The use of Collagen in Private Label Skin Care

Collagen, the primary structural protein in skin, hair, and nails, plays a critical role in maintaining a youthful appearance as it supports skin structure and elasticity and is therefore a vital component of the skin to target for anti-aging treatments. As collagen production naturally declines with age, the cosmetics industry has attempted counter the signs of aging skin by including it in creams, serums, and masks however its inability to penetrate the skin due to its large size has resulted in less than impressive results prompting the use of topical actives to stimulate collagen synthesis rather than applying collagen itself.

Benefits of Collagen

1. Enhanced Skin Elasticity and Firmness - Collagen supports the skin’s extracellular matrix, which provides structure and elasticity. Boosting collagen helps firm the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and sagging.

2. Superior Hydration and Moisture Retention - As a humectant, boosting collagen production helps attract and retains moisture, making it highly effective for skin hydration. The only real benefit of applying collagen itself due to its inability to absorb creates a barrier that locks in water thus offering skin hydration.

3. Anti-Aging Appeal - Collagen’s association with youthful skin drives its popularity in cosmetics. By boosting collagen it supports skin structure, it helps diminish visible aging signs like crow’s feet and nasolabial folds. Its non-invasive nature makes it an attractive alternative to injectables, appealing to consumers seeking gradual, natural results.

   
   

Overcomming Collagen Absorption Issues

As mentioned above collagen’s effectiveness in topical cosmetics is hindered by absorption challenges as the skin’s stratum corneum acts as a barrier to large molecules. Native collagen’s high molecular weight prevents it from penetrating beyond the skin’s surface. Hydrolyzed collagen found in some skin care creams is broken into smaller peptides however the smaller size offers only slightly better penetration but often remains limited to the epidermis thus only providing skin hydration.

A new era in the application of collagen has arrived and here at Private Label Cosmeceuticals we are excited to use this new generation plant based biotechnological collagen fragment  (Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-47) in many of our products. It is a type 1 collagen fragment produced by Wild Plants which act as biofactories via gene cloning technology. This technology allows the production and extraction of sustainable collagen fragments identical to human collagen type 1 sequence with the proper post-translational hydroxylations required for it to be fully functional. Being a collagen fragment it is small enough to be able to absorb through the skin and help stimulate collagen synthesis as it acts like a building block for collagen production. It also tightens the dermis and epidermis junction while preventing senescence. Studies show its ability to effectively reduce wrinkle length and depth. It is has been called a remastered concept of collagen for a new collagen era showing how breakthrough green technologies can produce natural sustainable biomimetic forms of effective collagen.

Topical Actives to Boost Collagen Production

In addition to using new technological advances in plant based gene cloning production of human collagen specific actives may also be used which also penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen synthesis, offering significant and lasting results.

1. Retinoids - Retinoids, including retinol, are gold-standard actives for collagen production. They accelerate cell turnover and stimulate fibroblasts, increasing collagen and elastin synthesis. Regular use can reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture, though they may cause irritation, requiring gradual introduction.

   
   

2. Vitamin C - Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and cofactor in collagen synthesis. It neutralizes free radicals, protects existing collagen, and promotes new collagen production. When applied topically, vitamin C brightens skin, fades hyperpigmentation, and enhances firmness. Stable formulations are most effective.

   
   

3. Peptides - Various peptides, short chains of amino acids, signal fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin. Cosmetic signaling peptides like Syn-Coll and copper peptide penetrate the skin stimulating collagen production improving firmness and reducing wrinkles. They are well-tolerated, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

   
   

4. Growth Factors - Growth factors, often derived from plant or bioengineered sources, stimulate cell regeneration and collagen production. Used in serums, they enhance skin repair and firmness, particularly after procedures like microneedling. Their potency requires professional guidance to ensure safety and efficacy.

   
   

5. Niacinamide - Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, supports collagen synthesis indirectly by improving skin barrier function and reducing inflammation. It enhances skin elasticity and texture, complementing other actives. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for daily use across skin types.

   
   

Boosting collagen production is the cornerstone of anti-aging cosmetic formulations, offering hydration, elasticity and firmness for the skin. Its anti-aging appeal and versatility make it a consumer favorite, however the large molecular size of native collagen limiting its absorption has encouraged scientists to develop a new generation of effective collagen fragments. Topical actives like retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, growth factors, and niacinamide also help stimulate collagen synthesis thus optimising collagen production. As cosmetic science advances, innovations in delivery systems and formulations may further enhance collagen’s efficacy and you can be sure here at Private Label cosmeceuticals we will be at the forefront of those advances.