Kollagen in der Kosmetik
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Collagen in cosmetics – facts instead of myths

Collagen – a structural protein with benefits

Collagen is the most important structural protein in the human body. It gives the skin firmness, elasticity, and moisture retention – properties that decline with age. In skin care, collagen is therefore a key active ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.

Despite growing demand for vegan cosmetics, there is no such thing as genuine plant-based or vegan collagen. What is marketed as such are biotechnologically produced collagen analogues, plant extracts, or synthetic peptides that stimulate the body's own collagen synthesis. Although these alternatives are promising, they do not have the biochemical properties of real collagen. It has been scientifically proven that the protein “collagen” comes exclusively from animal sources.

What is collagen?

Collagen is one of the most important structural proteins in the human body and accounts for up to 30% of total protein content. It consists of three polypeptide chains (α-chains) that assemble into a stable, right-handed triple helix structure known as tropocollagen. This unique structure is found exclusively in animal tissue and forms the basis for the mechanical stability of skin, tendons, and connective tissue. A total of 28 collagen types are known, which differ in structure, function, and tissue localization and perform different tasks specific to each tissue.

Collagen in cosmetics: origin, structure, and application

For cosmetic applications, collagen is mainly obtained from the skin of young animals such as calves, or from the skin of cattle, pigs, or fish. Calf skin in particular is considered the preferred source for high-purity, acid-soluble type I collagen, as the low degree of cross-linking in young tissue allows for gentle extraction.

Collagen is usually used in cosmetic applications in its native or hydrolyzed form. Native collagen with an intact triple helix structure forms a moisturizing protective film on the skin and supports the acid mantle. Hydrolyzed collagen, on the other hand, consists of smaller peptide fragments and is mainly used in dietary supplements.

Unsere Kollagene im Überblick 

 

Atecoron Plus® PD 5.0 & Atecoron Plus® PHE 1.2

A unique combination of atelocollagen (triple helix), which exhibits different chemical behavior due to enzymatic extraction conditions, and biotechnologically produced hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights

Atecoron Plus® PD 5.0

Atecoron Plus® PHE 1.2

Collaplex 1.0 LL 2.0 & Collaplex 1.0 PHE

Natural collagen (triple helix) for use in high-quality cosmetic formulations

Collaplex 1.0 LL 2.0

Collaplex 1.0 PHE

Desamidocollagen K 1.5

Natural desamido collagen (triple helix), which exhibits different chemical behavior due to alkaline extraction conditions, for use in high-quality cosmetic formulations

Desamidocollagen K 1.5

Desaron® Plus PHE

Unique combination of desamido collagen (triple helix) and various molecular weights of biotechnologically produced hyaluronic acid

Desaron® Plus PHE

Collagen remains of animal origin – vegan only a vision for now

Collagen is an animal structural protein with a unique biological function. What is offered under the label “vegan, plant-based collagen” are functional alternatives such as collagen-like proteins, plant-based collagen boosters, or recombinantly produced substitutes. Although these are considered promising, especially in terms of sustainability and innovation, they do not meet the biochemical criteria of native collagen molecules. Characteristics such as the characteristic triple helix, complete telopeptide structure, and the ability to form supramolecular fibrils remain technically unmatched to date.

 

 

Future potential of collagen in medicine

Discover the future of tissue regeneration with high-purity, medically applicable type I collagen. Extracted from the dermis of calf hides and manufactured under clean room conditions in accordance with ISO 14644-1, our collagen meets the highest quality standards (ISO 22442) and is virtually endotoxin-free (< 0.5 EU/mg).

Thanks to its intact triple helix structure and biological activity, it offers optimal conditions for cell adhesion, fibril formation, and biocompatibility. As a soluble telocollagen, it is the ideal building block for modern medical applications.

 

 

Wide range of applications:

  • Wound dressings to promote cell migration and accelerate healing
  • Implants and bioactive carrier materials for tissue repair
  • Dermal fillers with natural compatibility
  • Bioinks for 3D printing of patient-specific tissue structures
  • Research & development in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering