Collagen has become a buzzword in beauty and wellness circles, praised for its ability to promote youthful skin, strong nails, and joint health. But there's a catch—most collagen supplements are made from animal products like fish skin, bovine hides, or chicken bones. That poses a challenge for vegans who want the benefits of collagen without compromising their ethics.
Fortunately, there are highly effective vegan collagen alternatives that can support your body’s natural collagen production through plant-based means. In this guide, we'll explore what collagen is, why vegans should seek alternatives, and the best nutrients and supplements that stimulate collagen synthesis—naturally and cruelty-free.
What Is Collagen and Why Does It Matter?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It's a key structural component in:
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Skin: Helps keep skin firm and smooth
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Hair and nails: Promotes strength and resilience
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Joints and ligaments: Provides elasticity and cushioning
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Bones and connective tissue: Maintains structure and strength
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which contributes to wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pain, and brittle hair or nails. That’s where dietary support can help.
Why Collagen Supplements Aren’t Vegan
Conventional collagen supplements are made by hydrolyzing the connective tissue of animals into peptides that the body can absorb. This includes:
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Fish scales (marine collagen)
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Cow or pig skin and bones (bovine collagen)
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Chicken cartilage (chicken collagen)
There is currently no true collagen derived from plant sources. However, that doesn’t mean vegans are out of luck. Instead, the goal is to stimulate the body’s own collagen production using specific plant-based nutrients and compounds.
How Vegan Collagen Alternatives Work
Rather than ingesting collagen directly, vegan alternatives provide the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to build collagen naturally. Some also contain botanical ingredients shown to enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and joint health.
These alternatives fall into two main categories:
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Nutrient-based supplements
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Functional plant compounds and superfoods
Let’s break them down.
Essential Nutrients That Boost Natural Collagen Production
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a key cofactor in the synthesis of collagen. It supports the conversion of the amino acids proline and lysine into collagen fibers. Without enough vitamin C, collagen production is significantly impaired.
Vegan food sources:
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Citrus fruits
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Bell peppers
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Strawberries
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Kale
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Broccoli
You can also find vegan supplements that combine vitamin C with other collagen-boosting ingredients.
2. Amino Acids (Glycine, Proline, Lysine)
These amino acids are the building blocks of collagen.
Vegan sources:
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Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)
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Tofu and tempeh
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Pumpkin seeds
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Chia seeds
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Quinoa
While plant-based sources don’t contain collagen itself, they provide the raw materials for your body to make it.
3. Zinc
Zinc is involved in tissue repair and collagen synthesis. A deficiency can lead to impaired healing and reduced skin elasticity.
Vegan sources:
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Pumpkin seeds
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Cashews
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Oats
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Lentils
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Hemp seeds
4. Silica (Silicon)
Silica promotes collagen formation and strengthens skin, hair, and nails.
Vegan sources:
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Cucumbers (with skin)
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Bell peppers
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Oats
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Brown rice
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Horsetail (a popular herbal supplement)
5. Copper
Copper supports the cross-linking of collagen and elastin, contributing to skin firmness and elasticity.
Vegan sources:
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Sesame seeds
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Sunflower seeds
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Mushrooms
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Dark leafy greens
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Cashews
Vegan Collagen-Boosting Superfoods and Supplements
In addition to nutrients from whole foods, some supplements and superfoods are formulated to target collagen production on a vegan diet.
6. Vegan Collagen-Boosting Powders
Look for products labeled “vegan collagen booster” or “collagen support.” These typically include:
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Vitamin C
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Bamboo or horsetail extract (for silica)
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Amino acids
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Hyaluronic acid
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Biotin and plant protein
They may not contain collagen itself, but they nourish your body to produce it naturally.
7. Hyaluronic Acid (Vegan-Sourced)
Hyaluronic acid improves skin hydration and elasticity. Though often animal-derived, it is now widely available in vegan forms made through fermentation.
Many vegan beauty powders and supplements combine hyaluronic acid with vitamin C for skin plumpness and moisture retention.
8. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla is a potent antioxidant rich in vitamin C and used in Ayurvedic medicine for hair and skin health.
Try it in:
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Smoothies
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Vegan supplement capsules
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Herbal teas
9. Sea Buckthorn
This plant is loaded with omega-7 fatty acids and antioxidants that help fight skin aging and support elasticity.
Available as:
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Oil
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Juice
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Capsules
10. Aloe Vera (Ingestible)
While mostly known for topical use, aloe vera can also be taken internally (in supplement or juice form) to hydrate skin and support connective tissue health.
Make sure to choose a product labeled for internal use and avoid varieties with added sugars.
Lifestyle Tips for Supporting Collagen on a Vegan Diet
In addition to what you eat, your lifestyle plays a big role in collagen preservation.
1. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
UV exposure breaks down collagen and accelerates skin aging. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily—even on cloudy days.
2. Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for skin plumpness and elasticity. Dehydration can make wrinkles more noticeable.
3. Get Enough Sleep
During deep sleep, your body releases growth hormones that stimulate cell and tissue repair, including collagen synthesis.
4. Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol
These habits deplete your body’s antioxidant levels and damage collagen fibers, leading to early aging and reduced skin quality.
Sample Daily Routine for Vegan Collagen Support
Morning
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Smoothie with berries, spinach, chia seeds, and vegan collagen booster powder
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Glass of water with a slice of lemon (extra vitamin C)
Lunch
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Lentil and quinoa salad with bell peppers and a lemon-tahini dressing
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Side of fresh cucumber and tomato
Afternoon Snack
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Handful of pumpkin seeds
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Herbal tea with amla powder
Dinner
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Stir-fry with tofu, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame oil
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Brown rice and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds
Evening Supplement
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Vegan hyaluronic acid capsule or aloe vera juice
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Hydrating herbal tea
Final Thoughts
While you can’t currently find a plant-based version of collagen itself, you absolutely can support your body’s natural collagen production with smart, vegan-friendly choices. By combining whole foods, key nutrients, and effective supplements, you can enjoy the benefits of radiant skin, resilient hair, and joint support—without relying on animal-derived ingredients.
Want to show your plant-based pride while you nourish your skin from within? The Dharma Store offers a range of vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton, so you can wear your values wherever you go.
Remember, collagen isn’t just something you take—it’s something your body makes. With the right support, your vegan lifestyle and glowing skin can go hand in hand.