Every morning for the past year, while her coffee brewed and her breakfast cooked, Libby Brodie has poured a glass of water, mixed in a hefty scoop of collagen powder and downed it in one. “It’s probably the only thing I do for my skin,” says Brodie, 42, whose skincare routine otherwise consists of “cleaning my face with a bit of hand wash at night and using some moisturiser in the mornings”.
Her powdered supplement, which costs £32 a month for 40 servings, contains “bovine hydrolysed collagen”, a protein derived from cows. The benefits, according to the manufacturers, include boosted growth for skin, hair and nails, improved joint mobility and “menopause support”.She is unsure if the powder is helping her skin or not,”though peopel do say I look ten years younger than I am. But what I have noticed is that my hair has gotten much thicker.”
Brodie is not the only one buying into collagen: the powders, gummies, capsules and drinks have mushroomed into a multibillion-pound industry. According to recent YouGov polling, 21 per cent of us had used a wellness supplement in the past six months and collagen led the pack, with 15 per cent of women and 5 per cent of men taking it.
Thanks to A-list fans including Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham, collagen-infused coffee has been one of the biggest wellness trends of the year and supermarkets are cashing in too: Sainsbury’s sells a “collagen raw pressed juice” at £4 a bottle and Lidl has stocked “collagen water”. At Joe & the juice you can add a scoop of collagen to your £10 smoothie for an extra 95p, if it’s not in there already, and some health food brands are even selling “collagen brownies”. Various mascaras, foundations and lipsticks use collagen too. But does any of it actually work?
What are the benefits of collagen supplements?
Collagen is a protein produced in the body, which plays a crucial role in providing structure, elasticity, and strength to
The Collagen Craze: Does the Science Back the Hype?
Collagen supplements have surged in popularity, fueled by endorsements from celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and promises of youthful skin,stronger hair,and healthier nails. but does the science support these claims?
Is there evidence for the benefits?
The scientific evidence supporting the benefits of collagen supplementation remains limited. Dr. Anjali Mahto,a consultant dermatologist at Self London,points out that “the majority of collagen supplementation trials are small,often enrolling fewer than 100 participants.” Self London She also notes that many trials are funded by companies selling the products, creating a potential bias, and that even positive results often show only “modest” improvements.”A 5 to 10 per cent increase in hydration, such as, may not result in any meaningful change to the skin’s clinical appearance.”
Clinicians are often skeptical. Dermatologist and clinical lecturer at King’s College London, Beibei Du-Harpur, explains, “There is no collagen in your hair or nails; there might potentially be around the cuticles or in the deeper layers of the scalp, but their role in promoting hair or nail growth and quality is not proven.” King’s College London She attributes the popularity of collagen to effective marketing, stating, “People love the idea of shortcuts.”
While collagen supplements are generally considered safe, Du-Harpur cautions that “supplements in general operate within a regulatory blind spot and are not well studied for side-effects, or tested to high standards for contamination.” the UK government provides guidance on regulating food supplements. She highlights the perception that doctor-prescribed drugs carry more risk than readily available supplements,despite the lack of rigorous testing for the latter.
Experts suggest that perceived benefits may be linked to broader lifestyle factors. Mahto believes that individuals who regularly purchase collagen products are also more likely to prioritize overall skin health through consistent sunscreen use, retinoid application, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. “These habits are more likely to influence skin quality than a powder you add to coffee.” The American Academy of Dermatology provides facts on healthy skin habits.
Date: november 29, 2025, 15:00:00 GMT.