German consumer watchdog warns collagen coffee offers no proven skin benefits

The Verbraucherzentrale Bayern examined the popular "Glow coffee" trend, where collagen powder is added to morning coffee in hopes of brighter skin. Nutrition expert Daniela Krehl said the hype relies mainly on marketing, noting that ingested collagen is broken down into amino acids before the body decides where to use them, so it does not target facial skin directly.

Krehl highlighted that scientific studies on collagen’s effects on skin moisture and elasticity are small, short‑term, and often funded by manufacturers. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not approved any health claim linking collagen intake to improved skin. Consequently, the watchdog advises consumers to focus on proven skin‑care measures such as UV protection, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables.

The typical suggested dosage of 10‑15 g per day lacks scientific backing; existing research used between 2.5 g and 10 g. Price differences between premium brands and inexpensive store‑bought powders do not guarantee better outcomes. In short, adding collagen to coffee is a costly protein supplement without guaranteed cosmetic results.