The Efficacy and Safety of CollaSel Pro® Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptide Supplementation without Addons in Improving Skin Health in Adult Females: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study Using Biophysical and Skin Imaging Techniques

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral hydrolyzed collagen peptide (HCP) in healthy females by assessing the skin parameters via biophysical and skin imaging techniques. Methods: 112 females were randomly assigned to receive either HCP (n = 57; 10 g CollaSel Pro^®) or placebo (n = 55; 10 g maltodextrin) daily for eight weeks. The contribution of HCP to skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness was investigated against a placebo, while the facial soft tissue sagging (RMS) and safety data were also recorded. Results: HCP was associated with significant improvements in skin elasticity (p = 0.009), skin hydration (p ranged from 0.003 to <0.001), and skin roughness (p ranged from 0.002 to <0.001). In the HCP vs. the placebo group, week eight values for skin elasticity (43.0 (7.4) vs. 40.3 (3.3) mPa, p = 0.017), skin hydration (65.8 (18.9) vs. 53.1 (14.9) g/m³, p < 0.001) and skin roughness (40.2 (20.4) vs. 24.9 (20.9) g/m³, p < 0.001) were significantly higher. In the HCP group, week 8 RMS values were significantly lower than baseline values (1.02 (0.21) vs. 1.10 (0.21) mm, p = 0.012). Conclusions: CollaSel Pro^® HCP can be considered a well-tolerated, safe product that effectively improves dermal health and the appearance of sagging and ameliorates the signs of the aging process.

Keywords: CollaSel Pro®; biophysical measurement; efficacy; hydrolyzed collagen peptide; safety; skin imaging.

Figure 1

Study flowchart.

Figure 2

Skin elasticity (mPa), skin hydration (g/m³), and skin roughness (μg/cm²) values in test product and placebo groups during the study period. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001 compared to baseline measurement in each group.

Figure 3

The Figure shows gravity-induced sagging on the facial soft tissue, with a colored deviation map in the placebo and collagen groups. Furthermore, sagging in the volunteers’ faces for the relevant week is stated quantitatively with the RMS values at the bottom of the Figure. Finally, the color scale of each measurement is presented in the upper corner of the Figure. The green color (zero) on the scale indicates no sagging and red and dark blue indicate sagging in different axes. Accordingly, note the red and dark blue colors on the forehead and around the eyes on day 0 in the collagen group. In the eighth week, the colors were turned into colors closer to zero on the scale. At the end of 12 weeks, the change was preserved. A similar change was not observed in the placebo group.