Best For Skin Types
All, Dry, Sensitive, Mature
Addresses
Usage Frequency
Daily
What Is Fish Collagen/Glycoproteins?
Fish collagen is a protein extracted from fish skin and bones, then broken down into smaller peptide fragments (hydrolysed) to improve absorption and usability in skincare formulations. As a humectant, it draws moisture into the skin and helps it retain water, whilst also providing structural support to the skin's upper layers.
Fish collagen is valued as an alternative to mammalian collagens due to perceived safety advantages and a growing body of evidence suggesting it may offer anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting properties beyond simple hydration.
Benefits for Your Skin
How It Works
Hydrolysed fish collagen works primarily by acting as a humectant—drawing water from deeper skin layers and the environment into the stratum corneum, the skin's outermost layer. This increased hydration plumps fine lines temporarily and improves skin texture.
At a cellular level, research suggests fish collagen peptides may interact with skin cells to support barrier integrity and reduce inflammatory markers associated with irritation and sensitivity. The mechanism appears to involve strengthening adhesion between cells and supporting the extracellular matrix that holds skin structure together, though more human studies are needed to fully understand these effects in a topical context.
Clinical Evidence & References
In-vitro and animal studies suggest fish collagen hydrolysate may help maintain barrier integrity and reduce inflammatory responses in skin. Research has shown potential benefits in models of atopic dermatitis and barrier dysfunction, with some evidence for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
However, most existing research focuses on oral or internal administration rather than topical application. Evidence for topical fish collagen's efficacy in human skin is more limited, so claims about anti-ageing or wrinkle reduction should be viewed cautiously. Its primary benefit in skincare is likely hydration and barrier support rather than structural collagen rebuilding, as topically applied collagen molecules are generally too large to penetrate the skin barrier meaningfully.
Published Research
How to Use
Fish collagen is typically found in serums, moisturisers, and masks. For optimal hydration, apply to damp skin and follow with an occlusive moisturiser to seal in the humectant benefits. It works well layered with other hydrating or soothing ingredients and poses minimal compatibility concerns with most active ingredients.
Safety & Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
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Erythritol
Sugar alcohol with humectant properties Attracts and binds moisture to the skin
Ethoxydiglycol
A solvent and humectant that enhances ingredient penetration and hydration
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
A fruit-derived humectant that helps skin retain moisture and manage stress-related damage
Fructooligosaccharides
An oligiosaccharide and carbohydrate made of short chains of fructose units Helps skin retain moisture, promoting a plump, hydrated appearance
Fructose
Fructose is often called fruit sugar, and is a type of sugar
Fruit Enzymes
Natural exfoliating enzymes from tropical fruits
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