Fish Collagen Peptides Reduce Cellulite and Thicken Hair in 24-Week RCT of 114 Women | Research

The takeaway

Low-molecular-weight fish collagen peptides (1000 mg/day) significantly improved cellulite severity, skin elasticity, roughness, and hair diameter vs placebo in 114 women over 24 weeks, with 54× enhanced GPH bioavailability.

54× better absorption
Enzymatically optimized fish collagen peptides achieved 54 times higher GPH blood levels than regular collagen, translating to measurable skin and hair improvements

What the researchers found

LMWCP 1000 mg/day: 54× higher GPH AUC vs general collagen. Significant vs placebo improvements: cellulite severity, dermal-subcutaneous border, skin roughness, skin elasticity (weeks 12+24), hair diameter (week 24).

Why it matters

Cellulite affects 80-90% of women. An oral collagen peptide supplement with clinical evidence of efficacy addresses a major cosmetic concern.

How the study worked

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 114 women aged 20-50, LMWCP 1000 mg/day or placebo for 24 weeks, with PK substudy, cellulite/skin/hair assessments.

What this study cannot tell us

Cosmetic outcomes, not medical. Self-reported hair thinning as inclusion. Single dose tested. 24-week endpoint may not capture plateau.

How to read the evidence

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with objective measurements. Strongest evidence level for a nutraceutical claim.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

This validates the concept that specific bioactive peptides, when enzymatically optimized for bioavailability, can produce measurable structural improvements in skin and hair.

Questions still open

Would higher doses produce greater effects?
How long do improvements persist after stopping supplementation?
Does LMWCP work for cellulite in older women or men?

Common questions

Do collagen supplements actually work?

This rigorous trial says yes — but only the right type. Low-molecular-weight fish collagen peptides with 54× enhanced absorption significantly improved cellulite, skin elasticity, and hair thickness vs placebo over 24 weeks.

How much collagen should I take?

This study used 1000 mg/day of specifically optimized low-molecular-weight collagen peptides. Regular collagen supplements may not achieve the same absorption or results.

Read the original research

Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Supplementation Improves Cellulite Severity, Skin Elasticity, and Hair Shaft Diameter: A Clinical Study with Pharmacokinetic Evaluation.

Journal of medicinal food, 1096620X261428336

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Hwang, Sehee; Won, Jihyun; Kim, Suyeon; Kang, Wonku; Park, Miyoung. (2026). Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Supplementation Improves Cellulite Severity, Skin Elasticity, and Hair Shaft Diameter: A Clinical Study with Pharmacokinetic Evaluation.. Journal of medicinal food, 1096620X261428336. https://doi.org/10.1177/1096620X261428336