Overall score: 8.4 /10
In my view, Granions Collagen+ Beauty marine collagen is a serious formula, well designed and pleasant to take, which ticks the essentials for supporting skin hydration and elasticity. Some aspects could still be optimized (traceability, certifications), but overall it remains very coherent, effective, and safe.
Strengths
- Hydrolyzed marine collagen with low molecular weight.
- Addition of beauty actives (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, biotin, evening primrose)
- Short ingredient list
- No sugar, no coloring, no sweetener
- Light taste, mixes easily
- Metal packaging, little plastic
Areas for improvement
- Slight bitterness on the finish
- Limited transparency on the exact origin of the collagen
- No label such as MSC / Friend of the Sea
What science really says about collagen
As a doctor of pharmacy specialized in nutrition, I had the opportunity to test Granions Collagen Beauty +.
Collagen has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, both for its claimed benefits on joints and on skin hydration and appearance.
Indeed, from the age of 25–30, our natural production gradually declines, by about 1% per year. This is a normal aging process, influenced by age, genetics, UV exposure, smoking, and diet, among other factors.
This decrease in synthesis contributes to the loss of skin firmness and its dehydration, as well as the onset of joint discomfort. It is precisely in this context that collagen dietary supplements have emerged, with the idea of supporting the body’s natural production and delaying the onset of aging.
Before starting this test and beginning the treatment, I wanted to take a detailed look at what science currently says about the benefits of collagen.
The most rigorous studies show moderate but measurable effects on the skin, in terms of skin hydration, elasticity, and visible reduction of wrinkles when collagen is taken over a prolonged period.
This is notably the conclusion of this meta-analysis from 2023, even though it highlights the heterogeneity of the protocols. The authors also emphasize that larger-scale studies are needed.
This triple-blind randomized study, published in 2021, evaluated the effect of taking 10 g of marine collagen per day for 12 weeks, in women aged 45 to 60, with decreased firmness and visible wrinkles.
The researchers observed:
- 35% reduction in wrinkle score after 12 weeks
- +20% elasticity in 45–54 year-olds
- reported improvement in hydration, radiance and firmness
- excellent tolerance
I was also able to find other studies with similarly promising conclusions.
However, I think it is important to keep in mind that most of the studies are carried out by ingredient manufacturers, and the samples are too small to lead to well-established overall conclusions.
With collagen, you can therefore expect potential overall support for the skin’s structure, but you shouldn’t hope for a “miracle” lifting effect.
My methodology
For this test of Granions Collagène+ Beauté, I evaluated the product according to 5 criteria:
- the composition, the quality of the ingredients and their relevance
- the safety and traceability (origin, additives, molecular weight)
- the pleasure of use (taste, smell, miscibility, practicality)
- the brand and user feedback
- the packaging and everyday convenience
Product and brand presentation
Granions Laboratoire is a historic French brand known since 1948 for its trace element therapy solutions in vials. Today, it has diversified and offers dietary supplements for all kinds of issues: sleep, joints, beauty…
The laboratory is located between Sophia Antipolis (where the headquarters and R&D are based) and Annemasse, where the products are manufactured.
The brand claims a very pharmaceutical approach with a rigorous selection of raw materials, regular batch testing, and a team specialized in pharmacy.
Granions is also committed to a strategy to reduce its environmental impact: optimization of industrial processes, recyclable packaging, and a measured reduction in its water and energy consumption.
Collagen+ Beauty
Their Collagène+ Beauté has been formulated to support skin quality: hydration, elasticity, radiance. It comes in the form of a flavored powder with pomegranate, red fruits, or lemon.
Its promise is based on a synergy of low-molecular-weight hydrolyzed marine collagen and other complementary active ingredients: natural vitamin C (acerola), biotin, hyaluronic acid, microencapsulated evening primrose oil, concentrated pomegranate juice.
My opinion based on 5 criteria
Nutrition: 9/10
Type I marine collagen
When I evaluate a collagen, I always look at the quality of the raw material, the process, and what the scientific literature says. Here, Granions Collagène+ Beauté ticks several interesting boxes.
For me, the strong point of this product is that it contains type I marine collagen, the predominant form in the skin and connective tissues of fish. This is consistent with a “beauty” goal, since studies on elasticity, hydration, or wrinkles mostly concern this type.
That said, once the collagen is hydrolyzed, the notion of “type” becomes less decisive. What really makes the difference is the quality of the process and especially the final molecular weight (in Daltons).
Here, Granions indicates < 2000 Daltons, which is a good indicator since scientific studies have shown that at this molecular weight, collagen is well absorbed.
On the other hand, Granions does not use patented collagen (Naticol®, Collyss®, Verisol®, Peptan®…). This is not a sign of poor quality, but a patent generally provides details on the hydrolysis process and clinical data on the exact ingredient that is used.
