TCI Collagens
Collagen tripeptides represent the next frontier in bioavailability, utilizing ultra-low molecular weights to ensure rapid absorption and direct delivery to target tissues. This technology allows brands to develop high-performance functional foods that offer superior clinical efficacy for skin rejuvenation and joint health compared to standard collagen peptides.
With more than 40 years of experience, TCI has launched in over 68 countries and partnered with more than 1500 brands worldwide. As a leading private label collagen manufacturer with integrated R&D capabilities, TCI collaborates with medical institutions to conduct clinical testing and provides validated clinical reports to support product efficacy. From formulation development and collagen type selection to regulatory-ready manufacturing, TCI helps brands succeed in the global health and nutrition market.
Collagen is a fast-growing phenomenon in the health and wellness industry, with many supplement and beauty brands finding ways to incorporate it into their products. It's the most abundant protein in the human body, with a fiber-like structure that forms connective tissue. TCI is a trusted global source for high-quality skincare products and supplements, and we're answering the demand for collections containing collagen with attractive, marketable labels.
Discover Delivery Formats
We offer various dosage forms: liquid collagen, collagen shot, collagen powder, tablet, and capsules, to fulfill different scenario needs.
Glass Bottles
Powder & Liquid Sachets
Tablets & Capsules
Pouches
Why Are Collagen Tripeptides More Effective Than Standard Collagen Peptides?
Recently, research has found that collagen supplements “replenish the loss of collagen,” and deliver special dipeptide components from collagen: proline-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp). This ingredient has the “signal transduction factor” function. After absorption, it may promote the proliferation of human skin cells, synthesize collagen, stimulate the activity of hyaluronic acid enzymes, and increase hyaluronic acid content in the human skin. The formation process of collagen in the human body is extremely complex. To form collagen, each tissue needs to have enough amino acid raw materials, and various polypeptide precursors to drive the action of fibroblasts.
In 2005, Professor Kenji Sato of Kyoto University found that if hydrolyzed collagen is ingested, the concentration of dipeptide molecules greatly increases in the blood [1]. Animal experiments at Tohoku University in Japan fed mice with isotope-labeled small molecule collagen. The results also detected the collagen signals in the blood, indicating that the absorption rate of collagen can be significantly increased with post-treatment collagen [2]. Another study found that after feeding pre-treated collagen, the signals of these collagens could be detected in the skin, bones, and joints of experimental animals [3,4], Thus, indicating that not only can the pre-treated collagen be absorbed, but it can also be distributed to the skin, joints, and other tissues. This provides some Pharmacokinetic scientific evidence for the efficacy of collagen.
What Are the Benefits of Science-Backed Formulations in the Collagen Market?
Liquid Collagen Type I & III for Beauty and Wellness Applications
Liquid collagen Type I and III are widely used in beauty-from-within and wellness formulations due to their strong association with skin, hair, and connective tissue health.
- Type I collagen supports skin firmness, elasticity, and structural integrity
- Type III collagen complements Type I by enhancing skin smoothness and tissue repair
Liquid delivery formats further enhance consumer convenience and absorption efficiency, making liquid collagen Type 1 and 3 especially suitable for ready-to-drink beauty beverages, shots, and functional drinks targeting skin hydration and anti-aging markets.
Type II Collagen Applications in Joint-Focused Formulations
Type II collagen plays a distinct role in joint and cartilage health. Unlike Types I and III, which are primarily structural, Type II collagen is closely associated with cartilage tissue and immune-mediated joint support.
It is commonly used in formulations designed for:
- Joint comfort and mobility
- Cartilage maintenance
- Active aging and sports nutrition applications
Currently, around 28 different types of polypeptides have been found to make up collagen. The most common types I, II and III account for 90% of the total [5]. Other collagen peptides, which act as polypeptide precursors are responsible for strengthening the connection between collagens, or act according to different target groups of tissues (such as skin, muscle, joints). In other words, different types of collagen have different effects on skin, nails, hair and joints. Through accurate analysis of collagen peptide effectiveness, collagen can be selected by specific needs to maximize the effect of collagen and create the best collagen products.
