The application of recombinant collagen in skin care products
Recombinant collagen is collagen produced through genetic engineering technology, offering advantages such as high safety and good biocompatibility compared to animal-derived collagen. Currently, the most widely used types in skincare products are Type III and Type I recombinant collagen.
The application of recombinant collagen in skincare products primarily encompasses the following areas: In terms of repair functions, recombinant collagen promotes cell proliferation and repairs damaged skin barriers, making it particularly suitable for sensitive skin repair. For anti-aging purposes, Type III collagen, known as “infant collagen,” enhances skin elasticity. In terms of hydration, recombinant collagen possesses excellent moisturizing capabilities. Emerging applications include Type XVII collagen for anti-aging and hair loss prevention.
There are many representative products on the market: Kefu Mei's Recombinant Collagen Protein Skin Defense Revitalizing Repair Essence Lotion focuses on moisturization and barrier repair. Perlaia's Yuanli Cream 2.0 contains Type XVII recombinant collagen protein. Bai Zhi Cui 17 Collagen Essence also contains Type XVII recombinant collagen protein.
Industry data shows that the recombinant collagen protein market is growing rapidly, with the Chinese market size expected to reach 114.5 billion yuan by 2027. Juzi Bio and Jinbo Bio are the two leading companies in the industry, representing different development paths: Juzi Bio focuses on terminal product development (brands such as Kefu Mei and Ke Li Jin), while Jinbo Bio emphasizes raw material research and development and contract manufacturing services.
In terms of technological trends: novel collagen types such as Type IV and Type XVII have become research hotspots; AI technology is being applied to optimize collagen structure; and synthetic biology is driving large-scale production.
Core types and functional differences
Type III collagen: accounts for over 60% of infant skin, rapidly diminishes with age, focuses on barrier repair and wound healing, suitable for sensitive skin and post-aesthetic surgery repair.
Type I collagen: The primary component of adult skin (accounting for 80%), it focuses on structural support, enhancing elasticity, and has widespread anti-aging applications.
Exploration of new collagen types
Type IV: Targets basement membrane repair (e.g., Juzu Bio's “Frame Domain Repair” series) and alleviates thermal damage from phototherapy procedures.
Type XVII: Drives stem cell competition, slows aging, and is used in anti-hair loss products (e.g., Proya Yuanli Face Cream, Jinbo Bio Shampoo).
| Type | Human Distribution Characteristics | Core Functions | Representative Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type III | Highly prevalent in infant skin | Barrier repair, soothing sensitivity | Kufumei Collagen Stick, Jinbo Bio Wei Yimei |
| Type I | Primary component of adult dermis | Anti-wrinkle firming, enhancing elasticity | Wanmei Collagen Golden Needle, Estée Lauder Collagen Cream |
| Type XVII | Basement membrane stem cell zone | Anti-aging, hair loss prevention | Perlaia Yuanli Face Cream 2.0, Bai Zhi Cui 17 Essence |
| Type IV | Basement membrane structural component | Post-surgery repair, thermal damage repair | Kefumei Zhenyu Mi Xiu Freeze-Dried Essence |
Barrier repair and soothing sensitivity
Recombinant Type III collagen promotes fibroblast proliferation and accelerates epidermal reconstruction. Clinical tests show that after 4 weeks of continuous use, redness and dryness improvement rates exceed 40% (e.g., Kefu Mei Collagen Lotion), particularly suitable for post-phototherapy repair (e.g., Kefu Mei Frame Domain Repair Series)
Anti-Aging and Elasticity Enhancement
- Instant Filling: Low-molecular-weight collagen peptides (e.g., 3kDa micoreCol.Ⅲ) achieve 80% transdermal absorption, stimulating endogenous collagen regeneration.
- Long-Term Anti-Aging: The Type III + Type I “dual collagen” combination (e.g., Wanmei Xiao Jin Zhen) synergistically enhances firmness; Type XVII activates stem cells to delay aging
Moisturization and radiance improvement
Recombinant collagen has strong hydrophilic properties, capable of binding 30 times its own weight in water. Products like Kefu Mei and SK-II achieve “internal collagen supplementation and external moisture locking” through layered hyaluronic acid or Pitera™.
Market Representative Products and Technology Routes
Domestic Brands: Technology-Driven Cost-Effectiveness
Kefumei (Juzhi Biotechnology): Recombinant Collagen Skin Defense Activating Essence Lotion (80ml), focusing on Type III collagen barrier repair, lightweight texture suitable for all skin types, mid-range pricing (approximately 300 yuan).
Weimei (Jinbo Biotechnology): First to combine “3+17 types of collagen,” offering both freeze-dried powder and injectable forms to cover at-home and post-aesthetic medical anti-aging needs.
International Brands: Enhanced Efficacy Through Ingredient Formulation
L'Oréal: The Little Honey Pot Cream combines Pro-Xylane with recombinant collagen, claiming a “direct collagen supplementation + collagen production promotion” dual pathway.
Shiseido: The Red Ginseng Essence incorporates hydrolyzed collagen to enhance moisture retention and radiance.
