Lately, oral collagen has become a trendy choice among beauty and health enthusiasts. However, their effectiveness remains controversial. Some people argue that “90% of ingested collagen is wasted,” and others dismiss collagen supplements as nothing more than a “scam for the gullible.” So, what is the truth? Can drinking collagen actually help restore skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles? Let’s explore how collagen is absorbed and whether oral collagen truly delivers visible benefits.

Why Is Collagen Difficult to Absorb?

Biologically, all nutrients consumed by the body must go through a series of transformations before they can be absorbed and used—and collagen is no exception. Collagen is a large protein molecule and cannot be absorbed in its original form. Therefore, it must first be broken down into collagen peptides, which is the form most commonly found in oral collagen products on the market today.

Still, absorbing collagen peptides is far from simple. After consumption, these peptides must undergo a complicated digestion journey. In the stomach, they are broken down by gastric acid and enzymes such as pepsin. They then move into the small intestine, where further digestion by enzymes like trypsin reduces them into smaller peptides and amino acids.

However, digestion doesn’t guarantee absorption. A major hurdle remains: crossing the intestinal barrier. Due to their size, shape, and charge, many peptides are unable to pass through the intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream. This is why some argue that most of the collagen we drink ends up being “wasted”—it simply can’t reach the skin.

The Challenges and Breakthroughs of Oral Collagen:

So, does that mean oral collagen is useless? Not necessarily. Although traditional collagen supplements face absorption challenges, advances in technology have led to promising breakthroughs.

One such innovation is Exo-WT Shield Capsule™ technology, developed by Biohorm Group. This technique encapsulates collagen peptides in biomimetic exosome-like vesicles, protecting them from stomach acid and guiding them directly to skin cells. These vesicles act like tiny, sturdy “delivery capsules” that mimic the body’s own communication systems, allowing active ingredients to remain stable during digestion and effectively cross the intestinal barrier.

Even more impressively, these exosomal vesicles can help collagen peptides fuse with skin cells and release their contents exactly where they’re needed. This targeted delivery significantly improves absorption efficiency, overcoming the shortcomings of conventional collagen products.

Real Results from Next-Gen Collagen Products:

Biohorm has launched the Shield Capsule PDRN Repair Drink, which, thanks to Exo-WT Shield Capsule™ technology, blends collagen peptides with PDRN—a restorative compound extracted from salmon DNA. PDRN helps repair damaged DNA and energize mitochondria, stimulating collagen synthesis and skin regeneration at the cellular level.

As a result, this product not only boosts collagen levels in the skin but also helps repair damaged tissues, improving hydration, firmness, and elasticity. According to related studies, after 28 days of use, users reported significantly reduced wrinkles and noticeably smoother, tighter skin.

How to Choose the Right Collagen Product?

With so many collagen products on the market, consumers should pay attention to both ingredients and technology. Traditional collagen drinks may have limited effectiveness due to poor bioavailability. Products using advanced delivery systems—like Exo-WT Shield Capsule™—are far more likely to deliver measurable skin improvements.

Therefore, if you’re looking to enhance your skin with oral collagen, opt for scientifically backed brands rather than simply going for low-cost or popular products. Making an informed choice helps you avoid wasting money and ensures you get real results from collagen supplementation.

Final Thoughts

Although oral collagen does face real challenges in terms of absorption and bioavailability, new technologies are changing the game. Innovative methods such as exosome-based delivery allow collagen to cross the intestinal barrier and be effectively used by the body. Choosing a high-quality, science-driven collagen supplement can help you achieve visible improvements in skin health—without falling for hype or marketing tricks.