From the science to different collagen types & benefits, here's everything you need to know about this much-loved ingredient.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
CHAPTER 1
Collagen essentials
What is collagen?
Collagen is known for helping to plump and hydrate skin, and support healthy hair, strong nails, as well as healthy joints, mobility and flexibility. But what is collagen and what does it do?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, serving as the primary building block for your skin, muscles, tendons, bones, and joints.
Collagen production naturally slows down as we age, contributing to fine lines and wrinkles, brittle nails, lacklustre hair and weakened joints. Collagen supplements, like The Beauty Chef’s collagen range, can help support the body’s collagen production.
Benefits of using collagen
From bouncy skin to healthy hair and joints, collagen is a multitasking powerhouse that works from the inside out to support your body’s inner health and outer beauty.
Here’s how taking collagen daily can transform your body and health for the better:
Skin health
Collagen renews your skin’s elasticity and deeply hydrates from within. Studies show that collagen peptides stimulate new collagen production, improving skin firmness and visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Hair & nails
Collagen provides the essential amino acids needed for healthy hair growth, nourishing your scalp and strengthening hair follicles. It also promotes longer, stronger nails by supporting keratin production.
Benefits of using collagen
You can support your collagen intake with natural food sources and high-quality collagen supplements. Here are some great options to consider:
Bone broth
Packed with amino acids, bone broth supports natural collagen production for healthy skin and joints.
Marine collagen
(fish skin and scales)
A highly bioavailable source of collagen that enhances skin elasticity and hydration. Commonly available in powder, capsule, and liquid form.
Egg whites
Naturally rich in glycine and proline, egg whites help to fuel your body’s collagen production.
Foods rich in vitamin C
Foods like berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, tomatoes and capsicums, help boost collagen production by supporting the body's natural synthesis process.
Hydrolysed collagen peptides
These are small fragments of collagen, typically derived from bovine or marine sources, that have undergone hydrolysis. Hydrolysis breaks down larger molecules into smaller components by the addition of water.
This process supports the body’s ability to absorb collagen efficiently. Because of this, hydrolysed collagen is usually considered the best form of collagen supplement.
How much collagen should you take per day?
How much?
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Clinical studies found that between 2.5-15 g of hydrolysed collagen peptides each day is most effective. A dose of 2.5–5 grams is considered enough to improve skin health and hydration, but up to 15 grams per day can be beneficial, which is why The Beauty Chef’s range of collagen products can be taken together.
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Clinical studies found that between 2.5-15 g of hydrolysed collagen peptides each day is most effective. A dose of 2.5–5 grams is considered enough to improve skin health and hydration, but up to 15 grams per day can be beneficial, which is why The Beauty Chef’s range of collagen products can be taken together.
When to take
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When it comes to the best time to take collagen, consistency is key. For optimal results, collagen should be consumed daily and ideally around the same time. Regular use allows the collagen to build up in the body, helping to support skin, hair, nails and joint health over time.
The Beauty Chef’s collagen supplements are an easy and delicious way to meet your daily intake with their range of chewables, liquid elixirs and powders. With a variety of flavours and science-backed forms (vegan, marine etc) that you can incorporate into your daily routine through drinks (hot or cold), food, recipes, or on the go (think: gym, work, travel), there’s something in the range for everyone.
What about marine collagen?
Marine collagen is derived from fish by-products. If you’re looking for a 100% clean sustainable source of hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, look for the MSC-certified logo.
Marine collagen is highly bioavailable and rich in Type I collagen - the same type that makes up 90% of the collagen in the skin. When comparing marine collagen vs bovine, the key difference lies in the collagen types they provide.
While marine collagen is predominantly rich in Type I collagen (ideal for skin hydration and elasticity), bovine collagen contains both Type I and Type III collagen making it beneficial for skin, joints, and connective tissue. Type III collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength and structure of blood vessels, muscles, and organs - which is why bovine collagen is often favoured for joint health in addition to its skin benefits.
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CHAPTER 2
Collagen health
Collagen decline
Collagen supplementation can be beneficial at any age, but starting in your late 20s is ideal, as this is when natural collagen production begins to decline.
Whether you're looking to support bouncy, healthy skin or support joint health and movement, the right collagen supplement can help make a noticeable difference.
In Your 20s:
Start here
To promote collagen production in your 20s, adopting a proactive skincare routine, using SPF, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in collagen-boosting nutrients can enhance the body’s ability to produce and maintain collagen levels.
Support your body's natural ability to produce collagen with The Beauty Chef’s collagen range.
