Vegan Essentials for Health & Wellness: Protein Alternatives & Complementary Nutraceuticals

By Michael
Anthonavage
05/26/2025

From plant proteins to proprietary botanical blends, this article shows how supplement brands can build next-gen collagen products that attract health-conscious, eco-minded consumers!

Collagen supplements are widely used to support youthful skin, joint health, and overall wellness. The global collagen market reached a value of $10.08 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $23.02 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%.¹

At the same time, the demand for plant-based alternatives continues to rise. The global vegan food market was valued at $20.18 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $55.42 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 10.63%.² This is a rapidly growing consumer group that supplement brands cannot afford to overlook.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the vegan alternatives to collagen and complementary nutraceuticals you can use to formulate high-quality dietary supplements that appeal to vegan and vegetarian consumers. This is especially relevant for brands currently working with a collagen supplement manufacturing company or searching for a new manufacturer to help them expand their portfolios with ethical, plant-based options.

Non-Animal Sources That Naturally Boost Collagen Production

Vegans and vegetarians seeking alternatives to animal-sourced nutrients typically have several concerns and considerations when choosing plant-based or synthetic options. Scientifically supported efficacy and bioavailability are paramount to support a diet that comes with restricted options for nutrients.

There are several non-collagen-derived alternatives that can enhance the body’s natural collagen production by supporting key biochemical pathways. Aside from plant-based proteins, vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis as a cofactor for hydroxylation enzymes, while amino acids like glycine, proline, and lysine serve as fundamental building blocks.

Important minerals like zinc and copper act as cofactors in enzymatic processes that stabilize collagen structures, and silica, generally sourced from bamboo or horsetail, aids in the formation of collagen and elastin. Hyaluronic acid and MSM contribute to tissue hydration and elasticity, indirectly preserving collagen integrity and supplying tissue with sulfur, critical to many aspects of structural protein homeostasis.

Finally, antioxidants such as astaxanthin and polyphenols help prevent oxidative damage that degrades collagen and other structural support proteins. All these ingredients may be formulated into vegan collagen-boosting blends intended to stimulate and support endogenous collagen synthesis without using animal-derived collagen.

Vegan/Vegetarian and Collagen User Demographics

The rising demand for vegan-friendly supplements is largely driven by millennials, who represent the highest percentage of self-identified vegans and vegetarians among all age groups.³ The consumers of this generation place a strong emphasis on health, sustainability, and ethical consumption — all of which influence their purchasing decisions.

As a result, supplement brands that offer plant-based/ vegan collagen alternatives are well-positioned to meet the values and preferences of this influential demographic. Understanding who your target consumer is — and what motivates them — is key to developing products that resonate and perform well in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

This trend aligns with a study of 3,835 runners, which found that 57% of all-distance runners were women, and 20.9% of them identified as vegetarians.⁴ This is particularly relevant considering that women aged 18–54 represent one of the largest consumer groups for collagen supplements, primarily driven by goals related to beauty and skin health. While women dominate this category, men aged 32–45 also use collagen supplements, with a greater emphasis on joint support and overall wellness.

These insights highlight the growing overlap between health-conscious, plant-based consumers and the collagen market, underscoring a key opportunity for brands to formulate vegan/vegetarian alternatives to collagen that appeal to these distinct but overlapping demographics.

Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Nutraceuticals

The demographic data suggests a significant market opportunity for vegan collagen alternatives, particularly among health-conscious consumers in the 18–54 age group who follow vegan or vegetarian lifestyles.

For supplement brand owners already offering collagen products — or those planning to — the ability to differentiate in a crowded marketplace is crucial. One way to do this is by incorporating vegan substitutes for collagen that offer similar benefits to traditional collagen, while also aligning with ethical and dietary preferences.

Whether your goal is to expand your product line or improve an existing formula, there are several vegan and vegetarian-friendly ingredients that can support skin health, joint support, and overall wellness. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore several of these innovative, science-backed options.

