Before becoming a molecule available on the market, collagen is simply a protein found in you and me: it is a component of our body.
In the skin, joints, bones, muscles or blood vessels, this macromolecule — it’s called that because it’s a large protein — provides support and strength to tissues. Collagen contributes to the foundations of our internal structure.
In creams, other facial treatments, and dietary supplements, collagen helps keep skin plump and radiant, smooths fine lines and keeps joints in great shape.
Although it mainly comes from cattle and fish, you may have already come across on the market a collagen described as ‘ vegetal‘. So what’s the deal?
Read also | The 3 best marine collagens according to a pharmacist
The ‘vegetal collagen’: a marketing term
Plants do not produce collagen
The idea is appealing, but the vegetal collagen does not really exist. It is a structural protein found exclusively in humans and throughout the animal kingdom.
Plants, unlike us, do not need collagen to support their various structures. No need for plants to produce it.
When you read the label “plant collagen” on a beauty or nutricosmetics product, it is either a complex of amino acids that attempts to reproduce the composition of animal collagen, or plants and nutrients that support the natural production of the protein.
Plant collagen exists to meet the demand for vegan products or those with a lower environmental impact. So it’s primarily a marketing term, just like “vegan collagen”.
The composition of vegetal collagen in cosmetics
You may have noticed, the term “plant collagen” is very widespread in the natural beauty sphere. Many brands market it as an active ingredient to improve the appearance of skin and hair.
Looking more closely at the composition of the products in question, I found that brands mainly use yeasts, soy and wheat extracts, and other plants.
Glycoproteins similar to the composition of animal collagen are extracted from these, as I read in this study.
These collagen substitutes in cosmetics are used to soften the skin, smooth mature and wrinkled skin, and promote cell regeneration.
4 plants to naturally boost collagen production
Just because plants do not have the ability to produce collagen directly does not mean they cannot contribute to its synthesis within our body.
Some plants contain molecules and nutrients that facilitate its production, an interesting alternative for people who do not want to use animal-derived products.
1. Rosehip, rich in nutrients
This is the plant that produces the most renowned vegetable oil and essential oil for mature skin.
Rosehip contains vitamin C, which boosts collagen synthesis, and has antioxidant properties that help prevent its degradation. I recommend reading this study on the subject.
Furthermore, it contains linoleic and linolenic acids, which help maintain the skin’s hydro-lipid barrier; it would be a shame to do without them.
2. Ginseng
Some studies have shown ginseng’s effects on the skin as a anti-aging agent, thanks to its main compound: ginsenoside.
It may act in particular by regulating levels of matrix metalloproteinases in human type I fibroblast collagen to improve the skin’s elasticity and water content.
In short, it may help improve collagen effectiveness.
3. The Centella Asiatica
Also called Gotu Kola, it is less well known than other plants in cosmetics. However, it has very interesting properties based on my reading.
Some studies have shown that this plant could promote fibroblast proliferation – the cells that produce collagen – and therefore synthesize more collagen.
While more studies are needed, I find that it is a very promising plant in cosmetics.
4. Bamboo
There are no specific scientific studies showing that the use of bamboo in cosmetics or supplements increases collagen production.
Nevertheless, this plant contains silica, a trace element that participates in collagen synthesis.
Moreover, it has antioxidant and soothing properties that could provide a favorable environment for the maintenance and synthesis of the protein.
