Description

Marine (Fish) Collagen Peptide

 

 

CAS Number	9064-67-9
Other Names	Fish Collagen, Marine Collagen
IUPAC Name	N/A
Molecular Formula	C₄H₆N₂O₃R₂
Molecular Weight	667.7
Purity	≥99% Pure (LC-MS)
Liquid Availability	N/A
Powder Availability	200 grams, 120 capsules (250mg/capsule, 30 grams bottle)
Storage Condition	Store cold, keep refrigerated. Do NOT freeze.
Certificate Of Analysis	Due to this product’s nature, this chemical does not have a COA associated with it.
Terms	All products are for laboratory developmental research USE ONLY. Products are not for human consumption.

 

What is Fish Collagen?

Fish collagen peptide is a bioactive protein fragment derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen found in fish skin, scales, and bones. Known for its high bioavailability and rich composition of amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, fish collagen peptide plays a crucial role in supporting skin elasticity, joint health, and connective tissue regeneration. Compared to mammalian sources, fish-derived collagen offers superior absorption and lower risk of immunogenic reactions, making it a popular ingredient in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, fish collagen peptide has become a focus of growing scientific and clinical interest in promoting overall health and tissue repair.

 

Main Research

1) Fish collagen peptide was shown to effectively prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth during alopecia.

2) Administration of fish collage peptide has the potential to improve various aspects of human skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling.

 

