{"id":606093574450,"title":"Essential Skin Food Review: Can Nutrients Increase Collagen?","created_at":"2023-08-19T19:33:05-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Essential Skin Food Review: Can Nutrients Increase Collagen?\",\n \"keywords\": \"essential skin food, essential skin food review, essential skin food reviews, activated you essential skin food, activated you essential skin food reviews\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in Essential Skin Food to give our take on whether it's likely to increase collagen production in the body, or if it's a waste of money. We feature unsponsored customer reviews including before-and-after images.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/essential-skin-food-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Brian Moore\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": [\n \"M.D.\",\n \"F.A.A.D\"\n ],\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/brian-moore\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/brian-moore-md-faad-2b1b77a2\/\",\n \"https:\/\/www.apexskin.com\/our-team\/dr-brian-moore-md\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Dermatology Advisor\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"dermatology, skincare, pigmented lesions, anti-aging, medical research, clinical trials, sunscreen, moisturizer, wrinkles, makeup, shampoo, soap\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"Columbia University\",\n \"University of Toledo\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Essential_Skin_Food_Thumbnail.png?v=1692488271\",\n\"width\": \"3002\",\n\"height\": \"3002\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5579659\/\", \n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6415704\/\",\n\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/452861\/nutrient\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.futureceuticals.com\/dermaval\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7228914\/\",\n\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s13749-014-0036-z\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33742704\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/live-conscious-collagen-peptides-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/us\/ca\/santa-monica\/profile\/vitamins-and-supplements\/activated-you-1216-873162\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"ActivatedYou\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Maggie Q\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"vitamin C\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Dermaval\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Cosmythic\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"EveryMarket\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Amazon\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-08-19\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Essential_Skin_Food_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1692487931\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eE\u003c\/span\u003essential Skin Food is a supplement for promoting optimal skin health sold by ActivatedYou, a brand founded by actress Maggie Q. The company claims their supplement can “encourage healthy collagen production” and support “firmer, plumper-looking skin.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBut does it really make sense to take nutrients to support collagen production rather than just taking collagen directly? Do the ingredients in Essential Skin Food have research backing? Does this supplement contain any questionable additive ingredients? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Essential Skin Food?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we share our thoughts on why taking collagen supporting supplements may be a waste of money.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe will analyze the ingredients in Essential Skin Food based on medical studies to give our take on whether or not this supplement is likely to improve skin quality, and feature unsponsored customer reviews of the brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIngredient Analysis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Essential Skin Food active ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Essential_Skin_Food_Active_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1692488146\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in Essential Skin Food are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVitamin C\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5579659\/\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5579659\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNutrients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal to promote collagen synthesis, but the 10 milligram (mg) dose is lower by a significant amount than any of the doses cited in the above-linked review.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhat’s strange is that the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6415704\/\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6415704\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eresearch citation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e supporting vitamin C on the Essential Skin Food website is a meta-study on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003etopical, not oral,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e vitamin C use for skincare.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCalcium\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a mineral and we’re unable to identify any clinical trials showing it to increase collagen production, nor does ActivatedYou cite any on their product page.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eL-lysine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is an essential amino acid, and we can’t find any human studies showing it to promote collagen production or improve skin quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDermaval blend\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a proprietary (prop) blend with a total dose of 50 mg, which equates to an average ingredient dose of 5 mg.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTo give perspective on how low a 5 mg dose is for a botanical ingredient, one single teaspoon or camu camu powder has a dose of 3,000 mg \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/452861\/nutrients\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/452861\/nutrients\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eaccording to\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e the USDA. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis means that one teaspoon of camu camu powder provides a dose 600x the average ingredient dose in this blend.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe certainly have not come across any clinical evidence that these ingredients at these doses support skin quality. The Dermaval \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.futureceuticals.com\/dermaval\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.futureceuticals.com\/dermaval\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e suggests that their formulation is research-backed, but states that you need to contact the company to review the clinical research results.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eL-proline is an amino acid, and a 2020 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7228914\/\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7228914\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e concluded that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“...an addition of proline has failed to increase collagen biosynthesis in fibroblasts and other cells.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCosmythic\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a trademarked pine bark extract that was shown in a 2014 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s13749-014-0036-z\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s13749-014-0036-z\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to have an anti-aging effect at a 100 mg dose. However, the dose in Essential Skin Food is only 40 mg.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe inactive ingredients in Essential Skin Food are shown below:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Essential Skin Food inactive ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Essential_Skin_Food_Inactive_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1692488117\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe consider these inactive ingredients to be safe and non-toxic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we are unimpressed with the formulation of this supplement and are unable to identify any active ingredients with clinical backing at their stated doses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut do collagen-supporting supplements even make sense as a category? We’ll share our thoughts in the next section of this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAre Collagen-Supporting Supplements Pointless?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe purpose of collagen-promoting supplements is to support and optimize skin quality, given that collagen is a core structural component in skin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, it may be illogical to take nutrients to enhance collagen production rather than simply taking collagen as a supplement, given that collagen has significant research backing for improving skin quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emeta-study\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Drugs in Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e analyzed results from 11 clinical trials on oral collagen supplementation for skin, and concluded the following:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“Preliminary results are promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging. Oral collagen supplements also increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density.” \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2021 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33742704\/\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33742704\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e found that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation reduced the visible appearance of wrinkles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs we documented in our review of collagen brand \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/live-conscious-collagen-peptides-review\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/live-conscious-collagen-peptides-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLive Conscious\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, the maximum effective daily dose appears to be around 10 grams (g).