If you're thinking about collagen supplements, you may have noticed just how many choices there are on the market … and this can be pretty confusing.
Some products come from fish, others from animals, and some are completely plant-based and work with the body in a different way.
When you're trying to figure out what suits you, it helps to understand how each type is made, how it behaves once it’s absorbed, and what the research and formulation differences mean for real-world results.
Marine collagen has been used for a long time, but it isn’t the right match for everyone.
Many people now look for a vegan collagen option because it feels cleaner, aligns with their values, works better for their lifestyle and digestion, or due to the fact that it identically matches human type 1 collagen production.
Plant-based biomimetic collagen is not the same as marine collagen, and those structural differences play a major role in how they function.
Here, we’ll look at how both types are made, the differences between marine collagen vs vegan collagen, and why plant-based collagen has become a more suitable alternative for people who want a supplement that feels supportive, ethical, and comfortable to take every day.
What Is Marine Collagen Made From?
Marine collagen is sourced from fish skin, scales, and other connective tissues that would otherwise be discarded.
These materials are cleaned, processed, and broken down into smaller collagen peptides so that the body can absorb them more easily.
This is the form you’ll commonly see in powders, sachets, and capsules marketed as “Type I collagen,” because fish collagen naturally contains its own version of Type I.
This is important - it contains its own type of collagen, and doesn’t identically match human collagen.
Although marine collagen has been popular in the beauty and wellness space, there are several considerations that lead people to look for alternatives.
As it is derived from fish, it is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who prefers to avoid animal-based supplements.
Some people also choose to avoid it for sustainability reasons, especially when the fishing or sourcing practices behind a product aren’t clearly disclosed.
There are also sensitivities and allergy considerations, as marine collagen can trigger reactions in those who are allergic to fish.
The taste or smell can also be noticeable - and pretty off-putting - even in products labelled as unflavoured, which can make daily use challenging for some.
Another concern is environmental contaminants. Fish skin and scales can contain traces of substances absorbed from ocean environments, including:
- Microplastics
- Heavy metals, such as mercury or lead
- Chemical pollutants, depending on where the fish were sourced
Reputable brands use purification processes to reduce these risks, but not all manufacturers follow the same standards.
This inconsistency creates a level of uncertainty for consumers who want a collagen supplement with clearer, more controlled sourcing.
As a result, quality varies widely between marine collagen products. Lower-grade options may have unclear traceability, inconsistent peptide profiles, or less rigorous testing - all factors that push many people toward plant-based collagen as a cleaner, more comfortable choice.
What Is Plant-Based Collagen?
Plant-based collagen is a little different from what most people picture when they think about collagen supplements.
Plants themselves do not produce collagen, because collagen is a protein found in animals and humans.
Instead, plant-based collagen products work by supporting the body’s own collagen production or by providing a vegan, biomimetic alternative that matches human collagen structure exactly.
Broadly speaking, there are two main types of “plant-based collagen” on the market:
The first group is made up of traditional botanical blends. These formulas don’t contain collagen at all. Instead, they use nutrients and plant extracts that help the body build and protect its own collagen.
This might include ingredients such as vitamin C, amino acids, zinc, copper, silica, and antioxidants from fruits and botanicals.
They can be helpful, but they don’t replace collagen or mirror its structure directly.
The second group is biomimetic vegan collagen, such as VeCollal®, which is used in Arella’s collagen.
Rather than relying purely on supporting nutrients, biomimetic collagen is created to exactly match the amino acid profile of human Type I collagen, using only plant-derived ingredients.
In other words, it is designed to look like human collagen at a structural level, while still being completely free from animal products.
Plant-Based Collagen vs Marine Collagen: Key Structural Differences
But is vegan collagen the same as marine collagen? No - structurally, they are very different, and understanding this is the key to choosing the right supplement.
How Marine Collagen Works
Marine collagen is extracted from fish skin and scales, and once digested, it supplies peptides that are natural to fish.
While the body can use these peptides, they do not identically match human Type I collagen, because they are designed for a different species.
How Plant-Based Biomimetic Collagen Works
Plant-based biomimetic collagen takes a different approach.
Instead of supplying collagen from an animal source, it is formulated to mirror the amino acid profile of human Type I collagen using plant-derived ingredients.
Arella collagen, created with VeCollal®, exactly matches human type 1 collagen - something marine collagen can’t do.
This gives the body a structure it recognises as its own, without relying on animal materials.
Suitability and Lifestyle Considerations
Because marine collagen comes from fish, it isn’t suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone avoiding animal products.
Some also avoid it due to sustainability concerns, fishing practices, or allergy risks.
Plant-based biomimetic collagen offers a fully vegan-friendly alternative.
It aligns well with people who prioritise cleaner sourcing, environmental responsibility, or a lifestyle free from animal-derived supplements.
Why Structure Matters
The structural difference between marine peptides and biomimetic collagen is a major distinction:
- Marine collagen = peptides from fish
- Biomimetic collagen = a structure designed to exactly match human Type I collagen
This is what sets plant-based biomimetic formulas apart in the vegan collagen vs marine collagen conversation.
Instead of relying on collagen from another species, they provide a carefully crafted profile intended to match human collagen more closely.
Bioavailability and Scientific Insight
Marine collagen has been researched for many years and is known to support skin hydration and elasticity through general collagen peptide intake.
Biomimetic collagen research is newer but developing quickly.
Studies show promising improvements in elasticity, hydration, and collagen density when using formulas created to mirror human Type I collagen.
Many people also find plant-based collagen gentler on digestion, especially if they struggle with fish-based products.
Choosing A Collagen Supplement That Aligns With Your Lifestyle
Choosing a collagen supplement is a personal decision, and understanding the differences can make the process much clearer.
Marine collagen has been widely used, but it doesn’t suit everyone - whether due to lifestyle, allergies, ethical concerns, or simple preference.
Plant-based biomimetic collagen offers an alternative that feels cleaner, more sustainable, and intentionally designed to match human Type I collagen.
It supports your collagen pathways without relying on animal materials, making it a natural fit for anyone who wants a gentle, vegan-friendly option.
Arella’s plant-based collagen has been formulated with these principles in mind - a precise, biomimetic structure that mirrors human collagen and integrates easily into a supportive daily routine.
If you have more questions about collagen types or want guidance tailored to your routine, feel free to reach out.
FAQs
Is marine collagen better than plant collagen?
No, marine collagen provides peptides from fish, but it doesn’t identically match human Type I collagen whereas plant-based biomimetic collagen, like the VeCollal® in Arella’s formula, is designed to mirror human collagen structure, making it a better choice.
Who should not take marine collagen?
Marine collagen isn’t suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone with a fish allergy. It may also be avoided by people concerned about sustainability or potential contaminants such as microplastics or heavy metals in marine environments.
