Is there such a thing as Vegan Collagen? How can vegans supplement collagen production?
While collagen supplements have gotten popular lately thanks to their benefits for skin and hair, collagen also plays an essential role to supports connective tissue, muscle, joint, and bone health.
So…what is collagen made from? is there really any vegan collagen supplements?
In this article, I’ll tell you the truth about ‘Vegan Collagen’, the best options, and how to boost your body’s collagen production with plant-based food.
Editor’s Choice: Organifi Glow Vegan Collagen Support
Highlights
- Nice subtle taste
- 13 USDA-certified organic superfood ingredients
- Contains only 19 calories
- Gluten, soy, sugar, and dairy-free
- builds collagen and hydrates repairs skin
- See Details Below
>> Skip to Best Collagen Boosters list <<
What is Collagen? Is it Vegan?
To put it simply, no.
There is no natural collagen source that is vegan.
That’s because collagen is found mostly in hair, skin, nails, bones, and ligaments. It comes from animal sources, such as beef or fish.
Collagen is the main structural protein of different connective tissues.[1] This means it is an important part of what tissues like muscle, skin, tendons, and ligaments are made of.
Collagen exists in the bodies of most animals and humans as the glue that holds everything together and supports bodily functions like skin elasticity and bone strength.
Our bodies produce collagen naturally but the production slows down as we age which results in signs like wrinkles and joint pain.
While this process is completely natural, it is a common practice to supplement collagen in an effort to counteract both its aesthetics and functional effects.
What about ‘Vegan Collagen’ Supplements?
Since collagen is produced naturally by the bodies of humans and animals, an actual ‘Vegan Collagen’ Supplement would be impossible.
However, what we find today in stores are supplements that boost your own’s body collagen production through vegan ingredients. You get the same benefits without any animals involved.
Studies have shown that many plant-based foods have the ability to promote collagen synthesis[2] promoting longevity and even improving the health of hair, skin, and nails
How does ‘Vegan Collagen work?
Contrary to animal-derived collagen supplements that provide a ‘replacement’ source of collagen, Vegan Collagen supplements provide your body with the nutrients it needs for its natural collagen production.
As we have mentioned, your body already naturally makes its own collagen but as the productions slow down with age, you need more nutrients in your diet to counteract it.
Vegan Collagen boosters contain such vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and zinc. Some also include plant extracts and herbs that have been found to help stimulate collagen production.
While you could technically get those through whole foods, A vegan collagen supplement can help you meet those needs more easily by providing a bioavailable (easily absorbed) source of nutrients that acts as a collagen-booster.
Benefits of Vegan Collagen Supplements
Vegan Collagen Supplements give people that live a compassionate lifestyle access to the same and even more benefits than regular collagen supplements:
1. Vegan Collagen Supports Better Skin, Hair, and Nails
Firmer, younger-looking skin is one of the main reasons people take collagen supplements. I don’t blame them, who wouldn’t want nicer tighter skin?
Collagen is a key component of your skin helping strengthen it and possibly stay more elastic and hydrated too. However, as you age and your collagen’s production slows down, your skin can become drier leading to wrinkles and decreased elasticity.
In this scenario, collagen booster supplements are thought to help by stimulating your body’s production of other key proteins, like elastin and fibrillin as well.
Studies have also linked the wrinkle-reducing effects of collagen supplements to their ability to stimulate your body to produce collagen on its own (3).
Some anecdotal claims have also mentioned collagen helping to prevent acne and other skin conditions, but there is not scientific evidence supporting them yet.
Furthermore, vegan collagen boosters could increase the strength of your nails by preventing brittleness and stimulate your hair and nails to grow longer.
2. Vegan Collagen Promotes Recovery
If you are a vegan athlete or have an active lifestyle, you are already reaping the benefits of a plant-based diet when it comes to faster recovery times and less inflammation,
Since Collagen plays a key role in strength of connective tissue including ligaments and tendons, Vegan Collagen Boosters can help you steer clear of sports-related injuries, or simply boost recovery times between training sessions.
3. Vegan Collagen Helps Reduce Joint Pain
Collagen helps maintain the cartilage that protects your joints but as you get older and the amount of collagen in your body decreases, your risk of developing degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis increases (9).
Taking a vegan collagen booster can help protect cartilage and reduce inflammation, leading to less joint pain in and out of the gym.
Some studies have also shown that taking collagen supplements may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce joint pain overall (3).
4. Vegan Collagen Could Help Preserve Bone Density
Did you know that your bones are made mostly of collagen? This is why the decrease in collagen production that happens as we age can lead to bone loss and potentially, higher risks of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Studies have shown that taking collagen supplements could help inhibit the bone breakdown that leads to osteoporosis (5).
