Collagen is a family of fibrillar proteins that make up the extracellular matrix of mammalian connective tissue, serving as the fundamental protein responsible for its structure and biochemical properties of connective tissue. In the case of skin, it accounts for about 70% of the dry weight. [1] The chemical structure of collagen mainly includes proline, hydroxyproline, glycine, and hydroxylysine. [1] Collagen exists naturally in the dermis in fiber form, providing the skin with appropriate density and elasticity. [1]
To date, 29 types of collagen have been discovered. [9] The main collagen types include type I collagen (skin, tendon, bone tissue), type II (cartilage), and type III (skin and vascular system). [9] In cosmetics, type I and type III collagen are mainly used. Cosmetic formulations mainly use hydrolyzed peptides containing short, water-soluble polypeptides and small peptides; these hydrophilic molecules are easy to incorporate into cosmetic formulations, and by being small, may reach different layers of the skin depending on peptide size, formulation, and delivery technology. [23][1]