We'll never find the fountain of youth, but who cares when you've got vegan collagen? We pinky promise it’s not just us adding two buzzy skincare words together and touting it as a saving grace—this laboratory-made ingredient works hard and plays harder (in our favorite makeup, that is).
So, what makes vegan collagen different from its non-vegan counterpart? And why should you be adding it to your beauty routine ASAP? Don’t worry, we’ll let you in on all the secrets, below.
What is vegan collagen?
Odds are, you’ve probably heard of collagen before—or at the very least seen a TikTok of someone pouring a hefty scoop of the pale supplement into a glass of water and downing it for its purported health benefits. And there’s a reason so many people swear by the ingredient for healthier-looking skin.
Traditionally speaking, collagen is a naturally-occurring protein that provides structural support and elasticity to various parts of the body, such as the skin, hair, and nails, says New York City-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. It is made from amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. In cosmetics, not all collagen is vegan.
“Historically, the collagen used in cosmetics is derived from animal sources such as beef, pigs, and fish. Products that use vegan collagen will likely be labeled as vegan or will specifically state vegan collagen in the name or product description,” Dr. Green explains.
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So what makes collagen vegan? It turns out that vegan collagen is not sourced from animals. Instead, it is made using genetically modified yeast and bacteria in a lab. Unlike animal collagen, which is typically sourced from the scales, hooves, connective tissue, and skin of animals, vegan collagen has been engineered to replicate collagen’s natural structure to be almost identical. “Currently, vegan collagen is only available in topical products,” Dr. Green notes. “There are no vegan collagen supplements yet available, there are vegan collagen boosters on the market that work to support and promote natural collagen production in the body.” What does vegan collagen do for your skin?Vegan collagen (and regular collagen) helps hydrate and soften your skin, says Dr. Green, and it can help with elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It can also help your skin appear firmer, too. Is vegan collagen as good as non vegan collagen?This answer is sort of two fold. On the one hand, vegan collagen is a relatively new skincare ingredient. While its chemical composition mirrors that of non-vegan collagen, Dr. Green says it’s too soon to know how effective it is when used. “While animal collagen has been used in cosmetics and supplements for many years, researchers are just beginning to understand the efficacy of vegan collagen,” she explains.
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Is vegan collagen safe for all skin types?Vegan or not, this form of collagen can be used by people of all skin types—including those with hypersensitivity. “While research is still needed to determine its safety, vegan collagen is likely safe to use for all skin types,” Dr. Green explains. Because vegan collagen is produced in a laboratory—AKA a controlled environment—common allergens and other harmful substances can be removed and decrease the risk of allergic reactions to the product. Which milk makeup products contain vegan collagen?We want our beauty products to work harder for us—that’s why we added vegan collagen to our new lip and cheek stain, Cooling Water Jelly Tint. Not only will this long-lasting product help hydrate your skin, the bouncy jelly texture easily glides on for a sheer, buildable burst of color all while absorbing the benefits collagen has to offer. |
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Meet the expert
Dr. Michele S. Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, and a graduate of Yale University and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Her dedication to her patients and her expertise is reflected by her consistent recognition as a “NYC Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine. She is the creator and founder of MGSKINLABs, Inc., a specialty skincare line that she developed in order to meet the diverse needs of her patients.
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