SAM DONNELLY
European Technical Sales Manager, JLand Biotech Co., Ltd., Jingjiang, China

Abstract

New alternatives to animal derived products, such as collagen, are becoming more important to the cosmetic market. In this article we look at the anti-aging effects of recombinant human collagen (RHC) and the benefits of liposome encapsulation. Liposome encapsulation enhanced the penetration of RHC in the skin, reaching deeper layers in higher volumes. Studies showed that RHC was able to reduce skin redness, water loss, wrinkles and improve skin firmness. Recombinant collagen is a viable replacement for animal collagen in cosmetics as an anti-aging active ingredient.

INTRODUCTION
As the skin ages, it leads to a reduction in firmness and elasticity, causing wrinkles and worn looking skin. This is partly caused by a reduction in the volume of collagen found in the skin. Collagen helps to maintain the firmness and elasticity (1) due to its role as a structural protein within the extracellular matrix of the skin but several factors can lead to a reduction in natural collagen, including aging (2). Other lifestyle factors that can reduce collagen production include smoking and excess UV radiation. Collagen, traditionally from animal sources (3), has become a commonly used ingredient in the cosmetic industry, promoting anti-aging effects. With current market trends moving toward non-animal products, new alternatives are coming into the industry, including recombinant collagen.

The production of recombinant proteins removes the need to use large volumes of animal material to extract a small amount of protein (4), such as collagen. Using recombinant collagen has multiple benefits over the traditionally used animal collagen such as no odour, no discolouration, no allergenicity, and sustainability. The rec ...