Selected Data
1) This study performed by the research team of Hwang et al investigated the biological effects of fish collagen peptide (CP) extracted from the scales of Mozambique tilapia on hair growth and dermal health using both cell culture and animal models. The peptide hydrolysate was prepared through enzymatic hydrolysis, with Gly-Pro-Val-Gly-Pro-Ser identified as its key peptide indicator. The hydrolysate had a high hydroxyproline content of 128.79 mg/g and a protein concentration exceeding 83%, confirming its rich collagen composition [1].
Human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs), obtained from Cell Engineering for Origin (CEFO BIO, Seoul, Korea), were used to assess the proliferative effect of CP in vitro. The cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% antibiotics, and maintained at 37°C in a humidified 5% CO₂ atmosphere. The CCK-8 assay was conducted to evaluate CP’s effects on cell proliferation. hDPCs were seeded at a density of 3 × 10³ cells per well in 96-well plates and allowed to adhere for 24 hours before treatment.
CP was tested at seven concentrations including 3.91, 7.81, 15.63, 31.52, 62.5, 125, and 250 ppm, based on ranges commonly used in prior studies. Each concentration was applied to cells for 24 hours under the same incubation conditions. DMEM served as the negative control, finasteride, a known hair growth promoter, acted as the positive control, and Triton X-100 as the blank. After treatment, 10 μL of the CCK-8 reagent was added to each well and incubated for 4 hours. The absorbance at 450 nm (test) and 650 nm (reference) was measured using a microplate spectrophotometer, and cell proliferation percentages were calculated based on control-normalized absorbance values [1].
The in vivo study used 3 week old male C57BL/6 mice. After a one-week acclimation period under controlled environmental conditions, the animals were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) and maintained for six weeks. The treatment groups were as follows: negative control (NC) administered distilled water; positive control (PC) administered finasteride at 1 mg/kg; CP500, a collagen peptide administered at 500 mg/kg; and CP1000, a collagen peptide administered at 1000 mg/kg.
All treatments were administered orally once daily for six weeks. The backs of the mice were shaved at seven weeks of age prior to treatment initiation. At the end of the experimental period, mice were anesthetized with 1.2% avertin for dorsal skin collection. Throughout the study, no significant differences in body weight, food intake, or clinical symptoms including mortality were observed among groups, confirming that CP administration was safe and well-tolerated [1].
Hair regrowth was evaluated by photographing the dorsal skin on day 14 after hair removal. The degree of regrowth was analyzed using ImageJ software and scored based on skin color intensity defined as 0: no hair growth (pink skin); 1: initial growth (gray skin); 2: moderate growth (dark gray skin); and 3: full regrowth (black skin). The hair regrowth score was calculated by measuring the ratio of regrown area to the total shaved area and averaging the weighted sum of these ratios for each group [1].
To observe microscopic changes, dorsal skin samples were fixed in 10% neutral formalin, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned at 5 μm thickness. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and examined under a microscope at 100× magnification. A veterinary pathologist quantified the number and diameter of hair follicles, as well as the anagen/telogen (A/T) ratio, to assess the induction of the anagen growth phase. Anagen follicles appeared large and thick, while telogen follicles were small and flat [1].
To investigate molecular mechanisms, RT-qPCR was performed to quantify mRNA expression of hair growth–related cytokines, including IGF-1, VEGF, TGF-β1, Krt27, and Gprc5d. RNA was extracted from dorsal skin tissues, converted into cDNA, and amplified using a PikoReal 96 real-time PCR system. The thermal cycling conditions consisted of 45 cycles of denaturation at 95°C for 15 s, annealing at 60°C for 30 s, and extension at 72°C for 30 s.
For protein expression analysis, skin tissues were homogenized in RIPA buffer, and total protein was extracted and quantified using a BCA assay. Proteins were separated via SDS-PAGE, transferred to PVDF membranes, and probed with primary antibodies against β-actin, BMP4, BMP6, β-catenin, and Wnt10b. After incubation with horseradish peroxidase–conjugated secondary antibodies, immunoreactive bands were visualized using an enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) detection system [1].
Overall, this experimental design combined cell proliferation assays, animal hair growth assessments, histological analyses, and molecular evaluations to comprehensively investigate the biological activities of tilapia-derived collagen peptides. The results were intended to elucidate CP’s potential role in promoting dermal papilla cell proliferation, enhancing hair follicle development, and regulating key molecular pathways involved in hair regeneration, demonstrating its promise as a natural bioactive compound for hair growth and skin health [1].
2) This clinical study performed by researchers Kim et al evaluated the effects of low–molecular-weight collagen peptide (LMWCP) derived from the skin of the sutchi catfish on human skin health, particularly hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle improvement. The LMWCP used was a collagen hydrolysate containing more than 15% tripeptides, including 3% Gly-Pro-Hyp. Each 50 mL test bottle contained 1000 mg of LMWCP along with a vehicle material, while the placebo had the same composition, flavor, and appearance, but the collagen peptide was replaced with water [2].
The dosage for the human trial was determined based on previous animal studies in which LMWCP improved skin properties such as wrinkle reduction, hydration, elasticity, collagen synthesis, and the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in UVB-irradiated hairless mice. In those studies, effective doses were 167 mg/kg and 333 mg/kg of body weight. Using body surface area normalization, these doses were translated to human equivalents of 13.5 mg/kg and 27.0 mg/kg, respectively. For a 60 kg adult, this corresponded to approximately 810–1620 mg/day. Accordingly, 1000 mg/day was selected as the appropriate dose for the human study.
A total of 70 healthy women aged 40 to 60 years were recruited after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible participants exhibited visible crow’s-feet wrinkles, with scores between 2 and 6 according to a global photodamage scoring system. All participants received clear explanations about the purpose, procedures, and potential risks of the study before signing informed consent forms. Of the 70 volunteers, six withdrew before the study began, and 64 were enrolled. Eleven participants later dropped out for personal reasons, leaving 53 individuals who completed the 12-week trial [2].
Participants were randomly assigned to either the test group (receiving LMWCP) or the placebo group and instructed to consume one 50 mL bottle of their assigned product orally each day for 12 weeks. To maintain consistent conditions and minimize confounding factors, participants were prohibited from taking other dietary supplements or undergoing skincare treatments such as face masks, facial massages, or packs during the study. They were also restricted from using any topical cosmetics other than those provided by the research team during a 2-week washout period before the study and throughout the trial duration [2].
Assessments were conducted at four time points: baseline (0 weeks), 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and two days after completing the 12-week regimen (12 W + 2 D) for safety evaluation. Before each visit, participants refrained from using cosmetic products for 12 hours. At each evaluation, the crow’s-feet area was shaved and cleansed, and participants rested for 30 minutes in a controlled environment of 22–24 °C and 40–60% relative humidity before measurements.
Skin hydration was measured on the cheek using a corneometer, while skin wrinkling was assessed visually by two dermatologists and instrumentally using silicone replicas analyzed with a SkinVisiometer. The instrumental analysis quantified parameters of skin surface roughness, including R1 (skin roughness), R2 (maximum roughness), R3 (average roughness), R4 (smoothness depth), and R5 (arithmetic average roughness). Skin elasticity was evaluated using a Cutometer MPA 580, which applies negative pressure to the skin to measure its deformation and recovery properties. The elasticity parameters R2 (overall elasticity), R5 (net elasticity), and R7 (ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation) were recorded [2].
To ensure consistent test-site positioning for all instrumental measurements, a transparent acetate face mask was used, with the specific crow’s-feet and cheek regions marked after baseline assessment. Participants also completed questionnaires at 6 and 12 weeks, providing subjective evaluations of product efficacy, safety, and satisfaction as a functional food supplement.
Safety assessments included hematological and biochemical blood tests, urinalysis, and vital sign monitoring performed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Blood parameters analyzed included total protein, albumin, liver enzymes, AST, ALT, and γ-GTP, renal markers, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, glucose, total cholesterol, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white and red blood cell counts, and platelet counts. Urinalysis tested for pH, specific gravity, protein, glucose, ketone bodies, bilirubin, and other indicators. Vital signs such as blood pressure and body weight were also measured. Adverse reactions were recorded through participant interviews and questionnaires during the study [2].
Statistical analyses were conducted using both intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches, with a significance level of 0.05. Missing data were handled by the last-observation-carried-forward method. The PP population was used for efficacy evaluations, while the ITT population was used for safety analyses. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and analyzed using paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons. For categorical data in urinalysis, McNemar’s and Mann–Whitney U tests were applied [2].
Overall, this controlled human study was designed to evaluate the effects of oral LMWCP supplementation on key dermatological parameters such as hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction while ensuring participant safety and statistical reliability.

