Collagen – Types, Greenwashing, and Choosing Ethical Sources

Collagen has become a buzzword in wellness and beauty, popping up in everything from protein powders to face creams. In fact, the global collagen market is worth nearly $10 billion , thanks to its touted benefits for youthful skin, healthy hair, and flexible joints. But not all collagen is created equal – or ethically sourced. This article dives into the different types of collagen available, exposes some greenwashing in the industry, compares the environmental impact of sources, shines a light on marine seaweed and eggshell collagen (two sustainable superstars included in I Am Hot Honey), and offers tips on choosing ethical collagen products. Let’s separate the facts from the fluff so you can get your collagen boost without compromising your values.

Types of Collagen: Bovine, Marine, and “Plant-Based” Alternatives

Collagen Sources – Bovine (cow), Marine (fish), and Plant-Derived Alternatives: Collagen is an animal protein, so it primarily comes from animal sources (cows, fish, pigs, chickens). Recently, some products claim “plant-based collagen,” but plants cannot produce true collagen . Here’s a breakdown of the main collagen sources, their benefits, and drawbacks:

Bovine Collagen (Cow-Sourced)

Bovine collagen is derived from cow byproducts – often hides or bones – boiled down to extract gelatin, which is then processed into collagen peptides . It mainly provides Type I and Type III collagen, the kinds found abundantly in our skin and connective tissues . This makes bovine collagen popular for skin health – helping improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles – as well as for joint support. Studies suggest it can increase skin moisture and smoothness . On the upside, bovine collagen is widely available and typically less expensive per dose. It’s a byproduct of the beef and leather industries, so using it can be seen as utilizing waste.

However, there are drawbacks. It’s not suitable for vegetarians or certain religious diets, and quality varies with the source. Terms like “grass-fed, pasture-raised” on labels imply the cows lived natural lives, but this can be misleading (we’ll explore that in Greenwashing). There’s also a slight risk of contaminants or diseases if sourcing and processing aren’t carefully controlled – though reputable brands test for safety. Environmentally, raising cattle is resource-intensive (feed, land, water), which gives bovine collagen a heavy footprint (more on this later). In short, bovine collagen is effective for beauty and joint benefits, but its ethics depend on farming practices.

Marine Collagen (Fish & Sea Creatures)

Marine collagen usually comes from fish – often the skin, scales, or bones of fish like cod or tilapia – and other marine life (some supplements use jellyfish or even sponges) . It predominantly provides Type I collagen (and a bit of Type II if cartilage is included), known for skin and cartilage benefits . Marine collagen peptides tend to be smaller in molecule size, which can make them easier to absorb and faster-acting in the body . Many users report that marine collagen blends more easily into drinks and has less taste than bovine. It’s a great option for pescatarians or people who avoid red meat. Research indicates marine collagen can support skin elasticity and wound healing, and even help with cartilage regeneration in joints . Another perk: because fish don’t carry the same diseases as mammals, there’s a lower risk of transmissible diseases with marine collagen .

On the downside, anyone with seafood or shellfish allergies should steer clear. Taste and odor can be an issue with poorly made marine collagen (a “fishy” smell), though high-quality brands minimize this. Marine collagen is often marketed as more sustainable than bovine, since it can use fish waste from the seafood industry (fish skins that would otherwise be thrown out) – a smart recycling of resources. But if demand spikes, there’s concern that it might lead to extra fishing just for collagen. We’ll discuss the sustainability nuances shortly. In terms of efficacy, marine vs. bovine is not a matter of better or worse – they simply have different strengths. Marine collagen’s peptides are slightly different and may excel at improving joint cartilage and skin hydration, whereas bovine’s mix of Type I and III might be slightly more tailored to skin structure . Many people alternate or even combine them for a broader spectrum.

“Plant-Based Collagen” – Myth vs. Reality

You might have seen vegan or plant-based collagen powders on store shelves. Here’s the truth: plants do not produce collagen . Any product touting “plant collagen” is playing with terminology. What they usually contain are plant extracts (like aloe vera, ginseng, bamboo silica) and vitamins (like vitamin C, biotin) that can help support your body’s own collagen production . These are more accurately called collagen boosters or support supplements, not actual collagen. For example, vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis in our body, so a powder with citrus extract, amla berry or acerola can indeed help your skin – but it’s not providing new collagen directly .

