Marine collagen has gained popularity in skincare and supplements for its benefits to skin, hair, nails, and joints. In recent years, its appeal has soared as people search for natural ways to support their beauty and wellness routines. Extracted from fish, marine collagen is known for its high bioavailability and effectiveness, making it a go-to for people looking to improve skin elasticity and joint health. And according to Fortune Business Insights, the marine collagen market was valued at $1.08 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $2.32 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.94%.
This surge in interest can be traced back to a broader movement towards ingredient-focussed wellness that relies on transparency and efficacy. However, with the rising demand for plant-based and cruelty-free products, the vegan collagen market is projected to grow at a huge CAGR of 36.4% between 2024 and 2030 (Grand View Research). This shift has led to a surge in people asking questions such as “Is marine collagen vegan?”.
The short answer is no – marine collagen is derived from fish, making it unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. However, there are many effective vegan alternatives that offer similar benefits.
Join us today, as we explore how to incorporate the power of natural, plant-based ingredients into your formulations and routines, to deliver comparable results without compromising on your and your consumers’ ethical values.
What is marine collagen?
Before diving into vegan alternatives, it is helpful to understand what marine collagen is.
Marine collagen is a type of protein found in the connective tissues of fish, such as skin, bones, and cartilage and is often used in skincare products to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and promote hydration.
Collagen is a crucial component of the skin’s structure, providing elasticity, firmness, and hydration and marine-derived collagen. It is composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and when applied topically or ingested, these amino acids can help stimulate the body’s natural collagen production process.
Marine collagen offers several benefits for overall health and appearance; it can improve skin health by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing skin elasticity, and promoting a more youthful complexion, as well as supporting healthier, thicker hair and stronger nails by boosting collagen production. It has also been shown to benefit joint health, as some studies suggest that marine collagen can help alleviate joint discomfort and improve mobility, particularly for individuals with conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Marine collagen vs vegan collagen: Is vegan collagen as good as marine collagen?
While marine collagen is directly sourced from fish, vegan collagen isn’t technically collagen but is formulated to mimic its effects. Vegan collagen is made using plant-based ingredients such as certain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support the body’s natural collagen production. When comparing marine collagen vs vegan collagen, both can enhance skin and joint health, but they do so in slightly different ways:
Marine collagen
Directly provides essential amino acids for collagen synthesis.
Can offer a more immediate effect due to its high bioavailability.
May be more suitable for individuals without fish allergies or dietary restrictions.
Vegan collagen
Supports the body’s natural collagen production by providing essential nutrients.
May have a more gradual effect as it relies on the body’s processes.
Is a great option for vegans, vegetarians, and people with fish allergies.
Ultimately, the best choice between marine and vegan collagen depends on needs, preferences, and dietary restrictions and while marine collagen has been a popular choice, let’s explore some excellent vegan and vegetarian options to consider…
What are the top vegan alternatives to marine collagen?
Aloe Vera
Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera is a fantastic, natural ingredient often included in vegan collagen formulations, as it contains polysaccharides that can help boost collagen production.
Hyaluronic Acid
Sourced from plant-based origins, hyaluronic acid helps retain skin moisture, contributing to a plumper and more youthful appearance, making it an effective component in many vegan skincare products.
Silica
Found in bamboo and horsetail, silica is a mineral that supports collagen synthesis and strengthens hair, skin, and nails. Incorporating silica-rich foods or supplements has been shown to provide some of the benefits attributed to marine collagen.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, including collagen. Vegan collagen supplements often contain amino acids derived from fermented yeast or other plant-based sources to support the body’s natural collagen production process.
Plant based ingredients to support collagen production
While marine collagen is often marketed as directly stimulating collagen production, however although plant-based oils and butters don’t have the same direct effect, they can indirectly support skin health, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Here are some of our favourites:
Coconut Oil
Known for its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil can help soothe and hydrate the skin. It can also help reduce inflammation, which can contribute to healthy collagen production.
Jojoba Oil
Similar to the skin’s natural sebum, jojoba oil can help regulate oil production and prevent dryness. This can help maintain a healthy skin barrier, which is important for collagen synthesis.
Shea Butter
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter can deeply moisturise and nourish the skin. It can also help protect the skin from environmental damage, which can contribute to collagen breakdown.
Avocado Oil
Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, avocado oil can help moisturise and nourish the skin. While it doesn’t directly boost collagen, it can help maintain skin elasticity and prevent premature ageing.
Vegan alternatives to Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
There have been an increasing amount of internet searches for vegan alternatives to Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream after the product took the internet by storm and was named a beauty hero in Vogue. Fortunately, several vegan alternatives replicate its effects using plant-based ingredients:
Bakuchiol
Known as a natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol helps reduce fine lines and improve skin texture without irritation. It’s commonly found in vegan anti-ageing creams.
Squalane
Derived from olives, squalane mimics the skin’s natural oils, promoting moisture retention and elasticity.
Peptide-Rich Creams
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help stimulate collagen production, making them a fantastic addition to vegan skincare routines.
O&3 Thoughts…
With plant-based options, you can create formulations that replicate the skin, hair, and joint health support as marine collagen, without animal-derived ingredients. Whether you’re seeking a vegan alternative formula to Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream or exploring options for people allergic to fish, these natural ingredients provide effective, ethical choices to maintain the health and beauty regimen of increasingly conscious consumers.
Please note that the views/opinions expressed in this blog are solely our own. It is the responsibility of our clients to conduct the necessary testing to substantiate any claims and ensure compliance with industry standards for every ingredient. We will not accept any liability for claims made based on our content.
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