Why Do Consumers Buy Collagen?
Collagen offers plenty of health and beauty benefits, making it popular among consumers. Potential benefits of using skincare and wellness products that contain collagen are:
- Smooth skin
- Stronger nails
- Improved joint health
- Lean muscle mass
- Shiny hair
- Better skin elasticity
- Improved density of the bones
The effect collagen has, specifically on the hair, skin and nails makes it desirable to consumers striving for long-lasting results from their beauty products. A Consumer Reports survey found that 7% of American men and 19% of American women have used collagen in the past. The role of glycine in collagen is that it's 1 of 3 amino acids producing glutathione. This powerful antioxidant prevents damage to the cells caused by free radicals.
MAXICollal™: The Next Generation of High-Absorption Collagen for Enhanced Beauty and Wellness
Our latest innovation in collagen technology, collagen tripeptides, marks a breakthrough in the world of collagen drinks by offering superior absorption and enhanced benefits for anti-aging, joint health, and wellness. These tripeptides, derived through enzymatic hydrolysis, are significantly smaller than standard collagen peptides, boasting up to 50% improved absorption. This higher bioavailability makes collagen tripeptides especially effective in promoting skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction, while also aiding in joint pain relief, as supported by recent studies.
MAXICollal™, a premium collagen drink that pairs collagen tripeptides with our unique double NUTRI™ liposomal encapsulation technology to maximize absorption and effectiveness. Unlike traditional tablets or powders, the liquid formula of MAXICollal™ is designed for convenience and faster results, bypassing the digestive process to deliver quick, potent effects.
Plant-Based Collagen, New Application With 0 Animal Ingredients
“Vegan collagen” is on the rise. Collagen that containing no animal ingredients is impressive and incredible and ,impossible. Currently, collagen derived from animals is the primory source of collagen. Still, it may have potential problems such as variation between batches, environmental pollution, biological heavy metal pollution, adverse allergic reactions, etc. “Vegan collagen” appeals to vegetarians, vegans, and other religious or social groups who do not consume or use animal-derived products due to their beliefs.
VeCollal® Announced Its Collaboration With TCI
VeCollal® is the world’s first science-based vegan collagen alternative!
VeCollal® in collaboration with TCI, has been proven with in vitro research, to stimulate the fibroblast cells in the body to create collagen and increase collagen secretion by 134.97%!
Is Collagen Right For Your Brand?
What Are the Benefits of Private Labeling Your Brand?
If your brand is aiming for growth in nutritional supplements, collagen may be a good fit for you. With beauty and wellness products, consumers are looking for three key elements that make them take action and close a deal:
- Sustainability
- Traceability
- Clear benefits
For your collagen product to sell, you must appeal to the ethically minded consumer in the wellness space who wants reassurance that your product meets their standards. It means using your labeling to communicate how you source your materials, where you manufacture your product, where you get the ingredients and what those are. You also need to define the product's advantages to show the customer why they need it now.
With collagen, there are plenty of perks that make this possible. Using private labeling through a company like us, TCI makes it easy to show consumers why your collagen product is worth choosing.
We also have introduced a new vegan alternative collagen VeCollal® and have developed various health supplement products that are animal-free, with low carbon emissions, and sustainable. If these are your company's priorities, we can create supplements for you. The plant-based movement is growing, and consumers are interested in vegan alternatives for supplements. Get a quote on VeCollal® for your company today.
Private label collagen solutions allow brands to enter the market faster while maintaining flexibility in product positioning, formulation, and scale.
For collagen powder private label and functional food projects, MOQ and lead times typically vary depending on:
- Formula complexity and collagen type selection
- Ingredient sourcing requirements
- Dosage form (powder, liquid, sachet, stick pack, etc.)
- Packaging and labeling specifications
With its vertically integrated R&D and manufacturing infrastructure, TCI helps brands optimize minimum order quantities and shorten lead times without compromising quality or regulatory compliance. This flexibility is especially valuable for emerging brands testing new markets, as well as established brands expanding product lines.
How to Scale a Brand with TCI Manufacturing Solutions?
