While the ingredient has become popular in sports nutrition as well as general consumer wellness concerns like age-related mobility conditions, the main focus of collagen peptide has proved to be for beauty supplements.

According to the latest statistics from Custom Market Insights, the global beauty supplement market is expected to reach $2.9 billion in 2024, but growing consumer evidence of product benefits is being met with a buoyant innovation pipeline, which is predicted to boost the value of the market to $8.2 billion by 2033, representing a CAGR of 12.2% over the period.

Collagen peptides is a driving force in beauty supplements

One of the key ingredients in beauty supplements and functional foods is collagen peptides, which in turn is proving to be a major driving force behind the growth in beauty from within. What is resonating with consumers is a growing body of evidence that it actually can help to boost the appearance of skin, hair, and, to a lesser extent, some evidence it helps with nail growth.

While the biggest demand is being seen in the beauty from within segment, there is also growing interest in both the sports and general wellbeing categories, as more evidence points to how collagen peptide could help strengthen tendons, cartilage and bones, as well as providing sleep and cognitive benefits.

“The health benefit that is attracting the most interest is definitely beauty from within closely followed by sports and active nutrition. as well as healthy aging,” said Angie Rimel, Gelita’s marketing communications manager, for North America. “Sports nutrition encompasses a wide range of various nutritional aspects, such as tendon and ligament support or body toning, that appeal to a market segment spanning athletes to general consumers.”

Targeting a wide range of consumers, from young to old

The benefits aim at a wide range of consumers, including different age groups, from young athletes, through to older individuals who may be experiencing mobility issues.

“Adults of all ages are adding collagen to their arsenal of supplements,” Rimel said. “A young adult may be concerned with body shaping or the athlete wants to strengthen joints and keep them strong for intense training. For an older adult, collagen can help to battle effects of ageing. For this group of consumers, the goal is to maintain quality of life and independence, by aiding their joint mobility and to counteract muscle loss.”