They appear together on the shelf, often in the same container. But collagen and hyaluronic acid are very different ingredients, and it pays to know what you are comparing before choosing.

What each one is

Collagen is a protein. In supplements, it is used in hydrolyzed form, meaning it has been broken down into smaller fragments called peptides.

Hyaluronic acid is not a protein. It is a polysaccharide, a long chain of sugars, which occurs naturally in the body. In supplements, it is used as sodium hyaluronate.

They are measured on different scales

Collagen is taken in grams: a typical dose ranges from 2.5 to 10 g. Hyaluronic acid is taken in milligrams: from a few milligrams to a few hundred, depending on the product.

This is why a sachet may advertise “collagen + hyaluronic acid” and contain 10 g of the former and 20 mg of the latter. Both figures are accurate; the ratio tells a different story. Always check the milligrams of each ingredient separately.

Where each one comes from

Collagen in supplements comes from animals: fish skin or scales, or beef or pork skin. It is not suitable for a vegan diet.

Hyaluronic acid can be obtained through bacterial fermentation, without any animal-derived ingredients. This is how Eterhydra’s hyaluronic acid is produced, which is why it is a vegan formula.

What the regulations allow you to say

This is where collagen and hyaluronic acid are similar. Neither is authorized in the European Union to make a claim about the skin.

Vitamin C is authorized to make such a claim: it contributes to the normal formation of collagen for the normal function of the skin. This is one of the reasons so many formulas include it.

One, the other, or both?

There is no single answer. It depends on what you are looking for, whether you follow a vegan diet, and the format you plan to take daily. If you combine several supplements, check that you are not doubling up on nutrients such as vitamin C and that you do not exceed the daily dose stated on each container.

Eterhydra contains no collagen. Each sachet contains 200 mg of Bloomage UltraHA® sodium hyaluronate and 80 mg of acerola vitamin C. A concise formula, with each amount clearly stated.

If you want to compare labels with confidence, you will find the complete guide in how to choose an oral hyaluronic acid.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Ellevera Team

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