In Your 30s:
Support elasticity & improve skin texture
In your 30s, supporting collagen with a high-quality collagen supplement helps maintain skin elasticity, boost hydration and support skin integrity for a smoother complexion.
For an easy and delicious way to level up your collagen, check out check out Plumpers™ Collagen Chewables.
In Your 40s+:
Keep skin firm and springy
In your 40s, collagen supplementation can enhance skin firmness and deliver long-lasting hydration.
As collagen levels decline and other lifestyle factors (including perimenopause and menopause) occur, maintaining a consistent collagen routine becomes more important.
In Your 50s+:
Support skin density and bone strength
In your 50s, collagen levels have substantially declined- by as much as 30% post-menopause - impacting skin density, elasticity, and bone strength. Skin may feel thinner, drier, and more prone to sagging, while joints and bones can begin to feel less resilient.
Supporting your body with hydrolysed collagen peptides may help improve skin hydration and support the integrity of connective tissue.
Collagen supplements can also support joint, ligament and cartilage health to keep your body moving freely. Remember, different collagen types target different skin and health concerns.
In Your 60s+:
Nurture resilience and radiance
By your 60s, collagen production has slowed considerably, making support more important than ever. Skin may show more pronounced signs of ageing such as dryness, sagging, or deeper lines, while muscles and joints may require extra care and support.
Incorporating a high-quality collagen supplement into your routine can help support skin integrity, hydration and overall resilience. Collagen can also play a role in maintaining muscle mass and mobility—key factors in healthy ageing and vitality.
Pair your collagen with nourishing wholefoods, hydration, and gentle movement to support your body from the inside out.
In Your 70s+:
Embrace strength, hydration & glow
In your 70s and beyond, collagen can help support your skin's natural bounce, improve hydration, and provide support for joints, ligaments and cartilage.
Whether you're staying active with walking, enjoying time outdoors, or prioritising self-care rituals, adding collagen to your routine can support joint comfort, skin elasticity, and a vibrant sense of wellbeing. Choose easily absorbed forms like marine collagen or opt for chewables if convenience is key.
With The Beauty Chef's range of collagen powders, elixirs and chewables, there's something for everyone.
Collagen for hair & skin health
One of the most effective and natural ways to improve skin texture and hair health is by incorporating collagen into your daily routine.
Collagen is a vital protein that provides structural support to the skin. As we age, collagen production in the body naturally slows down. By boosting collagen levels, you can support skin elasticity and hydration, resulting in a smoother complexion.
For expert natural beauty tips, check out the book Feeding Your Skin by The Beauty Chef Founder, Carla Oates.
Collagen also supports hair growth by strengthening hair follicles and enhancing blood circulation to the scalp, resulting in thicker, fuller, and shinier hair. Learn more about the benefits of Collagen for hair growth.
Collagen and gut health
When the gut lining is compromised, toxins can leak into the bloodstream, causing annoying and uncomfortable digestive issues like diarrhoea, cramping, bloating, and constipation.
Dr Min Yeo explains how collagen supports gut healing by reinforcing the intestinal walls. Carla Oates also explains leaky gut and its impact in this article.
Collagen is also high in amino acids glycine and glutamine; both essential for repairing the gut lining and enhancing nutrient absorption.
A strong and functioning gut wall is essential for optimal digestion and overall health. In The Gut Guide, Carla Oates highlights the key role collagen plays in supporting and nourishing gut health.
Collagen & perimenopause /menopause
Menopause is a time of transition, bringing changes to the skin and body as estrogen levels shift. As part of a holistic approach to well-being, prioritising nourishing foods, movement, hydration, and inner beauty rituals can help support overall vitality and confidence during this phase of life.
Collagen is a key structural protein that naturally declines with age, influencing skin hydration and elasticity. Ensuring adequate collagen intake through diet and lifestyle choices may help maintain skin smoothness and support inner vitality during this time of transition.
Many women also focus on gut health, hydration, and nutrient-dense foods to feel their best at this stage.
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CHAPTER 3
Collagen foods
The best foods to boost natural collagen production
Did you know that certain foods can help boost your body’s collagen production?
Eating collagen-rich foods is a great way to support collagen production and skin health. Simply adding the following foods to your meals can make a big difference:
Vitamin C-rich foods
Citrus fruits, capsicums, strawberries, tomatoes, and leafy greens all help to stimulate collagen production.
Protein-rich foods
Bone broth, chicken, fish, and eggs are packed with amino acids essential for collagen synthesis.