Discussion
1) This study completed by researchers Hwang et al investigated the effects of fish collagen peptide (CP) on hair growth and follicle development using both human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice models. The primary objective was to assess CP’s ability to promote hair regeneration, influence hair follicle morphology, and regulate the molecular pathways involved in hair growth [1].
To begin, the researchers evaluated the cytotoxicity and proliferative effect of CP on hDPCs using a range of concentrations between 3.91–250 ppm. The results demonstrated that CP was safe and promoted cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The proliferation rate was normalized to 100% for the control group, while the 62.5 ppm CP treatment exhibited the highest proliferation rate at 113.98 ± 1.44%, which was not significantly different from the finasteride positive control group. Except for the lowest dose of 3.91 ppm, all CP concentrations significantly increased hDPC proliferation, confirming CP’s potential to enhance dermal papilla cell growth, an important factor in stimulating hair follicle activity.
The in vivo experiment assessed the effects of orally administered CP on hair regrowth in mice. Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: a negative control administered distilled water; a positive control administered 1 mg/kg finasteride, and two treatment groups receiving 500 mg/kg (CP500) or 1000 mg/kg (CP1000) of CP. All treatments were administered orally for six weeks. Hair regrowth on the shaved dorsal skin was photographed every seven days to visually document changes [1].
By day 7, all groups exhibited initial gray skin coloration, indicating early hair growth, but the CP-treated groups displayed darker gray skin than the controls. After 14 days, hair growth was visibly more pronounced in CP-treated and finasteride groups compared to the negative control, which still had areas of visible skin. By day 21, all groups exhibited full regrowth, but CP1000-treated mice showed the darkest dorsal coloration, signifying more advanced follicle development and a stronger induction of the anagen growth phase of the hair cycle.