Some companies have used this ambiguity to their advantage, marketing gummies or drinks as “vegan collagen” when they contain zero collagen peptides at all . If you read the fine print, you’ll usually find they’re blending amino acids and botanicals to simulate what collagen does. While these can be healthy, the effects might not be as pronounced as taking actual collagen peptides. On the horizon, there is exciting development in lab-grown collagen: scientists are using genetically modified yeast and bacteria to produce collagen that is bioidentical to the animal form . One brand already uses fermented yeast to create a collagen alternative . In the coming years, we may see truly animal-free collagen on the market produced via fermentation tanks – which would be a game changer for vegans. Until then, any “plant-based collagen” label should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s likely a mix of nutrients that support collagen formation or protect existing collagen, rather than collagen peptides themselves. Always check ingredient lists to know what you’re actually getting.

(What about chicken or eggshell collagen?)  Another animal source to mention is poultry collagen, often from chicken sternum cartilage, rich in Type II collagen which is fantastic for joint health. Eggshell membranes (the thin layer inside egg shells) are also loaded with collagen and used in supplements. We’ll talk more about eggshell collagen later, as it’s a key ingredient in sustainable collagen products like I Am Hot Honey. The key takeaway: collagen can come from many sources – but if it’s real collagen, it’s animal-derived (cow, fish, chicken, egg, or even insect!). Anything else is usually collagen-building nutrients rather than collagen itself.

Greenwashing in the Collagen Industry: Spotting Misleading Claims

With the collagen craze in full swing, some companies have stretched the truth to market their products as healthier or more eco-friendly than they really are. Greenwashing – portraying products as environmentally responsible with vague or misleading claims – is unfortunately present in the collagen world. Let’s look at a few common examples of collagen marketing that deserve a skeptical eye:

Misleading Marketing – “Grass-Fed” and “Pasture-Raised” Collagen: Many bovine collagen brands advertise that their cows are grass-fed, pasture-raised. This sounds humane and eco-conscious. While grass-fed is generally better than feedlot beef, it doesn’t tell the whole story. A 2023 investigation by The Guardian and others uncovered links between some collagen suppliers and Amazon rainforest deforestation . In Brazil, cattle ranching is the leading cause of deforestation . The report found that collagen from deforestation-linked farms made its way into the supply chain of major brands (one example cited was Vital Proteins, owned by Nestlé) . Yet these products were marketed with feel-good labels like “grass-fed” which give consumers the impression the collagen is an ethical, natural choice . The reality: grass-fed does not equal deforestation-free. Cattle can be grass-fed on cleared rainforest land. This greenwashing tactic takes a legitimate quality factor (grass-fed nutrition) and uses it to gloss over a bigger sustainability issue. Always remember, buzzwords on labels – be it “natural,” “pure,” or “pasture-raised” – might hide murky sourcing. Until recently, the collagen industry hasn’t faced the scrutiny that beef or palm oil have, and it isn’t required to track environmental impacts like deforestation . So some brands have flown under the radar. As consumers, asking companies for clearer sourcing info (“Which country/farm do your hides or fish come from? Is it a byproduct or directly harvested?”) puts pressure on them to back up those wholesome claims.

Another example: “Sustainably sourced” marine collagen. Collagen makers often boast that marine collagen is eco-friendly because it uses fish skin leftover from seafood processing – reducing waste . This is great in theory (and often in practice). However, if the demand and profit for fish skin collagen rises, it could incentivize more fishing or retention of fish that would’ve been discarded . One report warned that what starts as using waste could turn into a “new revenue stream” that encourages catching more fish or even harvesting species like starfish or jellyfish just for collagen . For instance, exotic sources such as sea cucumbers are now being touted for high-grade collagen, and some of these species are already overfished and endangered . So, a marine collagen brand might claim “sustainable, wild-caught fish collagen” – implying they’re eco-friendly – but if they don’t clarify that it’s only from byproducts, they might actually be contributing to overfishing. Vague claims like “sustainably sourced” or “ecofriendly” without specifics can be a red flag. Truly responsible companies will provide details (e.g. which sustainability certifications or what fishing practices are used).