The results are promising, but more studies would be needed before the role of collagen supplements in bone health can be confirmed.
5. Vegan Collagen Supports Muscle Mass Gain
Collagen is one of the many proteins that, as we known, are key to muscle maintenance and growth. As collagen production decreases with age, it causes muscle loss that is naturally associated with the aging process.
Not only is muscle important to protect bones and prevent injuries but it also helps maintain a healthy metabolism and increased mobility.
Thankfully, a collagen booster can help to avoid the loss of muscle mass and even support muscle gain in later life when paired with resistance training.
6. Vegan Collagen Could Support Heart Health
Collagen provides structure to your arteries, contributing to keeping them strong and robust. In this sense, scientists have theorized that taking collagen supplements could help reduce the risk factors linked with heart conditions like atherosclerosis.
Nevertheless, more studies on the role of collagen supplements in heart health are needed but it’s just one more of many proven and potential benefits.
Best Vegan Collagen Supplements – Boosters
Now that we have explained the role and benefits of collagen, here is a list of the best Vegan Collagen Supplements available on the market today.
1. Editor’s Choice: Organifi Glow Vegan Collagen Support
Highlights
- Nice subtle taste
- 13 USDA-certified organic superfood ingredients
- Contains only 19 calories
- Gluten, soy, sugar, and dairy-free
- builds collagen and hydrates repairs skin
Glow is the latest product of Organifi, which is already known for offering high-quality supplements. It contains a blend of 13 organic superfoods that provide a super dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, including ellagic acid. All of which have been scientifically proven to boost collagen production and maintenance.
It is sweetened with monk fruit so it is technically sugar-free and each serving has only 19 calories, making it ideal for those on a keto or low-calorie diet.
The taste is subtle, citric, and refreshing so you can drink it with just water or add it to your smoothies.
If you buy through their website, they’ll be including their Complete Guide to Glowing Skin, a PDF guide with a meal plan, and skincare tips.
Organifi offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all its products so is a great reason to try this vegan collagen booster.
Best Customer Review
“I used this for a month and I would say it works pretty well and I honestly wasn’t expecting it too. I am pretty skeptical as I have tried similar products that didn’t do much. I have sort of a dull greyish complexion and my skin now looks so much brighter. My friend even noticed a difference and was unaware that I had tried anything different”.
Worst Customer Review
“The product actually works fairly well. The few times I used, my skin, hair, and nails were all noticeably healthier. The only issue I had with this product, was that the flavor was unpleasant. I purchased the strawberry lemonade flavor and it did not taste anything like strawberry lemonade. In fact, it was so bad I stopped taking it.“
2. Best Taste: Ora Aloe Gorgeous Vegan Collagen Support
Highlights
- 3 g of protein per serving
- Improves skin quality
- High-quality ingredients
- Supports collagen production
- Delicious vanilla flavor
- Certified USDA Organic
Ora’S Aloe Gorgeous is an organic, vegan collagen-boosting powder that has perfected the formula to boost your body natural collagen production.
Its main ingredients are Aloe Vera, Vitamin C & E, Amino Acids, and Silica which give your body the building blocks it needs to produce collagen. It also contains pea protein which has the amino acid lysine that is key for collagen production.
The vanilla flavor is delicious to drink on its own or you can mix in with your smoothies, protein shakes or even your coffee.
Best Customer Review
“This stuff really works. I am vegan so traditional collagen powder from GNC wasn’t an option for me. 3 months after delivering my daughter I lost half of my hair and it was breaking so bad. I add a half scoop of this to my coffee every morning and after a month I started noticing baby hairs growing like crazy. I’ve been using it for 3 months now and I’m truly amazed at how rapid my hair growth has been.”
Worst Customer Review
“The product description says it is Vegan Collagen Powder, whereas the product says it is collagen Boosting powder!!”
3. Best Results: Amazing Grass Glow Vegan Collagen Booster
Highlights
- Contains 100% DV plant-based Biotin
- Provides both C and B complex vitamins.
- Three delicious flavors to try
- Great source of complete protein.
- Certified USDA Organic
- Users say it works to support their skin, nails, and hair
With 15grams of protein per serving, Amazing Glow is the perfect mix between a protein powder and a collagen booster.
This Collagen Booster has a protein blend of peas and brown rice, which ensures you get the full spectrum of amino acids. It also provides an entire serving of daily biotin and a hefty dose of vitamin C and B complex, vitamins that support collagen growth.
With ingredients the likes of organic acerola cherry and rose petal, this product not only sounds promising but provides a dramatic and well-researched effect on collagen synthesis.
