The Primary Ingredient: Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen
At the core of many of NeoCell's flagship products, such as their Super Collagen powder and tablets, is hydrolyzed bovine collagen. This ingredient is sourced from the hides of grass-fed cattle, ensuring a high-quality, non-GMO foundation for the supplements. The collagen is enzymatically treated in a process called hydrolysis, which breaks down the large protein molecules into small peptides. This makes the collagen more bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb and utilize it more efficiently for healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints. Specifically, these bovine-based supplements contain Collagen Types 1 and 3, which are the most prevalent forms in the human body, supporting the health of skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones.
The Role of Types 1 and 3 Collagen
Collagen Type 1 is the most abundant form of collagen in the body, found primarily in the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments, giving these tissues their structure and strength. Type 3 collagen is found in a similar makeup, particularly in the reticular fibers of skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. Together, these two types are often paired in supplements to provide comprehensive support for overall structural integrity and to combat the age-related decline in natural collagen production.
Other Sourced Collagens from NeoCell
While bovine collagen is the most common, NeoCell also offers products made from other animal sources to cater to different dietary needs and to target specific bodily areas.
- Marine Collagen: For individuals who prefer non-bovine options, NeoCell offers a marine collagen product. This collagen is sourced from fish, specifically carp, and is also hydrolyzed into bioavailable peptides. It provides Types 1 and 3 collagen, making it an excellent alternative for skin and overall beauty support.
- Chicken Collagen: NeoCell's Collagen 2 product is derived from chicken sternum, which is naturally rich in Type 2 collagen. This specific type is vital for the health of joints and cartilage, making it a targeted supplement for joint support rather than for skin and hair.
Essential Co-Factors: The Added Nutrients
NeoCell doesn't stop at just collagen peptides. Many of their products are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals that work synergistically with collagen to maximize benefits.
- Vitamin C: This is arguably the most crucial co-factor, as it plays an essential role in the body's natural synthesis of collagen. As an antioxidant, it also helps protect against cellular damage from free radicals.
- Biotin (Vitamin B-7): Often called the “beauty vitamin,” biotin is included to enhance the strength and health of hair and nails.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Present in products like Marine Collagen, hyaluronic acid is known for its incredible ability to retain moisture, supporting skin hydration and elasticity.
- Antioxidant Blends: Some liquid formulations, like the Pomegranate Liquid Collagen, include antioxidant-rich fruit juice concentrates from pomegranate, cranberry, and elderberry to further boost skin health.
A Deeper Look at NeoCell’s Core Amino Acids
NeoCell's hydrolyzed collagen is composed of a complex chain of 19 amino acids. The concentration of specific amino acids can vary slightly by product, but they often include:
- Glycine
- Proline
- Alanine
- Hydroxyproline
These amino acids provide the essential building blocks the body requires to produce its own collagen and other proteins like keratin, which is crucial for healthy hair and nails.
NeoCell Collagen Product Comparison
| Feature | Super Collagen + C (Tablets) | Marine Collagen (Capsules) | Collagen Protein Peptides Plus (Powder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collagen Source | Grass-fed Bovine | Fish (Scales, Carp) | Grass-fed Bovine |
| Collagen Types | Type 1 & 3 | Type 1 & 3 | Type 1 & 3 |
| Format | Tablets | Capsules | Powder |
| Key Additional Ingredients | Vitamin C, Biotin | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamins B6/B12, Magnesium, Zinc | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Amla Fruit Extract |
| Primary Benefit | Skin, Hair, Nails, Joints | Skin Hydration & Firmness | Skin, Hair, Nails, Joints |
Conclusion: The Final Word on NeoCell Collagen Ingredients
In summary, the composition of NeoCell collagen supplements is not uniform across all products, but it is always derived from animal sources. The company specializes in hydrolyzing collagen from bovine, marine, and chicken sources to create small, easily absorbed peptides. While the bovine-based Super Collagen provides the foundational Types 1 and 3, specialized formulas like Marine Collagen add unique ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid for targeted benefits. The addition of co-factors like Vitamin C and Biotin across many product lines further supports the body’s natural ability to synthesize and utilize the peptides for overall beauty and wellness. Therefore, the specific answer to what NeoCell collagen is made of depends on the individual product, but the core principle remains consistent: bioavailable collagen peptides from high-quality animal sources.
Visit NeoCell's official site for more information on their collagen sourcing.
