Estrogen Face Cream: A Hormone-Boosting Treatment for Healthier Skin

As we age, hormonal changes—especially declining estrogen levels—can take a toll on our skin. Many women notice more dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity when experiencing low estrogen, which can become even more apparent during perimenopause and menopause.

If you’ve been wondering, “Can you put estrogen cream on your face?” the answer is yes! In fact, it could be one of the most effective ways to improve the health and integrity of your skin's barrier without needing to undergo expensive skincare treatments.

Estrogen face creams, particularly those containing estradiol or estriol¹, can help restore moisture, improve skin thickness, and even reduce fine lines and wrinkles. That said, these creams are usually only available by prescription.

But before you dive into this treatment, let’s talk about how topical estrogen face creams (also called estriol face creams) work, their benefits, and possible side effects to watch out for.

What is Estrogen Face Cream Used For? 

When estrogen levels decline, which happens with menopause, the skin typically becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles. Applying estrogen or estriol facial cream directly to the skin can allow a small amount of the hormone to penetrate into your pores—which may help stimulate collagen production², providing certain anti-aging effects.

Estrogen is a hormone that has many important functions in the body, including assisting in reproduction, mood stabilization, muscle and bone function, as well as skin health. 

Estrogen is needed to maintain collagen, hydration, plumpness, and elasticity³ in the skin—all of which provide skin with a glowing, youthful appearance that many of us desire. 

Related: Best Menopausal Supplements According to a Hormone Expert

How Does Estrogen Face Cream Work?

Here’s how estrogen facial cream works to help rejuvenate aging skin:

• Boosts collagen production: Estrogen stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin, helping skin appear plumper and firmer.

• Improves hydration and barrier function: By increasing hyaluronic acid and sebum production, estrogen can help combat dry, crepey skin.

• Enhances skin elasticity and thickness: Studies show that estrogen application can help restore skin density⁴ and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

• Supports wound healing and skin repair: Estrogen plays a role in cell turnover, which helps heal damaged or sensitive skin more quickly.

Estrogen Vs. Estriol Vs. Estradiol Face Cream: What's the Difference?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they're not the exact same things. 

Estradiol and estriol are specific types of estrogen. Estradiol is stronger and more effective than estriol. Estriol is a weaker form of estrogen but can be safer for some who are sensitive to these products' effects. 

Both creams are primarily used to treat vaginal dryness associated with menopause, although they can also be applied to the face. Estriol and estradiol face creams require a prescription from a healthcare provider, so you won't find them in regular stores. 

What Are the Benefits of Estrogen Cream for the Face?

If you’ve seen estrogen facial cream before and after photos, you’ll likely notice smoother, plumper, more “glowy” and firm skin, especially in women experiencing estrogen decline (like those approaching or in their menopausal years). 

Many women report significant improvements after using topical estrogen face cream consistently for several months, particularly those with hormone-related skin concerns, such as changes in skin fitness, volume, and tone, which start to become more noticeable during perimenopause. 

Some of the main benefits of estrogen face cream for the skin⁵ include:

• More hydrated, dewy skin: helps with dryness, flaking, and irritation.
• Reduction in wrinkles and fine lines: stimulates collagen and increases skin firmness.
• Improved skin thickness and elasticity: helps reduce sagging and thin, papery skin.
• Brighter, more even complexion: reduces dullness and enhances radiance.
• Fewer acne breakouts: may help decrease acne⁶.
• Smoother skin texture: increases cell turnover for a youthful glow.

A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology⁷ examined the effects of topical estrogen treatment on skin aging in perimenopausal women by targeting estrogen deficiency, and the results were impressive.

Fifty-nine women with aging skin symptoms applied 0.01% estradiol or 0.3% estriol for six months, with monthly hormone level monitoring and clinical assessments of skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle depth. Results showed significant improvements in skin firmness, reduced wrinkles by up to 100%, increased skin moisture, and increases in type III collagen, which is an essential “building block” for skin's fitness and structure. 

Importantly, there were no systemic hormonal side effects, except for a slight increase in prolactin (PRL) levels. The study concluded that topical estrogen is highly effective in treating skin aging, making it a promising option for perimenopausal women.