Lastly, beware of “Plant-Based Collagen” marketing. As discussed, there’s no such thing as plant-derived collagen, but that hasn’t stopped companies from using the phrase. For example, a gummy label might scream Plant-Based Collagen! in big letters, then in tiny text explain it’s actually botanicals that support collagen. This isn’t outright harmful – those products can still be beneficial – but it is misleading. It confuses consumers into thinking they’re buying actual collagen. Industry experts agree this misuse of the term “collagen” muddles the market . If you see a vegan collagen claim, dig deeper. The truth is collagen is fundamentally animal-based . Any vegan collagen product is either using the forthcoming lab-grown collagen (and they will definitely explain that, as it’s a selling point), or it’s a collagen booster blend. Companies that loosely throw around the word “collagen” for plant products are adding to consumer confusion – essentially a marketing ploy.

Real-world example: A popular retailer was selling “vegan collagen” capsules; curious customers reading reviews discovered it was basically vitamin C and wheat extract – helpful for your skin, sure, but not providing collagen peptides. The branding was arguably greenwashing, riding on collagen’s coattails without delivering the same ingredient.

Bottom line: Don’t let pretty packaging and feel-good words fool you. Look for evidence behind claims. If a brand says “sustainably sourced,” do they explain how? If it’s “grass-fed,” do they mention policies against deforestation or animal welfare standards? If you see “plant collagen,” remember that’s a misnomer – investigate what’s actually inside. By being label-savvy, you can avoid the greenwashed hype and pick products that truly align with your health and ethics.

Environmental Impact: Sustainability of Different Collagen Sources

Collagen sourcing isn’t just a health question – it’s an environmental one. There are stark differences in the water usage, carbon footprint, and ethical implications of bovine vs. marine vs. alternative collagen sources. Let’s compare:

Environmental Footprint – Cattle vs. Marine vs. Alternatives: Collagen from cows and fish ties into some of the biggest environmental challenges: deforestation, climate emissions, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Consider water usage: producing 1 kilogram of bovine meat (and by extension, bovine collagen) can require over 15,000 liters of water when you factor in all the feed crops and water the animal drinks . Even though collagen is a byproduct, it inherits a portion of that water footprint. Cattle farming is notorious for being water-intensive – in drier regions, irrigating feed or providing drinking water to herds contributes to local water stress. By contrast, marine collagen sourcing doesn’t rely on irrigation or freshwater – fish live in the ocean, and seaweed (if used) grows in seawater. Seaweed farming in particular uses no freshwater, no land, no fertilizers, and has a very low water footprint .

Looking at carbon emissions, cattle win (or rather, lose) again. Cows emit methane (a potent greenhouse gas) and require lots of land (often created by clearing carbon-rich forests). One analysis calculated that producing hydrolyzed bovine collagen leads to about 42.7 kg of CO₂-equivalent emissions per 1 kg of collagen at the factory gate . To put that in perspective, that’s like driving a typical gasoline car over 160 miles (260 km) for just a kilogram of supplement ! The majority of those emissions come from the agricultural stage – raising the cow (feed, manure, land use) – which comprised roughly 80% of the collagen’s carbon footprint in that analysis . In regions like the Amazon, if forests are burned to graze cattle, the carbon footprint shoots up even further.

Marine collagen’s carbon footprint is trickier to pin down – if it’s using byproducts of wild-caught fish, you might allocate some of the fishing trip’s emissions to the collagen. Fishing boats burn fuel, but the incremental carbon impact for the collagen may be low if those fish were caught for food regardless. Aquaculture (farmed fish) has a footprint too (feed, energy for pumps, etc.), though generally fish are more efficient than cows in feed conversion. And again, seaweed is a standout: seaweed farms can absorb CO₂ while growing, potentially even offsetting some emissions. Project Drawdown notes that expanding seaweed farming could sequester billions of tons of CO₂ by 2050 . So in terms of greenhouse gases, marine sources (especially plant-like marine algae) tend to be much lighter than bovine.

