Effectiveness of an oral anti-aging formula (marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C/E/A, selenium)
Context and composition of the formula
There is growing interest in oral “anti-aging” supplements to reduce the signs of skin aging in people over 40. The formula considered here combines hydrolyzed marine collagen (e.g.Aquacol™), marine gelatin, hyaluronic acid, antioxidant vitamins (C, E, A) and selenium.
Each of these ingredients is said to contribute to the health of skin and connective tissue: collagen provides structural peptides, hyaluronic acid promotes skin hydration, while vitamins C, E, A and selenium help fight oxidative stress and support collagen synthesis.
The overall goal of this combination is to improve the appearance of the skin (hydration, elasticity, fine lines) while providing possible broader “anti-aging” benefits (joint comfort, nails, hair, etc.).
However, it should be noted that clinical data on these systemic treatments remain limited (small samples, short durations, heterogeneous efficacy measures). Despite these limitations,numerous testssuggest that ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid mayinfluence certain signs of skin aging. On the other hand, evidence is lacking regarding other frequently added components (vitamins, plant extracts, trace elements) whose oral anti-aging efficacy is not clearly established.
Results of clinical studies on the skin (hydration, elasticity, wrinkles)
Severalcontrolled clinical trialsand comprehensive analyses have evaluated the effectiveness of oral collagen supplements (often combined with antioxidants) on facial skin.
Overall, these studies converge towardssignificant benefitson skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkles in middle-aged and elderly subjects. For example:
Two recent meta-analyses (2021–2023) bringing together a total of around twenty randomized trials (>1,000 participants, mostly women) conclude that taking hydrolyzed collagen daily for ~90 days improvesskin hydration and elasticitysignificantly compared to placebo, and reduced wrinkle depth.
In practice, these reviews observe a measurable reduction in facial wrinkles and more supple skin in collagen users compared to controls. According to one of these meta-analyses,“Ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days is effective in reducing skin aging, reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity and hydration.”. Positive effects usually become noticeable after 8 to 12 weeks of daily supplementation.
Of theindividual clinical trialsconfirm these observations. In an RCT (randomized controlled trial) conducted on 72 women ≥35 years for 12 weeks asignificantly improved hydration (+22%), elasticity (+9–15%) and skin roughness (-32%)compared to placebo.
Dermal density (collagen in the dermis) measured by ultrasound also increased with the supplement. Notably, the difference between the active group and the placebo group was statistically significant forallthe measured parameters, and these gains lasted for several weeks after stopping the intake.
Participants corroborated these results with positive subjective assessments (more hydrated, firmer skin), and no intolerance was noted.
Another trial (open, non-placebo) tested the formulaPure Gold Collagen®– very comparable to the requested formula, containing hydrolyzed marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamins and minerals – in adults for 60 days.
The researchers observed after 2 months asignificant reduction in skin dryness, wrinkles (notably reduction in the depth of the nasolabial fold), accompanied by an increase in skin firmness.
After 12 weeks of treatment, a significant improvement in thedermal collagen densityhas been highlighted, demonstrating a “plumping” effect on the skin.
These data suggest that this mixture of collagen + hyaluronic acid + antioxidants cancounteract certain signs of skin aging(less dry skin, reduced fine lines, firmer skin).
Ainternal clinical studyconducted by the Richelet Laboratory (supplementRichelet® Skin Regeneration, containing marine collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, natural selenium “Cellenium®”,
vitamins and minerals) also reported significant improvements after 3 months of daily intake.
The results reported show areduction in the appearance of wrinkles in 84% of subjects, and aimprovement in skin elasticity in 99%subjects evaluated by dermatologists.
Additionally, 83% of participants found their skin lookedmore hydratedand comfortable throughout the study.
Although detailed on the manufacturer's website, this data suggests a trend consistent with independent publications, namely a skin
visibly improved after 12 weeks of supplementation.
In summary, most of the tests on this type of formulareport a real gain in skin qualityamong those in their forties and over.
We typically observe better hydrated and more elastic skin, and a slight reduction in wrinkles or fine lines (particularly around the eyes and nasolabial folds) compared to no treatment. Instrumentally, these benefits are measured via an increase in epidermal hydration (corneometry), an improvement in elasticity (cutometer), a reduction in wrinkle roughness/depth (silicone replicas + 3D imaging), and an increase in dermal echogenicity (sign of increased matrix density).
