Collagen is a key structural protein found in the skin, tendons, cartilage, and bones, with various types ranging from type I – IV (Ravindran et al., 2026). Skin ageing is associated with reductions in collagen, elastin fiber, and hyaluronic acid (HA), leading to reduced skin integrity, moisture loss, wrinkles, and sagging (Danessa et al., 2025). Similarly, knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder causing pain and reduced function, in which collagen plays a key role in supporting extracellular matrix homeostasis (Gupta et al., 2025; Huang et al., 2026a). This edition features four recent studies examining the role of collagen in supporting skin health and joint function.

The sustained effects of bioactive collagen peptides on skin health: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

Collagen type I is a major component serving as a barrier between the environment and bodily fluids, but factors such as ultraviolet radiation, pollution, and others damage the dermal extracellular matrix. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the long-term effect of bioactive collagen peptide supplementation on skin outcomes, including skin hydration, elasticity, and dermal structure, as well as the relationship between molecular properties of bioactive collagen peptides and skin outcomes. A total of 77 healthy female participants (aged 33-55 years) were included in the study. Participants were randomized to receive either: 1) 5000 mg bioactive collagen peptides (LISAVEI collagen derived peptide powder beverage from bovine type I collagen), or 2) placebo, once daily for 12 weeks. Outcomes measured were dermal thickness and density, skin elasticity parameters (overall elasticity and firmness), facial hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which were evaluated at weeks 0, 8, 12, and 16. Supplementation with bioactive collagen peptides significantly improved dermal density, TEWL, and moisture content after 12 weeks compared to placebo. Furthermore, these results were maintained throughout the 4-week post-intervention washout period. Notably, dermal thickness increased in the group supplementing with bioactive collagen peptides; however, no significant changes were observed in epidermal thickness. No adverse events were reported by any participant throughout the study period. In addition, characteristics of the bioactive collagen peptides used in this study, including their high hydroxyproline content and low molecular weight, may have contributed to the observed improvements in skin outcomes. Overall, this study suggests that daily supplementation with type I bioactive collagen peptides from bovine sources improves skin outcomes in healthy women. Access to the study: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70565

Reference: Wang, Y., Zhu, W., Luo, W., Ma, Y., & Zhou, Y. (2025). The Sustained Effects of Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Skin Health: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 24(12), e70565. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70565

A prospective study comparing the efficacy of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the treatment of nasolabial folds

Nasolabial folds (NLFs) extend from the nasal ala to the mouth corners and typically deepen and elongate with aging, which becomes an aesthetic concern for many individuals. The present study was a prospective, parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial that aimed to assess the effectiveness of HA and collagen fillers in NFLs augmentation. A total of 100 participants (aged 18 years and older) were included and randomized into either: 1) collagen-based filler (Fillderm), or 2) HA-based filler (Restylane Lyft). The doses of collagen and HA were adjusted based on the patients’ baseline NLFs severity grade. Outcomes including NFLs grading, injection dosage, and NLFs improvement, were assessed at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. At 6 months, HA demonstrated superiority in NLF parameters, including length, width, and depth changes, compared to collagen. Additionally, both fillers showed efficacy in reducing the median NLFs grade immediately after treatment and at 3 months. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores were significantly better for collagen immediately post treatment and at 3 months. Regarding adverse events, swelling and filler displacement occurred in 12% and 8% of participants in the HA group, respectively, but 0% in the collagen group. Overall, HA fillers provide superior long-term correction of NLFs, while collagen fillers offer a promising alternative for rapid correction with a favourable safety profile. Further studies are warranted to evaluate their combined effects. Access to the study: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70630

Reference: Huang, C., Liu, J., Guo, L., Liu, Q., & Song, B. (2026b). A Prospective Study Comparing the Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen in the Treatment of Nasolabial Folds. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 25(1), e70630. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70630

Immune-modulatory effects of bioactive collagen peptides improve skin health in middle-aged women

