Collagen is a vital protein essential for the proper functioning of the human body and for maintaining healthy skin and hair. However, its natural production declines over time, highlighting the importance of external supplementation. Here, you will find all our recommendations for the optimal use of collagen.
How to use collagen?
Summary
Published on May 22, 2024, updated on October 15, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 10 min of reading
Themes:
The key point to remember.
Collagen is a widely used active ingredient in cosmetics, prized for its moisturizing, firming, and antioxidant properties.
Topical application of collagen is well tolerated and may be applied morning and evening without any specific precautions, in accordance with the product instructions.
Oral collagen supplementation provides amino acids that the body can use for protein synthesis, but direct collagen formation in the skin is not guaranteed.
Studies suggest that powdered, encapsulated, or drinkable collagen can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness, as well as the appearance of wrinkles, after a few weeks of supplementation.
The effect of collagen on hair and nails appears positive but remains to be confirmed.
Before beginning an oral collagen supplementation regimen, we recommend that you seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
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Collagen: how to use It topically?
Collagen is a fibrous protein that can be found in various bodily structures such as the skin, cartilage, ligaments, and hair. It is also present in many cosmetic products aimed primarily at the skin, although some hair-care products contain collagen. Generally incorporated at concentrations of 1 to 2% in these formulations, this molecule helps to reinforce skin hydration levels by forming a film on its surface. Moreover, collagen attracts and retains water molecules, thereby protecting the epidermis from dehydration.
In addition to these moisturizing properties, antioxidant effects of collagen, making its use popular for formulating treatments aimed at preventing wrinkles. Demonstrated with collagen hydrolysate, these effects are even more significant when the peptides have a low molecular weight. Penetrating the skin more easily than the native molecule, collagen peptides can also activate fibroblasts, stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans. This improves the skin’s suppleness, elasticity, and hydration.
How to use collagen? : The collagen is an active ingredient well tolerated by the skin that poses no risk of photosensitization. Therefore, it can be used morning and evening, without any special precautions, as a complement to other skincare treatments. You simply need to follow the specific instructions for each product, particularly the recommended frequency and application method provided by the manufacturer.
Wrinkles & fine lines
WRINKLES/SKIN DENSITY
Collagen supplementation: is there any real benefit?
For several years now, collagen has also been present in the nutricosmetics field. Collagen drinks, collagen powder to mix, collagen capsules... It is available in many forms, all promising similar benefits: a more radiant complexion, more supple skin, and hair and nails strengthened. However, one may question the actual effects of these collagen regimens. Indeed, once the protein is ingested, it is broken down into amino acids in order to cross the intestinal barrier. These amino acids can then be used by the body to rebuild proteins, but it is not guaranteed that they will form collagen specifically. The same is true for collagen peptides, which are also hydrolyzed into amino acids.
Despite these uncertainties, numerous studies have investigated the effects of collagen on skin and hair and have reported beneficial outcomes in skin hydration and elasticity, wrinkle appearance, and hair and nail health. Regarding the recommended collagen dosage, it ranges between 2 and 15 g per day. According to the studies, the effects of collagen regimens may become apparent after about two weeks. The duration and frequency of these regimens vary considerably. Suppliers generally recommend a collagen course lasting three to six months once a year, or two to three one-month courses annually.
Although oral collagen supplementation is generally well tolerated, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before beginning a course, especially if you have any food allergies.
Is there evidence that oral collagen is effective for skin care?
Several studies have evaluated the effects of collagen supplementation on the skin. One placebo-controlled trial involving 114 women aged 45 to 65 examined the efficacy of bioactive collagen peptides in reducing periorbital wrinkles and stimulating the synthesis of dermal structural proteins. Participants received either 2.5 g of collagen peptides or a placebo once daily for 8 weeks. Objective assessments of wrinkle volume were made at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of supplementation. A subgroup also underwent suction skin biopsies to measure the production of type I procollagen, elastin, and fibrillin—key proteins of the dermal matrix.
The results show a significant reduction in periorbital wrinkle volume of approximately 20% after 8 weeks of supplementation compared to placebo. This beneficial effect persisted four weeks after discontinuation, suggesting a prolonged action on dermal structure. Histological analyses revealed a 65% increase in type I procollagen and an 18% increase in elastin in the collagen peptide group, while fibrillin increased by 6% without reaching statistical significance. These findings support the notion that regular oral intake of hydrolyzed collagen can stimulate neosynthesis of dermal proteins and improve skin firmness and texture.
