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What is marine collagen? | Find out if it’s the right fit for your supplement needs

Updated August 16, 2023

You may be aware that collagen is an abundant protein in the body; it can be found in the bones, blood vessels, connective tissue, and the skin. In fact, collagen makes up 70-80% of healthy skin. Collagen protein fibres form a strong, elastic network in the dermis layer of the skin, contributing to skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, we lose collagen, and these protein structures become fragmented; as a result, wrinkles and fine lines may start to appear.

To help support the ageing process, many people take a collagen supplement to replenish the collagen protein we lose. Due to its popularity as a supplement ingredient, there are many different types of collagen to choose from, such as bone broth or collagen peptides; here, we will be discussing all things marine collagen. You will learn about what marine collagen is, how it compares to other collagen types, what the benefits are, and why you might want to try a marine collagen peptide powder supplement for yourself.

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What is marine collagen?
Learn about where marine collagen supplements come from and why it’s important.
What is the difference between bovine collagen and marine collagen?
Understand what your supplement label means and how to choose the right type of collagen
The benefits of marine collagen
Know the benefits of choosing marine collagen supplements
Should you try marine collagen supplements?
Find out if marine collagen supplements are right for you based on your goals
Common queries

What is marine collagen?

Collagen protein can only be derived from animals; plants cannot produce it. We can obtain collagen from many different animals, including cows (bovine collagen), pigs (porcine collagen) and chickens. Marine collagen is taken from the skin and scales of fish, commonly Atlantic white fish. Many marine collagen products use wild-caught fish, making it potentially a more ethical and sustainable choice.

a fish curved around a green bowl filled with white collagen powder against a cream background.

Marine collagen is classified as a Type I collagen. This is because fish skin predominantly contains Type I collagen fibres. Human skin also contains mostly Type I collagen fibres, so marine collagen is believed to be the most similar to human skin. The similarities between fish and human skin collagen make marine collagen an intuitive option for supporting skin health.

The difference between bovine collagen and marine collagen

As mentioned, collagen is a protein found in animals, and the term marine collagen specifies the source. Marine collagen is taken from fish, while bovine collagen is taken from cows (from the skin or the bones and cartilage).

The main difference between marine collagen and bovine collagen supplements is the certainty that there is a high proportion of Type I collagen in fish collagen supplements. Bovine collagen may contain a lower proportion of Type I collagen fibres, particularly if cartilage has been used in production. Cartilage has a high proportion of Type II collagen, which is not abundant in the skin but more so in the joints and tendons.

The benefits of marine collagen

Some beauty benefits have been identified using marine collagen hydrolysate. A pioneering study on daily marine collagen peptides supplementation found that wrinkles decreased in subjects by 13% around the eyes and 10% around the nose after 90 days. Further studies have shown that daily supplementation with hydrolysed collagen protein increased skin hydration, reduced the appearance of wrinkles and reduced skin roughness. Collagen peptides may benefit the skin because they stimulate collagen-making cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts not only make collagen protein, but they also make hyaluronic acid – a molecule that contributes to healthy skin hydration.

Mixed race woman sitting on the wearing neutral-coloured clothing. She drinks an orange-coloured drink with her other arm resting on her raised knee.

Fish collagen peptides have also been shown to benefit the hair. Since the hair follicles sit amongst the collagen protein fibres in the skin, it can be beneficial to support the skin of the scalp to support the hair. In fact, daily supplementation with Peptan Marine collagen peptides increased the strength of hair in subjects by 13% after 90 days.

Now, stepping back to view the broader picture, marine collagen protein, sourced from fish, is also a more sustainable option. Fish, particularly wild-caught fish, is responsible for the smallest environmental impact of all meat products. Brands that use sustainable, wild-caught fish in their collagen products can offer more than just beauty benefits.

Should you try marine collagen supplements?

If you are looking for a collagen supplement worth trying, it is crucial to identify what makes a good supplement. Fish collagen supplements are ideal for those wanting to support the skin or for individuals with sustainability or ethical concerns.

Beauty Complex contains 7,000mg of marine collagen peptides by Peptan Marine. Peptan is the leading global producer of collagen peptides, and their fish collagen peptides are the “highest-quality on the market”. Their marine collagen is sourced from 100% wild-caught fish, caught in line with the Marine Stewardship Council guidelines. If you are looking for the highest-quality sustainable collagen supplement, products containing Peptan Marine are the right fit for you.

beautiful blonde woman with long, healthy hair and smooth, clear skin. She is looking directly into the camera smiling slightly.

Before you choose a supplement, you also need to consider the supplement formula and the purpose behind every supplement ingredient. Look for a marine collagen peptide powder supplement as it can offer effective nutrient delivery and high bioavailability (meaning your body can quickly absorb and utilise the collagen protein).

Finally, try a supplement with added nutrients to support the skin further. Beauty Complex contains eight powerful skin, hair and nail ingredients, including Peptan® Marine collagen peptides, vitamin C, Selenium, hyaluronic acid, biotin and more.

Don’t wait. Shop Now and see the beauty benefits for yourself!

Common queries

What are marine collagen peptides?

The term ‘marine collagen peptides’ refers to collagen proteins that have been broken down into smaller chains of amino acids for faster and better absorbance. Collagen peptides have been found to stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin. Marine collagen peptides are tasteless, odourless and dissolvable, so they are ideal for making a daily collagen drink.

Is marine collagen good for you?

Marine collagen is a popular ingredient for supporting the skin. Collagen peptide supplements can help replenish the collagen lost with age, so if you are concerned by collagen decline, marine collagen peptides may be a good supplement option.

Is marine collagen good for hair?

The hair follicles sit in the same layer as the collagen matrix in the skin, so supplementing with marine collagen for the skin may also indirectly support the hair. Marine collagen supplementation has been shown to increase the strength of the hair.

How to use marine collagen powder?

A pre-dosed, pre-mixed supplement is the safest and most convenient way to use a marine collagen powder supplement. We recommend mixing one daily sachet of Beauty Complex into a glass of water, juice or a smoothie. Taking Beauty Complex after eating food is best for the best results.

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