On the planperceptible, users often report softer, suppler skin and a more even skin tone after 2–3 months.
It should be noted that these positive effects require regular daily use over several weeks, and they regress if supplementation is discontinued – suggesting amaintenance effect
rather than a permanent transformation of the skin.
Specific role of hyaluronic acid and
antioxidants
Oral hyaluronic acid (HA), a key component of the formula, likely contributes synergistically to the results observed on the skin.
Trials with HA alone have shown that a daily intake of 120–240 mg of hyaluronic acid cansignificantly increase skin hydrationin a few weeks.
For example, one randomized study found improved skin hydrationfrom 2 to 8 weeksof HA supplementation, both in young and older subjects.
At the same time, skin elasticity tends to increase and skin micro-reliefs fade slightly. A 12-week trial in Asian men and women aged 35–64 reported ameasurable reduction in wrinklesafter oral hyaluronic acid supplementation, compared to a placebo.
Thus, ingested HA appears to support thelubrication and water volume of the dermis, which complements the action of hydrolyzed collagen (rather structure-oriented). As for vitamins C, E, A and selenium, they act mainly as cofactors in the synthesis
collagen and protective antioxidants.
Vitamin C, in particular, is necessary for the formation of new dermal collagen and elastin, and its intake improves the effectiveness of collagen peptides.
Although no study has formally isolated the effectanti-agingof these micronutrients alone, it is accepted that supplementation invitamin Ccan promote skin firmness by stimulating collagen synthesis (hence its almost systematic inclusion in collagen-based formulas).
Therevitamin A(retinol) and thevitamin Eact as antioxidants against photoaging, andseleniumcontributes to anti-radical enzymatic defenses (glutathione peroxidase). Nonehealth claimThere is no specific approved use for these micronutrients for wrinkles, but their presence is intended to indirectly support skin health.
It should be noted that, according to the 2023 narrative review cited above, direct clinical evidence is lacking regarding the isolated anti-aging effect of these vitamins and trace elements taken orally.
Their usefulness is therefore based on theoretical rationale and preclinical data, more than on clinical intervention trials measuring, for example, a reduction in wrinkles due to vitamins alone.
Effects on joints and other aspects of aging
Although themain targetof this formula is the improvement of the skin, certain ingredients like collagen and hyaluronic acid can also have positive effects on other
aspects of aging, including joint health.
Collagen is a major component of joint cartilage, and high doses of hydrolyzed collagen have long been studied for the relief of osteoarthritis.
A literature review in 2023 synthesized the available data on oral collagen and osteoarthritis: despite the heterogeneity of protocols (dose, duration),all studies reviewed reported clinical improvementsin osteoarthritis patients taking collagen, including improved joint function, reduced pain and improved quality of life.
These results suggest that theCollagen supplementation may help with joint comfortand the protection of cartilage in people
elderly or suffering from osteoarthritis.
However, the doses used in these “osteoarthritis” studies are generally higher (usually 5 to 10 g of collagen per day for at least 3 to 6 months).
Indeed, a recent clinical evaluation of the ingredientAquacol™(marine collagen by enzymatic hydrolysis) has shown that adose of 10 g/daywas necessary to observe anoticeable relief from joint pain and improved mobility,
while a lower dose of1 g/daywas enough to improve the skin (hydration, elasticity).
In other words, the “anti-aging” benefits on the skin are obtained with a few grams of collagen, while the effectchondroprotectorand pain relief on the joints requires more substantial intake.
Under the generic formula here (300 mg of marine collagen per dose), it is likely thatthe joint effect is minimal– unless the collagen is highly bioactive at micro-dose or if the daily intake combines several doses.
However, the addition of hyaluronic acid (300 mg) may provide support to joints by improving cartilage lubrication (studies have suggested a slight improvement in joint pain).
with 200 mg/day of HA for 8 to 12 weeks).
We can therefore consider this type of supplement above all as acutaneous “nutricosmetics”, with in
potentially mild positive effects on joints or other connective tissues in aging people.
Furthermore, some users and manufacturers mention
of thebenefits on the appendages(nails, hair) as part of a collagen + nutrient treatment. Indeed, hydrolyzed collagen has been associated with improved nail strength and hair growth in clinical observations.
For example, the Aquacol™ study noted in volunteers aincrease in hair density (+16%) and hair thickness (+26%), as well as a reduction in nail breakage and hair loss after 2 months of supplementation.