The other active ingredients
The formula also includes additional active ingredients that I appreciate:
- 80 mg of natural vitamin C (acerola) for its role in collagen synthesis and its antioxidant function. Even if surplus vitamin C does not provide any particular additional benefit on collagen, its presence is still a plus.
- 350 mg of microencapsulated evening primrose oil, which may be beneficial for skin hydration thanks to its richness in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid).
- 100 µg of biotin (or vitamin B8), to help maintain normal skin and healthy hair.
- 9 mg of hyaluronic acid, for skin hydration and firmness. This is an active ingredient that has already shown promising effects but at a much higher dosage. Here, it is therefore useful as additional support, but its effect remains modest.
- Concentrated pomegranate juice, for an additional antioxidant intake.
Overall, I find that the composition is relevant and well thought out.
Safety: 7/10
The product is manufactured in the European Union by Granions, a well-known pharmaceutical laboratory. The laboratory therefore follows strict rules regarding manufacturing and complies with quality standards.
On the other hand, I find that there is a bit of a lack of transparency about the origin of the products. We know that they are of EU and non-EU origin, but there is no clear traceability of the collagen and the other active ingredients.
Also, there is no sustainable fishing label.
Otherwise, the formula is simple and clean: no sweeteners, no preservatives, no colorants. The list of ingredients remains short and easy to understand, which I find reassuring.
Regarding tolerance, the feedback is generally positive: I did not find any major adverse effects among consumers, and digestive tolerance is good, even if some sensitive people may feel slight discomfort, which is common for this type of supplement.
Pleasure: 8/10
On a practical and sensory level, I found it pleasant to take. The taste is light, neither too sweet nor too artificial, which makes it easy to drink in water or a cold beverage.
The taste can be a bit unusual for some palates, with a slight bitterness in the mouth after taking it, and a flavor closer to “bubblegum” than to pomegranate. Personally, it didn’t bother me.
The powder dissolves very well in 200 ml of water, it doesn’t form lumps. Taking it is simple: 10 g or two measuring scoops.
Brand: 9/10
Granions is not a new player in the wellness market. It’s an established laboratory with more than 75 years of experience: that’s a sign of reliability.
As for reviews, the laboratory is rated 4.7 based on nearly 3,000 reviews on Avis Vérifiés, and the reviews are also very positive for the products on their website.
Buyers are satisfied with the quality of the products and the speed of delivery.
Packaging: 9/10
The jar is made of metal except for the closure, which is made of transparent plastic. There is an aluminum seal at the opening, clearly showing that the product is sealed.
No unnecessary extra packaging: just a paper label around the jar.
In practice, I find the format convenient: the jar opens and closes easily, it doesn’t get misshapen, and it stores without any problem. The measuring spoon is provided, which avoids approximations.
It’s not a “premium” packaging (and it doesn’t need to be), but it’s clean, functional, and without unnecessary plastic.
However, I find it a pity that the treatment lasts 27 days. I would have preferred a full month of treatment.
FAQ about marine collagen
How long does it take before seeing results?
Il n’existe pas de durée exacte pour commencer à voir les résultats d’une cure de collagène puisque l’apparition des effets (et leur intensité) dépend de chaque personne. Selon les avis sur les cures de collagène au global, et la durée des études scientifiques, il semblerait que les premiers effets significatifs apparaîtraient autour de 3 mois d’utilisation quotidienne.
Collagène marin ou bovin : lequel est le meilleur ?
On lit souvent que le collagène marin serait plus biodisponible que le bovin. En réalité, ce n’est pas tant la provenance qui compte que la taille des peptides et la qualité du procédé d’hydrolyse. Une étude montre que, à poids moléculaire comparable, les hydrolysats marins et bovins présentent une absorption similaire. Autrement dit : privilégiez si possible (sauf allergie et régime alimentaire pesco‑végétarien) un collagène hydrolysé de petit poids moléculaire et de bonne qualité plutôt que de choisir selon l’origine. En revanche, si vous êtes allergique au poisson ou aux produits de la mer, il faut évidemment se tourner vers un collagène d’origine bovine.
Pourquoi choisir ce Collagène+ Beauté?
Parce qu’il combine :
– un collagène marin type I < 2000 Da, facile à absorber
– des actifs beauté complémentaires (acide hyaluronique, vitamine C naturelle, biotine, onagre)
– une formulation sans sucre, sans colorant, sans édulcorant
– un goût léger et une bonne miscibilité
– la fiabilité d’un laboratoire pharmaceutique français reconnu
C’est un très bon rapport qualité/prix par rapport au reste du marché, et la formule est cohérente pour un objectif “peau”.