Interest in collagen-based products has increased in recent years, particularly in relation to their potential skin health benefits. Hydrolyzed collagen is produced through enzymatic hydrolysis of native collagen, breaking down the helix into smaller peptides with improved gastrointestinal absorption and bioavailability. This randomized, controlled trial evaluated the immunomodulatory and skin-related effects of bioactive collagen peptide supplementation in middle-aged women. A total of 119 healthy, sedentary women (aged 35-55 years) were randomized to receive one of the following interventions daily for 12 weeks: 1) 2.5 g bioactive collagen peptides (Peptpure®), 2) 10 g bioactive collagen peptides (Peptpure®), or 3) control. Outcomes assessed included number and length of wrinkles, skin elasticity, hydration, oiliness, wrinkles, and levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and Klotho. Supplementation with 10 g of bioactive collagen peptides significantly reduced the number and length of wrinkles, whereas the 2.5 g dose showed no significant changes. Both the 2.5 g and 10 g groups demonstrated significant improvement in skin elasticity and hydration compared with control. In addition, circulating Klotho levels significantly increased in both collagen-supplemented groups, suggesting potential modulation of systemic biomarkers associated with tissue remodeling and aging in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, this study has demonstrated that supplementation with bioactive collagen peptides supports skin health and highlights key biomarkers involved in anti-aging pathways. Access to the study: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-026-01654-9

Reference: Paula-Vieira, R.H.R., Dias, S.R., Silva-Reis, A. et al. Immune-Modulatory Effects of Bioactive Collagen Peptides Improve Skin Health in Middle-Aged Women. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-026-01654-9

Efficacy and safety of undenatured collagen type II in modulating knee joint function in healthy and osteoarthritis subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OA is a common musculoskeletal condition that affects the weight-bearing joints, including the hips and knees. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness and safety of undenatured collagen type-II (UC-II) supplementation among patients with knee OA or healthy subjects experiencing activity-related join discomfort. The assessed outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Lequesne’s Functional Index (LFI), and knee range of motion (ROM). A primary literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted, including studies published up to June 2024. Studies were considered if enrolled participants were 18 years of age or older, diagnosed with knee OA, or healthy subjects with knee discomfort. Out of 3,279 studies identified, 17 were included in the final analysis. Results suggest that UC-II supplementation significantly reduced WOMAC scores for physical function, pain, and total scores. Additionally, VAS scores and LFI were significantly lower in subjects receiving UC-II compared with control. Significant improvements in knee extension were observed following UC-II supplementation, suggesting improved knee ROM in healthy subjects. Safety assessments showed no significant differences in adverse events or significant adverse event risks between UC-II and control groups. Overall, supplementation with UC-II demonstrated potential benefits for improving knee OA symptoms in both healthy individuals and patients with knee OA. Access to the study: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09581596.2025.2588891

Reference: Cuiqing Chang, Yimin Zhao & Wei Liu (2026) Efficacy and safety of undenatured collagen type II in modulating knee joint function in healthy and osteoarthritis subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Critical Public Health, 36:1, 2588891, https://doi.org/10.1080/09581596.2025.2588891

References

Danessa, G., Notario, D., & Regina, R. (2025). Effects of collagen-based supplements on skin’s hydration and elasticity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology, 91(6), 730–740. https://doi.org/10.25259/IJDVL_1165_2023

Gupta, A., & Maffulli, N. (2025). Undenatured type II collagen for knee osteoarthritis. Annals of medicine, 57(1), 2493306. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2025.2493306

Huang, K., Hong, Y., & Cai, H. (2026a). Innovations in collagen-network remodeling and extracellular matrix mechanics: toward a new era in articular cartilage repair. Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology, 13, 1740135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1740135

Ravindran, R., Pizzol, D., Lopez-Gil, J. F., Rahmati, M., Boyer, L., Fond, G., … & Smith, L. (2026, January). Collagen Supplementation for Skin and Musculoskeletal Health: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses on Elasticity, Hydration, and Structural Outcomes. In Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum (p. ojag018).