This is all backed up by users who report that this product helped make their skin look younger and nails stronger.
They are also USDA Organic certified, gluten-free, and has no added sugar.
While it is available in three flavors: Berry, Chocolate, and Vanilla, there are some complaint from the users about the taste.
Best Customer Review
“Does it taste like berry ice cream milkshake? No, but I will trade flavor for results any day. This product has my skin glowing, plum, and it’s making me look younger. I’m 48 and it’s all about keeping a youthful appearance. This product slam dunks that. I’ve tried other Collagen products and I didn’t get the same results as Glow. This product is better than Botox and it will keep plastic surgery a bay”.
Worst Customer Review
“I’ve been looking for a good vegan protein/collagen powder and was hopeful as this brand has a lot of great reviews. I don’t like the flavor at all, tastes of chemicals to me. And it really upset my stomach.”
4. Best Budget: Garden of Life Plant Collagen Builder
Highlights
- Contains silica known to make hair, skin, and nails beautiful
- Protects skin against UV rays
- Certified USDA organic, gluten-free, non-GMO
- Good value for money
- Users have reported positive results
Alicia Silverstone is an actress and environmental activist that is also the co-founder of Garden of Life’s line Mykind Organics.
This was one of the first plant-based collagen boosters that appeared in the market and the company claims it ‘helps you have beautiful hair, skin, and nails’
While the product contains plant-based collagen co-nutrients such as high polyphenolic pomegranate, the ingredients are listed in a proprietary blend. This means it doesn’t list how much of each ingredient is in the product so we couldn’t tell if it is enough to make an actual change in your body.
It has certifications for everything, including USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan Certified, Gluten-Free Certified, and Kosher.
Best Customer Review
“Two tablets a day make the wrinkles go away! Seriously, I have noticed an improvement in the quality of my skin and hair. I was beginning to develop those nasty little fine wrinkles on my face that have mostly improved after 2 months of using this plant collagen. The tablets are medium size and easy to swallow.”
Worst Customer Review
“Tried this for hair regrowth. Took faithfully. Did not see any results. This was on the pricy side, so I will continue my search for a supplement that will help me with my thining hair.”
5. Best with Ceramides: PlantFusion Plant Collagen Builder
Highlights
- Made from a unique blend of Saberry Amla Fruit extract and amino acids
- Prevents collagen breakdown
- Doubles as a protein shake since it contain 18g of protein per serving .
- Nice thick consistency
- Helps restore the skin’s water barrier
Plant Fusion Collagen Builder Saberry amla fruit extract, amino acids and contains essential plant-based ceramides oils like proline & glycine which the company claims are essential for collagen growth and restoring hydration in the skin and joints.
It also contains a unique ingredient called Oxyphyte which comes from tea and helps not only to build new collagen but to protect your existing collagen.
The powder mixes well into various drinks since it contains tapioca powder which helps it to thicken up and create a nice creamy shake or smoothie.
With 18 grams of protein per serving, this product provides almost as much protein as any other protein powders which means you could ditch your current protein shake.
Best Customer Review
“PlantFusion Complete Plant Collagen Builder contains everything I want in a collagen supplement and it is almost perfect. I just wish the ceramides were double what they are in this supplement. It contains more ingredients that help skin repair itself than any other supplement I have tried. It tastes fine but does have a bit of stevia aftertaste but the chocolate does a good job of masking it.”
Worst Customer Review
“I tried mixing this into my coffee. It did not mix well and made the coffee undrinkable. I have had good experiences with other collagen powders, so I will not purchase this again”
6. Best Fair Trade: Anima Mundi Vegan Collagen Booster
Highlights
- Fairtrade practices
- It contains the adaptogen Schisandra berry, know for increasing energy, physical performance, and endurance as well as increasing resistance to disease and stress.
Anima Mundi Apothecary’s Collagen Boosting Supplement is one of a kind in the ‘Vegan Collagen’ world.
It contains a bioavailable blend of adaptogens, ancient herbs, and flowers known to support repair, and restore collagen production.
Some of the herbs used include horsetail and nettle which contain the collagen co-nutrients silica and calcium, and the adaptogenic ingredients include Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu) and Gynostemma.
This product is also non-GMO, gluten-free, and uses fair-trade practices which means that they offer the highest quality ingredients while also ensuring that farmers get proper payment.
Unfortunately, we can’t know much about the quantity of each ingredient since it is all covered in the label under a proprietary blend.
Best Customer Review
“I’ve been taking this collagen booster for a few years and really noticed a difference and it has really helped with my joint pain and improved my skin. I highly recommend it as a plant-based alternative to collagen peptides”.