Changes in the levels of type I procollagen, elastin, and fibrillin after eight weeks of collagen or placebo administration.
Source: OESSER S. & al. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2014).
Is there evidence supporting the effectiveness of oral collagen in promoting hair health?
The potential benefits of ingestible collagen for hair have also been investigated. A 2024 study examined the effects of an oral supplement containing hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C on hair health. Participants were followed for 12 weeks and took the collagen capsule daily. Hair assessments were performed using a combination of clinical trichoscopy, hair counts, and an imaging system that magnified up to 60 times the scalp surface and follicles, allowing observation of inflammation, desquamation, and follicular blockage. Measurements were recorded at baseline, week 6, and week 12.
After 12 weeks of daily use, the results showed a mean improvement of 27.6% in the total number of hairs per unit area compared to placebo, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Clinical analysis revealed a significant 31.9% increase in the healthy hair appearance score, as evaluated by an expert on a 5-point scale. Furthermore, 66.7% of participants perceived their hair as thicker compared to 44.2% in the placebo group. These nuanced results indicate that oral supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C may improve perceived density and overall hair appearance over a 12-week period, but further studies are still required. Additionally, the tested dietary supplement did not contain collagen alone, so the observed effects cannot be attributed to this single active ingredient.
Evidence for the efficacy of oral collagen in nail care?
Finally, collagen supplements are often used to improve nail appearance. A double-blind study was conducted in 54 women with fragile, splitting nails to assess the impact of an oral supplement combining collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving the active formulation and one receiving a placebo. The results, presented in the table below, show that the supplemented group achieved a slightly greater improvement compared to the placebo group.
| Evaluation criteria | After 3 weeks | After 4 weeks | After 6 weeks | After 8 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fissuring of the nails | Improvement of 43.3% in the “Active” group and 47.8% in the “Placebo” group | Improvement of 62.7% in the "Active" group and 58% in the "Placebo" group | Improvement of 76.1% in the "Active" group and 56.5% in the "Placebo" group | Improvement of 79.1% in the "Active" group and 62.3% in the "Placebo" group |
| Nail fragility | Improvement of 43.4% in the “Active” group and 31.5% in the “Placebo” group | Improvement of 65.1% in the "Active" group and 46.6% in the "Placebo" group | Improvement of 80.7% in the "Active" group and 64.4% in the "Placebo" group | Improvement of 80.7% in the “Active” group and 68.5% in the “Placebo” group |
| Nail softness | Improvement of 18.5% in the "Active" group and 5.6% in the "Placebo" group | Improvement of 23.5% in the "Active" group and 11.1% in the "Placebo" group | Improvement of 35.8% in the "Active" group and of 25% in the "Placebo" group | Improvement of 43.2% in the “Active” group and of 23.6% in the “Placebo” group. |
Effects of supplementation with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and peptides on nails.
Source: GANS E. H. & al. A nutritional supplement formulated with peptides, lipids, collagen and hyaluronic acid optimizes key aspects of physical appearance in nails, hair and skin. Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (2014).
However, it is important to note that participants in the placebo group also experienced a significant improvement in the condition of their nails. This observation suggests that some effects could be attributed to a placebo effect, and that the limited sample size (54 participants) does not allow for definitive conclusions. Further studies with a larger number of volunteers and a rigorous protocol are necessary to confirm the efficacy of collagen supplementation on nails.
Sources
OESSER S. & al. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2014).
GANS E. H. & al. A nutritional supplement formulated with peptides, lipids, collagen and hyaluronic acid optimizes key aspects of physical appearance in nails, hair and skin. Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (2014).
RODRIGUEZ M.I. Collagen: A review on its sources and potential cosmetic applications. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2018).
AHUIRRE-ÁLVAREZ G. & al. Collagen hydrolysates for skin protection: Oral administration and topical formulation. Antioxidants (2020).
CHEN C. & al. Effects of oral collagen for skin anti-aging: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients (2023).
LACEBY D. & al. 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).
