What Are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen peptide is a top-quality collagen product made using enzymolysis and purification. It has a protein content of 90%, which boosts purity and stability. Strict quality control and real-time monitoring ensure it remains reliable over time.
With great bioavailability, this ingredient absorbs well in the body. It provides targeted nutritional support for skin and body tissues. Collagen peptides can be used in health products, functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, offering consumers safe and effective solutions.
List of Food Sources of Collagen
1. Animal skin and connective tissue
● Pig skin, chicken skin: contain type I collagen (such as pig skin jelly).
● Fish skin, fish scales (especially deep-sea fish): contain easily absorbed type I collagen.
2. Bone broth
● Beef bone broth, pork bone broth: long-term boiling releases collagen and forms gelatin.
3. Seafood
● Oysters, scallops: contain zinc, promote collagen synthesis.
● Shrimp shells, cartilage: contain collagen ingredients.
4. Eggs and dairy products
● Egg white: contains key amino acids (proline) for collagen synthesis.
● Cheese: fermentation releases collagen peptides.
5. Auxiliary synthesis foods
● Vitamin C foods (citrus, bell peppers): promote collagen production.
● Beans (soybeans, black beans): provide synthetic raw materials such as glycine and proline.
Collagen Peptides Vs. Collagen Powders
The Difference Between Collagen Peptides and Proteins
Collagen peptides are obtained by hydrolyzing collagen, and collagen is a protein, so collagen peptides are also a type of protein. Since collagen peptide molecules are smaller, they are easier to be absorbed by the human body and are also easier to be used. The molecular weight of collagen peptides is mostly 2000-5000 Daltons, which is a short peptide chain.
Protein is a biological macromolecule. It needs to be broken down into amino acids by the digestive system before it can be absorbed. Taking collagen as an example, the molecular weight is usually above 300,000 Daltons. The large molecular weight makes it difficult for the human body to directly use it after oral administration, and its water solubility is relatively poor.
The Difference Between Collagen Peptides and Collagen Powders
The difference between collagen powder and collagen peptides is similar to the difference between protein and collagen peptides. In fact, collagen powder is a kind of protein. The difference between collagen powder and collagen peptides is mainly reflected in molecular size and absorption efficiency.
Collagen powder is mostly physically crushed or simply hydrolyzed, retaining more complete collagen molecules, with low process costs, but may have residual impurities (such as heavy metals), and low activity. It needs to be decomposed and absorbed by the digestive system, and cannot directly act on skin, joints and other tissues. It is suitable for daily supplementation and basic skin care.
Collagen peptides use patented technology of directional enzymatic hydrolysis to accurately cut collagen molecular chains to form peptide segments with specific molecular weights. Molecular weight ≤5000 Daltons, the lowest molecular weight of fish collagen peptides from Ahualing is ≤500 Daltons. The product has high purity and strong activity, and can directly participate in human collagen synthesis. It has the effects of promoting fibroblasts to synthesize collagen, improving wrinkles, stimulating cartilage matrix synthesis, and alleviating sports injuries.
Types of Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides can be divided into type I, type II and type III, which differ in structure, function and distribution.
Collagen type I
Type I collagen is the most common type in the collagen family. It is mainly distributed in the skin and bones, and accounts for 90% of the total collagen in the human body. Common products: fish collagen peptides and bovine collagen peptides. Widely used in beauty and skin care products (such as oral peptides, skin care products), osteoporosis prevention products.
Collagen type II
Type II collagen is mainly distributed in cartilage and joints, and plays an important role in joint flexibility and cartilage health. Common products: Chicken sternal cartilage type II collagen peptide. Widely used in joint health products (such as glucosamine chondroitin complex) and sports rehabilitation nutritional supplements.
Collagen type III
Type III collagen is mainly found in blood vessels and organs, maintaining the stability of blood vessels and the structural integrity of organs. When adults are injured (such as wound healing, postoperative recovery), type III collagen is synthesized first. Common products: elastin peptides. Widely used in postoperative nutritional supplements, wound healing auxiliary products, and gastrointestinal health conditioning products.
Different sources of collagen Peptides
The raw materials of collagen peptides mainly come from bovine, pigs, fish and poultry (such as chicken). The properties of collagen from different animal sources are slightly different. According to the source of collagen peptides, they can be divided into fish collagen peptides, bovine collagen peptides and type II collagen peptides.
Fish collagen peptide is a protein nutrient made from fish by-products like scales, bones, and skin. It is a natural collagen known for its high bioactivity and biocompatibility. This peptide is rich in amino acids, especially glycine and hydroxyproline, which are key components of collagen.
