Can collagen be vegan? How plant-based alternatives are reshaping the beauty market

SINGAPORE, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

SINGAPORE — Holistic Way has launched Bio-Elixir Vegan Collagen, a plant-based supplement designed to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production using a novel hibiscus extract, marking a significant shift in the crowded collagen market.

The introduction of this product addresses a specific gap in the market for consumers seeking skin health solutions that align with plant-based diets and sustainability values. While collagen is a fundamental structural protein in the human body, it is exclusively found in animal tissues, making it impossible to obtain directly from a vegan diet.

Most existing products marketed as “vegan collagen” are actually amino acid blends that support general protein synthesis rather than specifically targeting collagen production. Holistic Way’s new formulation distinguishes itself by using hydrolysed hibiscus protein broken down into small peptides that structurally resemble those in animal collagen, thereby signaling the body to produce more of the protein.

The efficacy of this approach was evaluated in a 12-week clinical study involving 98 adults aged 35 to 60 who suffered from dry skin and wrinkles around the eyes. Researchers tested VC-H1 at a dosage of 1.5 grams per day and reported measurable improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and the appearance of wrinkles.

This study provides empirical backing for the claim that plant-based alternatives can deliver tangible dermatological benefits, challenging the long-held assumption that effective collagen supplementation requires animal-derived ingredients.

Jade Zhong, a nutritionist and team lead of product development at JR Life Sciences, the parent company of Holistic Way, explained the biological rationale behind the product. She noted that collagen accounts for roughly 25 to 30 per cent of the body’s protein, providing strength, firmness, and structure to tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bones, and skin.

Zhong clarified that consuming animal collagen does not result in the direct deposition of that protein into the skin or joints. “It’s like eating a Lego model and having your body take it apart into individual pieces,” Zhong said. “Some of those pieces can then be reused to build collagen and other proteins. However, getting a substantial amount of collagen protein from food may require eating relatively large amounts of collagen-rich animal tissues.”

Zhong emphasized that most “vegan collagen” products on the market are mislabeled, functioning instead as collagen-supporting formulas. “Instead of giving you collagen directly, they typically contain amino acid blends intended to support the body’s own collagen production,” she said.

“These amino acids enter the body’s general amino acid pool and can be used for different functions, rather than specifically for collagen production.” In contrast, the hydrolysed hibiscus protein in VC-H1 contains peptides that specifically resemble those in animal collagen, offering a more targeted mechanism for action.

Beyond the primary collagen-supporting ingredient, Bio-Elixir Vegan Collagen incorporates a comprehensive blend of skin-supporting nutrients. The formula includes NMN to support cellular energy, rice ceramides to reinforce the skin’s barrier, acerola fruit for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, and chia seed for omega-3, fibre, and protein. Zhong stated that plants naturally contain beneficial phytonutrients not found in animal-derived collagen, which provide antioxidant support by neutralising oxidative stress and protecting cells.

This combination aims to slow down collagen degradation and premature skin ageing. “Rather than creating a collagen-only product, we wanted to develop a more comprehensive formula that goes beyond providing structural support,” Zhong said. “Each daily scoop combines collagen-supporting peptides with ingredients selected to provide antioxidant protection and support cellular health and nutrition.”

The development of Bio-Elixir Vegan Collagen took seven months, during which Holistic Way focused on sourcing high-quality ingredients. The hibiscus used in VC-H1 is sourced from dedicated organic farms through government partnerships, ensuring greater control over quality, consistency, and traceability. The product is available as a powder, with each tub providing 20 servings.

Each scoop is designed to be mixed with 150ml of room-temperature or cold water, or blended into a smoothie, creating a yuzu-flavoured drink.

Priced at $88, the product is currently available at major retail chains including Guardian, Unity, and Watsons, as well as online at holisticway.com.sg. Zhong noted that the product appeals to consumers who wish to care for their skin while making choices that reflect broader values, including plant-based nutrition, animal-free ingredients, and a sustainability-conscious approach to beauty.

The launch represents a strategic move by Holistic Way to expand its portfolio beyond traditional supplements, catering to the growing segment of health-conscious consumers seeking effective, ethically sourced skincare solutions.

Related: Jade Zhong · Singapore