Collagen is a key structural component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing key roles in skin thickness, elasticity, and durability (Amini et al., 2024). Genetic predisposition, ultraviolet radiation, poor nutrition, and environmental factors significantly contribute to the breakdown of collagen in the skin, promoting skin-aging (Khalid et al., 2024). Given the importance of nutrition for skin health, collagen has emerged as a favourable nutricosmetic ingredient, exerting benefits from within by acting on the deeper layers of the dermis and epidermis to support skin health (Montero-Vilchez, et al., 2025), with potential to enhance collagen’s biological functions through the addition of bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds like vitamin C have been shown to play essential roles in collagen synthesis, enhancing its efficacy when administered orally or topically (Reilly et al., 2024). This report highlights the bioactive ingredients that can ‘boost’ collagen efficacy, including vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and other vitamins and minerals.  

As collagen is an animal-derived protein typically sourced from bovine, porcine, or marine origins, the term ‘vegan collagen’ can be misleading since plants do not naturally produce collagen (Islam & Solval, 2025; Gayathri et al, 2025). Instead, vegan collagen refers to plant-based alternatives formulated with amino acid profiles that closely resemble those of animal collagen. These formulations often contain plant-derived polyphenols that may stimulate the body’s own collagen production. In addition, technologies such as microbial fermentation, using organisms such as Corynebacterium glutamicum, are employed to biosynthesize amino acids from plant-based raw materials for use in vegan collagen products (Lin et al., 2024). 

Oral supplementation of vegan collagen biomimetic has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study 

Collagen, attributed to its amino acid composition, has been growing in popularity for its potential to improve skin appearance and health. Recently, vegan collagens have been developed to mimic human type I collagen through a similar amino acid composition and the inclusion of ingredients that enhance collagen efficacy. For example, plant compounds such asiaticoside are formulated in vegan collagen blends to stimulate collagen synthesis and skin cell proliferation. Also, ginsenosides may be able to boost collagen production in the skin and improve skin pigmentation. Lin et al. (2024) conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the effectiveness of a vegan collagen on skin conditions. A total of 90 healthy adults aged over 20 years were included and were randomized into one of three groups: 1) 5 g VeCollal® vegan collagen sachet, 2) 5 g fish collagen sachet, or 3) maltodextrin placebo. Participants were instructed to consume their assigned sachet daily, for 8 weeks. Each sachet contained ingredients such as sucralose, citric acid, silicon dioxide, and maltodextrin with identical appearance, shape and size. Skin conditions including skin collagen density, elasticity, moisture, lightness, melanin, skin texture, wrinkles and pores, as well as self-assessment questionnaires, were measured at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Fasted blood samples were collected at weeks 0 and 8. Results suggest that 8 weeks of supplementation with a vegan collagen sachet led to significant improvements in skin collagen density and elasticity, reductions in wrinkles, texture and pores as well as in hydration and lightness compared to placebo. Overall, vegan collagen is a biomimetic alternative that shares similar biological characteristics to natural sources such as fish collagen and has demonstrated efficacy in supporting skin health. No cases of skin irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort were reported during the study. These findings suggest potential benefits of vegan collagen formulations containing plant extracts such as asiaticoside and ginsenosides; however, the exact quantities of these extracts used were not disclosed. Future research is needed to clarify the plant extracts’ mechanisms of action on human skin. 

Access to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623005558  

Reference: Yung-Kai Lin, Chia-Hua Liang, Yung-Hsiang Lin, Tai-Wen Lin, Josué Jiménez Vázquez, Anthony van Campen, Chi-Fu Chiang, 

Oral supplementation of vegan collagen biomimetic has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 

Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 112, 2024, 105955, ISSN 1756-4646, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105955.  

The effects of dietary supplementation with collagen and vitamin c and their combination with hyaluronic acid on skin density, texture and other parameters: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 

