Glow coffee – scientifically proven effects or beauty lies?

Glow coffee is a coffee or coffee-based beverage enriched with collagen and additional ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and other beauty nutrients designed to improve the skin, hair and nails and create the “glow effect”.

There are no studies on glow coffee as such. However, what are very well known are studies on collagen and other specific ingredients that are stirred into the coffee. For example, the following studies showed a positive benefit of frequently used active substances:

• In an 8-week study in women aged 35 to 70 years, 5 g of hydrolysed fish collagen (Naticol®) led to a significant improvement in skin firmness on the abdomen, face and forearms and to a reduction in wrinkles compared to placebo (1).

• In a 12-week study, the intake of 10 g hydrolysed fish collagen (Naticol®) in women aged 45 to 60 years led to a 35% reduction in wrinkle values compared to placebo. In addition, there was a 9% increase in the overall assessment of the skin, a 14% increase in the moisture content, a 22% increase in the skin radiance (the glow) and a 25% increase in the firmness (2).

• Another 12-week study with 10 g hydrolysed fish collagen (Naticol®) showed a 10% reduction in skin folds in women between 50 and 70 years of age, a 23% improvement in skin moisture and a 27% improvement in skin elasticity compared to placebo (3).

• In a 6-week study in people with dry skin, 120 mg hyaluronic acid led to significantly increased moisture content and smoother skin compared to placebo (4).

• In a 12-week study in women and men with crow’s feet, 120 mg hyaluronic acid led to significantly reduced skin folds compared to placebo (5).

• The data analysis of the American NHANES study showed that a high vitamin C absorption is associated with fewer wrinkles and a higher moisture content of the skin with age (6).

• Studies with hibiscus and pomegranate extract show that plant extracts provide antioxidant protection against premature skin ageing through their high polyphenol content (7)(8).

1. Open collagen powder sachet (alternatively measure dosage)

2. Mix collagen powder into your coffee

3. Enjoy!

For most collagen powders: one sachet per coffee. Many collagen manufacturers also calculate 1-2 tablespoons per coffee. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for taking the product when preparing it.

When looking for the optimal preparation for your glow coffee, you should consider the following points:

1. How was the collagen powder produced: Make sure that the collagen is hydrolysed. This means that the collagen has been broken down into smaller peptides that are easier to digest and absorbed better by the body. Hydrolysed collagen also dissolves in liquids such as coffee without altering the texture or taste or losing its effect.

2. Type of collagen: For glow coffee, you should be looking for types I and III collagen, as these are responsible for skin regeneration and elasticity.

3. Collagen powder without additives & flavour: taste-neutral collagen powder is ideal for glow coffee as it does not change the taste of your coffee.

4. Origin of collagen: Collagen comes from various animal sources. Fish collagen peptides are among the most readily available types of collagen. In addition, this collagen is sustainable: The products of the manufacturer Naticol®, which are used in Biogena preparations, utilise fish membranes from sustainable aquaculture as part of a resource-saving circular economy.

Collagen is not vegan as it is usually made from the skin and bones of cattle, pigs or fish. Procollagen is considered a vegan collagen alternative: A special blend of amino acids that provide the body with the necessary building blocks for its own collagen production. The taste-neutral procollagen is suitable for glow coffee.

Glow coffee can potentially cause side effects, but these are mainly associated with the caffeine content of the coffee drink. Possible side effects of high consumption of caffeine-containing coffee could include insomnia, nervousness, racing heart or stomach problems. Collagen itself is considered safe and well tolerated by most people. If it is enjoyed in high quantities it can cause digestive problems in some people – a normal reaction of the body when suddenly taking large amounts of protein.

Depending on the source of the collagen (e.g. beef, fish), allergic reactions may occur in people who are allergic to certain animal products. This applies in particular to people with a fish allergy in the case of fish collagen. If you have concerns, especially if you have existing health problems or are taking medications, it is advisable to talk to a doctor before adding glow coffee to your beauty routine.

Many of these products are strongly promoted by influencers who often have little scientific background and rely more on anecdotal experiences. Marketing is often designed to focus on beauty. This can lead to the fact that the actual scientific findings are exaggerated or presented in a distorted manner, e.g. in the form of retouched before and after pictures. Therefore, pay attention to the quality criteria listed above if you want to buy collagen.

Conclusion: While glow coffee per se has not (yet) been studied in skin health scientific studies, the key ingredient – collagen – is well-confirmed in studies as working towards wrinkle reduction and improved skin hydration, as are the other ingredients of high-quality collagen powder. A glow coffee is only as good as its beneficial ingredients. The use of high-quality, hydrolysed collagen in peptide form with high bioavailability is therefore essential for the efficacy of the glow coffee, which can actually be used by the body to optimise the skin structure and bring the desired glow.