TCI offers a fully integrated global CDMO solution designed to support brands from concept to commercialization.
- Integrated R&D and formulation development
- In-house scientific teams support collagen selection, bioavailability optimization, stability testing, and clinical validation.
- Global production across three manufacturing locations
- Ensuring supply chain resilience, scalability, and consistent quality.
- International offices in the U.S., Netherlands, Indonesia, China, Japan, and Taiwan
- Providing localized communication and regulatory support.
- Highly automated, advanced production lines
- Delivering efficiency, consistency, and large-scale manufacturing capability.
- Comprehensive import/export and regulatory audits
- Supporting compliance with regional requirements across Asia, Europe, and North America.
By combining biotechnology, formulation science, and global manufacturing expertise, TCI enables brands to launch private label and white label collagen functional foods with confidence and speed.
FAQ
- What is the primary advantage of collagen tripeptides compared to standard hydrolyzed collagen?
Collagen tripeptides, such as MAXICollal™, represent a significant breakthrough in bioavailability due to their smaller molecular size. While standard collagen peptides consist of long amino acid chains, tripeptides are composed of only three amino acids in a specific sequence (Gly-X-Y), allowing them to bypass complex digestion and be absorbed directly by the small intestine. This leads to up to 50% improved absorption, enabling faster and more potent results for skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, and joint recovery. - Are there effective plant-based alternatives available for the vegan market?
Yes, for brands targeting the growing vegan sector, TCI offers VeCollal®, a biomimetic plant-based collagen alternative. Unlike traditional animal-derived collagen, VeCollal® uses fermented plant sources to mimic the exact amino acid profile of human Type 1 collagen. Clinical tests have shown it can stimulate fibroblasts to increase collagen secretion by 135%, providing a sustainable and ethical solution for skin elasticity and joint health. - What specialized clinical validation is available to support premium label claims?
To help brands differentiate in a crowded market, TCI collaborates with medical institutions to conduct rigorous clinical testing and provide validated reports. Our research teams can analyze specific amino acid sequences and active structural regions to confirm the efficacy of a formula. This evidence-based approach allows our partners to market products with scientifically backed claims regarding increased collagen density, wrinkle reduction, and improved joint mobility. - How does TCI maintain scientific rigor and quality consistency during large-scale manufacturing?
Scientific rigor is maintained through a vertically integrated process that connects initial lab research directly to automated production lines. Every batch undergoes stringent quality control measures, including stability testing and molecular verification, to ensure that the final product maintains the exact efficacy demonstrated during clinical trials. This commitment to quality ensures that your brand consistently delivers high-performance functional foods that meet consumer expectations for safety and results. - Do I need to worry about the sustainability of my collagen sources?
Sustainability is a major driver in the current market. Most premium manufacturers offer traceable sourcing, such as marine collagen from responsibly managed fisheries or bovine collagen from grass-fed sources. Additionally, plant-based alternatives are now available for brands targeting the vegan and eco-conscious demographic.
References
[1] Iwai K, Hasegawa T, Taguchi Y, Morimatsu F, Sato K, Nakamura Y, Higashi A, Kido Y, Nakabo Y, OhtsukiK. Identification of food-derived collagen peptides in human blood after oral ingestion of gelatin hydrolysates. JAgric Food Chem. 2005, 53:6531-6536.
[2] Watanabe-Kamiyama M, Shimizu M, Kamiyama S, Taguchi Y, Sone H, Morimatsu F, Shirakawa H, Furukawa Y, Komai M. Absorption and effectiveness of orally administered low molecular weight collagen hydrolysate in rats. J Agric Food Chem. 2010,58:835-841.
[3] Asserin J, Lati E, Shioya T, Prawitt J. The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015, 14:291-301.
[4] Wu J, Fujioka M, Sugimoto K, Mu G, Ishimi Y. Assessment of effectiveness of oral administration of collagen peptide on bone metabolism in growing and mature rats. J Bone Miner Metab. 2004, 22:547-53.
[5] Townsend CM, Beauchamp D, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Sabiston textbook of surgery board review. Saunders. 2005.
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