Similarly, a small 2017 study reported that taking 2.5 g/day of collagen for 24 weeks significantly reduced nail breakage in women with fragile nails (and increased the speed of nail growth).
These effects on the appendages remainobservations
secondaryand require more validation, but they fit into the idea that this type of supplement canimprove the overall quality of connective tissues(firmer skin, less brittle nails, slightly thicker hair). Again, the vitamins and trace elements (biotin, zinc, selenium, etc.) in the formula support nail/hair keratin, which may contribute to these additional benefits.
Clinical study protocols (duration, doses, samples)
Clinical studies evaluating these supplementsanti-aginghave relatively similar protocols in their broad outlines, with some variations:
Target population:Most trials recruit middle-aged to senior women (usually between 35 and 70 years old).
Some also include men, but over 90% of participants are women in many studies, as this audience is more concerned with anti-aging cosmetics. Participants often show moderate signs of skin aging (expression lines around the eyes, slight loss of
elasticity, skin dryness). Inclusion criteria may require the absence of an aggressive cosmetic routine or dermatological procedure
recent, in order to specifically evaluate the effect of the supplement.
Sample size:Randomized trials
controlled typically include50 to 100 subjectsper group. For example, the Elasten study had 72 participants (36 active vs 36 placebo), another RCT (Matsumoto et al.) on hyaluronic acid involved ~60 subjects (30 vs 30). Some open industry studies were able to include larger samples (up to 100-200 people) but without a control group
comparison. Overall, it is aboutsmall samples, which sometimes limits statistical power, although meta-analyses allow
to compile this data.
Duration of treatment:A duration of8 to 12 weeksDaily supplementation is most often chosen to assess the effects on the skin. It is in 2 to 3 months that the renewal of dermal collagen can begin to manifest itself objectively. Some studies extend up to 16 weeks (4 months) or even 24 weeks (6 months) to observe the continuous evolution of the parameters (for example, the study on brittle nails at 24 weeks, or some studies on osteoarthritis at 6 months).
In general, skin improvementsbegin to be detectable around 4 to 8 weeksand strengthen slightly for up to 12 weeks.
Beyond this, the curve tends to stabilize, although minimal additional benefits may appear (such as an increase in dermal density between 2 and 3 months observed with Pure Gold Collagen®).
Most trials also include a period offollow-up without treatmentof a few weeks to see if the effects persist or fade after stopping – generally, there is a tendency for a gradual return to initial values in the absence of taking, hence the importance of a prolonged course of treatment to maintain the gains.
Tolerance and possible side effects
An important point highlighted by the literature is thegood toleranceoverall effectiveness of these anti-aging supplements. Clinical studies report very few adverse effects, and no serious side effects related
to the product has not been documented to date. For example, the Elasten® drinkable collagen trial noted that supplementation was"well tolerated"by participants, with no difference in adverse events compared to placebo. Similarly, in the open-label Pure Gold Collagen® study, no safety issues were reported over 12 weeks of daily intake. More generally, thenarrative reviewof 2023 indicates that“Oral hydrolyzed collagen and oral hyaluronic acid are well tolerated”,
even though systemic anti-aging treatments are not without adverse effects for some (e.g. low-dose oral retinol can cause
dry skin, etc.). Here, none of the ingredients in the anti-aging formula under consideration are known to cause significant side effects at recommended nutritional doses. Collagen peptides are assimilated like conventional food proteins (fish collagen is also hypoallergenic compared to that of bovine or porcine collagen). Oral hyaluronic acid, being an endogenous glycosaminoglycan, is also very well tolerated; doses of up to 240 mg/day have not shown any negative effects, except for occasional slight bloating or a feeling of satiety.vitaminsC, E, selenium in moderate doses act as classic micronutrients
: they can, in excess, cause disorders (vitamin C >500 mg: digestive discomfort in some; vitamin A >3000 µg: long-term risk for the liver or bones; selenium >300 µg: risk of selenosis with brittle nails/hair). However, in the context of this formula, the doses remain well below the toxic thresholds. It is simply not recommended to combine several supplements containing vitamin A or selenium to avoid overload.
In practice, theonly minor side effects
sometimes reported with collagen/hyaluronic supplements are: a slightly unpleasant taste or smell (with certain poorly flavored marine collagen powders), very rare mild digestive discomfort (transient nausea, feeling of heaviness) or a few spots in people with acne (anecdotal effect not proven, possibly due to other factors).