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOverall, we don’t see the purpose of taking collagen-supporting supplements rather than just taking collagen, which has significantly more clinical backing and an excellent safety profile.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor vegans and vegetarians, collagen-supporting supplements like Essential Skin Food may be the best option until technology evolves, because currently collagen is derived from animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReal People Try Essential Skin Food\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named “Simply Shellaby” has a video reviewing Essential Skin Food after 90 days of use that includes before-and-after images:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eDfSlNL-4EU\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named “JayleenOlivia” claims that the supplement has had no effect after 10 days of use:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"328\" height=\"583\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cuxY61jFGe0\" title=\"Essential Skin food from Activated You - Skin nourishing and collagen support- scam or real deal?\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhere to Buy Essential Skin Food for the Best Price\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEssential Skin Food is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown at the time of publishing this article:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEveryMarket: $90.69 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/everymarket.com\/products\/activatedyou-essential-skin-food-nourishing-skinc\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: $69.95 (free shipping, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/activatedyou.com\/essential-skin-food\/\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e$57.95 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3KMoeLk\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3KMoeLk\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEssential Skin Food is currently 17% cheaper on Amazon than on the brand’s website.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOur Clean Skincare Picks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Skincare_Products_Image_Optimized.png?v=1664754145\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are skincare products that contain ingredients shown in clinical trials to be effective for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality generally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnnie Mak Vitamin C Serum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is our top skin cream pick because of its effective and clean formulation. It contains \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ehyaluronic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e which was described as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"skin-rejuvenating biomedicine\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=159\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2174\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eHydraglow\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis our top moisturizer pick. It features\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebakuchiol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eas an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/a\u003e as\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"clinically proven to have anti-aging effects.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out HydraGlow\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=159\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2174\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBulletproof Collagen Powder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOral \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ecollagen\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e supplementation was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJournal of Drugs in Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eto improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the brand's official website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone of the products recommended in this section contain additive ingredients that we consider questionable from a health perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReal Customers Review Essential Skin Food\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEssential Skin Food currently has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with over 150 total reviews.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Angel” who gives the supplement a 5\/5 star rating and claims it improved skin quality:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“...I am seeing the results on my face,I don’t look haggard, having. a clearer skin and I am more energetic.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e It is a little pricey, but it is well-worth it. For any woman, who wants to keep their youthful looks and healthy well being , I strongly recommend it.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top negative review from a verified purchaser comes from an anonymous Amazon Customer who gives the supplement a 1\/5 star rating and claims it’s ineffective:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“It doesn’t work. I was disappointed . After 6 days as me was taking it, my skin broke out sooo much. I stopped after 10!days using it, it didn’t get better.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eActivatedYou currently has a 4.1 out of 5 star rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/us\/ca\/santa-monica\/profile\/vitamins-and-supplements\/activated-you-1216-873162\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/us\/ca\/santa-monica\/profile\/vitamins-and-supplements\/activated-you-1216-873162\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, and the brand responds to customer complaints in an attempt to resolve the situation, which is a sign of a high-quality brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEssential Skin Food currently has a 1\/5 star rating on Google, but it’s a very small sample size (only two total reviews).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePros and Cons of Essential Skin Food\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHere are the pros and cons of Essential Skin Food in our opinion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePros:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSafe active ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUnlikely to cause side effects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSome ingredients have research backing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMay support natural collagen production\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCons:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCollagen-support supplements may be less effective than collagen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDoesn’t appear clinically tested\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMediocre online customer reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe can’t identify an active ingredient that’s effectively dosed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eExpensive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEssential Skin Food is a decently formulated supplement for the category of collagen support supplements, but we don’t currently recommend this supplement because taking nutrients to increase endogenous collagen production doesn’t appear to be as effective as simply taking oral collagen supplements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFurther, we’re unable to identify any active ingredients in this formulation that we consider effectively-dosed based on a review of medical studies, although some active ingredients do have research backing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis supplement contains non-toxic active and inactive ingredients, and we consider it to be unlikely to cause side effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor vegans and vegetarians, collagen support supplements may be the best way to increase collagen levels in skin, because collagen supplements are derived from animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon currently has the best price on Essential Skin Food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe online customer reviews of this supplement are unimpressive, although one YouTube creator provided before-and-after images in what appears to be an unsponsored review, suggesting the supplement improved skin quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-08-19T19:42:32-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-24T14:55:55-04:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in Essential Skin Food to give our take on whether it's likely to increase collagen production in the body, or if it's a waste of money. We feature unsponsored customer reviews including before-and-after images.","template_suffix":"","handle":"essential-skin-food-review","tags":"_related:collagen, _related:skincare"}

