Collagen is a structural protein composed of amino acids that create collagen fibers, characterized by exceptional strength and high elasticity. This protein is composed of three left-handed α polypeptides that wind around themselves and their axis to form a right-handed superhelix. The most important types of collagen found in the skin are type I and type III. Cosmetic grade collagen product is specifically processed and formulated for its moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin-repairing properties, used as ingredients in various cosmetic products, such as gels, creams, beauty masks, and serums.
You can choose desired collagen products for your particular use.
Cosmetic Grade Collagen
Food Grade Collagen
Pharmaceutical Grade Collagen
Research Grade Collagen
Cosmetic grade collagen is used in a range of applications, and its molecular weight (MW) plays a critical role in determining its function, skin absorption, and formulation behavior. You can choose desired collagen products for particular use.
Type | Molecular Weight Range | Description | Key Benefit | Typical Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|
Native (Intact) Collagen | ~300–400 kDa | Triple-helix structure (Type I, II, III); high MW; poor skin penetration | Moisture barrier, firming | Film-forming, hydration barrier, anti-wrinkle creams |
Hydrolyzed Collagen (Collagen Peptides) | ~1–10 kDa (often ~3–6 kDa) | Enzymatically or chemically broken down; small peptides | Hydration, bioavailability | Absorbable serums, anti-aging creams, oral supplements |
Oligopeptides / Collagen Fragments | <1 kDa | Short bioactive peptides derived from collagen | Signal skin regeneration | Bio-signaling molecules, booster serums, premium skincare |
Recombinant Collagen / Engineered Collagen-like Proteins | Variable (5–100+ kDa) | Designed for functionality; may not replicate full MW of native collagen | Ethical, tailored properties | Vegan/ethical products, medical-cosmetic hybrids |
Microbial production of cosmetic-grade collagen is an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional animal-derived sources. It involves engineering microorganisms (typically E. coli, Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or Bacillus subtilis) to express recombinant collagen or collagen-like proteins, which are then purified and formulated for cosmetic applications.
Expression System | Transduced Gene | Expressed Collagen | Descriptions | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prokaryote | Escherichia coli | COL1A1 | Type I | Different amino acid expression when compared to natural collagen |
Escherichia coli | COL3A1; L230, L593 (APMV) | Type III | Expression collagen III and mimivirus propyl and lysyl hydroxylases yielded hydroxylation levels similar to those expressed in humans | |
Yeast | Pichia pastoris | COL1A1, PH4A/B | Type I | - |
Pichia pastoris | COL3A1, PH4A/B | Type III | Recombinant hydroxylated collagen III exhibited hemostatic properties in vivo | |
Saccharomyces cerevisiae | COL3A1, PH4A/B | Type III | Computational algorithm determined optimal oligonucleotide sequence | |
Addition of non-native cysteine residues created crosslinking and anchoring sites; increased melting point compared to other RHC |
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