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The marine collagen market is saturated and labels vary widely in quality. Here are 7 objective criteria you can check on any label to compare products before buying, whatever the brand.
1. Hydrolysed peptides, not native collagen
Look for "hydrolysed collagen" or "collagen peptides" on the label. Non-hydrolysed collagen is a protein too large to be properly absorbed.
2. A low molecular weight (in Daltons)
The lower the molecular weight, the more bioavailable the peptides. Benchmark: under 3000 Da. A serious brand discloses this figure; its absence is a red flag for opacity.
3. The actual daily dose
Clinical studies use 2.5 to 10 g of peptides per day. Check the amount per daily dose, not per jar: a powder at 10 g/dose and capsules at 500 mg are not in the same league.
4. The type of collagen: 1 & 3 for skin
Type 1 is the dominant collagen in skin, with type 3 alongside it. Type 2 relates to cartilage: a "joints" product is not a "skin" product.
5. A clean formula
Check the full ingredient list: added sugars, artificial flavours, sweeteners and texture additives have no place there. Collagen should be the main ingredient, not window dressing.
6. Vitamin C synergy
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin: one of the few claims authorised under European regulation in this area. A well-designed formula includes a meaningful dose of vitamin C.
7. Brand transparency
The criterion that sums up all the others: does the brand publish all its dosages, the origin of its active ingredients, and any patents it holds? Be wary of "proprietary blends" with no figures and of spectacular claims that don't comply with regulation (EFSA).
An example: our grid applied to the Matirō Skin Booster
The Skin Booster from Matirō (Matiro), a French brand: clinically tested Aquacol® marine collagen peptides, hydrolysed (criterion 1), 2000 Da (criterion 2), 10 g per dose (criterion 3), type 1 & 3 (criterion 4), no added sugar or additives, gluten- and lactose-free (criterion 5), 500 mg of vitamin C, i.e. 625% of the NRV (criterion 6), and every dosage published on our Transparency page (criterion 7). Made in France.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.