What Is “Vegan Collagen?”

Let’s start by addressing the concept of so-called “vegan collagen.” As previously noted, true collagen is exclusively derived from animal sources, which means vegan collagen does not exist in a literal sense.

However, advances in nutraceutical science have led to the development of vegan-friendly ingredients that closely mimic the amino acid profile of human collagen. These formulations typically include a blend of plant-based amino acids designed to simulate the structure and function of traditional collagen.

Plant sources such as pumpkin, soy, pea, and hemp do a good job of mimicking the primary constituent amino acids in collagen. Furthermore, fermented plant-sourced technologies are changing the landscape in this category as innovative plant-based collagen biomimetics are appearing in the market that contain a variety of plant extracts, including saponins, that stimulate the natural process for type I collagen synthesis.

In clinical studies, a daily dose of 1.5 grams significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and reduced the appearance of fine lines within just four weeks. A higher dose of 5 grams per day produced even more pronounced results.⁵

Brands looking to enter this niche should consider partnering with an experienced collagen powder manufacturer that understands how to formulate these plant-based options.

Eggshell Membrane

As the name suggests, eggshell membrane is the thin, fibrous layer found on the inside of an eggshell, often visible when peeling a hard-boiled egg. While not considered vegan, eggshell membrane is generally acceptable to ovo-vegetarians, who consume eggs as part of their diet.

This natural ingredient is rich in collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other bioactive compounds⁶ that support skin and joint health. Research⁷ ⁸ ⁹ has shown that much like conventional collagen; eggshell membrane supplementation can help:

Reduce trans-epidermal water loss
Promote skin hydration
Improve skin elasticity and firmness
Reduce skin pigmentation

These benefits make eggshell membrane a valuable ingredient for supplement formulations aimed at consumers seeking non-mammalian collagen alternatives that still deliver clinically supported beauty-from-within benefits.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis¹⁰ ¹¹. It has gained considerable attention in the nutraceutical space due to a growing body of published research supporting its wide-ranging health benefits, particularly those related to skin health, which are comparable to the effects of conventional collagen supplementation.

Studies have shown that supplementation with astaxanthin significantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin moisture content and elasticity.¹² Research also found that astaxanthin inhibited age-related skin deterioration and maintained skin conditions associated with environmentally induced damage.¹³

One of astaxanthin’s most remarkable properties is its exceptional antioxidant capacity — approximately 10 times greater than other carotenoids (e.g., zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene) and 100 times stronger than vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). Because oxidative stress plays a major role in skin aging, astaxanthin’s antioxidant power provides an important complementary benefit for collagen support and overall dermal protection.

This vegan-friendly compound is an excellent addition to beauty-from-within vegan collagen supplement formulations, offering clinically supported, collagen-like skin benefits without relying on animal-derived ingredients.

Ceramides

Ceramides are natural substances present in the skin barrier¹⁴ ¹⁵, which is essential for retaining moisture and protecting against environmental stressors. While ceramides are naturally present in the skin, levels decline with age, contributing to dryness, sensitivity, and visible signs of aging.

Fortunately, vegan-friendly ceramide sources are available and have been clinically shown to deliver a wide range of skin benefits. Supplementation with plant-derived ceramides has been shown to:

Improve skin hydration
Reduce trans-epidermal water loss
Enhance skin elasticity
Diminish wrinkle depth
Promote smoother skin texture

Notably, some studies have reported visible results in as little as 15 days, with continued improvement over 60 days of consistent use.¹⁶ These effects closely mirror those associated with traditional collagen supplementation, making ceramides an excellent addition to vegan beauty-from-within formulations.

By incorporating ceramides into their product formulation, brands can offer a plant-based collagen supplement solution that supports skin barrier function and visible anti-aging benefits, aligning with consumer demand for effective, ethical alternatives.

