Researchers in South Korea reviewed 23 clinical trials with nearly 1,500 participants to see if collagen supplements could improve skin hydration, elasticity, or reduce wrinkles. Their conclusion: “There is currently no clinical evidence to support the use of collagen supplements to prevent or treat skin aging.”
At first glance, some trials did show benefits. But when the researchers looked closer, they found a pattern: studies funded by supplement companies reported positive effects, while independent trials showed no real improvement. Higher-quality studies, they said, also showed little to no effect.
Collagen is a key structural protein in the skin, helping it stay firm and hydrated. As we age, production drops by 1–1.5% each year, leading to wrinkles and sagging. That’s why collagen supplements have become so popular—the market doubled from 2019 to 2022 in North America and is expected to keep growing.
Industry experts push back. Douglas Jones from BioCell Technology says the study lumped very different types of collagen together, making the results misleading. “Collagen is a broad term,” he said. “You can’t compare everything as if it’s the same thing.”
The Collagen Stewardship Alliance (CSA) also questioned the research, pointing out errors in how studies were classified as “industry-funded” or independent. If those errors are corrected, the conclusions about funding bias could change.
So, what’s the takeaway? While high-quality studies don’t show clear skin benefits, the debate isn’t over. Experts say more precise research is needed to figure out whether collagen supplements can actually deliver on their promises.
