Vegetable Collagen

Vegetable collagen (sometimes called vegan collagen) is a term loosely interpreted by skin care brands, most often referring to plant-based ingredients that are intended to mimic animal-sourced collagen. It’s a bit of a misnomer as the precise composition of animal collagen does not exist naturally in the plant world. Collagen is a fibrous protein naturally found in bones, cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissues that plays an inherent role in skin’s appearance, firmness, and tensile strength. As a cosmetic ingredient, applying collagen (whether animal sourced or the vegetable-inspired version) topically does not mean it will sync up with the natural collagen in skin. More on that in a minute… but first, what exactly is vegetable collagen made of? Vegetable collagen is not recognized by the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) as an official ingredient; rather, it’s a blanket term for blends of ingredients that vary widely depending on the manufacturer. For instance, one supplier’s version of vegetable collagen is simply comprised of water and hydrolyzed hibiscus extract. Another blend contains hydrolyzed soy protein, rice amino acids, hydrolyzed _Adansonia digitata_ seed extract, and L-proline, which is touted by the manufacturer as having a composition and sensory profile comparable to animal collagen. Scientists are also exploring alternative vegan collagen sources using genetically modified yeast and bacteria as well as algae. There are numerous “vegetable collagen” blends on the market and while the ingredients in them may be good for skin for their own reasons (such as providing antioxidant or hydration-enhancing benefits), don’t automatically assume they will ramp up collagen production. Even animal-sourced collagen can’t do that as the molecules are far too large to penetrate skin and impact its structure. What ingredients can actually help support collagen topically? Studies have shown skin care formulas ingredients such as peptides and retinol can have a simulating effect. Consumption of “vegetable” or “vegan collagen” supplements is a whole other matter—results will vary depending on what’s in them. We recommend consulting with your physician on that. In terms of oral collagen use, the highest quality research has examined the visible benefits to skin, hair and nails from animal-derived collagen peptides.

Relaterade ingredienser: Collagen Amino Acids Hydrolyzed Collagen