Collagen
Research reviewed: up until 09/2023
Collagen is a dietary supplement with 13 published peer-reviewed studies involving 887 participants, researched for Skin, Hair & Nails Growth, hair loss and 2 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Skin
StrongHair & Nails Growth
Moderatehair loss
ModerateBone health
ModerateJoint Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Skin
To evaluate the clinical benefits of a fish‐derived collagen peptide on skin wrinkles and elasticity, and self‐reported skin appearance.
Study Type
Randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the clinical benefits of a fish‐derived collagen peptide on skin wrinkles and elasticity, and self‐reported skin appearance.
Dose
10 g/day of hydrolyzed collagen or placebo powder
Participants
50 females aged 45-60 years
Duration
12 weeks
Results
The study found an association between collagen supplementation and significant reductions in face wrinkle scores compared to the placebo (lower scores are better). Also, participants taking collagen reported greater percentage improvements in overall skin appearance (9%) and wrinkles (15%), elasticity (23%), hydration (14%), radiance (22%), and firmness (25%) compared to the placebo group.
How They Measured It
Skin wrinkles were analysed using imaging to assess the number of wrinkles, damage and signs of ageing on and beneath the surface of the skin that is not visible to the human eye. Skin elasticity measurements were performed using a Cutometer, a device that uses suction to measure elasticity. Skin quality was self-assessed using a questionnaire. Participants were asked to report their skin health based on skin elasticity, hydration, radiance, firmness, wrinkles and overall feel.
To evaluate the effects of fish scales-derived collagen peptides on periorbital wrinkles (wrinkles around the outer corners of the eyes), facial skin hydration, and skin elasticity in women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of fish scales-derived collagen peptides on periorbital wrinkles (wrinkles around the outer corners of the eyes), facial skin hydration, and skin elasticity in women.
Dose
3 g/day fish scales-derived of collagen peptides (in the form of 20 mL beverage) or placebo
Participants
71 healthy women aged 30-60 years
Duration
12 weeks
Results
The study found an association between 12 weeks of collagen peptide oral intake and significant decreases in periorbital wrinkles compared to the control group. The researchers also observed a consistent trend of improved facial skin moisture and skin elasticity with collagen peptide supplementation, without any side effects or adverse events. These findings indicate that fish-derived collagen peptides hold great promise as a natural supplement for improving facial skin hydration, skin elasticity, and wrinkles.
How They Measured It
Periorbital wrinkles were evaluated using a visiometer, which assesses wrinkles by analysing the light intensity passing through a silicone replica created from an impression moulded from the skin. Skin moisture was measured with a device called a corneometer, which measures the moisture content of the outermost layer of the skin. Skin elasticity measurements were performed using a Cutometer, a suction-based device that measures elasticity.
To evaluate the effects of collagen hydrolysate containing specific collagen peptides on parameters related to skin ageing
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of collagen hydrolysate containing specific collagen peptides on parameters related to skin ageing
Dose
2.5 g/day or 5.0 g/day of collagen hydrolysate or placebo
Participants
69 women aged 35-55 years
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Both dosages (2.5 and 5.0 g) of the collagen hydrolysate were both associated with statistically significant increases in skin elasticity after 4 and 8 weeks of daily consumption. It is important to note that skin elasticity is an important marker for skin ageing: as skin loses its elasticity, it starts to sag and wrinkle. In this study, skin elasticity increased up to 30% in some women after 8 weeks of treatment, and there was a statistically significant increase in skin elasticity among elderly women in the treatment group compared to the placebo. No significant effects were observed in the skin moisture and evaporation between the treatment group and the placebo group.
How They Measured It
Skin elasticity measurements were performed using a Cutometer®, a device that uses suction to measure elasticity. Skin hydration was assessed using the Corneometer, a device that measures skin hydration levels. Transepidermal water loss, which is the evaporation rate of water through the outer layer of the skin, was assessed using the DermaLab® device. Transepidermal water loss levels can help assess the health of the skin barrier and can guide the selection of treatments to maintain or improve skin hydration and function. Skin roughness was assessed by a 3D skin measurement device that measures skin roughness parameters.
To investigate the effects of collagen peptide supplementation on human skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate the effects of collagen peptide supplementation on human skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity.