Glucosamine HCl

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound found in healthy cartilage and is widely recognized for its role in joint health. While the most common commercial source of glucosamine is derived from shellfish, vegan-friendly forms of glucosamine HCl are now available, making it a suitable option for plant-based supplement formulations.

Research¹⁷ ¹⁸ has shown that glucosamine supplementation offers several skin health benefits, including:

Increased skin moisture content
Reduced dryness and scaliness
Improved skin smoothness
Enhanced ease of makeup application
Positive effects on epidermal and dermal markers associated with aging
Promotion of type I and type II collagen production

Of course, glucosamine’s big claim to fame is joint health, and studies have shown that supplementation with glucosamine HCl was effectively able to support joint comfort and joint mobility.¹⁹ ²⁰ ²¹ ²² These are all benefits also associated with the use of conventional collagen.

By incorporating vegan glucosamine HCl into your formulation, you can provide a multifunctional ingredient that supports both skin and joint health, offering plant-based consumers a compelling vegan alternative to traditional collagen products.

Proprietary Botanical Blend

When it comes to collagen-related nutraceuticals, the focus is often on stimulating collagen production. However, there’s another valuable approach – protecting existing collagen and elastin from degradation.

A proprietary botanical blend featuring pomegranate extract, asparagus, okra, and various berries has been clinically shown to help preserve collagen and elastin by inhibiting the activity of elastase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down these vital skin proteins.²³

By reducing elastase activity, this plant-based formulation helps maintain the structural integrity of the skin, supporting firmness, elasticity, and a youthful appearance.²⁴ These protective benefits complement those offered by conventional collagen and are especially relevant for vegan and vegetarian consumers seeking plant-based collagen for skin, as it supports their skin health and anti-aging goals.

This aligns with the broader vegan collagen benefits that today’s vegan consumers increasingly seek in nutraceutical supplements.

Lutein/Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids made popular due to research showing how they protect the eyes against blue light damage from digital devices. However, lutein and zeaxanthin also help protect the skin. In clinical research²⁵, supplementation with these two carotenoids helped reduce uneven skin tone from sun exposure. There was a significant improvement in overall skin tone and a generally healthier and more radiant look. Essentially, lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation lightened and improved skin conditions.

Lemon Balm Extract

As previously noted, collagen in skin decreases with age. Furthermore, loss of collagen and collagen glycation (i.e., when a sugar molecule binds with a protein molecule) contributes to the appearance of aging skin.

When glycation takes place with collagen, it results in the loss of structural function, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity.²⁶²⁷ ²⁸ ²⁹ ³⁰ ³¹

Laboratory research suggests that lemon balm may help reduce protein glycation, improve skin elasticity, and help skin photoaging.³² ³³ ³⁴

By addressing both collagen degradation and glycation, lemon balm extract provides a unique mechanism of action that complements traditional collagen-focused ingredients, offering yet another plant-based pathway to support healthy skin aging.

Aloe Vera Sterols

As the vegan supplement space grows, many forward-thinking brands are partnering with experts in collagen supplement manufacturing to deliver innovative solutions like aloe vera sterols that support collagen integrity without animal products.

Aloe vera sterols are plant-based compounds derived from the aloe vera plant that have shown promising benefits for skin health and anti-aging. One of their key mechanisms is the ability to reduce glycation³⁵ ³⁶, a process that contributes to collagen degradation and the formation of wrinkles.

Laboratory research has demonstrated that aloe sterols can stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in skin cells³⁷— two critical components for maintaining skin structure, hydration, and elasticity.

In human clinical studies, aloe sterols were shown to³⁸ ³⁹ ⁴⁰:

Significantly reduce wrinkle depth
Improve skin moisture
Reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)
Enhance skin elasticity
Increase collagen content in the skin

These findings make aloe vera sterols an excellent addition to vegan collagen-support formulations, offering preventive and restorative benefits for aging skin through a natural, plant-based approach.

Wrapping Up

As the demand for plant-based supplements grows, offering vegan collagen alternatives and complementary nutraceuticals is a smart, strategic move for supplement brand owners.