Dietary supplementation with collagen has gained increasing interest for its known beneficial role in supporting skin elasticity and integrity. Besides collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a crucial role in maintaining skin structure and regulating water balance. However, intrinsic factors such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) accelerate the degradation of collagen and HA, contributing to visible skin aging. For this reason, oral collagen supplementation has attracted attention for stimulating the synthesis of collagen, HA, and other ECM constituents and inhibit their degradation by ROS and MMPs, with potential to enhance its efficacy with the addition of other bioactive ingredients like HA. Zmitek et al. (2024) conducted a three-way, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the effects of dietary supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen combined with vitamin C and/or HA. A total of 87 female participants aged 40-65 years were included and randomized into one of three groups: 1) CP group (5 g collagen, 80 mg vitamin C), 2) CPHA group (5 g collagen, 30 mg hyaluronic acid, 80 mg vitamin C), or 3) placebo, in the form of 15 mL syrup, daily for 16 weeks. Each study product also contained ingredients such as water, lactic, malic, and phosphoric acids, xylitol, sucralose, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate, with the placebo also containing caramel colour, xanthan gum, and gellan gum. Dermis density, thickness, skin hydration, and viscoelasticity were measured at weeks 0, 8, and 16. Skin roughness and wrinkles were measured at weeks 0 and 16. Results showed a significant increase in dermis density compared to placebo after 8 weeks of supplementation with CP and CPHA, with more pronounced improvement at week 16. Both CP and CPHA groups demonstrated a significant decrease in wrinkles and skin roughness compared to placebo at week 16. However, neither treatment showed any significance in viscoelasticity or skin hydration compared to placebo after 16 weeks of supplementation. Overall, the addition of vitamin C to hydrolyzed collagen, with or without the addition of HA, produced similar but more pronounced effects compared to placebo. Future studies are warranted to explore the effects of varying doses of HA beyond the dose evaluated in the present study.  

Access to the study: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/12/1908 

Reference: Žmitek, K.; Žmitek, J.; Hristov, H.; Rogl Butina, M.; Keršmanc, P.; Pogaˇcnik, T. The Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Collagen and Vitamin C and Their Combination with Hyaluronic Acid on Skin Density, Texture and Other Parameters: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2024, 16, 1908. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121908  

Beneficial effects of multimicronutrient supplementation with collagen peptides on global wrinkles, skin elasticity and appearance in healthy female subjects 

Collagen production in the skin decreases with age, contributing to the appearance of aging skin, the look of wrinkles, and reduced elasticity. The addition of micronutrients to collagen supplements may enhance collagen synthesis and reduce visible signs of aging. Gibson et al. (2024) conducted an open-label clinical trial to assess the effects of an oral collagen supplement combined with micronutrients on skin and wellbeing of healthy females. A total of 135 healthy female participants aged 45-65 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI were included in this study. Participants were instructed to consume three tablets daily, providing a total of 2.5 g Verisol® collagen peptides, 120 mg HA, vitamin A, C, D, E, zinc, and selenium. Global wrinkles measurements were taken at months 1, 2 and 3. Additional assessments of visual and tactile grading of fine lines, skin elasticity, skin tone, evenness, radiance, firmness, texture, Glogau score (to assess elasticity), and overall skin quality/healthy appearance were taken to measure total antioxidant status (TAS). Results showed a significant reduction in global wrinkles compared to baseline after three months. Additionally, significant improvements were reported in secondary outcomes, including global fine lines, skin elasticity, skin firmness, skin texture, skin tone evenness, skin radiance, and overall skin quality at months 1 and 2 compared to baseline. By month 3, all participants demonstrated visual improvements in skin texture, skin tone evenness, skin radiance, and overall skin quality. There was a significant improvement in skin elasticity at month 3 compared to baseline, and a significant improvement in Glogau scores at months 2 and 3. No significant changes were observed in TAS after 3 months. Regarding the subjective measurements, significant improvements were reported in the self-rating of overall skin appearance, fines lines, wrinkles, firmness, wrinkles surrounding the eyes, skin tone, brightness, and radiance at various time points. Overall, the study product was well tolerated, with only one adverse event reported. These findings support the beneficial effects of 2.5 g collagen peptide supplementation, in combination with micronutrients, on skin health and appearance in adult women.  

Access to the study: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-024-01184-2 

Reference: Gibson, R., Krug, L., Ramsey, D.L. et al. Beneficial Effects of Multi-Micronutrient Supplementation with Collagen Peptides on Global Wrinkles, Skin Elasticity and Appearance in Healthy Female Subjects. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 14, 1599–1614 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-024-01184-2  

Phytoestrogens as natural anti-aging solutions for enhanced collagen synthesis in skin 

