As a beauty editor, I’ve seen skincare trends come and go faster than you can say “slugging.” But the current collagen craze? That one’s got staying power. And for good reason: collagen is the beauty world’s MVP. This powerhouse protein is the structural glue that keeps our skin, hair and nails strong, smooth and bouncy.
But here’s the million-dollar question: should we be applying it, drinking it, or bathing in it? There’s a lot of noise around collagen, so we asked Marissa Kan, Head of Innovation at essano, to cut through the chatter.
Proving that clever, results-driven formulations don’t need to come with a luxury price tag, the newly reformulated essano Collagen Boost range delivers science-backed skincare at its smartest. Think biomimetic vegan collagen, peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, all working in harmony.
What does collagen in skincare actually *do*?
Hate to break it to you, but from our mid-twenties, we start losing about 1 per cent of our natural collagen each year. Add in stress, sun exposure, and late nights, and that number creeps even higher.
Topical collagen, though, can help your skin hold onto its bounce. “Collagen-based skincare works topically and locally, targeting the areas that need it most,” says Marissa. “Applied to skin, collagen and peptides act as signal molecules — they tell your skin cells to boost collagen production where it’s needed, improving elasticity and plumpness.”
As for collagen supplements? “Consumed collagen is broken down during digestion into amino acids, which can be used throughout the body — not necessarily directed back to the skin,” she adds. Translation: for visible results, smart topical skincare is your best bet.
Meet the new essano Collagen Boost range
The freshly revamped Collagen Boost range centres on hydrolysed biomimetic vegan collagen. “Traditional collagen, often sourced from animals, tends to have larger molecules that simply sit on the surface of the skin,” explains Marissa. “Hydrolysed collagen has been broken down into smaller peptide fragments, making it light enough to sit comfortably on the skin’s surface and provide hydration and smoothing benefits.”
Biomimetic collagen is a lab-crafted ingredient designed to mimic human Type I collagen: essentially tricking the skin into boosting its own natural production. Combined with plant peptides for firmness, niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine to brighten and strengthen, and certified organic rosehip oil for deep nourishment, it’s a total approach to collagen care: boosting, protecting, and rebuilding the skin’s natural support network.
The new Essano Collagen Boost line-up
Collagen boost oil cleanser
$29.99 from essano
A 100 per cent oil formulation that melts away makeup, sunscreen and impurities without stripping the skin. “It feels soft and silky and leaves my skin feeling incredibly nourished,” says Marissa. “No stripping, pulling or stinging around the eyes.”
Collagen boost serum
$33.99 from essano
This lightweight serum layers seamlessly under your moisturiser and SPF. Packed with hydrolysed collagen, peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, it instantly hydrates and firms the skin. “Clinical trials show it visibly firms skin by 17 per cent in just two weeks and boosts hydration within two hours*,” says Marissa. “It makes skin feel instantly smoother and noticeably firmer.”
Plumping daily moisturiser
$24.99 from essano
Hydration without heaviness. This silky day cream blends jojoba and rosehip oils with antioxidants to nourish, protect and prep for SPF and makeup.
Eye cream
$26.99 from essano
Brighten, lift and depuff tired eyes with this lightweight cream that hydrates and refreshes. Keep it in the fridge for an extra-cooling wake-up call.
Retinol face oil
$26.99 from essano
If you’ve been retinol-shy, this is your gentle gateway. Featuring Granactive Retinoid®, it smooths fine lines, firms and plumps while locking in moisture — no irritation in sight.
Night cream
$26.99 from essano
Your skin’s overnight repair team. Rich in collagen peptides, this nourishing night cream helps regenerate and firm while you sleep. It’s luxe but never greasy — meaning your pillowcase stays clean and your skin wakes up radiant.
Blurring wrinkle filler
$24.99 from essano
Your new handbag hero. This instant plumping cream smooths out fine lines and softens wrinkles — no needles required, and no filter needed.
Developed, designed, & made in New Zealand, the essano Collagen Boost range is available now at leading retailers nationwide and online at essano.co.nz
Keen to try the essano Collagen Boost range for yourself? Enter here to win one of five skincare packs
- * Independent Clinical Study measuring firmness after 2 weeks & hydration after 2 hours. N=20.
- ** Granactive Retinoid® is a registered trademark of Grant Industries.
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