Curious whether vegan collagen is actually real? Here's a plain-language look at what these products contain and the plant actives that support your skin, so you can read labels with confidence. Feel free to explore our plant-based serums as you go.

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What Vegan Collagen Products Actually Contain

Collagen is a protein your body makes naturally, and most collagen supplements come from animal sources like pigs, beef, and fish. So what sits in a vegan version? Many “vegan collagen” products are actually collagen boosters: vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, zinc, and other nutrients that your body uses, along with amino acids, to make collagen on its own. Our vegan skincare takes a different route: no supplements, just plant actives that you apply directly to your skin.

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Why Collagen for Skin Matters as You Age

Collagen helps keep your skin elastic and firm. As you get older, your body naturally slows down collagen production, and you may start to notice fine lines, less elasticity, and skin that begins to sag and wrinkle over time. The good news? Supporting collagen for skin is about steady, consistent habits, not quick fixes or overnight promises. The sections below walk you through three of those habits: nourishing plant foods, daily sun protection, and plant actives in your skincare routine.

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Collagen Serum or Collagen-Boosting Serum?

The difference comes down to the label. A collagen serum lists collagen itself as an ingredient, while a collagen-boosting serum focuses on ingredients that support your skin's own collagen. To tell them apart, read the INCI list (the standardized ingredient names printed on every label), look for the plant actives, and ask the brand where any collagen actually comes from. We show full INCI transparency on every product page.

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Vitamin C and Antioxidants Your Skin Loves

Your body needs nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and copper to make collagen, and plant foods help: think beans, oranges, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, whole grains, and nuts. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps protect your skin. In your routine, our Brightening Face Serum with vitamin C features Kakadu plum, a high source of vitamin C that improves skin radiance and luminosity. It’s suitable for all skin types and designed and made in Quebec.

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Maca and Bakuchiol: Plant Actives Behind Our Superfruit Moisturizer

Here’s where plants do quiet work. Maca extract stimulates collagen production and makes the complexion look glowy and healthy. Alongside it, bakuchiol is a natural compound and retinol alternative that helps prevent blemishes and signs of aging. Our Superfruit Face Moisturizer is ideal for dry or mature skin, day and night, and is designed and made in Quebec by a 100% vegan company certified by the Leaping Bunny Program. 

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Protect the Collagen You Already Have

Supporting new collagen matters, but so does protecting what you have. Wearing sunscreen every day helps stop the sun’s UV rays from breaking down the collagen in your skin. Make sunscreen the final morning step, right after your serum and face cream. Hydration counts too. Whether or not you reach for a collagen face serum, hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity while plumping skin to minimize the look of wrinkles. See our plant-based face serums for hydrating options.

Building a Vegan Routine Without a Collagen Serum

We’re Leaping Bunny certified, and our vegan, cruelty-free serums suit all skin types and come in bulk at our Montreal boutiques. Day and night, apply a drop or two of serum to clean skin, massage it in, then follow with a face cream like the Superfruit Face Moisturizer with Bakuchiol. Our Brightening Face Serum also contains squalane, a plant-derived hydration booster that helps skin appear more vibrant and healthier.

FAQs

Can collagen ever be vegan?

Some scientists say they can genetically modify yeast and bacteria to create animal-free collagen, a truly vegan collagen made in a lab. However, more research is needed to determine whether this version delivers the same results as the collagen traditionally sourced from animals. Since this is an emerging field, expect the science to continue evolving and improving over time. 
Is there any vegan collagen that actually works?

Honestly, there isn’t much research yet on vegan collagen’s benefits or risks, so it’s hard to say with certainty. Most products sold as vegan collagen today are collagen boosters: vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and zinc that your body needs to make its own collagen. Our best advice is to stay a little skeptical of any product making promises that sound too good to be true. We’d rather be transparent with you than overstate what the current evidence supports. 
Is there any point in taking vegan collagen?

That really depends on your own specific needs, and it’s a question worth bringing to a qualified professional for personalized advice. Experts generally recommend getting your nutrients from food first, so a balanced plate often comes before considering any supplement. If you do decide to consider a supplement, be sure to tell your doctor about it. We focus on topical skincare rather than selling supplements or vitamins. 
How do I increase my collagen?

Supporting collagen for skin starts with a few simple daily habits. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and copper to support skin health, wear sunscreen daily to protect what you have from UV damage, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. In your topical routine, plant actives such as maca extract can support a glowing, healthy-looking complexion over time. You’ll find it in our Superfruit Face Moisturizer, which is ideal for dry or mature skin, day and night. 
How do you choose a vegan collagen product?

Start by researching the company behind it and looking up the active ingredients, so you understand what each one does. Stay skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true. For skincare specifically, read the INCI list, the standardized ingredient names on the label, so you know exactly what’s inside before you buy. On a collagen serum, the INCI list also shows whether collagen itself is an ingredient.