Researchers are calling out Big Wellness.
What’s happening: A scientific review found mixed results on collagen’s beauty claims — with independent studies showing no effect on skin aging, while pharma-funded research reported significant improvement.
The split raises concerns about bias, study quality, and whether the supplement delivers as promised across use cases.
Thick skin. Collagen production declines with age, driving interest in supplements for skin hydration, wrinkle prevention, joint health, and muscle recovery.
But despite fueling a $6.4B market, evidence of its impact on overall health remains inconsistent.
Deep pockets. Supplement stacks are evolving, widening regulatory gaps that leave consumers vulnerable. Eroding trust, quality issues are emerging in creatine, greens powders, and peptide products, while new formats like gummies, RTD beverages, and chewables make claims even harder to verify.
Investing in clinical validation, brands like AG1, Seed, and Ritual are using transparency to gain a competitive edge.
Takeaway: Collagen supplementation isn’t inherently risky, but evidence for its touted benefits is thin. As consumer expectations rise, the days of accepting supplement claims at face value may be numbered.
