Written by Shulynn Ragland
Reviewed & edited by Peter G. Chiarelli, PhD
Collagen 101 – Let’s break it down (literally!)
Jellyfish have outlived dinosaurs, survived five mass extinctions, and remained virtually unchanged for 500 million years [1]. Made of at least 95% water, they shouldn’t even hold shape. Their secret? Collagen.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for roughly 30% of our total protein content. It serves as the scaffolding that holds us together, providing structure and support to skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues [2,8].
This remarkable tensile strength and elasticity come from collagen’s native structure, the triple-helix: three polypeptide chains tightly coiled together [3].
In its raw (native) form, collagen is non-functional. When partially broken down, it becomes gelatin; when fully broken down, it yields collagen peptides [4]. This breakdown unlocks its incredible benefits: easier digestion, absorption, gelling properties (gelatin), antioxidant tendencies, and so much more [5].
The most broken down form of protein is the amino acid, connected by peptide bonds. In collagen, specific amino acids sequences are linked together, most commonly glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline [6]. However, these sequences and ratios of amino acids vary depending on the collagen source, which determines the type and quality of collagen produced.
Currently, there are at least 28 known types of collagen, but five are most prominent:
- Type I: 90% of all collagen, supports skin, bones, and tendons
- Type II: Found in cartilage and helps cushion joints
- Type III: Found in muscles, arteries, and internal organs
- Types IV: Mainly in basement membranes within the skin layers [7]
- Type V: Found in eyes, layers of skin, hair and placenta tissue [3,8]
Collagen Production Decreases with Age
Collagen production peaks in your 20s, then gradually declines year over year until it drops off sharply around age 60. By the time you’re 80, your body may have up to 75% less collagen than it did in your 20s [9,10].
As a result, people have turned to oral supplements and topical applications of collagen to combat signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, dryness (low moisture retention), reduced elasticity, decreased skin thickness, rough texture, fine lines [11,12].
For years, most of these products have relied on bovine (cow), porcine (pig), or marine (fish) collagen as their primary source. While still widely used, these sources raise concerns around ethics, dietary restrictions, religious beliefs, and the potential for zoonotic disease transmission [3].
Jellyfish Don’t Wrinkle … And What That Might Mean For You
Jellyfish are unique in that they produce invertebrate collagen. This uniqueness could be key to its remarkable properties: flexibility, resilience, and, yes… wrinkle resistance.
Nevertheless, researchers have mentioned that due to this invertebrate nature, they may not follow the typical numbering that most collagens do [13]. This means a novel and truly innovative form of collagen.
Perhaps this may be the reason as to why jellyfish don’t wrinkle!
Emerging Trend of Jellyfish Collagen in Skincare
Enter jellyfish collagen, an emerging, eco-friendly alternative that has the capability to transform the collagen market. Surprisingly, jellyfish are incredibly rich in collagen: 75% of the total protein in their bodies is collagen [14].
Research suggests that jellyfish-derived collagen offers a range of unique advantages in skincare:
- May be more easily absorbed by the body due to its ability to more readily break down into low molecular weight peptides [3,14]
- No known risk of transmitting diseases like BSE or TSE [3]
- May have lower allergenicity and reduced immunogenicity compared to land-animal collagen[a] [3,14]
- Suitable for pescatarian, halal, and Hindu consumers [3]
- Acts like a sponge, its unique structure may help retain moisture and keep skin hydrated [11,14]
- Its novel amino acid profile and invertebrate origin may offer skin benefits not found in traditional collagen sources [14]
Why Jellyfish? Sustainability.
- Climate change and overfishing are driving jellyfish blooms, disrupting ecosystems and human activities [15]. Harvesting may help control overpopulation.
- Harvesting jellyfish has a low carbon footprint, especially compared to land-based sources. Removing jellyfish from the ocean is even suggested to have a net positive effect on carbon levels [16,17].
- Aligns with zero-waste principles and the circular economy framework by minimizing waste and repurposing underused marine biomass [18].
- Does not contribute to deforestation [19].