Fish collagen peptide offers many health benefits. It can promote skin elasticity, delay aging, improve joint health, and enhance bone density. It also has good solubility and stability, making it easy to add to food, health products, and cosmetics. Its natural source, diverse functions, and lack of side effects have made fish collagen peptide popular in beauty and health care.
To extract fish collagen peptide, advanced directional bio-enzymatic cutting technology is used. This process creates small molecule active peptides from high-quality tilapia scales and skin. The average molecular weight is below 1000D, which ensures good solubility, stability, and low viscosity. These physical and chemical properties contribute to its pleasant taste, high quality, and easy absorption, earning it global market recognition.
Bovine collagen peptide powder comes from fresh cowhide. It uses a special enzyme cutting process to create small active peptides. This involves several steps: washing, enzymatic hydrolysis, coarse filtration, bleaching, deodorization, fine filtration, concentration, sterilization, and spray drying. The protein content is over 90%. This protein is vital for the human body, making up more than 30% of total body protein. It is found in skin, bones, muscles, cartilage, joints, and hair.
The bovine collagen peptide powder has various applications. These include biomedical materials, cosmetics, and the food industry. It is a key ingredient in the biotechnology sector. You can find it in solid beverages, tablets, capsules, and oral liquids. It is also used in functional foods, shampoos, lotions, creams, and other cosmetics.
Type II collagen is found throughout the human body. It has the highest concentration in the skin, with 40% of the total amount. In bones and cartilage, it makes up 20%. Blood vessels contain 8%, with the remainder found in skin, bones, joint cartilage, blood vessels, eyes, tendons, and other areas. Type II collagen is a high molecular protein. Its filamentous fibers weave together with elastin and polysaccharides, forming a mesh structure that provides mechanical strength. This structure supports the body's curves and contributes to upright posture and healthy skin.
Fresh chicken breast cartilage is the main ingredient for bioactive peptides. These peptides are extracted using advanced bio-enzymatic cutting technology. They are rich in type II collagen and chondroitin sulfate. Type II collagen peptide is specifically for cartilage and bones. It helps repair and regenerate cartilage damage. It also alleviates pain from osteoarthritis and other bone injuries.
How Do Collagen Peptides Work?
The mechanism of action of collagen peptides is divided into four steps: first, it is efficiently absorbed and finds the place where it is needed, then it becomes material to build tissues, and at the same time, it acts as a "signaler" to regulate body functions. Special peptides can also "work" directly. This allows it to play a role in anti-aging, repairing joints, strengthening bones, etc. It is not just a simple nutritional supplement, but more like a "health steward" for the body.
Potential Benefits Of Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides are key proteins in the skin's dermis. Their structure forms a mesh of fibers that act like a "spring support." This setup gives the skin mechanical support. With enough collagen, the fiber network can resist external forces and gravity. The skin can bounce back quickly after being squeezed or stretched. When the body absorbs collagen peptides, they help create new collagen. They stimulate fibroblasts to make type I and type III collagen, repairing damage from aging and UV rays. This process helps improve skin firmness and reduce sagging.
Collagen peptides also play an important role in repairing skin damage. They are involved in everything from the inflammatory response to tissue rebuilding. Collagen peptides provide amino acids, speed up cell regeneration, and reduce excessive inflammation. This helps lower the risk of scar formation.
Additionally, collagen peptides can protect nails. Nails are thick structures made of keratin. Collagen peptides travel to the nail bed through the bloodstream. Together with keratin, they boost the toughness and hardness of nails. When collagen levels are low, nails can crack, peel, or dent. Taking oral collagen peptides can provide the cysteine needed for keratin production, helping to reduce brittleness and peeling.
Are Collagen Peptides Safe?
The safety of collagen peptides has been recognized by many scientific studies and regulatory agencies, and normal intake will not cause harm to health. Collagen peptides are mostly extracted from animals (such as fish skin, cowhide, chicken cartilage) or deep-sea fish. The ingredients are similar to the collagen structure of the human body and are less allergenic (but those who are allergic to seafood and animal protein should be cautious).
After enzymatic hydrolysis, collagen peptides form low molecular weight peptides, which are easily absorbed by the human body and do not have the digestive burden of large molecular proteins. Look for qualified brands and check the test reports (such as heavy metals and microbial indicators) to avoid buying inferior products. Choose manufacturers that have passed HACCP or ISO certification. AHUALYN insists on making pure formula collagen peptides, without additives, complete qualifications, and is trustworthy.
Collagen peptides are nutritional supplements with higher safety, suitable for daily maintenance of healthy people, but attention should be paid to individual allergies, product quality and dosage control. If there are underlying diseases or special physiological conditions, it is recommended to supplement under the guidance of professionals.