Related: Unlock the Best Skincare Products for Aging Skin + Tips to Reverse Collagen Loss Naturally | Dr. Tony Youn

Best Estrogen Face Cream for Wrinkles & Skin Health

If you’re looking for the best estrogen facial cream, it's usually best to opt for low-dose estriol formulas (especially at first), as they can provide skin benefits with minimal systemic absorption of the hormone. Some of the best options include:

• Prescription estriol face creams, which you can get with help from your dermatologist.

• Over-the-counter phytoestrogen creams (containing plant-based estrogen-like compounds). These are typically designed for mature skin and contain plant-derived isoflavones, like genistein, which mimic estrogen by interacting with estrogen receptors. They can potentially benefit skin aging⁸, collagen synthesis, and menopausal symptoms, though their biological potency is weaker than synthetic estrogens. Still, studies indicate that isoflavones can provide moderate benefits with few risks.

• Methyl Estradiolpropanoate (MEP): This is a newer, non-traditional estrogen cream that is considered a “soft estrogen.” It's metabolized into an inactive compound in the skin, meaning it does not impact hormone levels in the body. It mimics estrogen’s skin-rejuvenating effects⁹—such as improving hydration, elasticity, and collagen production—without the risks associated with traditional estrogen therapy, making it a safer option for postmenopausal skin care.

When looking for the best estrogen face cream for wrinkles, seek out products free from parabens and synthetic fragrances, which will help you avoid irritation. Also follow directions carefully, since applying too much too often can backfire and potentially cause side effects.

How to Use Estrogen Face Cream

If you’re considering trying estriol cream on your face, follow these guidelines for safe and effective use:

• Choose the right formulation: Look for estriol face cream (a gentler form of estrogen) or estradiol face cream if you need a stronger effect. Prescription options are available, which you can speak with your provider about (or look for online via a telehealth consultation).

• Apply the cream sparingly: A pea-sized amount for your face is usually enough. Too much can increase absorption into the bloodstream, possibly leading to side effects.

• Use it on clean, dry skin: Apply the cream at night for better absorption. Some prefer to mix it with their moisturizer, especially if they have sensitive skin.

• Monitor for skin for reactions: If you experience redness, irritation, or breakouts, adjust how much you're using or consult a doctor.

• Be patient and give it time: Improvements in elasticity and hydration happen gradually, so don't expect drastic changes to be noticeable right away.

How Long Does It Take for Estrogen Cream to Work?

While results vary, most women start noticing improvements in skin hydration and texture within a few weeks of consistent use. 

More significant changes, such as increased firmness and reduction in wrinkles, typically become visible after 3 to 6 months of continued use.

While these creams can work for many women, estrogen face cream is not an overnight fix. Just like with collagen supplements or retinol treatments (which also have scientific backing for their skincare benefits), an overall healthy lifestyle and consistency with use are key to achieving noticeable and lasting results.

Are There Side Effects of Estrogen Face Cream?

Although estrogen facial creams are generally well-tolerated, they do carry some potential side effects, especially if overused. 

Possible negative reactions and estrogen face cream side effects can include:

• Skin irritation: some women experience redness, itching, or sensitivity.
• Hormonal effects: since estrogen can be absorbed systemically, breast tenderness or spotting may occur in some cases.
• Breakouts: those prone to hormonal acne may experience flare-ups.
• Unwanted hair growth: in rare cases, estrogen cream for face hair may cause light facial hair growth, particularly in sensitive individuals.

If you have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions—like estrogen-dominant PCOS, rosacea that gets worse at certain times of the month, hormonal acne, or a history of breast cancer—speak with your doctor before using topical estrogen face cream.

Related: Comprehensive Guide to PCOS Skincare: Expert Strategies for Radiant, Clear Skin

Final Thoughts on Estrogen Face Cream

• For women dealing with hormonal skin changes, estrogen or estriol facial creams can be a powerful tool for hydration, wrinkle reduction, and collagen support. 
• Whether you choose estriol cream on your face or an over-the-counter topical estrogen face cream, consistency and patience are key.
• If you’re unsure whether estrogen skincare is right for you, consulting with a hormone-literate doctor can help tailor a regimen to your needs. 
• Ultimately, hormone balance is a full-body approach, so supporting skin health with proper nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle changes will further enhance results.

References

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6451761/ ↩︎
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017417/ ↩︎
3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/derm.23872?src=recsys ↩︎
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685269/ ↩︎
5. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/derm.23872?src=recsys#d1e118 ↩︎
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38078373/ ↩︎
7. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-4362.1996.tb03701.x ↩︎
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6451761/ ↩︎
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30500138/ ↩︎