Clinically-backed collagen supplements gain popularity for multi-benefit joint and skin health

Consumers are searching for multi-benefit solutions, and targeted collagen peptides and holistic matrices are emerging as answers. Nutrition Insight speaks with BioCell Technology, Bioiberica, Gelita, and Lonza Capsugel, who spotlight their top validated collagen ingredients for joint and skin health. We also learn how personalization and sustainability are driving innovation. 

BioCell Technology’s skin and joint health booster

Adam Ishaq, general manager at BioCell Technology, touts BioCell Collagen’s clinically proven strong bioavailability and systemic absorption. Furthermore, he says it’s not just a simple collagen replacement but a multi-mechanistically validated solution. Emerging evidence supports its role in connective tissue regeneration and skin health.

“Unlike standard collagen products that provide only collagen peptides, BioCell Collagen delivers a naturally occurring matrix of hydrolyzed collagen type II (≥60%), chondroitin sulfate (≥20%), and hyaluronic acid (≥10%) derived from chicken sternal cartilage.”

“This integrated matrix provides key structural and functional components naturally found in skin and cartilage, supporting connective tissue integrity, hydration, and joint function. Its hydrolyzed form enhances the absorption and systemic availability of collagen peptides and glycosaminoglycans,” he explains.

Furthermore, Ishaq notes human clinical studies have shown that BioCell Collagen improves skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle appearance while also imparting joint comfort and mobility. Human bioavailability studies showed a post-supplementation spike in circulating hyaluronic acid.

“Recent evidence further supports its role in improving markers associated with skin aging, connective tissue health, and overall tissue function,” he adds.

Bioiberica’s proactive joint health champion

Mónica Gómez Navarro, marketing manager of Branded Ingredients at Bioiberica, highlights the company’s Collavant n2 native (undenatured) type II collagen, derived from chicken sternum and backed by seven studies.

Bioiberica’s Collavant n2 brings proactive joint care through clinically validated native type II collagen while advancing circular ingredient sourcing.“Recent research shows that a low daily dose of 40 mg of Collavant n2 can support articular cartilage integrity, as reflected by changes in biomarkers such as CTX II, in healthy, active adults. Participants taking Collavant n2 experienced an 18.3% reduction in CTX-II levels, while those in the placebo group showed a 20.6% increase.” 

“This study marks the first time this native type II collagen benefit has been demonstrated in healthy subjects, signaling a major opportunity for collagen brands to innovate and develop products tailored to active, health-conscious consumers seeking proactive joint support,” she remarks.

Gelita’s targeted mechanisms

Meanwhile, Oliver Wolf, in charge of global product promotion at Gelita, outlines the depth of scientific backing and mode of action for the company’s Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCPs).

“Our BCPs are defined by a specific peptide fingerprint — meaning a controlled distribution of peptide sizes and sequences — and that allows us to target distinct tissues. After ingestion, selected peptide fragments enter the bloodstream and interact with connective tissue cells such as chondrocytes in cartilage or tenocytes in tendons.” 

“This interaction stimulates extracellular matrix synthesis through a defined biological signaling mechanism. Over the years, we have built substantial in-house expertise around this lock-and-key principle. And we continue to invest in high-quality clinical and mechanistic research to further expand the scientific evidence supporting our portfolio,” he shares.

Lonza Capsugel’s knee mobility rejuvenation

Lonza’s Capsugel UC-II, an undenatured type II collagen for mobility support, also has a unique mechanism, says Hanna Charron, associate director of Global Product Management.

“Unlike hydrolyzed collagen, we use a patented manufacturing process and proprietary testing method to preserve UC-II undenatured type II collagen’s all-important triple helix structure and epitopes (or bioactive binding regions). This enables its unique mechanism of action — triggering the immune system to help support the body’s natural cartilage repair process and promote building of new cartilage.” 

“As the most researched brand of undenatured type II collagen on the market (in 2025), UC-II undenatured type II collagen is supported by a large body of evidence,” she adds.