Collagen Peptide Applications
It is suitable for the middle-aged and elderly who need calcium supplementation, women and men who need beauty and skin care, mental workers, people with low immunity, etc. It can be used in functional foods, calcium supplement products, health foods, cosmetics, biomedicine and other aspects. It is especially suitable for beauty and skin care, bone strengthening products, such as moisturizing and anti-wrinkle products, collagen supplement products, calcium supplement products, etc.
collagen peptides for skin
Collagen peptides have become the core ingredients of anti-aging and repair products in cosmetics due to their unique biological activity and skin care effects.
1. Moisturizing and Nourishing
Collagen peptides can lock in moisture and form a hydrophilic film. They increase the water content in the stratum corneum and help relieve dry skin. These peptides are often found in creams and essences to boost the skin barrier.
2. Anti-Wrinkle and Firming
They stimulate fibroblast activity, which promotes collagen and elastic fiber regeneration in the dermis. This reduces wrinkle depth and improves skin firmness. You’ll find them in anti-aging essences and eye creams.
3. Repair and Barrier Strengthening
Small molecule peptides easily penetrate the skin. They speed up epidermal repair, especially after sun damage, and strengthen the skin barrier. These peptides are common in repair masks and post-surgery care products.
4. Antioxidant Protection
Partially hydrolyzed collagen peptides can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. They help delay photoaging and are mainly used in daytime protective skincare products.
collagen peptides in food
1. Functional foods and health products
1.1. Oral beauty products: made into liquid drinks (such as collagen peptide oral liquid, fruit drinks), solid drinks (can be mixed with coffee/yogurt) or soft candies, often with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and other ingredients, focusing on "nurturing the skin from the inside", suitable for people with beauty and anti-aging needs.
1.2. Bone and joint health: compounded with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, made into tablets, capsules or powders, for osteoporosis and joint pain in middle-aged and elderly people, improve cartilage matrix synthesis; also added to snacks such as nutrition bars.
2. Daily nutritional fortified foods
2.1. Dairy products and baking: Add to yogurt, cheese, bread, biscuits to increase protein content and give functional selling points; or make instant collagen peptide cereal and other instant foods.
2.2. Sports nutrition foods: Combined with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), repair sports-injured joint cartilage and supplement muscle nutrition.
Collagen Peptide Precautions And Warnings
Collagen peptides are safe for most adults if taken as directed and from trusted sources. However, people with allergies, existing health issues, or those on medications should be careful. They should consult a professional. For cosmetics, always do a patch test and use sun protection to reduce risks.
Collagen dosage and side effects
The dosage and timing of taking collagen peptide supplements are as follows:
1. General dosage: 5-15 grams per day for general health maintenance, and can be increased to 20 grams per day for joint or skin problems.
2. Best time to take: To improve skin health, it is recommended to take it in the morning and combine it with vitamin C to promote absorption; if it is for joint care, it needs to be taken continuously for 8-12 weeks to show the effect.
3. Absorption precautions: Avoid taking it with hot drinks (to prevent peptide molecules from denaturing), and it can be taken in divided doses to improve utilization.
Potential Side Effects & Risks
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Digestive Issues: Taking too much (over 20 g/day) can lead to bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
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Allergic Reactions: This is common for people sensitive to seafood, beef, or pork. Always check source labels.
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Kidney Strain: Those with kidney issues should limit their dosage. It's best to consult a doctor first.
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Interaction Risks: It may interact with antibiotics or anticoagulants. Space intake by 2–3 hours.
Collagen Peptides Supplements
AHUALYN provides collagen peptide supplements. We provide 100% pure collagen peptide powder products and mature formula health products. We can produce OEM products and also support customer customization. The health products currently available in stock include 100% pure fish collagen powder, vanilla flavored fish collagen peptides, strawberry flavored fish collagen peptides, etc.
Collagen Peptides FAQs
The difference between collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen peptides？
The molecules are different. The collagen peptides we usually talk about refer to slightly larger molecules, while hydrolyzed collagen peptides are decomposed into smaller molecules by hydrolysis. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are hydrolyzed and have smaller molecules, so they are easier to be absorbed by the human body.
Food Grade Sodium Hyaluronate
Cross-linked Sodium Hyaluronate
D-panthenol
γ-Polyglutamic Acid
Allantoin
Alpha Arbutin
Beta Arbutin
Kojic Acid
Kojic Acid Dipalmitate
3-o Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbyl Glucoside
β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide（NMN）
β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide（NMN）
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide（NAD+）
Glutathione
Coenzyme Q10
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone(PQQ)
Chondroitin Sulfate
Methyl Sulfonyl Methane
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride
N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine
Vitamin K2
