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Collagen’s popularity is more than skin deep. For those committed to a plant-based lifestyle, vegan collagen supplements support natural collagen production without any animal products
Our top picks
With hyaluronic acid and L-Lysine
Starpowa
Starpowa Vegan Collagen Support 60 Gummies
Better than 1/2 price
€24.44
€51.99
High in omega-3
Vitaskin
Vitaskin Vitamin C Collagen Boosting Serum
Better than 1/2 price
€10.35
€22.99
With promises of glowing skin, stronger nails and healthier hair, it’s no wonder collagen supplements have become a go-to for those looking to maintain a youthful appearance.1,2
However, most collagen supplements on the market come from animal sources, leaving vegetarians and vegans searching for alternatives.
Enter vegan collagen supplements. Though they’re technically not ‘real’ collagen, these innovative plant-based options aim to support your body’s natural collagen production, providing the benefits of collagen without relying on animal-derived ingredients.3
Here, we’ve rounded up the top eight vegan collagen supplements to help you support your overall wellbeing while sticking to your plant-based lifestyle – with some extra insights from a Senior Nutritionist, Alex Thompson.
What our in-house expert says about vegan collagen
When we asked Alex about vegan collagen, he explained: “Vegan collagen products contain a variety of individual reform amino acids, either produced synthetically or from a plant source that makes them vegan and vegetarian suitable.”
“Within those blends, you’re certainly going to see glycine and proline alongside some other more minor amino acids that work to stimulate collagen synthesis. You also tend to get vitamin C and antioxidants that protect the collagen from damage.”
He explained that vegan collagen at this stage is very much theoretical. “It has got a sound theory behind it, but I'm not aware of any research that's going to compare to more traditional marine or bovine sources.”
Our top vegan collagen supplements
In addition to these foods, a wide range of vegan collagen supplements are available, providing a concentrated source of the nutrients your body needs to produce collagen.
These supplements come in various forms, including powders, gummies, tablets and skincare products. Discover our top picks…
Starpowa’s Vegan Collagen Support Gummies in delicious cloudy lemonade flavour are a tasty and convenient way to boost your collagen production.
These gummies are enriched with high-quality hyaluronic acid, bamboo-derived silica and a blend of essential amino acids, such as L-lysine. They also include vitamins C, E, D3, niacin and zinc, all crucial for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails.
These vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly gummies contain less than 0.1g of sugar per serving, plus they’re naturally flavoured and sweetened.
Botanycl’s Skinclear Elixir is a fully plant-based supplement designed for women to support healthy skin from within.
Consisting of a blend of saw palmetto berries, coconut oil and sunflower oil, this powder could help balance hormones and reduce excess oil, a common cause of blemishes. Enriched with natural vitamins A and C from mixed carotenoids and acerola cherries, this formula promotes collagen formation, skin cell turnover and a radiant complexion.
These vegan and gluten-free supplements offer a gentle, natural alternative to harsh chemical treatments, addressing the root causes of skin issues and supporting overall skin health.
Starpowa’s Hair, Skin and Nail Gummies offer a tasty and convenient way to enhance your beauty from the inside out.
These bright pink, berry-flavoured gummies are enriched with aloe vera extract and essential vitamins and minerals, such as:
- biotin to help maintain healthy hair and skin
- zinc to support nail health
- vitamin C to aid in normal collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity
With less than 1% sugar, these vegan-friendly gummies are a low-calorie addition to your daily routine. Enjoy two gummies a day and start seeing improvements in as little as 30 days, giving you healthier, shinier hair, radiant skin and stronger nails.
Vitaskin’s Vitamin C Collagen Boosting Serum is a luxurious, vegan-friendly serum designed to reduce fine lines and support collagen production for a smoother, more youthful complexion. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it promotes skin elasticity and firmness while combating signs of ageing.
The serum also includes natural oils, such as kiwi, sweet orange and sea buckthorn, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients are beneficial for reducing redness, supporting an even skin tone and soothing irritation, particularly in sun-damaged or sensitive skin.
This serum is free from harsh chemicals, gentle enough for sensitive skin types and ideal for daily use.
Vitaskin’s Vitamin C Collagen Boosting Night Cream is a hydrating treatment designed to rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.
Vitaskin has formulated this rich cream with high levels of vitamin C and omega oils, sourced from natural ingredients like kiwi seed, sea buckthorn and sweet orange oils. These ingredients work together to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a youthful and healthy glow.
The Vitaskin Collagen Boosting Night Cream recharges your skin overnight, infusing it with moisture and essential nutrients that support collagen production and skin elasticity. Its gentle, nourishing formula makes it suitable for all skin types.
Frequently asked questions
Vegan collagen isn’t actual collagen but rather a blend of nutrients and plant-based compounds that help your body produce collagen – a protein crucial in maintaining the structure and elasticity of skin, joints and other connective tissues.4
“Essentially, you're going to find it in any part of the human body that needs to be strong, but also has that kind of elasticity,” explains Alex.