Ultimately, jellyfish collagen transforms a nuisance biomass into a valuable resource, one that may support radiant skin, environmental balance, and American jobs.
The Founding of JellyCoUSA
Georgia is one of the few places in the U.S. with an active jellyfish processing industry. Along its coast, cannonball jellyfish are abundant, often washing ashore unused and overlooked.
Recognizing both the ecological opportunity and economic need, Dr. Kevin Mis Solval and Dr. Peter G. Chiarelli began their research at the University of Georgia. Their work led to the founding of JellyCoUSA LLC, a Georgia-based startup committed to sustainably harnessing jellyfish collagen and turning it into a household staple, while uplifting struggling coastal industries [20].
Jellyfish collagen holds exciting promise not just in skincare, but also in dietary supplements, medical applications, biodegradable materials, and even the photographic industry [12,21]. The opportunities are endless.
By developing a domestic market for jellyfish, JellyCoUSA aims to create new revenue streams for local communities, generate year-round jobs, and reduce reliance on international supply chains, all while promoting environmental health and clean beauty [22].
Conclusion
Jellyfish collagen isn’t mainstream, yet. That’s where JellyCoUSA steps in: overcoming hurdles, maximizing efficacy, and reimagining what clean collagen should be.
With the global collagen market projected to reach $16.7 billion by 2028 [14], and consumers demanding ethical, sustainable alternatives, jellyfish collagen may be the answer.
JellyCoUSA is Seizing the Seas™, proudly delivering SimplySEA™ jellyfish collagen peptides straight from Georgia’s coasts to your skincare routine.
Follow our journey @JellyCoUSA and become part of the movement.
References:
[1] Jellyfish: The smart stinging creatures drifting through our oceans – Independent Journal Article
[2] Health Benefits of Collagen – Independent Journal Article
[3] Collagen: Animal Sources and Biomedical Application – Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
[4] Collagen and its derivatives: From structure and properties to their applications in food industry – Food Hydrocolloids
[5] Hydrolyzed Collagen—Sources and Applications – Molecules
[6] What Is Collagen, and What Is It Good For? – Independent Journal Article
[7] Collagen IV in Normal Skin and in Pathological Processes – North American Journal of Medical Sciences
[8] Collagen – Cleveland Clinic
[9] Skin anti-aging strategies – Dermato-Endocrinology
[10] Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin – American Journal of Pathology
[11] Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics – Dermatology Practical & Conceptual
[12] Collagen Hydrolysates for Skin Protection: Oral Administration and Topical Formulation – antioxidants
[13] Characterization of the Biophysical Properties and Cell Adhesion Interactions of Marine Invertebrate Collagen from Rhizostoma pulmo – Marine Drugs
[14] The emergence of jellyfish collagen: A comprehensive review on research progress, industrial applications, and future opportunities – Trends in Food Science & Technology
[15] The Global Jellyfish Crisis in Perspective – Independent Journal Article
[16] Wild seafood has a lower carbon footprint than red meat, cheese, and chicken, according to latest data – Independent Journal Article
[17] A Systematic Review of Risk Assessment Associated with Jellyfish Consumption as a Potential Novel Food – foods
[18] Marine Collagen from Alternative and Sustainable Sources: Extraction, Processing and Applications – Marine Drugs
[19] Collagen and deforestation: How we uncovered the dirty origins of a beloved wellness product – Independent Journal Article
[20] JellyCoUSA Home Page – JellyCoUSA LLC
[21] Gone Jellyballing: Gelatinous Life Sciences in the American South (ongoing since 2018) – Independent Journal Article
[22] UGA researchers look to create market for cannonball jellyfish – Independent Journal Article
Note – Research is ongoing. Stay tuned for species-specific studies! We are committed to sharing the latest science behind collagen, jellyfish collagen, and SimplySEA™.
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[a] Jellyfish are not classified as a major food allergen under FDA regulations. However, individuals with fish or shellfish allergies may still be at risk of allergic reactions to jellyfish. While jellyfish collagen is distinct from traditional fish and shellfish sources, sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have concerns, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional before consuming or using jellyfish-based products.