Now, ethical concerns and biodiversity: Bovine collagen’s issues tie to land use – as mentioned, Amazon deforestation is a major one. Clearing forests not only emits carbon but also destroys wildlife habitat. In addition, there’s the animal welfare aspect: cows are slaughtered primarily for meat; collagen is a secondary product. If you’re ethically opposed to animal slaughter, any animal-based collagen is problematic. Some might argue that using all parts of the cow (including hide for collagen) is respectful and minimizes waste, which is true – but it still ultimately depends on raising and killing cattle. On the marine side, if collagen comes from fish skin of wild fish, one must consider the state of fish stocks. Overfishing is a serious global issue – about a third of fish stocks are overfished. Ideally, marine collagen should come from fish parts that would otherwise be discarded after food processing, not from targeted fishing. Using bycatch (unintended catch) or fish waste can turn would-be discards into useful product, supporting a zero-waste approach . This can reduce overall environmental impact by extracting more value from the same catch. But the flip side, as we saw, is if fishermen start keeping more bycatch because it has collagen value, this could hinder conservation efforts . It’s a fine line between smart waste utilization and creating new demand for wildlife exploitation.

Eggshell collagen and other upcycled sources have an interesting environmental profile. Eggshells are an abundant waste from the egg industry – globally, millions of tons of eggshells are thrown out each year, ending up in landfills . This waste actually costs companies money to dispose of and can produce odorous gases as it decomposes . Using eggshell membranes to make collagen supplements is a clever form of upcycling: taking a garbage stream and turning it into a high-value product. The chickens are not killed for it (they just lay eggs), so it utilizes a renewable “waste” resource. Of course, one could question the ethics of the egg industry itself (battery cage farming vs. free-range, etc.), but from a pure sustainability standpoint, eggshell-sourced collagen has a tiny incremental footprint. It leverages an existing byproduct with minimal additional environmental burden beyond the eggs we’re already consuming. Similarly, gelatin and collagen can be made from pig skin (a byproduct of pork production) – again using waste. If those raw materials would otherwise be thrown away, then the collagen derived from them doesn’t carry the full environmental burden of raising that animal, only the marginal processing impacts.

Summary of sustainability by source: If we rank common collagen sources by overall environmental impact, bovine (cow) collagen likely sits at the heaviest end due to land, water, and emissions. Marine collagen (from wild fish byproducts) is lighter on land/water use, but one must mind fishing impacts. Marine collagen from farmed fish shares some issues of feed and resource use, but still generally lower footprint than cattle. Plant-derived alternatives like fermented microbial collagen (when it becomes widely available) or seaweed-based solutions could be real winners – low direct emissions and land use. And eggshell membrane collagen shines as an eco-friendly choice by turning trash into treasure. In fact, I Am Hot Honey includes both marine seaweed and eggshell collagen for this very reason – they pack health benefits without the hefty environmental price tag of traditional collagen sources.

Marine Seaweed and Eggshell Collagen: Sustainable & Effective Choices

Two innovative collagen sources have emerged as frontrunners in sustainability without sacrificing efficacy: marine seaweed and eggshell membranes. These are star ingredients in I Am Hot Honey because they align with an eco-conscious ethos and offer unique health benefits. Let’s explore what makes each special:

Marine Seaweed – The Ocean’s Collagen Booster

Seaweed – A Sustainable Superfood: Seaweed isn’t collagen, but it earns a place in the collagen conversation for its supportive role and ultra-sustainable profile. Marine macroalgae (like kelp, wakame, and Irish moss) are rich in amino acids that promote collagen production in our skin . In fact, seaweeds contain glycine, proline, and lysine – key building blocks of collagen – as well as loads of vitamins (A, C, E) and antioxidants. These nutrients can stimulate our cells to produce more collagen naturally and protect existing collagen from breakdown. For example, studies on brown seaweed extracts found they can boost collagen levels in skin cells and inhibit enzymes that degrade collagen . By applying or ingesting seaweed, people have observed improvements in skin elasticity and a reduction in UV-induced skin damage . It’s no wonder some refer to seaweed (like Irish sea moss) as “vegan collagen” – not because it contains collagen, but because it helps your body mimic some of collagen’s effects .

