Vegan “Collagen”: What really works

Is there “collagen for vegans”?

Plants don't produce collagen. "Vegan collagen" therefore usually refers to collagen boosters (nutrients that support the body's own production). At the same time, animal-free, fermentatively produced collagens (recombinant/animal-free) are being developed from yeast/bacteria or plant cell factories – currently available primarily in cosmetics; these are still rarely used as dietary supplements .

How does “vegan collagen” (booster) work?

Goal: Provide building blocks & cofactors, slow down collagen degradation.

• Vitamin C – Mechanism: Cofactor of hydroxylases, supports stable collagen fibrils. EU Health Claim: "Contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin ."
• Amino acids (glycine, proline, lysine) – Mechanism: Structural building blocks of the triple helix; sufficient protein supply is the basis.
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) – Oral: RCTs show increased skin hydration after 2–12 weeks. (HA is not collagen, but supplements the skin's extracellular matrix.)

• Plant extracts/mineral substances – Silicon (e.g., from bamboo/orthosilicic acid compounds): Studies indicate improvements in skin microrelief, elasticity, and hair/nail parameters when taken orally. ***** Centella asiatica (Cica/Gotu Kola): Stimulates fibroblasts and collagen synthesis ; clinical evidence is growing, although heterogeneous.

  
  

  Vitamin C – the central lever

  Vitamin C is biochemically irreplaceable for collagen maturation. Without ascorbate, proline/lysine are not sufficiently hydroxylated, and the helix remains unstable. Therefore, vitamin C is a mandatory ingredient in "vegan collagen concepts." (See above for the EU claim for skin/collagen.)

  Food sources (suitable for everyday use):
  Peppers, citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, kale, kiwis – combined with sufficient protein (e.g. legumes, tofu/tempeh, oats, seeds/nuts) to provide the necessary amino acids.

  Animal vs. vegan collagen – what does the evidence say?

  • Animal collagen peptides: solid RCT evidence for skin hydration/elasticity and fine wrinkles; not vegan.

  • Vegan "collagen boosters" : provide cofactor building blocks (vitamin C, amino acids, silicon, phytochemicals). The evidence is more indirect, based on mechanisms and studies on individual components (e.g., vitamin C claims; silicon RCTs; HA RCTs).

  • Fermentatively produced, “animal-free” collagen : technologically available (cosmetics), not yet standard in food supplements.

  Short conclusion

  Those who live a vegan lifestyle make sense by relying on booster concepts (vitamin C + protein/amino acids + silicon + HA + antioxidant plant compounds). Those who accept animal peptides can benefit from direct effects—the decision is ethically/nutritional.

  Product recommendations:

  • • YLUMI VANILLA GLOW PROTEIN / CHOCO GLOW PROTEIN: Plant proteins (rice/pea/hemp) provide amino acids for collagen synthesis; supplemented with vitamin C, biotin (contributes to the maintenance of normal skin), bamboo extract (a source of silicon), matcha, and spirulina. Ideal as a daily base—use cold in a shake or (in warm recipes) primarily as a protein source.

    • BEAUTY x HYALURONIC ACID CAPSULES: Oral vegan hyaluronic acid can improve skin hydration; vitamin C supports collagen formation; zinc/biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal skin. Suitable as a vegan in-and-out counterpart to classic collagen.

    • 2-PHASE SMOOTH SKIN SET: Combines high-quality Lipowheat™, phytoceramides, organic astaxanthin, and organic linseed oil, as well as vitamin B complex from buckwheat germ powder with all important B vitamins (B12, B2), skin-active micronutrients such as zinc from guava leaf, biotin, vitamin C from acerola, vitamin D from lichen, oyster mushroom, and reishi. It is useful as a treatment over several weeks (especially during times of increased UV/stress exposure). (Antioxidant strategies address collagen degradation.)

    “Is vegan collagen a real alternative?” – the sober answer

    • Yes, as a booster approach: Vegan means stimulating the body's own synthesis instead of supplementing with collagen peptides. This is biochemically sound (vitamin C, protein, silicon, HA), and the evidence comes primarily from single-component studies.

    • No, if you expect identical evidence as for peptides: The data for animal peptides is currently more consistent – ​​but not vegan.

    • Future: Fermentatively produced (“animal-free”) collagen could close the gap, but is not yet widely available as a supplement.

    Practical timetable (vegan)

    1. Daily protein (0.8–1.2 g/kg body weight; mixed plant-based) – provides glycine/proline/lysine.
    2. Vitamin C (daily, through diet/product) – collagen formation .
    3. Oral hyaluronic acid (test for 8–12 weeks) – skin hydration .
    4. Silicon (e.g. bamboo/ch-OSA) – evidence of skin microrelief/elasticity .
    5. Antioxidant lifestyle (UV protection, sleep, stress management).

    In short

    Vegans can effectively support the body's own collagen production with protein + vitamin C + silicon + HA and antioxidant strategies. Those who want to remain consistently vegan can benefit from booster concepts. YLUMI offers suitable, vegan-oriented products that address precisely these aspects.

    Sources (selection)

    * PMC+1Journal of Experimental Biology ** PMC+1ScienceDirect
    *** PMCMDPIScienceDirect
    **** MDPI
    ***** PubMedPMC
    Structure & Biochemistry: PMC+1
    Vitamin C & Collagen: PMCMDPIEFSA Online Library
    Collagen peptides meta-analyses: PMC+1
    Oral hyaluronic acid (RCTs): PMC+1
    Silicon (orthosilicic acid compounds): PubMedPMC
    Plant extracts (Centella): PMC
    “Vegan Collagen”/Fermentation: MedicalNewsTodayFoodNavigator.com