Research-Based

Moon Juice Collagen Protect Review – A Drinkable Adaptogen From the Fountain of Youth?

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By Olivia Hartye MS, RD, IFNCP

Reviewed by Juliana Tamayo, MS, RDN - Last Updated

moon juice collagen protect review

As we age, collagen breakdown in our skin and scalp leads to increased wrinkles, sagging, brittle nails and hair, and the loss of that youthful look. 

Stress, like oxidative damage caused by free radicals, is a major contributor to aging. Antioxidants found in plants can help combat these effects. Other plant compounds, called adaptogens, support our body’s natural ability to adapt to stress.  

Adaptogens have been used as herbal medicine for hundreds of years and have recently re-emerged in the supplement market. Are they the secret to rejuvenating dull skin and hair? Do they unlock the fountain of youth? Keep scrolling to learn more. 

About Moon Juice Collagen Protect

Moon Juice launched in 2011 with a mission to deliver plant-based products which help people manage the daily stressors of life. They offer a variety of supplements, adaptogenic drinks, and snacks, as well as topical skincare products. We have previously reviewed many supplements from Moon Juice’s line, including SuperYou, Ting, Spirit Dust, Beauty Dust, Power Dust, and more.

In this review, we will look at Collagen Protect.

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Collagen Protect is an all-natural, vegan skincare supplement you can drink. With just one heaping Tablespoon (Tbsp) added to any drink (coffee, tea, or smoothie), consumers can protect skin and hydrate with a boost. 

Moon Juice Collagen Protect Benefits

This skincare supplement nourishes natural collagen with antioxidant ingredients which act on the skin and scalp to protect against aging. 

The benefits of collagen have been linked to anti-aging by enhancing skin flexibility, supporting the natural production of collagen, and skin hydration to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

moon juice collagen protect

It is important to note that Collagen Protect is not regulated by the FDA and that these health claims have not been evaluated, nor are they meant to prevent or treat any conditions (as is the case with most supplements).

Moon Juice Collagen Protect Ingredients

This all-natural, vegan supplement is made of sustainably sourced ingredients. It does not contain additives making it concentrated in active compounds. 

It is important to know that this product does not actually contain collagen, despite being highlighted in the title. 

While it claims unaltered ingredients, it is important to know that they have been minimally processed when extracted from their plant sources.

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Rice Bran Solubles (Tocotrienols)

Tocotrienols are a plant-based form of vitamin E. This fat-soluble vitamin works alongside Vitamin C to build collagen. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative damage from free radicals, which contributes to aging of skin and hair.  

Research shows that an oral dose of 100 mg per day can support scalp health and hair growth in adults. Although Collagen Protect does not provide the dose, it does list tocotrienol first on the ingredient list, making it the primary component of this product. 

Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp (Silver Ear Mushroom)

Silver ear mushroom has been used for centuries as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that fights damage from oxidative stress.

Collagen Protect includes powdered fruit body (cap and stalk) from this mushroom, which is more concentrated in nutrients and bioactive plant chemicals. 

It fails to include mushroom dose or weight on the label. Further digging in the FAQ section of the website, however, shows a dose of 2450 mg for each Tbsp serving. 

Sodium Hyaluronate – Salt of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) helps retain moisture in the skin and plays a role in skin repair and regeneration. Topical and oral salt forms of HA help hydrate and activate collagen production for anti-wrinkle, anti-aging effects and fuller and rejuvenated skin. 

Collagen Protect provides 120 mg HA with a molecular weight of 10,000-20,000 Daltons. The absorption and bioactivity of HA improves with higher molecular weights.  

Vitamins and Minerals

Collagen Protect contains 120% of the daily vitamin D needs for adults. Although the type of vitamin D (D2 vs D3) and source are not specified, it is likely that this is provided by the mushrooms, which are the only plant source of vitamin D in the human diet.

This supplement also contains a small amount of sodium and potassium, which helps promote its absorption into the body. 

Does Moon Juice Collagen Protect Work?