Dose
1000 mg/day of low-molecular-weight collagen peptide or placebo
Participants
64 women aged 40-60 years
Duration
12 weeks
Results
The study found an association between oral ingestion of 1000 mg of collagen once daily and significant improvements in skin hydration after 6 weeks and 12 weeks compared to the placebo group. The increase in skin hydration in the collagen group was 7.23-fold greater than in the placebo group at 6 weeks, and 2.9-fold greater at 12 weeks In addition,significant improvements in skin wrinkling and elasticity after 12 weeks was observed. None of these parameters were significantly improved in the placebo group. The collagen was well tolerated by the participants. No adverse reactions were observed during the course of the study.
How They Measured It
Skin hydration was measured with a device called a corneometer, which measures the hydration level of the outermost layer of the skin. Skin wrinkling was assessed by visual assessment by dermatologists and a device used to measure the depth, length, and other characteristics of the wrinkles. Skin elasticity measurements were performed using a Cutometer, a suction-based device that measures elasticity.
To assess the effects of a hydrolyzed collagen supplement on skin moisturization, smoothness, and wrinkles.
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess the effects of a hydrolyzed collagen supplement on skin moisturization, smoothness, and wrinkles.
Dose
1st month: 1g/10 kg of body weight/day (dissolved in water once a day in the morning, during or immediately after breakfast) or placebo. 2nd month: 5 g/day of hydrolyzed collagen (dissolved in water once a day in the morning, during or immediately after breakfast) or control (maltodextrin)
Participants
52 healthy females aged 40-60 years
Duration
56 days
Results
The study found an association between hydrolyzed collagen treatment and significant improvements in skin health over 28 and 56 days. The researchers observed improved skin moisturization and a progressive decrease in wrinkle depth, compared to baseline. The skin elasticity of the participants taking the hydrolyzed collagen supplement also increased significantly, which is considered a desirable outcome as it helps reduce wrinkles and gives the skin a more youthful appearance. Additional clinical evaluations conducted by a dermatologist provided further support for these findings. After 28 and 56 days of treatment, participants in the collagen group showed significant improvements in skin softness, smoothness, firmness, and reduced visibility of wrinkles. Specifically, skin softness significantly improved in 35% of collagen group participants after 28 days, and increased to 54% after 56 days of treatment. Skin smoothness and skin firmness also showed statistical improvements in 27% of participants after 28 days and nearly reached a two-fold increase after 56 days (46% and 58% respectively). Lastly, wrinkle visibility decreased in 38% of collagen group participants after 56 days of treatment. These findings suggest that hydrolyzed collagen supplements may be an effective dietary supplement for improving skin health and reducing the signs of ageing.
How They Measured It
Skin moisture was measured with a device called a corneometer, which measures the moisture content of the outermost layer of the skin. Skin elasticity measurements were performed using a Cutometer, a suction-based device that measures elasticity. Wrinkle depth measurements were taken using an Antera 3D, a 3D imaging device that takes images of areas of the face of study participants and analyses wrinkle depth using the software. Clinical evaluations were performed by a dermatologist through visual assessment which evaluates skin softness, skin firmness, skin smoothness, and visibility of wrinkles.
To evaluate the effect of oral collagen hydrolysate on skin elasticity (the skin's ability to stretch and return to its original form without permanently changing shape or tearing) and compare its effects on sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the skin. Sun exposure is a major factor that can affect skin elasticity negatively.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of oral collagen hydrolysate on skin elasticity (the skin's ability to stretch and return to its original form without permanently changing shape or tearing) and compare its effects on sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the skin. Sun exposure is a major factor that can affect skin elasticity negatively.
Dose
5g/day of collagen hydrolysate powder (dissolved in water and consumed in the morning before breakfast) or placebo
Participants
36 women aged 50-60 years
Duration
8 weeks (4 weeks treatment plus 4 weeks washout period)
Results
The participants in the collagen hydrolysate group exhibited significant improvements in skin elasticity in both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas when compared to their baseline measurements, suggesting a positive impact on overall skin elasticity. When comparing the collagen hydrolysate group to the placebo group, significant improvements in skin elasticity were specifically observed in sun-exposed areas, indicating that collagen hydrolysate may have a greater effect on skin elasticity in areas exposed to the sun. It's noteworthy that the improvements in skin elasticity were still observed four weeks after discontinuation of the collagen hydrolysate supplementation. This suggests that the benefits of collagen hydrolysate on skin elasticity may have a lasting effect. No adverse events, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation, were reported in either group. Overall, these findings suggest that daily intake of a 5-gram oral collagen hydrolysate may be a beneficial supplement for improving skin elasticity, particularly in sun-exposed areas.
