A collagen supplement costing under £15 has become a sensation among those seeking to reduce fine lines and sagging skin, with users reporting that friends suspect they have had cosmetic work done. The product, iHerb's California Gold Nutrition CollagenUP Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Peptides with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, is available in various sizes starting at £16.07 for a one-off purchase or £14.46 with autoship.
Users Report Dramatic Age Reduction
One 48-year-old user shared: "I am 48 years old, but just last week a new co-worker guessed my age as 36. People refuse to believe my real age when I tell them." Another user, aged 43, said: "When I meet new people, they consistently think I am at least 10 years younger than my age. My face looks plump, and the fine lines around my eyes have dramatically softened."
A third reviewer raved: "My friends think I had work done. I started getting wrinkles and saggy skin on my neck that made me look way older than I felt. I've gone through three tubs of CollagenUP now. My friends genuinely thought I secretly had a cosmetic procedure or fillers done. They guess I am in my early 30s when I am actually pushing 45."
Scientific Backing for Oral Collagen
A 2023 meta-analysis published by MDPI, a peer-reviewed open access journal, analysed 26 trial studies and found that collagen "significantly improved skin hydration... and elasticity... compared to the placebo group." This supports the anecdotal claims from users.
Product Details and Alternatives
The supplement is unflavoured and designed for daily use, with one scoop mixed into 6-8 ounces of water or juice. Sizes range from 205g to 997g, with autoship discounts available. Alternatives include MYPROTEIN Marine Collagen Gummies at £12.99 for 30 servings, and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Unflavoured Powder 567g, currently reduced at Holland & Barrett from £49.99 to £37.49.
User Feedback and Considerations
While most reviews are positive, one user deducted a star, noting: "There's a slight change in the way my coffee tastes and it doesn't completely dissolve." However, another longtime user in her late 50s said: "I've been taking it consistently for several years. I find it very effective." The California Gold Nutrition CollagenUP is available on iHerb.