Worst Customer Review
“Been taking it every day since I received it and can’t tell a difference in the way I feel‘.
Boost your Collagen with Vegan Foods
Supplements are not the only way you can support your body’s natural ability to produce collagen. Eating the right plant-based foods can also boost your collagen production and give you similar results.
Antioxidants like Vitamin C and zinc, silica, and amino acids (protein) are necessary for your body to produce collagen.[6] On the other side, refined carbs and sugar can cause inflammation and damage collagen.
Consuming the following foods and nutrients can help provide your body with compounds needed for collagen synthesis.
1. Soy-Based Foods
Soy-based products like tofu, soy milk, and tempeh contain genistein, an isoflavone, and phytoestrogen that contains collagen-building properties. It can also help block enzymes that break down the skin’s elasticity.
2. Amino Acids
Amino acids are the foundational blocks of collagen synthesis in the body.
Consuming complete plant-based protein such as peas or quinoa provides your body with the 9 essential amino acids it cannot produce on its own.
3. Vitamin C Foods
Aside from amino acids, vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for natural collagen production. Without adequate amounts of vitamin C, your body can’t even store or form collagen.[7]
Berries and citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C. Berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries also contain antioxidants, which help protect the skin against damage.
Tomatoes and bell peppers are high in vitamin C. Besides, bell peppers contain capsaicin which is an anti-inflammatory that may help fight signs of aging, and tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin.
Furthermore, vitamin C can also help in protecting the skin from UV and free radical damage.
4. Vitamin E Foods
Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the skin against sun damage. Furthermore, when used together its anti-oxidative properties are significantly enhanced.[8]
To get a super dose of antioxidants make sure to consume plant-based foods high in vitamin E like almonds, spinach, avocados, squash, kiwifruit, olive oil, wheat germ oil, and broccoli.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is usually known for its hydrating and calming properties when applied topically on the skin but few know it also supports healthy skin, hair, nail, and collagen growth when ingested[9]
The succulent plant is rich in polysaccharides that can potentially help create larger, stronger collagen assemblies.
6. Nuts And Seeds
Foods like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, cashews, pistachios, and peanuts contain nutrients like copper and zinc that boost collagen production. Make sure to rotate them to get all its benefits.
The Future of Vegan Collagen
Nowadays the only ways to supplement collagen production are with ether an animal-derived collagen supplement or one of the many great plant-based collagen boosters we have mentioned above.
However, science has already discovered a way to make vegan collagen. It is not available to the public just yet but here is what we know about it.
The science behind vegan collagen
Researchers have found that collagen can be made by using genetically modified yeast and bacteria. Particularly a bacteria called bacteria P. pastoris, is the most effective for genetically engineering high-quality collagen.
It is made by adding four human genes that code for collagen to the genetic structure of the microbes. Once the genes are in place, the yeast or bacteria starts to produce the building blocks of human collagen.
Finally, Pepsin, a digestive enzyme, is added to help structure the building blocks into collagen molecules with the exact structure of human collagen.
Once this process is complete…boom! vegan collagen is ready!
When will Vegan Collagen be available?
While Vegan Collagen hasn’t rolled out as a mass-produced product yet, it will bring amazing benefits for both animals and humans.
With the ability to make inexpensive, safe collagen sourced from microbes, people who live a compassionate lifestyle will have access to actual vegan collagen to support their joints, muscle, and skin health.
There is no information yet on where could this be available for the public but let’s hope it is soon. Meanwhile, we can enjoy all the benefits of any of the amazing Vegan Collagen boosters mentioned in this article.
Editor’s Choice: Organifi Glow Vegan Collagen Support
Highlights
- Nice subtle taste
- 13 USDA-certified organic superfood ingredients
- Contains only 19 calories
- Gluten, soy, sugar, and dairy-free
- builds collagen and hydrates repairs skin
TAKEAWAY
For vegans or not vegans alike, collagen is essential for many of our key bodily functions such as skin elasticity, bone strength, and connective tissue repair.
However, as we age our bodies natural collagen production slows down resulting in signs like wrinkles and joint pain.
This can be especially challenging for vegans since collagen comes from animal sources and so do all ‘collagen supplements’ available in the market today.
Fortunately, we also found what is marketed as ‘Vegan Collagen’, which is not an actual vegan compound but rather a plant-based supplement made from ingredients known to boost collagen production.
Vegan Collagen Boosters have proven to deliver great results to its consumers and provide with a cruelty-free alternative to support their natural collagen production.
If you are looking for a Vegan Collagen Booster, make sure to check the list in this article and choose the best alternative for your preferences.