How They Measured It
Skin elasticity measurements were performed using a Cutometer, a suction-based device that measures elasticity.
To investigate the effect of collagen tripeptide from fish skin on skin hydration in middle-aged women after weather condition adjustments. The researchers aimed to adjust for weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet A exposure, to provide a more accurate evaluation of the effects of collagen tripeptide on skin hydration, as these factors have been shown to impact skin barrier function and accelerate water loss, resulting in dryness and dermatitis.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate the effect of collagen tripeptide from fish skin on skin hydration in middle-aged women after weather condition adjustments. The researchers aimed to adjust for weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet A exposure, to provide a more accurate evaluation of the effects of collagen tripeptide on skin hydration, as these factors have been shown to impact skin barrier function and accelerate water loss, resulting in dryness and dermatitis.
Dose
1000 mg/day of collagen tripeptides (4 x 250 mg capsules) or placebo
Participants
84 women aged 40-60 years (74 women completed the trial)
Duration
12 weeks
Results
The study found an association between the oral intake of 1,000 mg of collagen tripeptides for 12 weeks and a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss, even after adjusting for weather conditions in the region (humidity, temperature, and ultraviolet A exposure) compared to placebo. A reduction in transepidermal water loss indicates a decrease in the amount of water that evaporates from the skin's surface, signifying improved skin barrier function and increased moisture retention, which is generally considered beneficial for skin health and hydration. In terms of skin hydration, more improvement was evident in the collagen tripeptide group than in the control group, although there was no statistical significance in the differences in change from the start of the study between the two groups. Subjects under 50 years of age reported significant improvements in the appearance of their skin and moisture levels after taking collagen tripeptide for 12 weeks, while subjects over 50 years of age reported significant improvements in skin tightness compared to the control group after 6 weeks of collagen tripeptide supplementation. Tighter skin often appears more youthful and less saggy. Furthermore, collagen tripeptide was found to be safe and well-tolerated among middle-aged women. Overall, the study findings suggest that collagen tripeptide may be effective in reducing water loss in middle-aged women.
How They Measured It
Skin hydration was assessed using the Corneometer, a device that measures skin hydration levels. Skin elasticity measurements were performed using a Cutometer, a suction-based device that measures elasticity. Skin wrinkling was evaluated with a device called a skin visiometer, a device that uses imaging technology, such as high-resolution cameras and specialised software, to capture and analyse the surface of the skin. Skin transepidermal water loss measurements were performed using a device called an evaporimeter, which measures transepidermal water loss by assessing the rate at which water evaporates from the skin into a controlled environment, providing insights into skin barrier function and hydration. Subjective improvement in skin properties were assessed using self-reported questionnaires which measured the participants perception of improvement in skin properties with time.
To investigate the effects of an oral liquid supplement containing both collagen bioactive peptides and antioxidants in skin texture and properties.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study
Purpose
To investigate the effects of an oral liquid supplement containing both collagen bioactive peptides and antioxidants in skin texture and properties.
Dose
5,000 mg/bottle/day of hydrolyzed collagen type I in a beverage drink or placebo
Participants
120 male and female volunteers aged 40-60 years with and without cosmetic surgery
Duration
90 days
Results
The researchers observed a significant 7.5% increase in participants' skin elasticity after 90 days of daily consumption of the test beverage containing 5,000 mg of hydrolyzed collagen compared to baseline. This increase in skin elasticity was observed in participants who had undergone cosmetic treatment and participants who had not, with significantly greater effects in individuals who did not undergo cosmetic treatment (9.1% vs. 13.9%). In the placebo group, a significant 5% decrease from the start of the study in participants' skin elasticity was observed. However, no significant difference in skin elasticity between the test product and placebo on day 0 and day 90 was found. In addition, microscopic skin examinations conducted on two participants found improvements in the structure and layering of the outermost skin layers and in the network of collagen and elastin fibres (proteins in the skin) after 90 days of collagen intake. These results suggest that oral intake of collagen may help improve skin health by restoring the correct thickness of skin layers and the balance of collagen and elastin. Moreover, results from the self-assessment questionnaires showed an overall significant perceived improvement in skin, hair and nail appearance and mood at the end of the treatment. These improvements were not observed to the same extent in the placebo group. The perception of skin at the end of the study was similar between participants who underwent a cosmetic procedure and participants who did not, indicating that the test product had consistent benefits. No adverse events were reported in the study.
