“There’s only so much collagen your body can absorb”: Quality formulation is key

Collagen Glam is tailored for under 30 and Collagen Hero for aged 30 and above. Both leverage marine collagen peptides and patented ingredients to target benefits for skin, hair, and nails effectively.
Collagen Glam is tailored for under 30 and Collagen Hero for aged 30 and above. Both leverage marine collagen peptides and patented ingredients to target benefits for skin, hair, and nails effectively. (Nature's Farm)

Nature’s Farm has launched a ready-to-drink Collagen Duo range, tailored for different age groups to address ageing and uneven skin tones, touting premium formulation as its key differentiator.

The Collagen Duo range comprises two variants: Collagen Glam for those under 30 and Collagen Hero for those aged 30 and above. Both leverage marine collagen peptides and patented ingredients to target benefits for skin, hair, and nails effectively.

Both are formulated with marine collagen peptides and patented ingredients to maximise benefits for skin, hair, and nails.

Collagen’s skin benefits are well-supported by scientific studies, but its efficacy depends more on formulation than dosage. Nature’s Farm sets itself apart with a patented formula engineered for optimal results, said the Singapore firm’s chief marketing officer, Damien Foo.

To address scepticism around collagen absorption, the company focuses on delivering an amount the body can optimally utilise – approximately 5,000mg per day.

“There’s only so much collagen your body can absorb,” Foo explained. “If we wanted to deliver the highest collagen content, we could include 12,000, 15,000, or even 20,000mg, as some brands do. But your body doesn’t actually need or absorb that much. That’s why we’ve capped our highest collagen content at the 5,000mg range – it’s higher than many competitors but still within what the body can optimally absorb.”

Collagen Glam, designed for younger consumers, contains 3,000mg of marine collagen peptides per 35ml serving. It is enriched with rose petal and white tomato extracts, which are known to brighten dull skin and promote an even, radiant complexion.

Collagen Hero, tailored for those experiencing natural collagen loss due to ageing, provides 5,800mg of marine collagen peptides per 35ml serving. Its formulation supports skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production, and strengthens hair and nails.

Foo said this product differentiation is another feature that sets Collagen Duo apart from its competitors – most market only one type of collagen product with the same amount of collagen for everyone, while Nature’s Farm focuses on meeting the needs of different groups.

“Collagen, like vitamin C or D, delivers similar benefits regardless of the brand. What really makes a difference is the formulation, and our patented formulation ensures targeted and effective products,” said Foo.

Targeted at different needs

Ensuring bioavailability is essential for achieving results, and Nature’s Farm has prioritised marine collagen peptides in its formulations.

“Marine collagen peptides are hydrolysed for superior absorption compared to bovine or chicken collagen,” said Nature’s Farm regulatory and compliance manager Hyumi Wong. This is because hydrolysis breaks collagen into smaller peptide particles, which increases absorption, leading to higher bioavailability.

The inclusion of science-backed patented ingredients further enhances the benefits, offering tailored solutions for varied consumer needs.

“If you are below 30 you don’t actually need that much collagen supplements because your body is still producing a decent amount of it. Younger consumers in this group are more focused on uneven skin tone and they hope to achieve glass skin. So they can use much stronger, more effective whitening supplements, for example, to achieve their goals.

“For those above 30 or 35, they would need a higher dose of collagen because their body produces less of it,” said Foo.

For Collagen Glam, it contains Rose Crysta extracted from wild rose petals, which is said to inhibit melanin production for a skin whitening effect.

Collagen Hero includes MitoBeauty, made from red-and blackcurrants and protected by the Ribetril technology – this ingredient is said to improve skin micro-circulation and hydration, as well as reduce wrinkle formation.

Furthermore, there is no added sugar. The company uses condensed fruit juices to mask any fishy taste, which Foo said is low to almost none.

Condensed fruit juices have lower sugar levels compared to fruit juice concentrates, which are typically used in other collagen drink products, said Wong, who is also Nature’s Farm inhouse nutritionist.

At 2.2 grams of sugar per serving, the Collagen Duo range is significantly lower in sugar compared to some competitor products, which could contain approximately 4 grams of sugar per serving, even if not always disclosed on packaging, said Foo, who added that consumers ultimately prioritise taste experience.

Appeal increases efficacy

The company chose the 35ml sachet format to provide the user experience necessary for consistent daily use.

“While ampoules are becoming popular overseas, I think Singapore and the broader Asian market aren’t quite ready for them because the user experience matters so much.

“Ampoules may cost less due to their smaller size and higher concentration, but the experience isn’t the same. With only a third of the volume we currently offer, you take it, and it’s gone, there’s no satisfaction in the experience. That’s why we stick with 35ml sachets. It’s about creating an enjoyable, daily ritual. If people enjoy drinking it, they’ll do so consistently, which is key to seeing results. But if it’s not enjoyable, they’ll skip doses, and the benefits won’t be there.”

Furthermore, it is practical for busy lifestyles. Sachets are easy to carry whether to the office or on trips, taking up little space and offering an easy way to maintain a collagen routine.

More importantly, Collagen Duo is priced competitively for a wide consumer base – for 30 sachets, Collagen Hero is retailing at SGD109 (USD79.6) and Collagen Glam costs SGD89 (USD65).

“Some of our competitors are pricing similar products at around SGD120 (USD87.6). So our pricing is very consumer friendly,” said Foo.

Nature’s Farm is planning to expand its collagen range in 2025 with “an ultimate black diamond product that will cost 25–30% more than the Collagen Duo”.

“They keyword here is ‘anti-ageing’. It will be a lot stronger with more potent and patented ingredients backed by clinical trials – we will share more details nearer to the launch date. This is targeted at those above 40 – consumers who prioritise skincare and who are willing to pay a premium,” said Foo.