Collagen, the most abundant structural protein in the human body, accounts for approximately 30% of total protein content (Shoulders & Raines, 2009). Although produced endogenously, collagen levels begin to decline as early as 18–29 years of age, contributing to increased interest in dietary supplementation (Shoulders & Raines, 2009; Varani et al., 2006). Traditional sources of collagen include bovine, porcine, poultry, and marine origins (Szopa et al., 2022). More recently, attention has shifted toward alternative, more sustainable sources, including egg-shell membrane (ESM), which is the focus of this report.  

Eggshell Membrane (ESM): A Multifunctional Collagen Source 

Eggshell membrane (ESM), once considered a low-value byproduct of the poultry industry, has gained recognition as a valuable functional ingredient in nutraceutical and cosmetic applications (Shi et al., 2021). EMS is a naturally occurring bi-layered fibrous membrane located between the eggshell and the egg white. It is rich in collagen, specifically types I, V, and X, as well as other bioactive compounds such as keratin, hyaluronic acid, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) (Zhang et al., 2026).  

Notably, natural unhydrolyzed ESM exhibits a composition that closely resembles the extracellular matrix (ECM) of human skin, including collagen, elastin, and GAGs (Ruff et al., 2024). This structural similarity leads to its growing use in skin health and cosmetic formulations. Additionally, ESM contains components analogous to those found in bone, such as collagen type I, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and elastan, supporting its potential application in bone health (Fladerer & Grollitsch, 2024). As such, ESM represents a promising sustainable and bioactive material for a range on health applications.   

Clinical Evidence Supporting ESM 

Effects of oral supplementation with eggshell membrane (Ovoderm®-AS) on skin health: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 

This 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of oral ESM supplementation (600 mg/day) in 100 women (aged 25-60 years) on skin health parameters, including wrinkles, elasticity, dermal density, sagging, hydration, transepidermal water loss, desquamation, roughness, and serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels. The ESM group demonstrated significant improvements in all tested parameters at 12 weeks, with elasticity, dermal density, and sagging showing benefits as early as six weeks. This study supports the safe and effective use of ESM for improving skin health.   

Access to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464625000556   

Reference: Park, M., Won, K., Lee, J.-H., Park, Y., Oh, M., Chang, J., Lee, J., & Lee, M. (2025). Effects of Oral supplementation with eggshell membrane (Ovoderm®-AS) on skin health: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Functional Foods, 127, 106713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2025.106713  

Eggshell membrane (NEM®) reduces exercise-induced joint pain, stiffness and cartilage turnover in healthy men and women: a randomized controlled trial 

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a branded ESM (500 mg/day for two weeks) in 85 healthy adults (aged 40-72 years) undergoing an exercise regimen (40-100 steps per leg on alternating days). ESM supplementation significantly reduced exercise-induced cartilage turnover and improved joint pain and stiffness compared to placebo, with improvements observed as early as days 1 and 5 post-exercise. While the 12-hour recovery outcomes (pain and stiffness) were not statistically different between groups, the ESM group returned to baseline pain levels more rapidly than placebo, in which pain levels remained elevated. These findings suggest that ESM supplementation alongside exercise may support joint health and recovery, potentially reducing barriers to physical activity.   

Access to the study: https://www.longdom.org/open-access/eggshell-membrane-nem-reduces-exerciseinduced-joint-pain-stiffness-and-cartilage-turnover-in-healthy-men-and-women-a-randomized-co-106640.html  

Reference:  Ruff, K. J., Morton, K. M., Duncan, S. A., & Back, M. (2024). Eggshell Membrane (NEM®) Reduces Exercise-Induced Joint Pain, Stiffness and Cartilage Turnover in Healthy Men and Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 12(2), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.35248/2329-9096.24.12.722  

Efficacy of natural eggshell membrane for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 

This 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 99 participants with knee osteoarthritis (OA) that received either ESM or placebo. ESM supplementation led to significant improvements in pain, joint function, and quality of life measures compared to placebo. Although no significant changes were reported in inflammatory and cartilage biomarkers, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein showed improvement. Overall, these results support ESM’s role in managing OA-related symptoms and enhancing functional outcomes.  

Access to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464624004511  

Reference: Park, S., Ko, S.-H., Yoon, N.-K., Kim, B.-K., Kim, J., Kang, E.-B., Oh, M., Son, C.-G., & Lee, E.-J. (2024). Efficacy of natural eggshell membrane for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Functional Foods, 121, 106449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2024.106449   

Ovolux™ brand eggshell membrane reduces the clinical signs of aging by improving skin, hair & fingernail appearance, texture, and biomechanical properties: a single center, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial 

This 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the effects of 400 mg/day of unhydrolyzed ESM versus placebo in 63 healthy adults (aged 35-66 years) on markers of skin aging and health of hair and nails. Significant improvements were observed in skin elasticity, firmness, viscoelasticity, and hydration at both 6 and 12 weeks compared to placebo. Participants also reported significant improvements in skin appearance, texture, overall health, as well as improvements in hair texture and overall health in the ESM group compared to placebo. These findings highlight ESM’s potential as an effective ingredient in beauty-from-within formulations, particularly for aging populations.  

Access to the study: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=138070  

Reference: Ruff, K., Dockery, N., Aydoğan, C., & Back, M. (2024). Ovolux™ Brand Eggshell Membrane Reduces the Clinical Signs of Aging by Improving Skin, Hair & Fingernail Appearance, Texture, and Biomechanical Properties: A Single Center, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications. 

Bottom Line 

Altogether, emerging evidence supports ESM as a sustainable, multifunctional collagen-rich ingredient with health relevant benefits across joint, bone, and skin health applications. Its unique composition, which closely mirrors the human ECM components, combined with growing human clinical data demonstrating improvements in joint pain, cartilage turnover, osteoarthritis symptoms, and skin quality, positions ESM as a promising next-generation collagen source. As interest in alternative and sustainable biomaterials continues to rise, ESM offers a compelling opportunity for innovation in both nutraceutical and cosmetic formulations, warranting further research to optimize its applications, dosing strategies, and long-term efficacy.  

References 

Fladerer, J. P., & Grollitsch, S. (2024). Eggshell membrane as promising supplement to maintain bone health: A systematic review. Bone reports, 21, 101776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bonr.2024.101776  

Ruff, K., Dockery, N., Aydoğan, C., & Back, M. (2024). Ovolux™ Brand Eggshell Membrane Reduces the Clinical Signs of Aging by Improving Skin, Hair & Fingernail Appearance, Texture, and Biomechanical Properties: A Single Center, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications. 

Shi, Y., Zhou, K., Li, D., Guyonnet, V., Hincke, M. T., & Mine, Y. (2021). Avian Eggshell Membrane as a Novel Biomaterial: A Review. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 10(9), 2178. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10092178  

Shoulders, M. D., & Raines, R. T. (2009). Collagen structure and stability. Annual review of biochemistry, 78, 929–958. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.biochem.77.032207.120833 

Szopa, K., Znamirowska-Piotrowska, A., Szajnar, K., & Pawlos, M. (2022). Effect of Collagen Types, Bacterial Strains and Storage Duration on the Quality of Probiotic Fermented Sheep’s Milk. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(9), 3028. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27093028 

Varani, J., Dame, M. K., Rittie, L., et al. (2006). Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: Roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. The American Journal of Pathology, 168(6), 1861–1868. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16723701/  

Zhang, Y., Wen, Z., Wei, T., Wu, N., Yao, Y., Zhao, Y., & Tu, Y. (2026). Eggshell Membrane: Composition, Extraction, Functional Properties, and High-Value Applications in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety, 25(3), e70485. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.70485