Collagen Protect is likely to support healthier skin and scalp. It delivers bioactive ingredients that may enhance natural collagen growth, although hair regrowth after loss is unlikely.

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Vitamin E (tocotrienol) works with vitamin C to build and support strong collagen proteins. Collagen Protect would likely be more effective if it contained both vitamins.

Vitamin E also supports scalp health and hair growth in adults at a dose of 100 mg per day. However, Collagen Protect does not provide dosing, which makes its effectiveness unclear.

Bioactive starches from silver ear mushrooms are powerful compounds that help fight skin aging at a dose of 100-200 mcg per day. Collagen Protect reports 2450 mg of ground mushroom per serving but does not discuss the content of adaptogenic starches.

Hyaluronic acid helps moisturize skin and enhance natural collagen to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. While this product delivers an adequate HA dose, it is less bioavailable than medical-grade skin products.

Helps prevent vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to dysregulation of hair growth by hair follicles.

Adaptogens, like those in Collagen Protect, are most effective when taken consistently over long periods of time as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

How Does Moon Juice Compare?

Collage Protect presents a unique, drinkable skincare solution. It offers a variety of applications through hot and cold drinks. 

For a drinkable beauty supplement, Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Glow presents a good alternative. This powder includes marine-based collagen protein, hyaluronic acid, biotin, vitamin C, and low-dose probiotics. It offers an affordable option at roughly $80 per 30-day supply.

  • Provides half the HA dose of Collagen Protect. However, collagen, biotin, and a skin-friendly probiotic may deliver added skin benefits not offered by Collagen Protein. 
  • Strawberry lemon flavor may limit applications in hot drinks like tea and coffee.
  • Not plant-based, excluding it from vegan and vegetarian diets. 

For a vegan, collagen-boosting supplement HUM Nutrition’s Glow Sweet Glow gummies present the most affordable option at roughly $27 for a 30-day supply. 

  • Plant-based product certified by the Clean Label Project to verify standards for quality, safety, and truth in labeling.
  • Vitamin C and E are paired together to support collagen building. Dose of each vitamin exceeds daily needs for adults.
  • Vitamin E is found in a different bioactive form, compared to Collagen Protect. Hyaluronic acid is found in the same dose and form.
  • Gummies are poorly absorbed compared to other forms of supplements.  

Added vitamin D found in Collagen Protect provides additional support for hair that is not provided in these competitors.

Who is it Best For?

Collagen Protect is marketed as a beauty and wellness adaptogen and skincare coffee creamer. 

It is best for adults interested in natural remedies for aging, dull skin, or brittle hair. This drinkable powder is also a good fit for those not interested in taking pills or looking to add a boost to their morning coffee or tea. 

Although it is advertised as a coffee creamer, it does not include any milk, milk alternatives, sugar, or flavoring, making it less desirable for those looking for a flavored drink experience. 

Claims vs. Reality

Collagen Protect is likely to support healthier, more nourished skin, although beneficial effects on hair and nails are less likely. Effects will also vary by the degree of aging.

It delivers bioactive ingredients that support enhanced flexibility and hydration of the skin and scalp. It does not provide collagen but may support natural collagen production. While hair growth may be a benefit for certain people, this is not guaranteed for everyone who takes it.

Although it is advertised as a high-potency product, Collagen Protect fails to provide dosing information for its primary active ingredients, making it hard to confirm strength. 

Moon Juice Collagen Protect Safety & Side Effects 

It is important to know that supplements are not regulated by the FDA or required to meet safety or quality standards. This means the ingredients and dosage are not guaranteed, and claims are not necessarily supported by science.

While most ingredients in Collagen Protect are safe, it should be taken with caution. Vitamin E (tocotrienol) has a good safety profile. However, without knowing the specific dosing, it is hard to confirm safety. 

Side effects of tocotrienols include drug interactions seen with daily intakes above 300 mg, while increased risk of bleeding has been noted with intakes greater than 1000 mg daily. For those with history of stroke, intakes over 250 mg daily can be harmful.

Bioactive starches from silver ear mushroom are recognized as safe and are not associated with any serious side effects. Hyaluronic acid is generally safe, although prescription forms should be managed with a doctor. Vitamin D is safe even in high amounts.

