A combination of oral fish collagen peptides and L-cystine may improve signs of skin aging in mature women and reduce skin imperfections in younger women, pointing to dual-market potential for the beauty-from-within category, according to new research.
The study, published in the scientific journal Cosmetics and funded by Weishardt International and BCF Life Sciences, assessed the effects of the Naticol-CySkin supplement in two separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving 198 Asian women. Participants were assigned to receive either 5.5 g or 11 g of the active supplement or a placebo daily over 12 weeks.
The trials evaluated a range of dermatological parameters, including skin ageing in women aged 55–65 and skin imperfections, such as moderate acne, in women aged 18–30.
Mature skin study highlights hydration and wrinkle support
In the trial focused on older participants, researchers assessed complexion radiance, crow’s feet, cutaneous thickness, moisturizing, pigmentation homogeneity, skin color and texture.
“The most significant improvements in mature women were observed in hydration, cutaneous thickness and wrinkle reduction,” the researchers wrote.
The supplement was well tolerated, with no adverse effects noted. The study used fish-derived collagen peptides and L-cystine obtained via hydrolysis of keratin from poultry feathers.
The researchers wrote, “Oral administration of the dietary supplement containing L-cystine and collagen peptides was perfectly well tolerated.”
Younger skin study shows promise for acne-prone skin
In the younger cohort, the study used acne-prone skin as a model for imperfections and measured changes in redness, acne scars, UV sensitivity, pigmentation homogeneity and texture.
“In younger women, improvements in cutaneous texture, reduced skin redness and increased UV photoprotection were the most notable effects,” the authors reported.
While many of the observed improvements did not differ significantly from the placebo, the researchers highlighted the combination’s safety profile and the noticeable trends in aesthetic benefits across both age groups.
“Interestingly, the benefits do not only affect mature persons,” the researchers wrote. “Younger women with skin imperfections may also benefit from daily usage of an oral combination of L-cystine and collagen peptides.”
Opportunity for expansion beyond anti-aging market
According to researchers, the study is one of the first randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effects of combining L-cystine and collagen peptides in both mature and young skin populations. Prior research has largely focused on collagen’s anti-ageing properties in older demographics.
“A novel finding of our work is that an oral supplementation combining l-cystine and fish collagen peptides can also be beneficial for young adults with skin imperfections such as moderate acne and roughness.”
Study authors
Collagen hydrolysates have become widely used in the cosmetics and functional food sectors, particularly in Asia, where demand for skin-lightening and complexion-improving solutions remains strong. The authors noted that this ingredient pairing aligns with the beauty-from-within trend, offering systemic benefits via oral supplementation.
Although the study demonstrated several positive outcomes, the authors noted limitations in statistical significance for some metrics and called for further investigation. “Our findings must be confirmed by further studies, since several observed effects did not differ significantly from the placebo,” the authors added.
Source: Cosmetics 2025, 12, 188. doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12050188 “Effects of Oral Fish Collagen and l-Cystine on Skin Ageing in Mature Women and Skin Imperfections in Young Women: Findings from Two Randomised, Three-Arm, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Studies.” Authors: Perin, F. et al.
