• Hormone Replacement Therapy

Can You Use Estrogen Cream on Your Face?

Published: October 21, 2025
Updated: October 22, 2025
3 mins

As you age, it’s normal for your skin to lose some of its elasticity and thickness. As estradiol (the most common form of estrogen) in the body declines, you may begin to see wrinkles and fine lines in the skin. Fortunately, using high-quality skincare products and maintaining balanced hormonal health can help keep the skin healthy.

Women tend to experience a decline in skin thickness and collagen in the first five years after menopause begins. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective ways to help women manage common menopausal symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats. However, estrogen cream for facial skincare is not as widely available as HRT options that can be inserted vaginally or taken orally.

Estrogen can help the skin maintain its glow and elasticity. Health experts have found evidence that estrogen may be a viable anti-aging skincare ingredient.

What is Estrogen?

The three main types of estrogen (estradiol, estriol, and estrone) support the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and other organ systems. Both men and women have estrogen, but women tend to have higher levels of estrogen to support female sex characteristics.

Estrogen is a group of natural hormones in the body that support sexual and reproductive organs in women. Estrogen also plays a major role in natural bodily processes like menstrual cycle regulation, hair growth, and neurological functions. 

You may see changes in your health when estrogen levels are either too high or too low. The following are potential symptoms of a hormonal imbalance:

• Fibroids

• Depression

• Fatigue

• Low libido

• Dry skin

• Weight gain

Types of Estrogen Face Creams to Try

A healthcare provider may recommend starting with facial creams with lower dosages to see how your skin reacts. Most facial creams containing estrogen require a medical prescription. However, telehealth platforms also provide access to estriol and estradiol creams. Some products contain phytoestrogen (a plant compound that mimics the effects of natural estrogen). You can also apply estrogen to the skin as a gel, patch, or ointment.

The following are a few options of estrogen facial creams to try:

Methyl estradiolpropanoate (MEP): Also known as “soft estrogen,” with a low dosage form of estrogen in facial cream, can help improve skin damage and thickness.

OTC phytoestrogen creams: OTC phytoestrogen creams are easily accessible at local pharmacies. They can help your skin build collagen by activating estrogen receptors.

Prescription estriol face creams: Prescription estriol face creams tend to be stronger than OTC options.

What are the Benefits of Estrogen on the Skin?

Health experts have studied the effects estrogen supplements can have on the skin. Fibroblasts are cells in the skin that produce collagen. They also work with estrogen receptors to stimulate collagen and elastin growth in the skin.

Estriol is one of the most common forms of estrogen used on the skin. However, estradiol is also added to many skincare products. Estradiol is generally stronger than estriol when used on the skin.

In one study, participants saw increases in skin thickness and a reduced appearance of wrinkles after applying estradiol cream to the face for 24 months. However, more recent studies are needed to verify the effectiveness of estrogen on facial skin.

Health experts suspect estrogen may also have the following benefits on the skin:

• Smoother skin texture and firmness

• Improves pigmentation by balancing hormones

• Moisturizes the skin by promoting sebum secretion and increasing hyaluronic acids

• Increases collagen levels to heal wounds faster

• May reduce skin breakouts by encouraging cell turnover

However, most OTC facial creams today contain extremely small amounts of estriol and estradiol. Estradiol is also commonly used in vaginal creams to relieve dryness. However, health experts do not advise applying vaginal creams to the face as well.

A more recent study found that estrogen cream with around 0.3% concentration of estriol may improve skin hydration and texture when used for at least 12 weeks. Participants in the study were adult women between 50 to 60 years old. Still, larger studies are needed on the effect estradiol can have on the skin.

What are the Side Effects of Estrogen Face Cream?

Generally, health experts have not observed many side effects associated with its presence in facial creams. One potential side effect of estrogen in facial cream is changes in pigmentation on the surface of the skin. 

As with any topical treatment, there is a risk of experiencing a rash, redness, or other forms of skin irritation from using a face cream containing estrogen.

While facial creams containing estrogen are considered safe, a healthcare provider may suggest exercising caution if you have a history of breast or uterine cancer. Estrogen does not cause cancer, but it may cause adverse reactions in those with a history of these health conditions.

Be sure to consult a healthcare provider if you have eczema or other skin conditions before using an estrogen face cream.

Lifestyle Habits to Consider for Healthy Skin

Using an estrogen cream alone won’t help your skin retain moisture and elasticity as you age. Other common skincare ingredients like topical antioxidants, sunscreen, and alpha hydroxy acids can help protect your skin. Skincare products containing antioxidants like niacinamide and vitamin C can also protect your skin.

Where Can I Learn More About Protecting My Skin During Menopause?

During menopause, balancing your hormones can help improve your quality of life. With LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can prescribe HRT and other healthcare treatments for women who qualify. The LifeMD Women’s Health Program provides comprehensive care for women as they approach menopause.

Get started today to protect your hormonal health and skincare.