.
Best practices: Introduce retinol slowly, starting with lower concentrations (0.25%–0.5%), and use it only at night. Always pair with a broad-spectrum SPF during the day, as retinoids increase sun sensitivity.
Side effects: Dryness, peeling, and irritation are common in the early weeks. Sensitive skin types may prefer alternatives such as bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative with fewer side effects.

Peptides: Boosting Firmness and Repair

As collagen and elastin decline, the skin loses firmness and bounce. Peptides—short chains of amino acids—are highly effective messengers that stimulate the skin to produce more collagen and elastin.

Benefits: Regular use can improve skin texture, elasticity and resilience, making the skin appear plumper and more youthful.
Key types:
- Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide) – Known for its collagen-boosting properties.
- Copper Peptides – Support wound healing, reduce inflammation and encourage skin renewal.
Side effects: Generally well-tolerated, though results take consistent use over several weeks.

Collagen: Supporting Skin Structure

Collagen is the protein that provides scaffolding and structure to the skin. Menopause accelerates collagen loss, which is why collagen supplementation and topical collagen-enhancing ingredients are increasingly popular.

Topical collagen creams often work by improving hydration rather than directly rebuilding collagen, as molecules are too large to penetrate deeply. However, formulations with collagen peptides can stimulate natural collagen production.
Oral collagen supplements (hydrolysed collagen peptides) have been shown in clinical studies to improve skin elasticity, hydration and smoothness.
Complementary ingredients such as vitamin C are essential as they aid collagen synthesis.

Ceramides and Lipids: Repairing the Skin Barrier

With age, the skin barrier weakens, making menopausal skin more prone to irritation and dehydration. Ceramides—naturally occurring lipids in the skin—are crucial for restoring barrier function.

Benefits: Prevents water loss, reduces sensitivity and supports a smoother complexion.
Where to find them: Moisturisers formulated with ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol are excellent for restoring skin health.
Side effects: Very rare, as ceramides are skin-identical molecules.

Antioxidants: Defending Against Environmental Damage

Menopausal skin becomes more vulnerable to free radical damage from pollution, stress and UV rays. Antioxidants protect against oxidative stress, preventing premature ageing and supporting repair.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Brightens the complexion, reduces pigmentation and stimulates collagen synthesis.
Vitamin E: Enhances hydration and soothes inflammation, often paired with vitamin C for enhanced effects.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Strengthens the barrier, reduces redness and regulates oil production.
Green Tea Extract, CoQ10, Resveratrol: Plant-based antioxidants that provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Side effects: Vitamin C may cause mild stinging; choose stabilised forms like sodium ascorbyl phosphate if sensitive.

Exfoliants: Smoother, Brighter Skin

Slower cell turnover during menopause can leave skin looking dull and rough. Gentle, regular exfoliation is essential.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – Glycolic and lactic acids dissolve dead skin cells, boost radiance and stimulate collagen.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) – Salicylic acid penetrates pores, making it useful for menopausal acne.
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) – A gentler alternative for sensitive skin, offering mild exfoliation and hydration.

Caution: Over-exfoliation can worsen sensitivity. Start once a week and increase gradually.

Phytoestrogens: Plant-Based Support for Hormonal Skin

Some skincare brands incorporate phytoestrogens—plant-derived compounds that mimic oestrogen in the skin—to counteract hormone-related changes. Ingredients like soy isoflavones, red clover extract and wild yam have been studied for their ability to improve skin thickness and elasticity.

While research is ongoing, phytoestrogen-based skincare shows promise in enhancing firmness and hydration.

Sun Protection: The Non-Negotiable Step

Regardless of other skincare products, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is essential. Menopausal skin is more vulnerable to sun-induced collagen breakdown, pigmentation and cancer risk. Daily SPF use prevents further damage and supports all other active ingredients.

Lifestyle and Complementary Practices

In addition to targeted ingredients, overall lifestyle plays a major role in maintaining healthy skin during menopause:

Balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s and protein supports skin repair.
Adequate hydration ensures better moisture retention.
Regular exercise boosts circulation and nutrient delivery.
Stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation reduce inflammation.
Quality sleep enhances natural repair and recovery.

The menopause is a transformative stage that requires a thoughtful, evidence-based skincare routine. Ingredients such as humectants, retinol, peptides, collagen, ceramides, antioxidants, exfoliants and phytoestrogens can all play a vital role in maintaining skin health, radiance and comfort. By selecting products carefully and introducing them gradually, women can protect and enhance their skin well into midlife and beyond.

In the Summer 2025 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Victoria Goldman, freelance health journalist, editor and author, writes about key skincare ingredients for menopausal skin, including humectants, retinol, peptides and collagen. She looks at how these ingredients work, why they might be beneficial for your skin and whether there are any side effects.

“There are so many different products targeted at menopausal skin that it can be difficult to know which to choose,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “It’s important to look at any clinical evidence and whether these will be suitable for your skin type. If you have a skincare condition, such as eczema, acne or psoriasis, you should speak to your GP or dermatologist before using any new skincare products.” Find out more here.