Beauty ·
Is collagen vegan? What plant-based 'collagen' really is
The short answer
No. Collagen is a protein found only in animals; supplements come from cow hide, pig skin, fish or chicken. 'Vegan collagen' products are collagen builders — vitamin C, the amino acids glycine, proline and lysine, zinc and copper — that give your body what it uses to make its own collagen.
Where collagen supplements come from
Collagen peptides are made by breaking down animal connective tissue. Lab-grown collagen from engineered yeast exists, but it's rare in supplements.
How your body makes collagen
- Vitamin C is a required cofactor — without it collagen can't form properly.
- Glycine, proline and lysine are the building-block amino acids, found in legumes, soy, seeds and grains.
- Zinc and copper support the enzymes involved.
Vegan skincare that complements it
Topical vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and retinol-style ingredients work on skin from the outside. Hyaluronic acid can be made vegan by fermentation.
What really protects collagen
Sunscreen, not smoking and enough sleep and protein do more for collagen than any single supplement.
Questions
- Is marine collagen vegan?
- No, it's from fish.
- Do vegan collagen boosters work?
- They supply nutrients collagen needs; they don't contain collagen itself.
From the shop
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or take medication.