Zinc-rich foods
Zinc, found in nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds, help support collagen production and promote overall tissue health.
Antioxident-rich foods
Berries, leafy greens like spinach, apples, beans, grapes, and dark chocolate help protect the body from free radicals while supporting and preserving collagen production.
A balanced diet rich in collagen-boosting foods can improve the health of your skin, hair, and nails, while also supporting joint flexibility, bone health, and overall vitality.
Vegan and plant-based collagen
Although collagen is animal-derived, there are still plant-based options to support your body’s own collagen production.
Here are some vegan options to help boost collagen for bouncy skin, healthy hair, and strong nails:
Silica-rich foods
Bananas, oats, cucumbers, and brown rice can help strengthen connective tissues and improve skin elasticity.
Vitamin C-rich foods
Citrus fruits, strawberries, leafy greens, capsicums, and tomatoes are all wonderful sources of vitamin C that help boost collagen by supporting the body’s ability to synthesise it.
Plant-based supplements
Vegan-friendly supplements that include ingredients like antioxidant-rich maqui berry, acai, papaya, blueberry, goji berry and pomegranate powders with grape seed extract, zinc and vitamin C can help enhance collagen synthesis.
Plant-based proteins
Legumes, tofu, quinoa, and hemp seeds are all great sources of protein and essential amino acids that support collagen synthesis.
Supporting collagen if you’re vegan means focusing on nutrient-dense foods that naturally stimulate your body’s collagen production. This way, you can support your skin and overall health goals while staying true to your dietary and lifestyle needs.
CHAPTER 4
The Beauty
Chef collagen
Why choose The Beauty Chef for your collagen needs?
With so many collagen brands across the globe, you may be wondering what sets The Beauty Chef’s collagen range apart?
Founded in 2009 by Carla Oates, The Beauty Chef helped to pioneer the global inner beauty category - effectively shining a light on the link between gut health and skin health.
Since then, the brand continues to lead the way in terms of innovation and research with pure, potent, pre, pro and postbiotic formulas developed by a team of leading microbiologists, naturopaths and nutritionists. Our collagen products are designed to boost and support collagen production, skin elasticity and hydration as well as joint health, mobility & flexibility.
Whether it be a vegan, liquid collagen like Collagen Boost™, a sustainably sourced, clean marine collagen like Deep Marine Collagen™, a product you can pop on the go like Plumpers™ Collagen Chewables, or a joint health & movement complex like Body Collagen™, all of our formulas taste delicious and are easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
A balanced diet rich in collagen-boosting foods can improve the health of your skin, hair, and nails, while also supporting joint flexibility, bone health, and overall vitality.
The Beauty Chef collagen product range: Finding the right fit for you
Incorporating collagen into your daily life doesn’t have to be a hassle! The Beauty Chef offers a variety of collagen options and formulas to fit your goals and lifestyle needs.
Collagen products to suit your needs
Skin, hair & nails
Strengthen nails, support glossy locks and bouncy skin with Hair Biotic™* and Plumpers™ Collagen Chewables.
Fine lines & wrinkles
Support bouncy, springy & firm skin with our collagen skin-loving supplements, Collagen Boost™ Deep Marine Collagen™, Plumpers™ Collagen Chewables and Body Collagen™.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Ways to take collagen
Chewables
Pop, chew, plump with our convenient Plumpers™ Collagen Chewables. Made with science-backed Verisol® hydrolysed collagen peptides and available in six mouth-watering flavours - delicious and perfect for an on-the-go collagen boost.
Powders
Mix 100% clean, sustainable & MSC-certified Deep Marine Collagen™ into your water or favourite drink (hot or cold) - available in Unflavoured (odourless & flavourless), Berry & Peach. Hydrolysed marine collagen peptides deliver a deep hit of hydration and protect against collagen degradation.
Elixirs
Mix our delicious, vegan and wild berry-flavoured Collagen Boost™ — a blend of Certified Organic ingredients, vitamin C and probiotics - into still or sparkling water to boost your skin’s natural collagen production.
To further support your skin and health goals, explore The Beauty Chef’s gut health guides & recipe books, packed with nutritious wholefood recipes, easy meal plans, and expert insights to help support your gut health and achieve glowingskin, naturally.
Real Results:
Testimonials from The Beauty Chef community
Don’t just take our word for it. From improved gut health to bouncy skin, here are some of our glowing reviews:
Collagen FAQs
1. What is collagen and why is it important for skin health?
Collagen is the body's main structural protein, essential for maintaining the skin's firmness, elasticity, and hydration. As we age, our body's natural collagen production declines, which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone and texture.