How They Measured It
Skin elasticity measurements were performed using a SkinLab USB Elasticity Module, a skin analysis device that measures elasticity. Skin structures were examined through skin biopsies and microscopic examinations to assess skin structures and, in particular, of collagen and elastin fibres. Self-assessment questionnaires consisted of questions related to skin, hair, nails, joints, mood, and photo-ageing conditions.
To investigate the effects of bioactive collagen hydrolysates on facial skin moisture, elasticity and facial ageing signs.
Study Type
Randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate the effects of bioactive collagen hydrolysates on facial skin moisture, elasticity and facial ageing signs.
Dose
0.5 g/day or 10 g/day of bioactive collagen peptides or placebo
Participants
85 females aged 35 to 55 years (80 completed the study)
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Participants who took collagen hydrolysate with a higher content of bioactive collagen peptides showed significantly greater improvement in terms of facial skin moisture, elasticity, wrinkles, and roughness compared to those who took collagen hydrolysate with a lower content of bioactive collagen peptides or the placebo group. These improvements are beneficial as they enhance overall appearance, confidence, and comfort while contributing to the long-term health and resilience of the skin. No adverse events were reported during the trial.
How They Measured It
Skin moisture was measured with a device called a corneometer, which measures the moisture content of the outermost layer of the skin. Skin elasticity measurements were performed using a Cutometer, a device that uses suction to measure elasticity. Skin wrinkles and roughness were evaluated with a device called a VisioFace, a skin surface analysis device which measures the number of wrinkles, wrinkle area, wrinkle depth, and roughness.
Hair & Nails Growth
To investigate the effects of an oral supplement containing marine hydrolyzed collagen, amino acids (building blocks of protein), and micronutrients in subjects with hair loss.
Study Type
Prospective, randomised, assessor-blinded, controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate the effects of an oral supplement containing marine hydrolyzed collagen, amino acids (building blocks of protein), and micronutrients in subjects with hair loss.
Dose
300 mg/day of hydrolysed fish-origin collagen (in a tablet formulation along with taurine, cysteine, methionine, iron, and selenium) or control (drug treatment alone)
How They Measured It
Improvements in hair loss were evaluated by a panel of six dermatologists using a rating scale called global assessment score, which measures overall improvement over time from −3 (severe worsening) to +3 (excellent improvement). Higher scores signify a more positive outcome or greater improvement.
hair loss
To assess the effects of specific bioactive collagen peptides on nail growth and brittle nails in women with signs of brittle nails.
Study Type
Open-label, uncontrolled clinical trial
Purpose
To assess the effects of specific bioactive collagen peptides on nail growth and brittle nails in women with signs of brittle nails.
Dose
2.5 g of bioactive collagen peptides (dissolved preferably in water)
Participants
25 healthy women aged 18-50 years (24 participants completed the trial and were included in the analysis)
Duration
24 weeks of treatment
Results
The researchers observed a significant increase in the average nail growth rate (12%) and a significant reduction in the average frequency of broken nails (42%) after 24 weeks of collagen treatment compared to baseline. Additionally, 64% of participants displayed clinical improvements in nail symptoms rated as excellent, good, or fair, and 88% exhibited similar improvements four weeks after the end of treatment. The majority of participants (80%) also reported that the use of bioactive collagen peptides improved the appearance of their nails and were completely satisfied with the performance of the bioactive collagen peptides treatment. Overall, the findings suggest that daily intake of bioactive collagen peptides may have the potential to increase nail growth and improve brittle nails, along with a notable decrease in the frequency of broken nails.
How They Measured It
Brittle nail symptoms and overall improvement of the nails were evaluated by a dermatologist using a subjective 5-point scale, which measures symptoms like nail peeling, edge irregularities, and nail roughness. Frequency of cracked and/or chipped nails were recorded daily by the participants, specifying how many times their nails had been cracked or chipped on each hand. Nail growth was evaluated by measuring the distance from the edge of the lunula, the crescent-shaped, white area at the base of the nail, to the point marked before baseline. Patient overall improvement was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire and rating scales.