From a sustainability standpoint, seaweed is phenomenal. Seaweed farming requires no fresh water, no fertilizers, no pesticides, and no deforestation. These marine plants grow by simply soaking up nutrients and sunlight in the ocean. They even absorb carbon dioxide and nitrogen, helping combat ocean acidification and nutrient pollution . Essentially, seaweed can clean the environment as it grows. The World Wildlife Fund points out that seaweed farming has an extremely low carbon footprint and doesn’t compete with food crops or freshwater resources . Unlike land crops, it doesn’t need clearing land or irrigation – you’re just using the open sea. In fact, expanding seaweed cultivation is seen as a climate-positive move, since it can sequester carbon and provide habitat for marine life .

Health-wise, edible seaweeds like kelp, nori, or sea moss are nutrient-dense. They provide iodine (for thyroid health), iron, calcium, omega-3s, and soluble fiber that benefits gut health. When included in a collagen product, seaweed can act as a synergistic ingredient – its vitamin C content, for instance, aids collagen synthesis, and its antioxidants (like fucoidan in brown seaweed) may further protect skin and joints from oxidative stress. People taking seaweed supplements often report not only skin benefits but also improved hair shine and stronger nails, likely thanks to its mineral cocktail.

By incorporating marine seaweed, I Am Hot Honey leverages a sustainable powerhouse. The seaweed contributes to the product’s overall effectiveness (by nurturing the body’s own collagen and providing broad micronutrients), while keeping the formula ocean-friendly. It’s a smart swap or addition to traditional collagen: you get the beauty benefits without relying solely on animal-sourced collagen. And because it’s plant-based, it makes the product more inclusive for those who are not comfortable consuming purely animal products. In short, marine seaweed is a win-win: wellness for you and wellness for the planet.

Eggshell Collagen – Upcycled for Joint and Skin Health

Eggshell Membrane – Waste to Wellness: Every time you crack an egg, there’s a thin translucent film inside the shell – that’s the eggshell membrane, and it’s packed with collagen and other goodies. For years, eggshells (with membranes attached) were discarded by food processing industries in massive quantities – millions of tons per year – causing landfill and pollution issues. Now, technology allows us to separate that membrane and hydrolyze it into a fine powder rich in Type I collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and other natural compounds . Essentially, nature bundled all the key nutrients for joint and skin health in one neat package – and we used to just throw it away!

Eggshell membrane collagen is remarkably effective for joint health. Clinical studies have shown that taking as little as 500 mg daily can significantly reduce joint pain, stiffness, and improve flexibility in under 10 days . In one open-label trial, participants with arthritis saw a 72% reduction in general pain after 30 days of eggshell membrane supplementation . These fast-acting benefits are likely thanks to the combination of collagen plus glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like chondroitin and dermatan sulfate naturally present . Those GAGs are the same substances found in our cartilage and synovial fluid – they help cushion joints and attract water to keep tissues lubricated. So eggshell membrane is like a one-stop-shop for joint nutrition: collagen to repair tissue, plus chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid to reduce inflammation and improve shock absorption . Many people report less knee pain and greater mobility when using eggshell collagen, sometimes noticing improvement in just a week. And unlike some joint supplements, it’s a natural food-derived ingredient with an excellent safety profile (no significant side effects reported in studies) .

But it’s not just about joints – eggshell collagen benefits the skin and hair too. A recent 12-week placebo-controlled study found that a 450 mg daily supplement of hydrolyzed eggshell membrane led to visible improvements in skin appearance and hair growth/thickness . Participants had smoother facial skin and fuller hair compared to the placebo group. The researchers noted that the GAGs and collagen in eggshell membrane likely increased skin collagen and hyaluronic acid levels, improved skin hydration, and even reduced the activity of enzymes that cause skin aging . In simple terms, eggshell collagen has anti-aging benefits from the inside out – helping reduce wrinkles and strengthening hair, all while supporting your joints. It’s a pretty impressive second life for breakfast leftovers!

