What is Hydrolysed Collagen and How Does it Work?

Collagen is always a topic of conversation in the skincare space – but there is still a lot of confusion around how it actually works.

 

In its natural form, collagen is too large to be used effectively in skincare formulas. Modern skincare science, however, has developed a form of the protein – named hydrolysed collagen – that can be.

 

So, what is hydrolysed collagen?

 

Read on as we explain how hydrolysed collagen works in skincare, and how the Vichy Liftactiv range can help support your skin’s natural collagen production as you age.

 

What is hydrolysed collagen?

 

Hydrolysed collagen is collagen that has been broken down into smaller protein fragments called collagen peptides. The process makes it easier to incorporate collagen into skincare formulas, which helps improve its texture, stability, and absorption within skincare products².

 

How does hydrolysed collagen work in skincare?

 

Hydrolysed collagen is a humectant, meaning it helps attract and hold water in the outer layer of your skin².

 

Once applied, it forms a thin, flexible film across the skin that slows transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – the process where water evaporates from your skin into the air. By helping your skin retain moisture, hydrolysed collagen supports hydration levels. Often found in serums and moisturisers, hydrolysed collagen is suitable for dry and sensitive skin types.

 

When used consistently, hydrolysed collagen can help:

 

1. Improve skin hydration
2. Support firmer-looking skin
3. Increase brightness and radiance
4. Reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles
5. Smooth the appearance of rough or uneven texture

 

Hydrolysed collagen vs collagen: what’s the difference?

 

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein made up of long, tightly packed amino acid chains. In skincare, whole collagen molecules are generally considered too large to be effectively incorporated into lightweight topical formulas.

 

Hydrolysed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, has been broken down into smaller peptide chains through a process called hydrolysis. This makes it easier to formulate into skincare products designed to support hydration and smoother-feeling skin².

 

Put simply:

 

• Collagen – the full-size protein in its original form.
• Hydrolysed collagen – collagen broken down into smaller peptide chains.

 

This is why Vichy skincare products use collagen peptides – instead of whole collagen molecules – in our range of collagen-supporting anti-ageing formulas. Powered by an exclusive co-bond technology [rhamnose + peptides + maitake], Vichy’s Liftactiv Collagen Specialist range works to visibly target 16 different signs of ageing through eye creams, face serums, and products created for both your morning and evening skincare routines.

 

Does hydrolysed collagen really work?

 

Yes – but hydrolysed collagen works best when paired with other ingredients².

 

For more visible, longer-term skin changes, collagen can be combined with other skincare ingredients: such as retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Together, these ingredients work symbiotically to support collagen synthesis – the process your skin uses to create new collagen – which helps maintain skin structure, firmness, and elasticity as natural collagen production declines with age.

 

Hydrolysed collagen: 5 collagen-supporting products

 

What is hydrolysed collagen going to look like in your skincare routine?

 

Below are five products from our Liftactiv Collagen Specialist range, each formulated with peptides (including collagen-derived peptides) to target visible signs of ageing.

 

1. Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Bonding Serum

 

Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Bonding Serum is formulated with peptides to support how collagen is formed and structured within your skin. Designed to target 16 visible signs of ageing linked to collagen loss*, this serum has been clinically shown to improve firmness by 77%, with 55% more radiance and 33% fewer visible fine lines**.

 

Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly and layers easily into your routine, making it suitable for daily use on all skin types, including sensitive skin.

 

^*In vitro test

**Tested twice daily for 8 weeks on 44 women aged 43-70 with all skin types.

 

2. Liftactiv Collagen Specialist Eye Cream

 

Our Liftactiv Collagen Specialist Eye Cream is powered by rhamnose, peptides, and caffeine to support collagen, visibly firm, and brighten the under-eye area.

 

Because the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, it is often one of the first areas to show signs of collagen loss. This formula helps smooth fine lines and reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

 

3. Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Day Cream

 

For a daily moisturiser, try our Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Day Cream.

 

Formulated with peptides, it helps the skin appear smoother, firmer, and more radiant throughout the day. This day cream’s lightweight, non-sticky texture absorbs quickly into the skin, delivering lasting hydration and comfortable daily wear.

 

4. Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Night Cream

 

Designed to pair with our Liftactiv Day Cream, the Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Night Cream supports your skin overnight with peptides, rhamnose, and maitake. The night cream’s has a velvety whipped texture and is formulated to support brighter-looking, firmer-feeling skin by morning, with 86% of women tested reporting firmer-looking skin over an eight-week period^***.

 

***Consumer test, 53 subjects, 8 weeks

 

5. Liftactiv 0.2% Pure Retinol Serum for Anti-Ageing

 

Our Liftactiv 0.2% Pure Retinol Serum for Anti-Ageing combines peptides with a high-potency concentration of pure retinol to support your skin renewal cycle and improve skin texture overnight. With consistent use, 100% of users tested noticed a visible reduction in wrinkles^*. What sets this formula apart is the inclusion of probiotic fractions, which help support your skin moisture barrier and comfort your skin as it adjusts to retinol – making it suitable even for sensitive skin types.

 

****Clinical study, 27 women, 46 to 65 years old.

 

Now you’ve learned what hydrolysed collagen is, explore the benefits of combining collagen with vitamin C next.

 

^{1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38534748/}

^{2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33742704/}