Soluble collagen

Soluble collagen is soluble collagen that is usually isolated from young animal skin (calf, beef, fish) for cosmetic purposes.

Native collagen is an insoluble, extracellular structural protein, a scleroprotein, which is responsible for the strength and flexibility of connective tissue. Native" is the state in which collagen (or another protein) is found in the living organism. With native proteins, the order of the amino acids (amino acid sequence, primary structure), their spatial arrangement (secondary and tertiary structure) and thus their "native" biological activity is retained. Collagen makes up about 25 % to 30 % of the protein total of animals and humans.

By means of simple physical or chemical processes, e.g. heat, bases or weak acids, native collagen can be liquefied (hydrolysed).

Collagen hydrolysates" used in cosmetics are enzymatically hydrolysed, water-soluble collagen. Hydrolysed collagen is used in many cosmetics, especially in hair cosmetics. For instance, it is used to improve the absorption of colorants on hair.

Furthermore, soluble collagen is used in cosmetic formulations as a moisturizer (preserves skin moisture or binds moisture in cosmetic products), film former (forms a film on skin, hair or nails when applied), smoothing agent (reduces skin roughness and smoothes out irregularities), antistatic agent (reduces static charges by neutralizing the electrical charge on the surface, e.g. of hair). It is used as a hair conditioner (makes hair easy to comb, smooth, soft and shiny and gives it volume) and as a skin care product (keeps the skin in good condition).

Decorative Cosmetics: Glamolash Mascara (CLR Berlin)

Skin Care: Collagen Eye Care Cream Gel (CLR Berlin)

Hair Care: Wet-Look Styling Shining Gel

If hydrolysed collagen is purified, concentrated, sterilised, dried and ground, gelatine is produced. Gelatine can bind considerable amounts of water. A special form of collagen hydrolysate is used in food supplements.