Is Estrogen Cream Safe and Effective for Wrinkles?

ahsan65@gmail.comOctober 8, 2025

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Is Estrogen Cream Safe and Effective for Wrinkles?

Estrogen helps skin stay thick, hydrated, and elastic by supporting the production of collagen and natural oils, says Berry.

When estrogen levels drop — like during menopause — skin can become thinner, drier and more wrinkled, she explains.

“It’s not just cosmetic; low estrogen also affects overall well-being, so treating it systemically can improve both the way you feel and the way you look,” says Berry.

Vaginal estrogen creams, strong enough to enter the bloodstream, are often used as part of such systemic treatment. They help replace lost estrogen and ease symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

These products contain estradiol, while creams designed for cosmetic use tend to contain estriol, says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto.

“They are two forms of estrogen but differ in their function and potency.

Estriol – the dominant form of estrogen in the body during pregnancy – is lower. Estradiol – the most potent form of estrogen the body can produce – is responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics, the distribution of fat and the maintenance of reproductive tissues,” explains Dr. Yadav.

Cosmetic creams also sometimes contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived estrogen-like compounds, such as resveratrol, says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Danville, Calif., who specializes in cosmetics, including nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.

Others contain methylestradiolpropanoate (MEP). Although it’s not a hormone, Barry explains, MEP mimics the effects of estrogen on the skin, but it doesn’t enter the bloodstream and affect your hormone levels.

Facial creams containing phytoestrogens, MEP, and very low doses of estriol are available over the counter, says Dr. Badreshia-Bansal. But she notes that prescription-only face creams tend to be stronger and more effective because they contain higher doses of estriol.

“Over-the-counter products are often too weak to have a significant impact on wrinkles or collagen production,” says Badreshia-Bansal. “So while over-the-counter products are unlikely to be harmful, they are also unlikely to produce the same anti-aging effects seen in small clinical studies using prescription topical estrogens.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved estradiol for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, indicating that it has been clinically tested and proven safe for this purpose, says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami with a private telehealth dermatology practice.

However, estradiol is not approved for cosmetic use, and little or no testing has been done to ensure its effectiveness or safety for this purpose, she says.

“Vaginal estrogen creams are designed to be used and tested on the finest, most vascular skin cells, not the facial epidermis,” says Dr. Chacon. “Without additional studies, dosing may be inconsistent and long-term use may disrupt the delicate balance of hormone levels.”

Be sure to speak with your doctor before starting any new estrogen product to make sure it is safe for you.