What is hydrolyzed collagen?
Collagen is the main structural protein in skin. Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen that has been broken down into shorter protein fragments (peptides), which dissolve in water and spread easily in a serum.
It comes from animal sources — usually bovine, porcine or fish.
What it does for skin
On the skin, hydrolyzed collagen works mainly as a moisturizer at the outermost layer. It does not replace the collagen your skin makes: most fragments are too large to reach the deeper layers where that collagen lives.
What the research shows
A 2020 review of collagen hydrolysates describes topical use as moisturizing and cites a 30-day facial study in which a serum with 10% fish collagen peptides improved skin moisture and elasticity. It notes that larger peptides are unlikely to reach deeper skin layers.
The review finds more clinical evidence for collagen taken by mouth than for collagen applied to the skin. It was funded by a collagen company, and its authors were affiliated with it.
In DermaGlass®
Hydrolyzed collagen is listed 5th of 21 ingredients. The pack does not state the collagen source or concentration.
Because collagen comes from animals, DermaGlass® is not suitable for a vegan routine.
See the full DermaGlass® ingredient list or how to use the mask.
Safety
Hydrolyzed collagen is generally well tolerated on skin. If you avoid a specific animal source for dietary, religious or allergy reasons, note that the source is not stated on the pack.
Questions
Can collagen in skincare rebuild the collagen in my skin?
The evidence does not show that. Applied to the skin, hydrolyzed collagen mainly helps the surface hold moisture.
Is DermaGlass® vegan?
No. It contains hydrolyzed collagen, which comes from animal sources.
What is the difference between collagen and hydrolyzed collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen has been broken into small fragments so it dissolves in water and spreads in a formula.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Read our terms.