Collagen
What is collagen.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for approximately 30% of total protein content. It provides structural support to skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue.
In the skin specifically, collagen comprises roughly 75 to 80% of the dry weight. It forms a dense network in the dermis, the structural layer beneath the epidermis, providing firmness, elasticity, and hydration. When this network weakens, the visible result is fine lines, sagging, and reduced skin resilience.
Why collagen declines.
From the mid-twenties, the body’s natural collagen production begins to decline at an estimated rate of 1 to 1.5% per year.
The decline is accelerated by UV exposure, smoking, high sugar intake, chronic stress, and poor sleep. That decline also accelerates after menopause.
This decline is not cosmetic alone. Collagen loss affects joint flexibility, bone density, gut lining integrity, and cardiovascular structure. Skin changes are the most visible marker of a systemic process.
Types of collagen.
The human body contains at least 28 identified types of collagen. Three account for the vast majority of collagen in the body:
| Type | % of body collagen | Primary location | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | ~90% | Skin, bone, tendon, ligament, teeth | Structural strength and skin firmness |
| Type II | ~10% | Cartilage, vitreous humour | Cushioning and joint flexibility |
| Type III | ~5 to 10% | Skin, blood vessels, organs | Skin elasticity and vascular structure |
For skin health, Type I and Type III are the most relevant. Type I provides tensile strength. Type III provides elasticity. Both decline with age.
Marine vs bovine collagen.
The two most common supplemental collagen sources are marine (fish) and bovine (cattle). They differ in collagen type, molecular weight, and environmental profile.
| Factor | Marine collagen | Bovine collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Primary types | Type I and Type III | Type I and Type II |
| Source | Fish skin and scales | Cattle hide and bone |
| Molecular weight | Lower (~3,000 to 5,000 Da) | Higher (~5,000 to 300,000 Da) |
| Allergen | Fish | None (unless dairy cross-contamination) |
| Halal/Kosher | Generally compliant (fish source) | Requires specific certification |
Aura uses marine collagen, Type I and Type III, hydrolysed to a molecular weight of 3,000 to 5,000 Daltons.
Hydrolysed collagen peptides.
Raw collagen is a large, insoluble protein. Hydrolysis is the process of breaking collagen into smaller peptide chains using enzymes or controlled heat. The resulting hydrolysed collagen peptides are typically 2,000 to 5,000 Daltons in molecular weight.
Not all hydrolysed collagen is the same. The degree of hydrolysis, source material and peptide profile all differ between products. Marine-derived peptides tend to have lower molecular weights and a narrower peptide distribution.
Dose.
Published studies on skin health have used the following dose ranges:
| Dose | Where it appears in the research | Study duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2,500 to 5,000mg | The most commonly used range in published skin trials | 8 to 12 weeks |
| 5,000 to 10,000mg | The upper end of the range used in published skin trials. 10,000mg is the highest | 8 to 12 weeks |
| 15,000mg | Above any dose used in published skin research. Used in three randomised controlled trials, which measured muscle rather than skin | 12 weeks |
Across 72 UK collagen products surveyed in August 2026, the average was under 7,000mg per serving.
Aura delivers 15,000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen, Type I and III, per 25ml shot. That is above any dose used in published skin research, and it is printed on the front of the box rather than held inside a blend.
The supporting nutrients.
Collagen formation in the body depends on specific nutrients. These are the ones in Aura that carry authorised claims:
| Nutrient | Authorised claim |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin |
| Zinc | Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails |
| Biotin | Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair |
| Vitamin A | Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin |
| Vitamin D3 | Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system |
| Selenium | Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails |
| Vitamin K2 | Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones |
| Pantothenic acid | Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance |
Aura carries 120mg of vitamin C per shot, alongside the rest of the twelve actives, with every dose printed on the box.
Important.
This is a food supplement. It is not a medicine. It should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.