Skin and Nutrition: Astaxanthin, Collagen, Vitamin C and Biotin Explained

Skin supplements are among the most popular products we sell, and also among the most over-promised online. This guide explains five ingredients people often ask about, which of them have authorised health claims in Great Britain, and what our labels actually contain. First, the habits that matter most.

Skin basics come first

• Sun protection every day. The NHS recommends sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 star UVA protection, plus shade and covering up in strong sun.
• A varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Enough fluids, around six to eight glasses a day.
• Not smoking, and regular, sufficient sleep.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruit, berries, peppers, broccoli and potatoes. It has an authorised claim directly relevant to skin:

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.

Biotin, zinc and copper

Biotin (vitamin B7) and zinc both have authorised skin claims, and copper has one relating to skin colour:

• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
• Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.

Our Biotin 10000 mcg with Zinc and Copper provides 10,000 mcg of biotin, 100 mg of vitamin C, 15 mg of zinc and 1 mg of copper per vegan capsule, one capsule daily. This is a high strength biotin product. High doses of biotin can affect the results of some blood tests, so tell your doctor or the laboratory if you take it before a blood test. Long-term intake of high dose zinc may reduce copper absorption, so do not combine it with other zinc products without advice.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein found in skin, bones and connective tissue. As a food supplement it is usually supplied as hydrolysed collagen from fish or cattle. There are no authorised health claims for collagen itself in Great Britain, so we describe it by source and amount.

Our Beauty Collagen+ provides 345 mg of Type I fish collagen and 100 mg of hyaluronic acid per capsule, with biotin (500 micrograms), vitamin C (35 mg), zinc, selenium and magnesium. The label serving is two to four capsules daily. Because it contains fish collagen, it is not suitable for vegans or anyone with a fish allergy. The vitamin C, biotin and zinc in this product are the ingredients with authorised skin claims.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in skin and connective tissue. It has no authorised health claims in Great Britain.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red-orange carotenoid pigment, the compound that gives salmon and shrimp their colour. In supplements it is usually extracted from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. There are no authorised health claims for astaxanthin in Great Britain.

Our Astaxanthin 18 mg provides 18 mg of astaxanthin per vegan capsule, from 360 mg of algae extract. Take one capsule daily and no more. Astaxanthin may affect blood pressure and blood clotting, so check with your doctor first if you take blood pressure medication, anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines, or if you have surgery planned.

You can browse more products in our For Women collection.

Frequently asked questions

Which nutrients have authorised claims for skin?

In Great Britain these include vitamin C (normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin), biotin and zinc (maintenance of normal skin), and copper (normal skin pigmentation), among others.

Does collagen have an authorised health claim?

No. There are no authorised health claims for collagen itself in Great Britain.

Can a supplement replace sunscreen?

No. No food supplement replaces sunscreen, shade and covering up.

Important information

Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose stated on the label. Not intended for anyone under 18. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or under medical supervision, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any food supplement. Keep out of reach of children.