From an ethical and environmental perspective, eggshell-sourced collagen is a darling. No animals are harmed specifically for it – hens keep clucking and laying eggs as usual. We’re just taking what would be trash (shells) and repurposing it. This means the carbon and water footprint of the eggshell collagen is minimal, essentially just the processing energy, since the environmental cost of producing the egg was allocated to the egg itself (and humans ate that). By valorizing egg waste, we also alleviate the burden on landfills and reduce the need for synthetic supplements (since eggshell provides natural glucosamine, etc., that might otherwise be made chemically). In terms of sustainability and circular economy, eggshell collagen is about as good as it gets – true waste reduction.

This is why I Am Hot Honey includes eggshell collagen (NEM®) in its formula. It aligns with a philosophy of using upcycled ingredients and ensures that while you’re nourishing your skin and joints, you’re not inadvertently contributing to large-scale farming impacts. Plus, eggshell collagen’s combination of joint and beauty benefits makes the product more potent – you get multi-faceted results from one ingredient. So the inclusion of eggshell membrane is both an ethical choice and a functional boost to efficacy.

In summary, marine seaweed and eggshell membrane represent a new wave of collagen innovation: one from the ocean’s green bounty, the other from farm waste – both sustainable, both effective. They show that we don’t have to rely solely on resource-heavy factory farming or fishing to get the benefits of collagen. By choosing products that feature these ingredients, consumers can enjoy their “beauty-from-within” regime with far less environmental guilt and plenty of health gains.

How to Choose an Ethical Collagen Product

With so many collagen options and marketing claims out there, how can you as a consumer find a product that is both sustainable and effective? Here are some clear tips to guide your decision:

• Know the Source & Transparency: Look for brands that openly state where their collagen comes from (the species and country of origin). Ethical companies will provide details, e.g. “wild-caught cod skin from MSC-certified sustainable fisheries in the North Atlantic” or “grass-fed bovine hide from local farms in X region.” If a label just says “marine collagen” or “bovine collagen” with no info on sourcing, you have a right to be suspicious. The more transparent, the better. As we saw, unspecified sourcing could mean anything – perhaps unsustainably farmed cattle or unmonitored fishing. A trustworthy brand has nothing to hide and will often have a section on their website about their sourcing and quality control. For example, if it’s marine collagen, check if it’s MSC-certified (Marine Stewardship Council) which indicates the fish source was sustainably harvested . If it’s bovine, see if they mention being part of any deforestation-free supply chain initiatives or certifications. Don’t be afraid to contact customer service and ask questions. If they can’t tell you whether their collagen is a byproduct of the food industry (which is preferable) or if animals were caught/killed primarily for it, that’s a red flag.

• Scrutinize Green Claims: As discussed in the Greenwashing section – be on alert for too-good-to-be-true marketing phrases. “100% sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” “all-natural” – such claims mean little unless backed by specifics. Check for independent certifications or evidence. Words like “grass-fed” should prompt you to think about the bigger picture: grass-fed is nice, but were those cows possibly connected to deforestation? If a product is labeled “vegan collagen”, remember that by current definitions, it likely contains zero actual collagen . Decide if you’re okay with a collagen booster instead, and if so, verify it has beneficial ingredients (like high-dose vitamin C, amino acids, etc.) rather than just riding the collagen hype. If sustainability is a priority, also consider the company’s packaging (do they use recyclable or minimal packaging?), and their overall mission – some companies donate to environmental causes or invest in regenerative agriculture, which is a good sign. Essentially, look past the front-label buzzwords and dig into the back label and company practices.