Bone health
To investigate the effect of specific collagen peptides in postmenopausal women with reduced bone mineral density, a measurement used to assess the amount calcium and other types of minerals in the bone. Bones with more minerals are denser, so they tend to be stronger and less likely to break.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate the effect of specific collagen peptides in postmenopausal women with reduced bone mineral density, a measurement used to assess the amount calcium and other types of minerals in the bone. Bones with more minerals are denser, so they tend to be stronger and less likely to break.
Dose
5 g/day of specific collagen peptides or placebo
Participants
131 postmenopausal women with an average age of 64 years
Duration
12 months
Results
The researchers observed that bone mineral density significantly increased by almost 3.0% in the spine and 6.7% in the femoral neck (the region just below the ball of the hip joint) in the collagen group after daily oral administration of 5 g of collagen peptides for 12 months. Increased bone density means having denser and stronger bones, which reduces the risk of fractures. In contrast, the placebo group showed decreased bone mineral density (-1.3% for the spine and -1.0% in the femoral neck). It is important to note that the spine and femoral neck are critical weight-bearing areas, so assessing bone density in these regions provides valuable information about a person's overall bone health. Additionally, the researchers observed a favourable change in bone markers in participants taking collagen. A marker of bone formation called “amino-terminal propeptide of type I collagen” (P1NP) significantly increased in the collagen group. This increase in bone formation is important for postmenopausal women as they are at a higher risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by low bone density and an increased risk of fractures. In contrast, a marker of bone degradation called “C-telopeptide of type I collagen” (CTX-1) significantly increased in the placebo group, which typically indicates an increase in bone resorption, which means that more bone is being broken down than normal, potentially weakening bones and leading to conditions like osteoporosis. No changes in bone degradation markers were observed in the collagen group.
How They Measured It
Bone mineral density was measured using a device called Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), a medical imaging technique used to assess bone density. Specific biomarkers for bone formation and degradation were analysed through blood sample analysis.
Joint Health
To compare the effectiveness and safety of oral hydrolysed collagen versus glucosamine sulphate (a widely used supplement particularly for individuals with osteoarthritis) in patients with early stages of knee osteoarthritis.
Study Type
Randomised, parallel, double-blind clinical trial
Purpose
To compare the effectiveness and safety of oral hydrolysed collagen versus glucosamine sulphate (a widely used supplement particularly for individuals with osteoarthritis) in patients with early stages of knee osteoarthritis.
Dose
10 g/day of enzymatic hydrolysed collagen or 1.5 g/day of glucosamine sulphate
Participants
100 men and women aged 40 years and older with knee osteoarthritis (93 completed the trial)
Duration
90 days
Results
The researchers observed significantly reduced pain intensity in both the hydrolyzed collagen and glucosamine sulphate groups (a common dietary supplement for osteoarthritis). However, greater effects were observed in the hydrolyzed collagen group, with 68% of patients demonstrating a clear improvement in pain assessment, compared to 37% of patients treated with glucosamine sulphate. A higher percentage of patients treated with hydrolyzed collagen (34.8%) also reported improved health status in terms of pain, stiffness, and physical function, compared to those treated with glucosamine sulphate (13.3%), and this difference was statistically significant. Additionally, the hydrolyzed collagen group reported better improvements in quality of life than the glucosamine sulphate group. Moreover, the subjective opinions of both the investigators and patients indicated that hydrolysed collagen has better effects than glucosamine sulphate. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups, and both hydrolysed collagen and glucosamine sulphate were well tolerated.
How They Measured It
A scale of 0 to 10 was used to assess joint pain at its worst, at its best, at that moment in time and on average. Overall health status was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire that assesses pain, stiffness and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Quality of life was also assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, which measured aspects such as general health, vitality, and physical and social function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Collagen research
There are currently 13 peer-reviewed studies on Collagen, involving 887 total participants. Research covers Skin, Hair & Nails Growth, hair loss and 2 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (13 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Collagen has been researched for: Skin, Hair & Nails Growth, hair loss, Bone health, Joint Health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 13 out of 13 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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