Collagen Peptides (Hydrolysed Collagen)
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Collagen Peptides (Hydrolysed Collagen) (Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides (HCP; Collagen Hydrolysate)) is a dietary supplement with 12 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,502 participants, researched for Skin Anti-ageing, Joint Health & Osteoarthritis, Bone Mineral Density and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Skin Anti-ageing
StrongJoint Health & Osteoarthritis
ModerateBone Mineral Density
ModerateBody Composition & Muscle
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Skin Anti-ageing
To study the effectiveness of collagen hydrolysate peptides on skin biophysical parameters related to cutaneous ageing.
Study Type
Double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT
Purpose
To study the effectiveness of collagen hydrolysate peptides on skin biophysical parameters related to cutaneous ageing.
Dose
2.5 g or 5.0 g/day
Participants
69 women aged 35-55
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Both doses significantly improved skin elasticity vs placebo. The 2.5 g dose showed comparable efficacy to 5 g for elasticity. Effects persisted 4 weeks post-supplementation.
How They Measured It
Skin elasticity (Cutometer), periorbital wrinkle volume, TEWL
To evaluate the evidence for oral collagen supplementation on skin anti-ageing outcomes.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the evidence for oral collagen supplementation on skin anti-ageing outcomes.
Dose
Various
Participants
1,125 participants across 19 studies
Duration
4–24 weeks
Results
Significant improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle scores vs placebo. Oral collagen peptides are effective nutraceuticals for skin anti-ageing with up to 90 days of use.
How They Measured It
Pooled data from 19 RCTs on skin elasticity, hydration, wrinkles
The Sustained Effects of Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Skin Health: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
The Sustained Effects of Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Skin Health: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
The effect of supplementation with type I and type III collagen peptide and type II hydrolyzed collagen on pain, quality of life and physical function in patients with meniscopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
The effect of supplementation with type I and type III collagen peptide and type II hydrolyzed collagen on pain, quality of life and physical function in patients with meniscopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Effect of supplementation with type 1 and type 3 collagen peptide and type 2 hydrolyzed collagen on osteoarthritis-related pain, quality of life, and physical function: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Effect of supplementation with type 1 and type 3 collagen peptide and type 2 hydrolyzed collagen on osteoarthritis-related pain, quality of life, and physical function: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
The Effects of Collagen Peptides as a Dietary Supplement on Muscle Damage Recovery and Fatigue Responses: An Integrative Review
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
The Effects of Collagen Peptides as a Dietary Supplement on Muscle Damage Recovery and Fatigue Responses: An Integrative Review
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Hydrolyzed collagen supplementation prior to resistance exercise augments collagen synthesis in a dose-response manner in resistance-trained, middle-aged men
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Hydrolyzed collagen supplementation prior to resistance exercise augments collagen synthesis in a dose-response manner in resistance-trained, middle-aged men
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Collagen Peptide Supplementation during Training Does Not Further Increase Connective Tissue Protein Synthesis Rates
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Collagen Peptide Supplementation during Training Does Not Further Increase Connective Tissue Protein Synthesis Rates
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Joint Health & Osteoarthritis
To evaluate specific collagen peptide supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms and joint function.
Study Type
Double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate specific collagen peptide supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms and joint function.
Dose
2.5 g/day specific collagen peptides
Participants
120 patients with knee OA
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in WOMAC total score and VAS pain. Physical function improved significantly. The collagen group showed greater pain reduction vs placebo from week 8.
How They Measured It
WOMAC, VAS pain, joint function tests
To review the evidence for collagen supplementation for joint health.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review the evidence for collagen supplementation for joint health.
Dose
Various
Participants
Systematic review
Duration
Various
Results
Strong evidence supports collagen peptide supplementation for joint pain reduction in osteoarthritis. Mechanisms include stimulation of cartilage anabolism and anti-inflammatory effects.
How They Measured It
WOMAC, VAS, joint-specific function scales across eligible trials
Bone Mineral Density
To investigate whether specific collagen peptides improve BMD in postmenopausal women with primary osteopenia.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate whether specific collagen peptides improve BMD in postmenopausal women with primary osteopenia.
Dose
5 g/day specific collagen peptides
Participants
131 postmenopausal women with primary osteopenia
Duration
12 months
Results
Significantly increased BMD at spine and femur. Bone formation marker (osteocalcin) increased and bone resorption marker (CTX-1) decreased, indicating net bone anabolism.
How They Measured It
DXA (lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD), serum osteocalcin, CTX-1
Body Composition & Muscle
To assess the effect of collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training on body composition and muscle strength.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess the effect of collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training on body composition and muscle strength.
Dose
15 g/day collagen peptides
Participants
57 premenopausal women
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significantly greater increases in fat-free mass and reductions in fat mass vs placebo + training. Leg press strength increased more in the collagen group. Collagen enhances exercise adaptations on body composition.
How They Measured It
DXA (fat mass, fat-free mass), isokinetic dynamometry (muscle strength), jump performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Collagen Peptides (Hydrolysed Collagen) research
There are currently 12 peer-reviewed studies on Collagen Peptides (Hydrolysed Collagen) (Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides (HCP; Collagen Hydrolysate)), involving 1,502 total participants. Research covers Skin anti-ageing, Joint health & osteoarthritis, Bone mineral density and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (10 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Collagen Peptides (Hydrolysed Collagen) has been researched for: Skin anti-ageing, Joint health & osteoarthritis, Bone mineral density, Body composition & muscle. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 10 out of 12 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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