Where to Buy Moon Juice Collagen Protect

Moon Juice products are widely available both online and in person, across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Limited products are also available through major retailers including Amazon, Sephora, and Free People, as well as smaller retailers across 47 of the 50 States.

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The full product line is available through Moon Juice’s website, via phone, or in store at their two LA locations. In-house purchases include free shipping and have discounted monthly subscriptions available. They also offer interest-free payment plans, charged every two weeks. 

Collagen Protect is recommended at a dose of two Tbsp daily to maintain maximum benefits, which is quite costly in the long run.

It is available in 4.5 oz (8 doses) and 8.5 oz (16 doses) jars, for $32 or $58 respectively. This comes out to roughly $128 or $116 per 30-day supply, depending on size.

Moon Juice Collagen Protect Customer Reviews

Collagen Protect has 770 reviews from happy customers, with an average score of 4.7.

This supplement provides a unique skincare product with an emphasis on transparency and ethical sourcing of ingredients, which is a great way to gain consumer trust in the unregulated supplement market. 

When weighing potential benefits against cost, safety, and effectiveness, we determined an overall value to be 3 out of 5. Here’s why.

Pros

  • This drinkable and flavorless skincare product offers a unique alternative to traditional supplements and has variety of applications through hot and cold drinks. It presents a good option for those not interested in taking pills. 
  • All-natural, vegan, and plant-based powder that does not contain additives making it concentrated in active compounds. It is applicable to all diets and appeals to consumer preferences and market trends.
  • Bioactive ingredients are likely to support healthier, more nourished skin and scalp. Does not contain additives making it concentrated in active compounds. 
  • Contains 120% of daily vitamin D needs for adults, which is not found in most collagen boosting products. It also prevents deficiency, which is a common issue, globally.
  • Emphasizes transparency by providing information on sourcing, production methods, ingredient processing, as well as a glossary of adaptogens and a guide on decoding supplements. Website includes FAQ section to address questions. 
  • Promotes sustainable practice with recyclable glass containers as well as ethical sourcing of ingredients through organic farming and partnership with farmer collectives. 
  • Moon Juice products are widely available both online and in person, across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In-house purchases include free shipping, option for discounted monthly subscriptions, and offer interest-free payment plans.
  • Easy to connect with through online chat options, contact us page, social media links, an email list. They also offer a birthday gift to promote consumer loyalty. 

Cons

  • Anti-aging effects on skin vary by degree of aging.  Benefits on hair growth are not guaranteed for everyone who takes it.
  • Claims unaltered ingredients, although minimal processing is needed to extract ingredients from their plant sources.
  • Could optimize collagen effects if it contained both vitamin E and C. Added collagen and biotin would likely enhance effects on skin, hair, and nails.
  • It is not regulated by the FDA or required to meet safety or quality standards. Dose and ingredients are not guaranteed. Claims are not necessarily supported by science.
  • Strength of the supplement is unclear as the label fails to provide dosing information for its primary active ingredients.  
  • Reports 2450 mg of ground mushroom per serving but does not discuss the content of adaptogenic starches.
  • Delivers an adequate HA dose although it is less bioavailable than medical and cosmetic grade skin products.
  • Should be taken with caution. Without knowing vitamin E (tocotrienol) dosing, it is hard to confirm safety.
  • Advertised as a coffee creamer, but does not include any milk, milk alternatives, sugar, or flavoring, making it less desirable for those looking for a flavored drink experience. 
  • Recommends two Tbsp daily to maintain maximum benefits, which is costly. This comes out to roughly $128 or $116 per 30-day supply, depending on jar size.

Overall Rating:
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Olivia Hartye MS, RD, IFNCP

Olivia is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP) with a Bachelor's (BS) and Master's degree (MS) in Human Nutrition. She has spent the last eight years serving infants, children and adults living with chronic and complex disease. In her private practice, Olivia offers integrative nutrition coaching and consulting services to help people of all ages feel empowered to use nutrition to reclaim health.

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