From amino acid blends that mimic collagen to powerful botanicals like astaxanthin, ceramides, glucosamine HCl, and aloe vera sterols, numerous science-backed ingredients support skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkle reduction, and overall dermal health — all without relying on animal-derived collagen.

Whether you’re looking to create a supplement brand or expand an existing line, incorporating these vegan-friendly options supports ethical and dietary preferences and helps your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Vitaquest Excels at Manufacturing Vegan & Vegetarian-Friendly Collagen Alternative Supplements

Vitaquest is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that has provided brand owners with exceptional research and development, supplement contract manufacturing, packaging design, powder and particle engineering services using fluid bed, oscillation, and roller compaction technologies, and fulfillment solutions for over 45 years.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or aiming to expand your product range, Vitaquest possesses the expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and solutions needed to swiftly and effectively turn your vegan/vegetarian-friendly collagen alternative supplement concept into reality. Vitaquest offers a variety of dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, oral disintegrating tablets (OTD), effervescent, and powders. Furthermore, you’ll receive an exceptional level of customer support.

As a collagen powder manufacturer, Vitaquest also has expertise in domestic and international regulatory standards, as well as sustainability practices. Sourcing sustainable ingredients and using eco-friendly manufacturing processes can enhance brand appeal. Our FDA cGMP compliance, as well as third-party GMP certification from NSF, USP, and others, assures brand owners and consumers that we meet industry regulations and standards. Likewise, our ability to offer Kosher, Halal, and certified organic products, and FSSC 22000 certification for food safety are relevant certifications for manufacturing excellence.

Are you ready to capitalize on the vegan/vegetarian collagen alternative supplement ideas covered in this article? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a nutraceutical manufacturing quote if you’ve already finalized your project requirements!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Collagen Alternatives

Is vegan collagen real?

All collagen is derived from animal sources. However, there are vegan blends of amino acids which have a remarkably similar amino acid profile to that of human collagen and, when supplemented, have been shown to have benefits for the skin similar to that of conventional collagen supplements.

Are there any supplements that can increase collagen in the body but don’t contain collagen?

Yes. For example, vitamin C, select amino acids, and silica all work by supporting the collagen environment, which is co-dependent on glycosaminoglycans (GAGS). For example, glucosamine HCl has been shown to promote the production of type 1 and II collagen. These are collagen types found in the skin and joints.

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Michael

Anthonavage

VP Innovation

Michael Anthonavage serves as the VP of Innovation at Vitaquest, dedicated to expanding the supplement market footprint and ensuring a competitive edge. With expertise in bringing new technologies to the personal care industry, championing patents for natural skincare, and contributing to skin biology research, he’s an educator and a member of the scientific advisory board for the NYC Society of Cosmetic Chemists.

Exploring the Fall 2025 Supplement Trends for Brand Owners

VITAQUEST’S CONTRACT MANUFACTURING SERVICES

Latest on Manufacturing & Production

Exploring the Fall 2025 Supplement Trends for Brand Owners

VITAQUEST’S CONTRACT MANUFACTURING SERVICES

Latest on Manufacturing & Production

Vegan Essentials for Health & Wellness: Protein Alternatives & Complementary Nutraceuticals

Non-Animal Sources That Naturally Boost Collagen Production

Vegan/Vegetarian and Collagen User Demographics

Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Nutraceuticals

What Is “Vegan Collagen?”

Eggshell Membrane

Astaxanthin

Ceramides

Glucosamine HCl

Proprietary Botanical Blend

Lutein/Zeaxanthin

Lemon Balm Extract

Aloe Vera Sterols

Wrapping Up

Vitaquest Excels at Manufacturing Vegan & Vegetarian-Friendly Collagen Alternative Supplements

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Collagen Alternatives

Is vegan collagen real?

Are there any supplements that can increase collagen in the body but don’t contain collagen?

References

Michael

Anthonavage

VP Innovation

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