Hyaluronic acid and collagen are both important structural proteins and polysaccharides in the human body, playing crucial roles in maintaining tissue structure and function. Hyaluronic acid can lock in skin moisture, delaying skin aging; collagen can promote skin cell metabolism, maintain water-oil balance, and also have skin tightening and anti-wrinkle effects. But what are the differences between the two?
- Ingredients and Percentage
（1）Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a glycosaminoglycan composed of a disaccharide unit of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. It is a high molecular weight polysaccharide that is widely distributed in the skin, accounting for up to 50% of the total body content.
（2）Collagen is a biological macromolecule, which is the most abundant and widely distributed protein in the human body, accounting for 25% of total body protein. It is widely distributed in human tissues and organs such as bones, eyes, viscera, tendons, and teeth, rich in 18 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids necessary for human growth.
- Production and Process
（1）Hyaluronic acid can be produced through two methods: microbial fermentation and extraction from rooster combs. Microbial fermentation involves selecting suitable strains for fermentation, followed by extraction and purification to obtain hyaluronic acid. Extraction from rooster combs involves a series of chemical processing steps to extract hyaluronic acid from rooster combs, which is then refined and purified to obtain high-purity hyaluronic acid products.
（2）The production of collagen mainly involves two methods: animal collagen and plant-based collagen. Animal collagen is typically extracted from the skin, cartilage, bones, and other parts of animals, and processed through methods such as hydrolysis. Plant-based collagen, on the other hand, is obtained through a series of fermentation and extraction processes.
- Security and Stability
Hyaluronic acid is non-immunogenic and generally does not cause allergic reactions. It breaks down at high temperatures but is more stable at low temperatures. Collagen, on the other hand, is immunogenic and may trigger allergic reactions. It is more stable at high temperatures but may denature at low temperatures.
- Function and Effect
There are many benefits to using hyaluronic acid and collagen together, such as:
（1）Tighten the skin: Hyaluronic acid collagen peptide contains high levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen, which can support the skin, maintain skin lubrication, supplement the skin's surface moisture, and have certain benefits for tightening the skin.
（2）Moisturizing and Nourishing: Hyaluronic acid contains abundant moisturizing factors, while collagen can lock in the skin's moisture. Consuming hyaluronic acid collagen peptides can provide internal moisturizing benefits.
（3）Delay skin aging: Collagen in the body will gradually decrease, leading to skin aging, causing local wrinkles or skin sagging. Hyaluronic acid collagen peptide contains rich nutrients such as vitamins, active factors, and hyaluronic acid, which can stimulate the synthesis of skin collagen and have certain benefits in delaying skin aging.
（4）However, there are also differences between the two to some extent. Hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturizing factor that can keep the skin hydrated, while collagen is the main component of the extracellular matrix of skin cells, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
