Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Serum from By-Product of Food Industry: Cosmetic Product Formulation and Facial Skin Evaluation

Abstract

Fish collagen is a good source of protein and essential amino acids. It has a wide range of applications in food manufacturing, pharmaceutics, cosmetics, etc. By-products obtained from fish processing industries are currently used as alternative sources for the production of collagen and gelatin. Hydrolyzed collagen derived from fish skin has properties that are beneficial in cosmetic products. The aim of this study was to: (1) formulate a cosmetic product containing hydrolyzed fish collagen obtained from a by-product of fish processing industries, and other effective ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B3, (2) evaluate the physicochemical properties and stability of the product, and (3) conduct a facial skin evaluation test wherein volunteers use the product and have their facial skin analyzed. The formulated serum was translucent with low turbidity and had a pH of 7.7, and a viscosity of 1333 cps. The stability of the formulation was good, without any significant change in appearance, pH and viscosity as tested by freeze–thaw cycle testing, and after storage at room temperature for a period of 6 months. Furthermore, the results from the Visia skin analysis instrument revealed that the product was able to enhance facial skin moisture, reduce skin pores and wrinkles, and brighten the skin significantly when regularly used for at least 2 weeks. In conclusion, it was observed that hydrolyzed fish collagen obtained from a by-product of fish processing industries could be a sustainable and suitable material utilized in the production of safe and useful cosmeceutical products.