A daily collagen peptide supplement improved skin elasticity by 40% and reduced joint pain by 43% over 90 days in a placebo-controlled trial, with skin biopsies confirming improved tissue structure.
+40% skin elasticity (p < .0001)After 90 days of daily collagen peptide supplementation, skin elasticity improved by 40% compared to placebo — supported by histological evidence showing improved collagen fiber organization and reduced solar elastosis in skin biopsies.
What the researchers found
In a 90-day double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 120 subjects, daily oral supplementation with a liquid nutraceutical containing hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides, vitamins, antioxidants, and other ingredients produced a 40% increase in skin elasticity (p < .0001) versus placebo. Histological analysis of skin biopsies showed reduced solar elastosis and improved collagen fiber organization. Joint pain decreased by 43% and joint mobility improved by 39%. Self-perception questionnaires confirmed subjects felt more hydrated and elastic skin.
Why it matters
This is one of the few collagen peptide studies that includes histological evidence from skin biopsies in addition to clinical measurements and patient-reported outcomes. The combination of objective tissue-level changes and significant functional improvements in both skin and joints provides stronger evidence for collagen peptide supplementation than studies relying on subjective assessments alone.
How the study worked
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 120 subjects consuming either the test product (containing hydrolyzed fish collagen, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, L-carnitine, vitamins, and minerals) or placebo daily for 90 days. Outcomes included instrumental measurement of skin elasticity, histological analysis of skin biopsies (assessing solar elastosis and collagen fiber organization), joint pain and mobility assessments, and self-perception questionnaires.
Who was studied
120 adult subjects in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial over 90 days
What this study cannot tell us
The test product contains multiple active ingredients (collagen peptides, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, L-carnitine, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants), making it impossible to attribute the results specifically to collagen peptides alone. The 90-day duration is relatively short for assessing anti-aging effects. The study does not report long-term follow-up or whether benefits persist after discontinuation. The specific doses of each ingredient are not detailed in the abstract.
How to read the evidence
This is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial — a strong study design. However, the multi-ingredient formulation limits attribution of effects to collagen peptides specifically, the 120-person sample is moderate, and the 90-day duration is relatively short for an anti-aging intervention.
When this study was published
Published in 2018, this study remains relevant as collagen peptide supplementation continues to grow in popularity. More recent studies have since added to the evidence base, though multi-ingredient formulations remain a common limitation in the field.
The bigger picture
The collagen supplement market has grown enormously, but high-quality clinical evidence has lagged behind consumer demand. This study adds to the evidence base with one of the stronger trial designs in the field — double-blind, placebo-controlled, with both instrumental measurements and histological confirmation. However, the multi-ingredient formulation is a common issue in nutraceutical research that makes it difficult to isolate the specific contribution of collagen peptides.
Questions still open
- Would collagen peptides alone — without the added vitamins, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine — produce similar results?
- Do the skin and joint improvements persist after supplementation is stopped, or are they dependent on continued use?
- What is the minimum effective dose of collagen peptides needed to achieve clinically meaningful skin and joint benefits?
Common questions
Does this study prove collagen peptides work for skin and joints?
How does taking collagen peptides orally actually improve skin?
Read the original research
Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing.
Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 57, 97-108
Citation
Czajka, Anna; Kania, Ewa M; Genovese, Licia; Corbo, Andrea; Merone, Giovanni; Luci, Cecilia; Sibilla, Sara. (2018). Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing.. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 57, 97-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2018.06.001