Your body can produce collagen, or you can get it through your diet or dietary supplements.5
Traditionally, collagen supplements come from animal sources like cows (bovine collagen) or fish (marine collagen).6 While these sources are rich in amino acids essential for supporting the body’s natural collagen production and maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, bones and joints, these products aren’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans.4,7
This is where vegan collagen comes in. The ingredients used in vegan collagen usually include amino acids, vitamins and minerals essential for collagen synthesis, such as vitamin C.4,8,9
There are a few ways that vegan collagen can be created:7,11-13
- microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria, are used to create proteins similar to human collagen
- plant extracts are modified to mimic collagen, which helps the body produce more collagen naturally without relying on animal sources or microorganisms
These innovative approaches ensure you can enjoy the benefits of collagen without compromising your dietary choices.
Boosting collagen production can be challenging when following a vegan diet, since collagen isn’t found in plants. However, several plant-based foods can help support your body’s natural collagen production, such as:13-23
- tempeh
- tofu
- soy protein
- black beans
- kidney beans
- pumpkin seeds
- sunflower seeds
- chia seeds
- pistachios
- peanuts
- cashews
- leafy greens
- citrus fruit
- berries
The final say
Vegan collagen supplements offer a fantastic way to support your body’s natural collagen production without using animal-derived ingredients. Whether you prefer gummies, powders, capsules or skincare products, there’s a vegan collagen option to suit your needs. These supplements help boost collagen production, supporting overall skin health, joint function and vitality.
Remember, while supplements can provide a convenient boost, maintaining a balanced diet rich in foods that help boost collagen production is also crucial for optimal health.
Beauty starts from within, and with the right nutrients, you can glow from the inside out.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Consult a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
- Al-Atif H. Collagen supplements for aging and wrinkles: A paradigm shift in the field of dermatology and cosmetics. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. 2022;12(1):e2022018. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824545
- Deane, C., et al. Animal, plant, collagen and blended dietary proteins: Effects on musculoskeletal outcomes. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2670. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092670
- Warma, S., et al. Revitalizing skin, hair, nails, and muscles: Unlocking beauty and wellness with vegan collagen. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024;jocd.16443. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16443
- Wu M, et al. Biochemistry, collagen synthesis. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709
- Shen F, et al. Biochemistry, amino acid synthesis and degradation. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559250
- Wang H. A review of the effects of collagen treatment in clinical studies. Polymers. 2021;13(22):3868. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13223868
- Li P, et al. Roles of dietary glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline in collagen synthesis and animal growth. Amino Acids. 2017;50(1):29–38. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-017-2490-6
- Lin YK, et al. Oral supplementation of vegan collagen biomimetic has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Funct Foods. 2024;112:105955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105955
- European Commission. Food and feed information portal database: Health claims [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jan 3]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6505
- Peng YY, et al. Towards scalable production of a collagen-like protein from Streptococcus pyogenes for biomedical applications. Microb Cell Fact. 2012;11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2859-11-146
- Báez J, et al. Recombinant microbial systems for the production of human collagen and gelatin. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2005;69(3):245–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-005-0180-x
- Ma L, et al. Expression, characterization, and application potentiality evaluation of recombinant human-like collagen in Pichia pastoris. Bioresour Bioprocess. 2022;9(1):119. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-022-00606-3
- Teoh, SQ., et al. A review on health benefits and processing of tempeh with outlines on its functional microbes. Future Foods. 2024;100330–0. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2024.100330
- Rizzo, J., et al. Soy protein containing isoflavones improves facial signs of photoaging and skin hydration in postmenopausal women: Results of a prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial. Nutrients. 2023;15(19):4113–3. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194113
- Fonseca-Hernández, D., et al. Black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) polyphenolic extract exerts antioxidant and antiaging potential. Molecules. 2021 Nov;26(21):6716. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216716
- Kim, MY., et al. Comparison of the chemical compositions and nutritive values of various pumpkin (Cucurbitaceae) species and parts. Nutrition Research and Practice. 2012;6(1):21. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296918
- Michalak, M., et al. Bioactive compounds for skin health: A review. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):203 https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010203
- Kulczyński, B., et al. The chemical composition and nutritional value of chia seeds — current state of knowledge. Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1242. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11061242
- Mandalari, G., et al. Pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.): Production, nutrients, bioactives and novel health effects. Plants. 2021;11(1):18. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010018
- Gonçalves, B., et al. Composition of nuts and their potential health benefits — an overview. Foods. 2023;12(5):942–2. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12050942
- Schagen, SK., et al. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(3):298–307. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22876
- Kim, DB., et al. Antioxidant and anti-ageing activities of citrus-based juice mixture. Food Chemistry. 2016;194:920–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.08.094
- Piazza, S., et al. A review of the potential benefits of plants producing berries in skin disorders. Antioxidants. 2020;9(6):542. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9060542
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