Figure 1: Changes in hair growth index across all experimental treatment groups
Quantitative analysis using ImageJ software confirmed these observations. The hair regrowth score, based on the ratio of regrown hair area to total area, was significantly higher in the CP500, CP1000, and finasteride groups than in the negative control. The CP1000 group achieved a perfect score of 3.0, equivalent to finasteride, suggesting that collagen peptide supplementation can promote hair regrowth as effectively as a pharmaceutical hair growth agent. Additionally, the regrown hair area was significantly larger in CP-treated groups, further supporting the concentration-dependent effect of CP on hair regeneration [1].
Histological analyses of dorsal skin sections stained with H&E revealed structural differences among the groups. In the negative control group, hair follicles were small, thin, and primarily located within the epidermis, indicating a resting or telogen phase. In contrast, both CP-treated and finasteride groups showed larger and more deeply embedded hair follicles in the dermis, characteristic of active anagen follicles. The CP1000 group exhibited the largest and thickest follicles, exceeding those of the CP500 group. The A/T ratio, a marker of follicle activation, was significantly higher in all treated groups compared to the control, with the CP1000 group closely matching finasteride. This confirms that oral CP administration stimulates follicle transition from the resting to the growth phase.
To explore the molecular basis of these findings, the study measured cytokine and growth factor expression via RT-qPCR. The expression of VEGF, which promotes angiogenesis and improves follicle nutrient supply, was highest in the CP1000 group. Similarly, IGF-1, a factor that supports follicle epithelial cell proliferation and prolongs the anagen phase, was significantly elevated in CP-treated mice, especially in the CP1000 group. Conversely, the expression of TGF-β1, a cytokine known to trigger the catagen phase, was reduced in both CP500 and CP1000 groups, suggesting CP may delay the onset of follicular regression. Expression of Gprc5d, associated with the anagen phase, and Krt27, involved in hair shaft keratinization, were both markedly higher in CP-treated groups, with CP1000 showing the most pronounced increase. The Ki67 proliferation marker was also upregulated, indicating active follicle cell division [1].
Protein expression analysis corroborated these results. Western blotting revealed that CP treatment enhanced Wnt10b and β-catenin signaling, pathways known to activate follicle stem cells and promote hair growth. Simultaneously, CP reduced expression of BMP4 and BMP6, proteins that inhibit hair follicle development. The CP1000 group showed the lowest BMP4 and BMP6 levels, implying that CP fosters a favorable molecular environment for hair growth by activating stimulatory pathways and suppressing inhibitory ones [1].
In conclusion, this study demonstrated that fish collagen peptide enhances dermal papilla cell proliferation, accelerates hair regrowth, increases hair follicle size and density, and modulates key molecular pathways that govern follicle cycling. The effects of the high-dose CP treatment were comparable to finasteride, a standard pharmacological treatment for hair loss. These findings suggest that CP represents a promising natural supplement for promoting hair growth and maintaining follicular health through both cellular proliferation and gene expression regulation [1].
2) This clinical study performed by Kim et al investigated the effects of daily oral supplementation with LMWCP on skin hydration, wrinkle improvement, and elasticity in middle-aged women. A total of 64 participants were randomized into two groups at baseline: 33 were assigned to the LMWCP treatment group and 31 to the placebo group. Statistical analysis confirmed that both groups were comparable at the start of the study, showing no significant differences in age, body weight, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), or crow’s-feet wrinkle severity based on the global photodamage scoring system. These baseline similarities ensured that any observed effects during the study could be attributed to the intervention rather than preexisting differences [2].
Measurements of skin hydration demonstrated a significant improvement in the LMWCP-treated group compared with both their baseline values and the placebo group. In the treatment group, skin hydration increased markedly after 6 weeks and again after 12 weeks. By contrast, the placebo group showed no significant change at 6 weeks, but a smaller yet statistically significant increase was observed at 12 weeks. When comparing the two groups directly, the test group displayed significantly higher hydration levels than the placebo group at both 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The degree of improvement was substantial as skin hydration increased 7.23-fold more in the LMWCP group than in the placebo group after 6 weeks, and 2.9-fold more after 12 weeks. These results suggest that LMWCP supplementation has a robust and sustained effect on enhancing skin moisture content, likely due to improved water retention in the stratum corneum and stimulation of dermal collagen synthesis [2].

