Our Summary
As skin ages, it naturally loses collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which leads to reduced hydration and elasticity and the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging. Collagen supplements have surged in popularity as a potential remedy, but the question of whether they actually work has remained a subject of debate. This 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology by Indonesian researchers at Atma Jaya Catholic University pooled data from 10 randomized controlled trials involving 646 participants, all published between 2010 and 2021, to assess the impact of collagen-based supplements on skin hydration and elasticity. The results were statistically significant on both counts: collagen supplementation produced meaningful improvements in both skin hydration and skin elasticity compared to placebo, with the most commonly and effectively used dose being around 3.5 to 4 grams per day. The authors note that most of the included studies could not control for environmental factors such as weather and seasonal changes, which can independently influence skin moisture levels, and that the findings were drawn predominantly from female participants, limiting how broadly the conclusions can be applied. It is also worth noting that a separate 2025 meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Medicine introduced an important caveat: studies funded by pharmaceutical or supplement companies tended to show positive effects, while independently funded high-quality studies showed no significant benefit, a reminder to consider funding sources when interpreting research on commercially popular supplements.
PMID: 40826844
Abstract
Background Ageing is a degenerative process that affects the entire body. Skin ageing is characterised by a decrease in the levels of collagen, elastin fibre, and hyaluronic acid (HA), resulting in a loss of skin elasticity and hydration. Prior studies suggest that oral collagen supplements can help increase collagen, elastin, and HA levels, ultimately improving skin health. Objective To assess the impact of collagen-based supplements on the signs of skin ageing and determine the effective dosage. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis utilized PubMed, Clinical Key, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies published from 2010 to 2021. It includes ten randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 646 participants. Results The findings indicate that collagen supplements were statistically effective in increasing skin hydration (SMD 1.25 (CI: 0.77-1.74)) and elasticity (SMD 0.61 (CI: 0.21-1.02)). The most commonly administered dose was 4 g/day, with a median dose of 3.5 g/ day. Limitations Most of the studies could not control for weather-related factors. The findings are more applicable to females. Moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 55.5-56.5%) may limit generalisability. The risk of bias was generally unclear, and publication bias could not be assessed due to the small number of studies. Conclusion Oral administration of collagen supplement in a dose ranging from 1-10 g/day was statistically effective in increasing the skin hydration and elasticity.
Keywords: Collagen; elasticity; hydration; moisture; skin.
