Hydrolyzed collagen supplements and skin aging across 19 trials in people
What it found
Taking hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days improved skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles compared with a placebo in people.
The findings were based on 19 trials involving 1,125 participants.
What they found
Studies in people
Skin hydration and elasticity
A combined analysis showed that taking hydrolyzed collagen improved skin hydration and elasticity compared with a placebo. A separate subgroup analysis confirmed these improvements.
Wrinkle reduction
People who took hydrolyzed collagen had fewer wrinkles compared with those who took a placebo. The authors say taking it for 90 days reduced signs of skin aging.
What the authors conclude
- They conclude that taking hydrolyzed collagen by mouth for 90 days reduces signs of skin aging.
- Their analysis shows the supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles compared with a placebo.
How it was done
Skin aging is a growing concern even for younger people as life expectancy rises. Supplements marketed for beauty have become more popular, and many studies suggest hydrolyzed collagen helps with signs of aging skin.
The authors searched several medical databases for randomized, double-blind, controlled trials testing oral hydrolyzed collagen. They selected 19 studies involving 1,125 participants aged 20 to 70 years, of whom 95% were women. The trials measured effects on wrinkles, hydration, elasticity, and firmness.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- About 95% of the participants were women, so the results may not apply equally to men.
- These trials lasted around 90 days, so longer-term effects are not known.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- UNIFIMES - University Center of Mineiros, Brazil; Graduate Program in Nutrition and Food of the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Brazil; Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil
The paper
- Title
- Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Type
- Systematic review and meta-analysisThe authors follow a set, published method to find every relevant study, then combine the numbers from them into one result.
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC (2021). Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of dermatology. doi:10.1111/ijd.15518PubMed 33742704DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error