Effect of Reducing Pigmentation by Collagen Peptide Intake: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION: We examined the effect of 5.0 g/day of collagen peptide (CP) or collagen peptide fermented with Aspergillus sojae (FCP) on skin pigmentation in healthy participants. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 44 men and women aged 25–63 years were placed into three groups by stratified random allocation and treated with CP, FCP, or placebo (PL) at 5.0 g/day for 3 months. Their skin condition was measured monthly from baseline to 3 months of intake. RESULTS: No adverse events were identified in any group. The CP group showed a significant reduction in pigmented patches and redness after 1 and 3 months of intake, respectively. In the FCP group, pigmented macules were significantly reduced after 1 month, and pigmented patches after 2 months. Both the all-ages analysis and the hierarchical analysis below 55 years old yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: Intake of 5.0 g/day of FCP for 3 months is safe. CP and FCP intake is useful for suppressing pigmentation. In addition, CP intake may be useful for reducing redness. These results suggest a new beneficial effect on the skin of CP supplementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN clinical trials registry system, UMIN000040736. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-022-00748-4.