Skinimalism Series Part 2
Read Part 1 in our Skinimalism series here
If you’re striving for healthy, youthful skin (and who isn’t?), you’ve probably heard about collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our skin and gives it that plump, firm, elastic quality. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen – by your mid-20s production starts to dip, and by age 50 you might have about 50% less collagen than you did in your youth. This collagen loss is one reason wrinkles deepen, skin gets drier, and joints might ache more over time.
To counteract this, many people turn to collagen supplements. Walk into any health shop and you’ll see big tubs of collagen powder and fancy bottles of collagen drinks. Traditionally, these supplements are made from animal sources – like bovine (cow) or marine (fish) collagen – basically powdered and hydrolysed (pre-digested) form of collagen protein. There is some evidence that taking collagen can improve skin elasticity and hydration, though research is still ongoing. However, not everyone is comfortable consuming animal-derived collagen every day (vegans, vegetarians, or those concerned about sustainability and sourcing, for example). That’s led to a rise in vegan “collagen boosters” – products that claim to support your body’s own collagen production without containing actual collagen.
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Because collagen is an animal protein, there’s technically no such thing as plant-derived collagen that’s identical to the collagen in our skin – at least not until recent biotech innovations. Most so-called vegan collagen supplements on the market are really a mix of vitamins, minerals and dried fruit powders that can help your body make collagen. Think of things like vitamin C for example, which is crucial for collagen synthesis. These are collagen promoters, but they often don’t include the actual collagen building blocks (amino acids) themselves. As Dr. Julia Tzu, a dermatologist, points out, at this point “true vegan collagen supplements are not widely available, and [are] mostly collagen promoters, the efficacy of which lacks solid data”. In plainer terms: many vegan collagen products might help a bit, but they’re not giving you anything you couldn’t get by eating a healthy diet or taking a multivitamin capsule.
This is why Collavegan® is generating buzz (and recently won the Marie Claire Award for Best Collagen Supplement) as a game-changer in the collagen space.
Collavegan®, developed by our founder and health coach Sandra and registered Dietitian Rachel, is a capsule supplement that offers a genuinely different approach for those who want the benefits of collagen without animal products. Instead of just tossing in some vitamin C or dried strawberry powder and calling it a day, Collavegan contains a perfect replica of the 18 amino acids found in human collagen – but sourced entirely from plants (non-GMO corn, to be exact). Essentially, scientists have identified the exact amino acid profile our collagen has – glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and so on – and have recreated that profile using vegan sources. So when you take Collavegan, you’re giving your body the actual building blocks (amino acids) it needs to produce collagen, not just the supporting cast of vitamins.
Why is this a big deal? Because having those amino acids ready to go means your body can more efficiently make new collagen.
Collavegan’s formula mimics the exact structure of human collagen, which makes it very easy for your body to absorb and use.
In fact, it’s more easily absorbed than bovine or marine collagen because those animal collagens have slightly different compositions that the human body doesn’t process as efficiently. This superior absorption means you don’t need huge doses – a small capsule can deliver results where big scoops of animal powder might be needed otherwise. It’s a “less is more” ethos applied to collagen supplements: a cleaner, more targeted formula that delivers the essentials without excess.
Collavegan doesn’t stop at amino acids, either. It also includes a blend of antioxidants and nutrients that naturally support collagen production and skin health – things like hyaluronic acid (for skin hydration), bamboo silica (a natural source of silica for hair/nail strength), plus vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and zinc. Basically, it’s an all-in-one capsule that covers the collagen bases and the supportive nutrients. So instead of taking, say, a collagen booster pill and a vitamin C supplement and a biotin pill, you could simply take Collavegan and call it a day. This aligns perfectly with a simplified routine: one capsule, many benefits.
Instead of taking multiple supplements for skin, hair, nails and joints, Collavegan provides a comprehensive solution, making it both cost-effective and time-saving.