Ishaq says BioCell Technology boosts joint and skin vitality with its patented BioCell Collagen matrix, designed for superior absorption.For instance, a six-month study has shown that this collagen helps people feel their joints are younger. Active adults daily supplemented with 40 mg/day, which significantly increased knee flexion. “On average, people lose one degree of knee flexion every 10 years, so this result translates to a rejuvenation of joint function by a decade,” says Charron.

Upcycling at BioCell Technology and Bioiberica

At Bioiberica, circularity is core to its identity, says Navarro. Its health ingredients are derived from by-products of biological raw materials, like chicken sternum, which are upcycled.

“Our focus on circularity equally shapes the sustainable processes we follow. Over the last 50 years, we have put in place policies to improve efficiencies, regenerate water supplies, and curb resource usage, and are on track to achieve a 30% reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.”

“As a vertically integrated company, we’re able to offer maximum assurance in terms of control, traceability, security, cost efficiency, and sustainability. Most of the ingredients we produce come through this vertically integrated supply chain, so we have the right structure in place to ensure full traceability, quality, and safety of ingredients from start to finish,” she shares. 

Meanwhile, Ishaq highlights that BioCell Collagen supports sustainability also by sourcing chicken sternal cartilage by-products. “This upcycling approach helps reduce waste and maximizes the value of existing raw materials rather than requiring additional animal resources.”

Additionally, it is effective at low daily doses of 1–2 g, meaning BioCell Technology needs fewer materials than conventional collagen, helping lower its environmental footprint, he adds.

The company is also conducting research to improve manufacturing efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and explore advanced production methods and alternative biomaterial technologies to support long-term sustainability.

Gelita’s vegan collagen exploration

Meanwhile, Gelita’s long-term commitment to sustainability is grounded in a clear target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, says Wolf.

“We are systematically reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, increasing the share of renewable energy, and continuously optimizing our production processes for higher energy efficiency. Between 2020 and 2022, we reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 10%, which shows that measurable progress is possible.”

Wolf shares that Gelita has started researching non-animal-based collagen alternatives for other sustainable options.“At the same time, we started researching non-animal-based collagen alternatives. This is a strategic step into additional markets and technologies. Our current focus is on non-animal collagen proteins for selected applications in cosmetics, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and medical products.”

Personalized health solutions

Ishaq says BioCell Collagen can address targeted health needs since it is a matrix of collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. This means it can simultaneously address multiple connective tissue pathways, such as for skin, joints, mobility, and healthy aging.

“Ongoing research is expanding the understanding of how BioCell Collagen supports different populations, including active individuals, aging consumers, and beauty-from-within users, allowing for more condition-specific and outcome-focused formulations.”

In addition, BioCell Collagen is being incorporated into diverse delivery formats and combination products with complementary ingredients, enabling more personalized supplementation approaches, he notes.

Furthermore, Ishaq highlights BioCell Technology’s recent BioCell Collagen ERP (Extra Refined Palatable), designed for sensory delivery formats like gummies, lozenges, and chewables. “The product aims to enhance user experience by providing a unique approach to collagen supplementation, making it more accessible and appealing for consumers seeking improved health and wellness options.”

Meanwhile, Lonza Capsugel sees consumers are increasingly combining holistic health needs with personalized solutions, which is driving multifunctional solutions for joint health and other health areas.

“Lonza Capsugel’s proprietary consumer insights reveal that joint health supplement users want products with multiple benefits: 85.2% want energy benefits alongside joint health, followed by enhanced immune function (84.8%) and improved sleep quality (82%).”

She says that UC-II undenatured type II collagen’s low dose enables greater formulation flexibility than other joint health ingredients. This helps create multi-benefit formulations across diverse delivery formats and functional F&B.

At Gelita, Wolf says BCP’s formulation strength lies in its ability to address specific physiological targets rather than providing general protein supplementation. “And we continuously evaluate new peptide variants and functional combinations.”

He points to a recent 12-week study using BCP, where participants consumed Tendoforte and PeptEndure and performed concurrent exercises, showing improvements in muscle recovery.

“For manufacturers, this creates clear opportunities to position collagen-based sports nutrition products more precisely, particularly in post-exercise recovery concepts supported by scientific data,” he details.