Figure 2: Changes in skin hydration with administration of LMWCP or a placebo
The effects of LMWCP on wrinkle reduction were assessed through both visual grading and instrumental analyses. Visually, dermatologists evaluated the crow’s-feet wrinkles using a standardized global photodamage scoring system. In the LMWCP group, wrinkle grades improved significantly after 12 weeks compared with baseline values. Furthermore, at 12 weeks, the visual wrinkle grades in the LMWCP group were significantly better than those in the placebo group. The magnitude of wrinkle improvement in the test group was 10.5 times greater than that observed in the placebo group, highlighting a pronounced anti-wrinkle effect.
Instrumental analysis provided quantitative confirmation of these findings. Using a skin-replica technique analyzed by a Visiometer, several roughness parameters were measured: R1 (skin roughness), R3 (average roughness), and R4 (smoothness depth). In the LMWCP group, these parameters were significantly improved at 12 weeks compared with both baseline and placebo values. Specifically, R1, R3, and R4 values were superior in the test group relative to the placebo group at 12 weeks. Within the LMWCP group, improvements were evident in R1, R3, R4, and R5 after 12 weeks of supplementation. Notably, R3 also showed a significant enhancement as early as 6 weeks. In contrast, none of these skin-surface parameters improved significantly in the placebo group. These results indicate that LMWCP not only reduces the visual appearance of wrinkles but also measurably smooths the skin surface, likely through increased dermal collagen density and reduced degradation by matrix metalloproteinases [2].

Figure 3: Changes in A) crow’s feet visual score, B) R1, C) R3, and D) R4.
Skin elasticity, a key indicator of dermal resilience and structural integrity, was evaluated using a Cutometer device, which measures skin deformation and recovery under controlled suction. The elasticity parameters assessed included R2 (overall elasticity) and R5 (net elasticity). At 12 weeks, both R2 and R5 values were significantly higher in the LMWCP group compared with the placebo group. Within the LMWCP group itself, R5 demonstrated a significant improvement from baseline after 12 weeks, reflecting a measurable increase in the skin’s ability to recover from mechanical deformation. No significant changes in any elasticity parameters were observed in the placebo group throughout the study period. These findings indicate that daily LMWCP intake improves both the functional and structural elasticity of the skin, likely due to enhanced collagen and elastin fiber integrity in the dermal matrix [2].
In summary, oral supplementation with 1000 mg of LMWCP daily for 12 weeks produced significant improvements in multiple skin health parameters in women aged 40–60. Compared with baseline and placebo, the LMWCP group exhibited markedly higher skin hydration, reduced wrinkle depth and surface roughness, and enhanced skin elasticity. The hydration effect emerged as early as 6 weeks, while improvements in wrinkles and elasticity became more pronounced by 12 weeks. In contrast, the placebo group showed only minor changes over time, reinforcing the specificity of LMWCP’s effects. These results collectively suggest that low–molecular-weight collagen peptides derived from fish skin can effectively promote dermal regeneration and slow visible signs of aging by improving moisture retention, smoothing skin texture, and restoring elasticity [2]

 

Disclaimer

**LAB USE ONLY**
*This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. All clinical research must be conducted with oversight from the appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB). All preclinical research must be conducted with oversight from the appropriate Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) following the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

 

Citations

[1] Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(19):11904. Published 2022 Oct 7. doi:10.3390/ijms231911904

[2] Kim DU, Chung HC, Choi J, Sakai Y, Lee BY. Oral Intake of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Improves Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkling in Human Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018;10(7):826. Published 2018 Jun 26. doi:10.3390/nu10070826

 

Marine (Fish) Collagen is sold for laboratory research use only. Terms of sale apply. Not for human consumption, nor medical, veterinary, or household uses. Please familiarize yourself with our Terms & Conditions prior to ordering.