Hydrolyzed collagen supplements and skin aging in people
What it found
In 19 controlled trials in people, hydrolyzed collagen supplements improved skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkles compared with placebo.
Most participants were women aged 20 to 70.
What they found
Studies in people
Skin hydration
Pooled results from the trials showed better skin hydration with hydrolyzed collagen than with placebo. A subgroup analysis confirmed this.
Skin elasticity
Pooled results showed better skin elasticity with hydrolyzed collagen than with placebo. A subgroup analysis confirmed this.
Wrinkles
Pooled results showed a favorable effect of hydrolyzed collagen on wrinkles compared with placebo.
Duration of use
Taking hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days was effective in reducing skin aging by reducing wrinkles and improving elasticity and hydration.
What the authors conclude
“Based on results, ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days is effective in reducing skin aging, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration.”
Also in their conclusions
- They conclude that taking hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days is effective in reducing skin aging, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration.
How it was done
Skin aging is a growing concern, partly because people live longer, and supplement use has risen in recent years. Many scientific studies have suggested benefits of hydrolyzed collagen for the signs of skin aging.
The authors searched five databases for randomized, double-blind, controlled trials of oral hydrolyzed collagen that reported skin wrinkles, hydration, elasticity or firmness. They found 19 studies with 1,125 participants aged 20 to 70 years, of whom 95% were women.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- The trials were short, lasting up to 90 days, so they cannot show what happens with longer use.
- Almost all participants were women, so the results may not apply to men.
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 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error