Collagen in one glance
Collagen is the body’s most abundant structural protein, the quiet framework that supports skin firmness, elasticity, and smooth texture. It is also essential in cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone, giving tissues both strength and flexibility. In beauty nutrition, collagen is discussed for its role in maintaining the skin’s visible smoothness and the integrity of its underlying architecture.
The essentials
What it is: Collagen is made of long, rope-like proteins arranged as a triple helix, rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Where it lives: Skin (dermis), cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, and vessel walls.
Types you’ll meet:
- Type I – the most abundant, found in skin, hair, nails, and bone.
- Type II – predominant in cartilage, also present in the dermal matrix.
- Type III – often alongside Type I in skin and vessel walls.
Turnover and time: With age, UV exposure, and oxidative stress, collagen production slows while enzymes that break it down become more active. The visible result is a gradual decline in firmness, elasticity, and smoothness.
Absorption and bioavailability
Collagen used in supplements is typically hydrolysed, meaning the long fibres are broken into smaller peptides. After ingestion, these peptides are absorbed and circulate as hydroxyproline-containing fragments detectable in the bloodstream.* In practice, low-molecular-weight hydrolysed collagen is the format most commonly used in human research.
*About collagen absorption: Scientists track hydroxyproline-containing peptides in the bloodstream after ingestion as biomarkers of collagen uptake and utilisation.
Marine versus other sources
Marine collagen is valued for its refined peptide profile and traceability. Beyond origin, what matters most is the composition, daily dose, and whether the format reflects human research.
Why vitamin C belongs in the conversation
Vitamin C is essential for normal collagen formation and contributes to the normal function of skin and cartilage. In premium formulas, it is included at qualifying levels to support collagen metabolism.*
Three things to look for in a collagen formula
1. Hydrolysed peptides – a defined molecular profile to ensure absorption.
2. Human-research alignment – daily doses and timelines that match published trials.
3. Matrix thinking – collagen combined with other extracellular matrix molecules such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), hyaluronic acid, or antioxidants for synergistic effects.
Cartidyss™, our selected form of collagen
What it is
Cartidyss™ is a French-developed marine collagen complex obtained from upcycled skate cartilage (Raja spp.). It naturally combines Type II collagen peptides with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and glucosamine — molecules that are key components of the skin’s extracellular matrix.
What the research shows
In randomised, placebo-controlled human studies, supplementation with Cartidyss™ was assessed using wrinkle scoring and high-frequency dermal ultrasound. Compared with placebo, the active group showed favourable differences in dermal density, dermal thickness, and wrinkle assessments, reflecting improvements in skin architecture.
Origin and stewardship
Cartidyss™ is enzymatically hydrolysed and produced in Brittany and Normandy, France, under EU quality and safety standards. It is sourced from traceable, food-grade co-products of the edible fish supply chain, reflecting a sustainable and upcycled approach to marine nutrition.
Why we selected it
Cartidyss™ represents a refined form of collagen supplementation: a clear human-research dose, defined composition (Type II peptides with GAGs), European provenance, and sustainability credentials. Documented observations confirm its role in supporting skin architecture — an elegant fit for our science-led, minimalist formulation philosophy.
References
[1] Maia Campos PMBG, et al. Oral supplementation with hydrolyzed fish cartilage improves the morphological and structural characteristics of the skin: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Molecules. 2021, 26(16), 4880.
📌 Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not offer medical advice or make health claims. It outlines ingredient characteristics based on publicly available research. Individual responses may vary. For personal health decisions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