ThereCochrane review2021 on collagen did not find an increase in side effects vs. placebo in RCTs. Finally, the Aquacol™ study (66 participants)
did not report“no serious adverse events or side effects related to the product”over the entire duration of the study. This confirms that this type of supplement issafe to usefor most individuals in
good health. Of course, as a precautionary principle, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised not to take anti-aging supplements that are not
essential, and people undergoing medical treatment should seek advice (for example, vitamin A is contraindicated in cases of
pregnancy, and excess antioxidants can interfere with some cancer treatments).
But for the average adult over 40,no significant adverse effectsis not associated with an oral cure of collagen + HA + antioxidants in the available literature.
Overall conclusions and recommendations
In summary, available clinical studies – well
that can be improved – suggest that supplements combining marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins (C, E, A) and selenium can provide areal overall improvement in aging skinin men and women over 40 years old.
After 2 to 3 months of daily use, we typically observe better hydrated and more elastic skin, with a measured reduction in
some fine wrinkles.
These benefits, confirmed by instrumental evaluations and user feedback, position this type ofnutricosmeticsas an interesting complement to topical care (creams, serums) and dermatological procedures.
Moreover, there are indications that these formulas can in parallelsupport other aspects of senior well-being, for example by contributing to joint health (less pain, better mobility) and the vitality of the appendages. The safety of the product is reassuring: well tolerated, with no known serious side effects.
However, it should be kept in mind thatThese supplements do not dramatically erase aging.. The improvements, although statistically significant, remain moderate and vary between individuals. Skin that is very marked by age will not become "young" again thanks to a collagen powder or capsules alone - it is rather a question of slowing down and softening some of the effects of time.
Moreover, a critical look is in order: some independent sources point out that the success of oral collagen is also based on marketing, and that all the promises (anti-wrinkle, joints, etc.) are sometimesexaggeratedby sellers. Dermatological experts, however, recognize apotential
efficiencybut insist on the need for additional, more robust studies (larger samples, standardized protocols over the long term)
to build confidence in these interventions.
As it stands, no unanimous official recommendation exists: the health authorities have not
validated allegation“proven anti-aging”for collagen or HA, and consider supplements as aoptional supplement. For example, the 2023 narrative review concludes that most supplements
(vitamins, plants, etc.) lack tangible evidence, and that the future of the fight against skin aging could lie in innovative approaches (senolytic agents targeting senescent skin cells).
In practice, for a man or woman over 40 wishing to improve the appearance of their skin, such a formulacan be considered as a safe and potentially beneficial adjuvant. It is appropriate
to integrate it into a global approach to anti-aging: daily sun photoprotection, balanced diet rich in natural antioxidants,
topical skin hydration, etc.
Meta-analyses and clinical trials indicate that a 3-month course of oral collagen/HAcan bring morein terms of more hydrated, firmer, and slightly less wrinkled skin. Users often report an improvement in the radiance of the complexion and a reduction in the feeling of tightness of dry skin. While not miraculous, this type of dietary supplement therefore constitutes ainnovative cosmetic approachacting from within, with afavorable benefit/risk profile.
It is recommended to choose products that have been clinically studied and to follow the recommended dose for at least 8 to 12 weeks to assess your personal response.
If there is no significant result after this period, it is possible that the user's body will not respond significantly, as effectiveness may vary (genetic factors, skin condition, metabolism).
Finally, it should be noted that these anti-aging supplements can becomplementaryother anti-aging treatments (retinol creams, topical vitamin C, dermatological procedures), but do not replace them. They provide supportoverallmoderate, consistent with the idea that the beauty of the skin is also cultivated "from
the interior.
References:The conclusions presented are based
on randomized clinical trials, open studies and recent scientific reviews, including Puet al., 2023 (meta-analysis
Nutrients), from Mirandaet al., 2021 (systematic review + meta-analysis), the Elasten randomized trial (Bolkeet al., 2019), the Pure Gold Collagen open study (Borumand & Sibilla, 2014), the Richelet® 2021 study, the
narrative review Morgado-Carrascoet al., 2023, as well as other work on oral hyaluronic acid and Aquacol™ collagen. These sources agree in attributing to the collagen + HA + antioxidants formula amoderate but real overall effectivenesson the signs of aging, with very good tolerance of use.