Is marine collagen actually good for your skin? Experts weigh in on the skincare ingredient and its benefits
Claiming many benefits, marine collagen is one of the most popular ingredients in the skincare space right now...

Promising a smoother and plumper complexion, marine collagen skincare is becoming increasingly popular. But for those unacquainted with the ingredient, we asked the experts exactly what the ingredient is and the benefits it boasts for our skin.
Aside from those wondering what is collagen, many of us have heard this powerful skincare buzzword and the many benefits associated with incorporating the ingredient into your daily routine. Well, marine collagen falls under the extensive collagen umbrella, but what exactly is the ingredient and does it have any benefits for our skin?
While you may have already heard of the cult classic, celebrity-approved ELEMIS Marine Cream, we're here to give you a complete marine collagen masterclass. We've asked expert dermatologists for the ins and outs of the skincare ingredient in question – including the benefits, how to achieve results and make it a focus in your skincare regime.
What is marine collagen?
First things first, some background on marine collagen. The clue is essentially in the name here, as Martine Jarman, award-winning skin expert and founder of Skin Script, explains: "Marine collagen is a type of collagen sourced from fish skin or scales."
As for why we're seeing this specific ingredient continuously pop up on the skincare market, Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London, explains: "Marine collagen is more bioavailable, meaning it is easily absorbed by the body, when compared with other types of collagen, meaning we’re seeing it become popular in skincare and supplements for promoting skin elasticity, hydration and overall anti-ageing benefits."
What are the benefits of marine collagen?
To answer the question on everyone's mind, does marine collagen have any benefits for your skin, Jarman refers to the benefits cited by scientific studies, which: "Show that marine collagen can improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and enhance overall hydration," she says.
And for those wondering exactly how this protein ingredient works, "Collagen peptides derived from marine sources stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, resulting in smoother and plumper skin," Jarman adds.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
While demand for sustainable yet effective skincare ingredients increases, thanks to its claims of improving skin texture, fine lines and boosting radiance, Mahto explains: "Marine collagen is gaining prominence as a potential ingredient for anti-ageing and restorative skincare."
However, with all that said, the consultant dermatologist also stresses: "It’s important to note that more data is needed on these effects before we can conclusively say it helps – there is some research at present, but it’s limited."
How to incorporate marine collagen into your skincare routine
As Jarman explains, "Marine collagen can be used both orally and topically," meaning marine collagen can be found in many different formulations. This includes everything from oils, serums and moisturisers to orally-taken liquids and powders.
"For topical use, look for serums, creams and masks enriched with marine collagen, [plus] products that combine marine collagen with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants for optimal results," says Jarman. Dr Mahto adds: "An ingestible form is more promising than applying it topically at present" due to the better absorption.
Whichever form of the marine collagen you opt for, Dr Mahto also notes that consistency is key: "To achieve optimal results, take marine collagen consistently as part of your daily routine."
Do you need to stimulate the skin for collagen production to occur?
"Skin stimulation can significantly enhance collagen production," Jarman confirms. But as for what methods are great for stimulating your complexion, "Techniques such as microneedling, laser treatments and chemical peels promote the skin’s natural collagen-building processes by creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger repair mechanisms," Dr Mahto explains.
These treatments can offer noticeable results, Jarman says: "Advanced procedures work at a cellular level to trigger collagen synthesis, improve skin texture, and promote tissue regeneration."
Alternatively, you can try massaging the skin to aid collagen production or opt for skincare products that contain ingredients that stimulate collagen production. Dr Mahto recommends "Using topical retinoids or vitamin C serums [which] can also boost collagen synthesis by promoting cell turnover and protecting against oxidative damage."
Our top marine collagen buys
For those looking to add marine collagen skincare into their routine, we've found six buys that will make easy additions to your regime - from luxe plumping serums to a reparative face mask...
RRP: £15.30
Formulated with 95% low-molecular marine collagen, this fast-absorbing serum works to deeply penetrate the skin, hydrating the complexion, firming the skin and minimising fine lines. Boosting skin elasticity, hydrating thirsty skin and delivering a radiant glow? Sign us up.
RRP: £34.99
Designed to be worn as an overnight mask, this gel-like formula is enriched with marine collagen and amino acids that deliver a 'filler effect', smoothing fine lines and penetrating the skin with moisture. Working to boost firmness, plumpness and suppleness, this mask refreshes your complexion for a brighter and more youthful appearance.
RRP: £160
Boasting an array of highly-rated reviews, this firming face serum is formulated with marine collagen and 14 elasticity-boosting ingredients that promise to lift, plump and contour the skin. It also makes home to other skin-loving components, such as botanical hyaluronic acid and seaweed, which lock in moisture and encourage the complexion's resilience.
Sennen is Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she shares the latest beauty launches, trending buys and personal product recommendations, from makeup and hair to skincare and nails. She is also a judge for the annual woman&home Haircare, Skincare and Beauty Awards.
Previously, Sennen achieved a First Class Fashion and Beauty Journalism degree at Birmingham City University, before undertaking her role as Junior Digital Fashion and Beauty Editor at FROW Magazine. During this position, she wrote about the latest industry news, new product launches, viral trends and thoroughly reviewed a lineup of beauty products. Since leaving FROW, Sennen has gone on to create fashion, beauty and lifestyle content with numerous brands, including Who What Wear UK, HuffPost UK and Harvey Nichols.
When she’s not writing about all things beauty, Sennen spends her spare time outside of work watching the latest Netflix series, doing lots of online shopping and going on countryside walks with her dog.
-
'Life doesn't end at 40. We keep living' - Alison Steadman's honest approach to ageing is just as incredible as her
Alison Steadman's enthusiastic stance on getting older is an attitude we should all take on board
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Apple Cider Vinegar a true story? The real tale behind Netflix's influencer scam drama
Apple Cider Vinegar tells the story of Belle Gibson, an influencer who claimed a healthy diet plan cured her cancer - but how much of the drama is true?
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Anita Rani's beauty essentials for a 'healthy, warm base' need to make their way into my makeup bag
Anita Rani's makeup artist has revealed the three key products she used for a new look and I'm inspired to switch up my beauty routine
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
These 9 perfumes are powered by sensuality - and they're perfect for evening spritzing
From intimate skin-scents to smoky florals, we've rounded up 9 undeniably sexy fragrances...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Cat Deeley's beauty routine is a who's-who of our team's favourite, holy-grail products
From our go-to primers and moisturisers to the makeup brands we all adore, Cat Deeley is our kindred beauty spirit...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Keeley Hawes' tousled bob feels so fresh and effortless - here's how to take cues
The words 'easy' and 'bob' don't always go hand in hand but in the case of Keeley Hawes, they absolutely do
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
The 4 fresh, transitional shades our beauty team picked for their February nails
We were torn between wanting a clean slate and matching the bitter climes, but our February nails are finally sorted...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Everyone knows Aventus, but Jennifer Lopez's Creed scent is this icy-fresh alternative
Inspired by the snowy Alps, JLo's go-to perfume is both luxuriously chic and refreshing on the senses
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
Trinny Woodall’s ‘one-minute’ makeup routine is the easiest way to ‘wake up’ tired skin and get a natural glow
The 'foolproof' routine is oh-so fast and simple
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
I'd given up on dry shampoo until this clever buy transformed my greasy strands to look freshly washed
As someone with an oily scalp, this buy is the answer to going longer between each hair wash
By Sennen Prickett Published