The present invention relates to degradation-stabilized, biocompatible collagen matrices which are distinguished in particular by the fact that they contain soluble collagen and peptide constituents, to processes for the preparation of such collagen matrices, which processes include in particular chemical crosslinking with an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent, and to the use of the collagen matrices according to the invention as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent, in particular for topical use, and as a wound treatment agent, as an implant or as a haemostatic agent in humans or animals, and as a scaffold for cell population in the biotechnology, basic research and tissue engineering field.