Essential Skin Food Review: Can Nutrients Increase Collagen?

Essential Skin Food Review: Can Nutrients Increase Collagen?


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Essential Skin Food is a supplement for promoting optimal skin health sold by ActivatedYou, a brand founded by actress Maggie Q. The company claims their supplement can “encourage healthy collagen production” and support “firmer, plumper-looking skin.”

But does it really make sense to take nutrients to support collagen production rather than just taking collagen directly? Do the ingredients in Essential Skin Food have research backing? Does this supplement contain any questionable additive ingredients? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Essential Skin Food?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we share our thoughts on why taking collagen supporting supplements may be a waste of money.

We will analyze the ingredients in Essential Skin Food based on medical studies to give our take on whether or not this supplement is likely to improve skin quality, and feature unsponsored customer reviews of the brand.

Ingredient Analysis

Essential Skin Food active ingredients

The ingredients in Essential Skin Food are shown above.

Vitamin C was shown in a medical review published in the Nutrients journal to promote collagen synthesis, but the 10 milligram (mg) dose is lower by a significant amount than any of the doses cited in the above-linked review.

What’s strange is that the research citation supporting vitamin C on the Essential Skin Food website is a meta-study on topical, not oral, vitamin C use for skincare.

Calcium is a mineral and we’re unable to identify any clinical trials showing it to increase collagen production, nor does ActivatedYou cite any on their product page.

L-lysine is an essential amino acid, and we can’t find any human studies showing it to promote collagen production or improve skin quality.

Dermaval blend is a proprietary (prop) blend with a total dose of 50 mg, which equates to an average ingredient dose of 5 mg.

To give perspective on how low a 5 mg dose is for a botanical ingredient, one single teaspoon or camu camu powder has a dose of 3,000 mg according to the USDA. This means that one teaspoon of camu camu powder provides a dose 600x the average ingredient dose in this blend.

We certainly have not come across any clinical evidence that these ingredients at these doses support skin quality. The Dermaval website suggests that their formulation is research-backed, but states that you need to contact the company to review the clinical research results.

L-proline is an amino acid, and a 2020 medical review concluded that “...an addition of proline has failed to increase collagen biosynthesis in fibroblasts and other cells.”

Cosmythic is a trademarked pine bark extract that was shown in a 2014 clinical trial to have an anti-aging effect at a 100 mg dose. However, the dose in Essential Skin Food is only 40 mg.

The inactive ingredients in Essential Skin Food are shown below:

Essential Skin Food inactive ingredients

We consider these inactive ingredients to be safe and non-toxic.

Overall, we are unimpressed with the formulation of this supplement and are unable to identify any active ingredients with clinical backing at their stated doses.

But do collagen-supporting supplements even make sense as a category? We’ll share our thoughts in the next section of this article.

Are Collagen-Supporting Supplements Pointless?

The purpose of collagen-promoting supplements is to support and optimize skin quality, given that collagen is a core structural component in skin.