Estrogen levels begin to decline with age, particularly during menopause in women, contributing to skin thinning, wrinkles, sagging, and other visible signs of skin aging. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds structurally similar to endogenous estrogen, with research suggesting that they may enhance skin elasticity and hydration when administered topically or orally. Liquiritigenin is an example of a phytoestrogen that is present in liquorice rhizome and is commonly used for its estrogenic effects. Amini et al. (2025) conducted an in vivo, randomized, split-face study with an in vitro assessment to evaluate how various plant extracts may enhance collagen synthesis in human skin cells. For the in vivo portion of this study, 46 healthy female participants aged 32-70 years who were Caucasian with phototype I, II, or III and various skin types (including normal, dry, oily or combination skin) were included. Participants were instructed to apply a topical product containing 1% liquorice rhizome Glycyrrhiza uralensis (G. uralensis) extract to their skin twice daily, or a vehicle, on each hemi-face. Other ingredients in the topical formulation included caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, butylene, glycol, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, PEG-75 stearate, caprylyl glycol, ceteth-20, steareth-20, sodium benzoate, and citric acid. The primary outcomes measured during the in vivo portion of this study was dermal density, assessed at day 28 and day 56. Results showed an improvement in dermal density in both topical active and vehicle groups at 28 days, with greater improvements in the active group, but no statistical difference. By day 56, application of the active formulation showed significantly greater improvement compared to the vehicle formulation. Interestingly, for participants aged over 50 years, the average percentage increase in dermal density of those using the active treatment was greater than that of the vehicle-treated groups. For the in vitro assessment, healthy female volunteers aged 24-56 years provided primary epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, which were exposed to ultraviolet radiation and/or pollution with and without G. uralensis pre-treatment. Various analytical and molecular assays including collagen gene expression, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and pro-collagen I were used to assess and quantify the results of G. uralensis extract on collagen gene expression. Results suggest that gene expression of collagen I, collagen III, and pro-collagen I were significantly increased after treatment with G. uralensis extract. Additionally, pre-treatment with G. uralensis significantly attenuated matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production in human primary dermal fibroblasts, and significantly reduced diesel particulate matter-induced MMP1 levels. Overall, results from both the in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that topical administration of phytochemicals such as G. uralensis extract may be beneficial in aging women to protect from environmental damage and boost collagen production. 

Access to the study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.16719 

Reference: Amini, N., Osterlund, C., Curpen, J., Lafon-Kolb, V., Richard, T., & Visdal-Johnsen, L. (2025). Phytoestrogens as Natural Anti-Aging Solutions for Enhanced Collagen Synthesis in Skin. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 24(2), e16719. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16719  

Bottom Line 

Overall, collagen is a key nutricosmetic ingredient that supports the skin’s integrity, elasticity, and structure. Attributed to collagen’s abundant amino acid profile, research has demonstrated its strong potential to improve skin health, improving skin wrinkles, firmness, texture, roughness, and more skin-relevant endpoints. The efficacy of collagen may be further enhanced with combining ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, hyaluronic acid, or plant-derived compounds, as seen in various oral and topical formulations. Future research should explore the efficacious doses of these collagen-boosting ingredient combinations, evaluate the combined effects of oral and topical administration on skin and physiological health, and further elucidate the mechanisms of action of the collagen-boosting ingredients.  

References 

Gayathri, S., Kugunavar, S., Pauline, S., Chemalamudi, S., Srinivas, P., Jain, K. K., & Gayathri, S. (2025). Next-Generation Collagen: Innovations in Biosynthesis, Plant-Based Strategies, and Precision Fermentation. 

Islam, J., & Mis Solval, K. E. (2025). Recent Advancements in Marine Collagen: Exploring New Sources, Processing Approaches, and Nutritional Applications. Marine drugs, 23(5), 190. https://doi.org/10.3390/md23050190  

Montero-Vilchez, T., Gálvez-Martín, P., Sanabria-de la Torre, R., Cuenca-Barrales, C., Molina-Leyva, A., Martinez-Puig, D., Velasco-Alvarez, J., & Arias-Santiago, S. (2025). Oral Supplementation with a New Hyaluronic Acid Matrix Ingredient Improves Skin Brightness, Hydration, Smoothness, and Roughness: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study. Dermatology and therapy, 15(8), 2099–2116. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-025-01447-6  

Reilly, David M., Kynaston, Liane, Naseem, Salma, Proudman, Eva, Laceby, Darcy, A Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in Skin Collagen, Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles, Scalp, and Hair Condition following 12-Week Oral Intake of a Supplement Containing Hydrolysed Collagen, Dermatology Research and Practice, 2024, 8752787, 12 pages, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8752787