• Prefer Upcycled or Low-Impact Sources: If you eat animal products, consider collagen sourced from animal byproducts that would otherwise go to waste. Bovine collagen from hide, pig collagen from skin, fish collagen from skins – these all at least make use of leftovers. Even better are products using eggshell membrane or fish bycatch or jellyfish blooms (in areas where jellies are overpopulating). Using those helps solve an environmental problem rather than create a new one. Some collagen supplements now proudly state “made from certified byproduct” or “from discarded fish skins” – that’s what you want to see. On the flip side, avoid anything that hints at sourcing from threatened wildlife (e.g. exotic animals, or unspecified “marine sources” which could be sharks or endangered fish – yes, shark cartilage is a source of Type II collagen in some joint supplements, but overfishing of sharks is a major issue). An ethical collagen will come from a responsibly managed supply – ideally something that was already being produced in the food system.

• Look for Quality and Efficacy: Sustainability aside, you also want a product that works and is safe. Opt for brands that test their collagen for purity (heavy metals, contaminants) and have some scientific backing. Some companies use patented collagen peptides that have clinical studies supporting their benefits (for example, specific bioactive collagen peptides proven to reduce wrinkles or improve joint pain). While these might cost a bit more, you’re paying for proven results and rigorous sourcing. Check if the brand cites scientific research or if they have experts formulating the product. High quality collagen will often be hydrolyzed (broken into peptides for better absorption) and may list the average molecular weight – smaller peptides (~3,000 Dalton or less) are generally absorbed more efficiently. Also, a truly effective collagen product often includes complementary ingredients: vitamin C (crucial for collagen formation), maybe copper or zinc (for collagen cross-linking), or herbs that reduce inflammation. This shows the brand is serious about efficacy, not just selling plain powder.

• Consider Certifications and Dietary Needs: Beyond MSC for fish, there are other seals to look for. Organic certification for collagen is rare (since wild fish aren’t “organic” and hides aren’t either), but you might find “Pasture-raised” or Animal Welfare Certified on some bovine collagens – indicating the cows were treated more humanely. If animal welfare is a concern, seek those out. There’s also the blue “Friend of the Sea” label for some marine products, and Kosher/Halal if that’s important for your diet (collagen can be certified if it meets those preparation rules). For plastic packaging concerns, a few companies use biodegradable or at least recyclable containers – it might say so on the label or website. Every little bit counts.

• Be label-smart about “extras”: Some collagen products add a long list of other ingredients – from flavors and sweeteners to botanicals. Make sure those align with your values too. Natural flavors are fine, but avoid collagen drinks loaded with sugar or artificial additives which detract from health. If it’s a collagen creamer or bar, check if the other ingredients are sustainably sourced (like palm oil can be an issue, look for RSPO-certified palm or none at all). In other words, judge the product holistically, not just the collagen part.

Finally, support brands that support the planet. If a collagen company is vocal about sustainability, shares information about sourcing, participates in environmental initiatives, and has positive reviews on their effectiveness – that’s a winner. For instance, at I Am Hot Honey, the inclusion of seaweed and eggshell collagen is part of our commitment to ethical sourcing and maximum impact. We choose suppliers who uphold high standards, and we’re transparent about our ingredients because we believe you have the right to know. As consumers, spending our money on conscientious companies is a vote for better practices in the industry.

In conclusion, collagen can be a fantastic supplement for health and beauty, but it’s important to peel back the marketing and make informed choices. By understanding collagen types, recognizing greenwashing, evaluating environmental impact, and knowing what to look for in a product, you can enjoy the benefits of collagen with a clear conscience. Here’s to healthy skin, happy joints, and a greener planet – that’s a glow that truly comes from within!

Repeat after me - I Am Hot Honey
References:

1. Healthline – Bovine Collagen: Benefits, Forms, and Uses .

2. Plant Based News – What’s The Problem With Collagen? Ethical Costs .

3. Bioiberica – The Collagen Market: Not all collagen is collagen (Symposium) .

4. World Economic Forum – Which foods need the most water to produce? .

5. CarbonCloud – Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen Footprint .

6. World Wildlife Fund – Climate benefits of Seaweed .

7. Eggshell Membrane Study – Joint pain reduction with NEM (JCT) .

8. NutraIngredients – Eggshell membrane RCT for hair and skin .