However, it may be illogical to take nutrients to enhance collagen production rather than simply taking collagen as a supplement, given that collagen has significant research backing for improving skin quality.

A meta-study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology analyzed results from 11 clinical trials on oral collagen supplementation for skin, and concluded the following:

“Preliminary results are promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging. Oral collagen supplements also increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density.” 

A 2021 clinical trial found that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation reduced the visible appearance of wrinkles.

As we documented in our review of collagen brand Live Conscious, the maximum effective daily dose appears to be around 10 grams (g).

Overall, we don’t see the purpose of taking collagen-supporting supplements rather than just taking collagen, which has significantly more clinical backing and an excellent safety profile.

For vegans and vegetarians, collagen-supporting supplements like Essential Skin Food may be the best option until technology evolves, because currently collagen is derived from animals.

Real People Try Essential Skin Food

A YouTube creator named “Simply Shellaby” has a video reviewing Essential Skin Food after 90 days of use that includes before-and-after images:

A YouTube creator named “JayleenOlivia” claims that the supplement has had no effect after 10 days of use:

Where to Buy Essential Skin Food for the Best Price

Essential Skin Food is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown at the time of publishing this article:

EveryMarket: $90.69 (link)

Brand website: $69.95 (free shipping, link)

Amazon: $57.95 (free shipping, link)

Essential Skin Food is currently 17% cheaper on Amazon than on the brand’s website.

Our Clean Skincare Picks

There are skincare products that contain ingredients shown in clinical trials to be effective for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality generally.

Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum is our top skin cream pick because of its effective and clean formulation. It contains hyaluronic acid which was described as a "skin-rejuvenating biomedicine" in a medical review due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging.

Interested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum at this link to the product page on the official brand's website.

Hydraglow is our top moisturizer pick. It features bakuchiol as an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 clinical trial as "clinically proven to have anti-aging effects."

Interested consumers can check out HydraGlow at this link to the product page on the official brand's website.

The only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is Bulletproof Collagen Powder.

Oral collagen supplementation was shown in a medical review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology to improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration.

Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder at this link to the product page on the brand's official website.

None of the products recommended in this section contain additive ingredients that we consider questionable from a health perspective.

Real Customers Review Essential Skin Food

Amazon is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.

Essential Skin Food currently has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with over 150 total reviews.

The top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Angel” who gives the supplement a 5/5 star rating and claims it improved skin quality:

“...I am seeing the results on my face,I don’t look haggard, having. a clearer skin and I am more energetic. It is a little pricey, but it is well-worth it. For any woman, who wants to keep their youthful looks and healthy well being , I strongly recommend it.” 

The top negative review from a verified purchaser comes from an anonymous Amazon Customer who gives the supplement a 1/5 star rating and claims it’s ineffective:

“It doesn’t work. I was disappointed . After 6 days as me was taking it, my skin broke out sooo much. I stopped after 10!days using it, it didn’t get better.”

ActivatedYou currently has a 4.1 out of 5 star rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, and the brand responds to customer complaints in an attempt to resolve the situation, which is a sign of a high-quality brand.

Essential Skin Food currently has a 1/5 star rating on Google, but it’s a very small sample size (only two total reviews).

Pros and Cons of Essential Skin Food

Here are the pros and cons of Essential Skin Food in our opinion:

Pros:

  • Safe active ingredients
  • Unlikely to cause side effects
  • Some ingredients have research backing
  • May support natural collagen production

Cons:

  • Collagen-support supplements may be less effective than collagen
  • Doesn’t appear clinically tested
  • Mediocre online customer reviews
  • We can’t identify an active ingredient that’s effectively dosed
  • Expensive
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Conclusion

Essential Skin Food is a decently formulated supplement for the category of collagen support supplements, but we don’t currently recommend this supplement because taking nutrients to increase endogenous collagen production doesn’t appear to be as effective as simply taking oral collagen supplements.

Further, we’re unable to identify any active ingredients in this formulation that we consider effectively-dosed based on a review of medical studies, although some active ingredients do have research backing.

This supplement contains non-toxic active and inactive ingredients, and we consider it to be unlikely to cause side effects.

For vegans and vegetarians, collagen support supplements may be the best way to increase collagen levels in skin, because collagen supplements are derived from animals.

Amazon currently has the best price on Essential Skin Food.

The online customer reviews of this supplement are unimpressive, although one YouTube creator provided before-and-after images in what appears to be an unsponsored review, suggesting the supplement improved skin quality.




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