2. Do collagen supplements actually work?
When you ingest hydrolysed collagen, its small peptides are absorbed by the body and can help to support your skin and joint’s own natural collagen production. For best results, collagen should be taken with vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis—a key reason it's included in The Beauty Chef's Collagen Boost™.
3. What makes The Beauty Chef’s collagen formulas different?
Every formula is grounded in science, using our knowledge of the gut-skin axis to create collagen products that are as efficacious and bioavailable as possible. Collagen Boost™ delivers a broad-spectrum probiotic via Flora Culture®; Plumpers™ Collagen Chewables pairs science-backed Verisol® hydrolysed collagen peptides with the postbiotic L. plantarum L-137; Deep Marine Collagen™ is MSC certified and sustainably sourced, featuring our exclusive probiotic strain GUT5Y™ plus bromelain to aid digestion; and Body Collagen™ blends science-backed Fortigel® hydrolysed collagen peptides with fermented pea protein and hyaluronic acid. Plus, each product is delicious and easy to incorporate into your daily routine—complex formulas, simple rituals.
4. How do I choose the right collagen product for me?
Choosing the right product depends on your personal preferences and wellness goals.
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For a 100% clean, MSC-certified, & sustainably-sourced hydrolysed marine collagen powder, choose Deep Marine Collagen™.
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For a vegan-friendly liquid elixir that supports your body's own collagen production, choose Collagen Boost™.
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For a product you can pop on-the-go, choose Plumpers™ Collagen Chewables, powered by Verisol® hydrolysed collagen peptides.9
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For collagen that supports healthy joints, cartilage and ligaments, choose Body Collagen™, made with Fortigel® hydrolysed collagen peptides.
No matter which Beauty Chef collagen you choose, they’re all delicious with multiple flavour options and can work synergistically together for enhanced results.
5. Is there a vegan option for collagen?
While bovine and marine collagen are unsuitable, you can boost your body’s ability to produce & maintain collagen stores by consuming the right micronutrients. Our Collagen Boost™ doesn't contain animal-derived collagen but is rich in plant-based ingredients like vitamin C and zinc, which are vital nutrients that contribute to normal collagen formation and skin structure.
6. What is the best time of day to take collagen?
The best time to take collagen is whenever is most convenient for you, as consistency is the most important factor. Our bodies can absorb and utilise collagen peptides at any time of day. Simply choose a time that fits seamlessly into your daily routine—whether it's in your morning smoothie, a glass of water, a hot drink in the afternoon, or stirred into yoghurt as a skin-plumping snack. Or simply pop them on the go anytime, anywhere with our Plumpers™ Collagen Chewables.
7. How long does it take to see results from taking collagen?
While results can vary for each individual, many people report noticing benefits to their skin's hydration and texture within 8-12 weeks of consistent daily use. Supporting your body's collagen levels is a long-term process that works with your skin's natural renewal cycles. Consistency is key to nourishing your skin from within.
8. How does gut health relate to collagen and skin?
A healthy gut is foundational for healthy skin because it's where we absorb the nutrients that support collagen production and skin repair. An imbalance in the gut microbiome can hinder this process. The Beauty Chef’s Collagen Boost™ is unique because it contains fermented ingredients with prebiotics and probiotics to support a healthy gut, which in turn helps your body make the most of the skin-loving ingredients you consume. Our Deep Marine Collagen™ also contains Bioavailability Factors™ for gut health and enhanced absorption.
9. Can't I just get enough collagen from the food I eat?
While you can get collagen from foods like bone broth and certain animal products, supplements provide a more concentrated and bioavailable source of specific collagen peptides. The collagen molecules in food are very large, whereas hydrolysed peptides are much smaller and more easily absorbed. Our formulas also have added benefits like probiotics, Bioavailability Factors™ and essential vitamins and nutrients to provide holistic support for your skin.
10. How should I use The Beauty Chef's collagen powders and elixirs?
Our delicious powder and elixir products are designed to be easily mixed and incorporated into your routine. Simply stir a serving of our collagen powders (like Deep Marine Collagen™ or Body Collagen™) into water, a smoothie, or your favourite drink until dissolved. For our liquid elixirs like the Collagen Boost™, mix one tablespoon into a glass of water or your favourite cold drink and enjoy. We also have convenient options for when you’re on-the-go including our Collagen Boost™ sachets and Plumpers™ Collagen Chewables.9
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