And here’s the kicker for the skeptics: Collavegan has not only science on its side, but also some beauty industry accolades. It won Marie Claire’s Best Collagen Supplement award in 2024, beating out traditional collagen products (Collavegan™ Marie Claire’s Best Collagen Supplement, Award Winner, Vegan). The judges – which included dermatologists – noted that this vegan alternative was effective and they loved that it comes in a simple capsule (no more gritty collagen smoothies!) with added vitamins and minerals for skin elasticity and even hair and nail health (Leamington Spa's Positive Science People wins Marie Claire Skin Award for Collavegan®).
In a world where animal-based collagen powders have long dominated, Collavegan managed to impress experts as a plant-based contender that’s just as effective. Plus, because it’s vegan and made in the UK with sustainable practices, it checks the ethical boxes too (no animals harmed and a smaller environmental footprint than sourcing collagen from fish or cows).
So, if you’re looking to simplify your beauty routine, don’t overlook your supplement shelf either. Collavegan offers an opportunity to replace a handful of products with one capsule that’s easy to take. It’s literally beauty simplified from the inside out: highly absorbable collagen-building nutrients without any unnecessary fillers or animal ingredients. Talk about a “less is more” win.
Collavegan® capsules provide a plant-based collagen boost by packing in all the key amino acids and antioxidants in one simple supplement.
The bottom line: a simple routine for simply beautiful skin
The trend towards simplifying skincare – from our cleansers and creams right through to supplements like collagen – is more than just a fad. It’s a recognition that we’ve been sold the idea that more = better, when often the opposite is true.
By cutting out the clutter and focusing on what really works, you can achieve healthier skin with a lot less hassle.
Your morning and evening routines become quick and enjoyable instead of feeling like a part-time job. Your skin isn’t subjected to a daily guessing game of twenty different ingredients; it gets just what it needs and can finally relax.
Let’s not forget the confidence and peace of mind that comes with this approach. You no longer have to be an ingredient detective combing through labels for hidden toxins – fewer products means you know what’s going on your skin. You don’t have to stress about a missed step or an out-of-stock serum, because your skinimalist routine has you covered with the basics. Healthy, glowing skin can absolutely be achieved with a pared-down regimen, and countless experts now advocate this approach. As one dermatologist noted, “moderation and not excess is key for adequate skincare” – wise words that apply to everything from face wash to collagen drinks.
In beauty-savvy communities, we’re seeing a shift: people embracing the “less is more” mantra and not only seeing better skin as a result, but also enjoying the process. It’s fun, it’s freeing, and it’s grounded in real science and common sense.
So next time you’re tempted by the latest 12-step routine or miracle cream, remember that sometimes the best thing you can do for your skin is to simplify. Streamline your skincare, swap out a handful of products for one smart alternative when you can (hello, Collavegan!), and then sit back and let your natural beauty shine through. Your skin, your bank account and even your sanity will thank you – proving that when it comes to beauty routines, truly less is more.
Sources:
The Guardian (Not so pretty: women apply an average of 168 chemicals every day | Health & wellbeing | The Guardian); WebMD (What to Know About Harmful Chemicals Hiding in Your Cosmetics); Exploding Topics (The Ultimate List of Beauty Industry Stats (2025)); CowSki UK ( Common toxic chemicals and contaminants in skincare – CowSki) ( Common toxic chemicals and contaminants in skincare – CowSki); Grove Collaborative (Dr. Chacon) (A Dermatologist Explains How Many Skincare Products Are Too Many | Grove Collaborative) ; Appinio UK (Skincare habits: the skincare market in the UK | Appinio Blog); Jane Yoo MD blog (Skinimalism: The Less-is-More Trend Revolutionizing Skincare in 2024 - Jane Yoo MD); Positive Science People (Collavegan) (Collavegan™ Marie Claire’s Best Collagen Supplement, Award Winner, Vegan) (Introducing Collavegan®: The Future of Vegan Collagen Support); WarwickshireWorld (Leamington Spa's Positive Science People wins Marie Claire Skin Award for Collavegan®)
