Plant Biotechnological Collagen: A Revolution for the Skin

Collagen production begins to decline progressively as early as our twenties, with an estimated decrease of around 1% per year. This is a physiological process that leads to wrinkles, loss of firmness, and other visible signs of aging.

To address this decline, cosmetic research has developed solutions such as plant-based biotechnological collagen. One of the most interesting active ingredients in this category is Col-Frag Remastered™, a collagen fragment obtained through advanced biotechnology and completely plant-based in origin.

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What is plant-based biotechnological collagen?

Plant-based biotechnological collagen is obtained through processes that replicate the structure of fragments of human collagen using plant sources.

Col-Frag Remastered is produced using the plant Nicotiana benthamiana as a natural biofactory: through a transient expression process, the collagen fragments are synthesized with a high degree of purity.

This is worth clarifying, because it often causes confusion: collagen applied to the skin cannot penetrate — the molecule is too large and remains on the surface as a film-forming agent. Biotechnological fragments such as Col-Frag, on the other hand, have a lower molecular weight and act as a signal for fibroblasts, stimulating them to produce endogenous collagen. It is a completely different mechanism.

Key characteristics

• Plant-based origin: the process starts with a botanical source, without animal-derived raw materials;
• Sustainability: the production method reduces environmental impact by saving resources such as water and energy;
• Certifications: Vegan and Halal, compliant with ISO 16128 standards.

How it works

Plant-based collagen works by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix. In particular, according to the manufacturer, Col-Frag Remastered:

• strengthens the binding sites between fibroblasts and collagen, improving skin structure;
• stimulates the synthesis of type I procollagen;
• reduces the activity of metalloproteinases (MMPs), the enzymes that break down collagen with age;
• promotes cell turnover and dermal renewal.

Data reported by the manufacturer

• 250% increase in type I procollagen synthesis after 48 hours (in vitro test);
• improvement in epidermal firmness of up to 153% at concentrations of 0.05%;
• 24% reduction in wrinkle length after 28 days of use, in a group of women aged between 50 and 62;
• a visible tightening effect from the first applications.

As with all patented cosmetic active ingredients, these data come from tests conducted by the ingredient manufacturer, rather than from independent clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The percentages also express a relative improvement compared with the control, not an absolute change in the skin: they should be understood as indications of efficacy in a formulation, not as promises of results.

Who is it suitable for?

Col-Frag Remastered is suitable for:

• mature skin that needs support for firmness and elasticity;
• anti-aging prevention for younger people, to help address the physiological decline in collagen;
• sensitive skin, thanks to its plant-based origin and endotoxin-free formulation;
• skin during menopause, when collagen decline accelerates.

How to incorporate it into your routine

This active ingredient can be found in serums, creams, and targeted treatments. Its efficacy is maximized when combined with other active ingredients such as stabilized vitamin C — which is a necessary cofactor for collagen synthesis — or hyaluronic acid.

Col-Frag Remastered in CollagenEtic Serum

We chose this active ingredient for CollagenEtic Serum, the treatment designed to support the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and density.

If you are interested in comparing it with other active ingredients that work on collagen through different pathways, read our in-depth article on Liftonin®-xpert eco, which acts on the quality of the collagen produced, as well as our article on peptides in cosmetics.

You can also find LeLang products at our partner pharmacies throughout Italy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between biotechnological and animal-derived collagen?

Biotechnological collagen is plant-based, sustainable, and free from animal-derived components. Collagen traditionally used in cosmetics, on the other hand, comes from animal sources such as fish or cattle.

Does collagen applied to the skin really work?

Whole collagen does not: the molecule is too large to cross the stratum corneum and acts only on the surface. Low-molecular-weight fragments, such as biotechnological ones, instead act as signals for fibroblasts.

Is Col-Frag Remastered suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes. Thanks to its plant-based origin and endotoxin-free formulation, it is also suitable for more delicate skin.

How long does it take to see results?

The manufacturer’s tests indicate 28 days for effects on wrinkles. As with all active ingredients that work on the dermal matrix, the actual timeframe follows the skin renewal cycle: several months of consistent use.