What should a good collagen shot contain? The 6-ingredient checklist

A good collagen shot not only delivers collagen, but also the cofactors your body needs to convert the peptides into new connective tissue. The six ingredients we consider essential for maximum effect: (1) 10 g hydrolyzed collagen (Peptan bovine collagen), (2) silicon (Bloosil, 15 mg), (3) vitamin C (100 mg), (4) hyaluronic acid (15 mg), (5) vitamin D3 (1000 IU), (6) SOD (Superoxide Dismutase, 30 mg). A shot combining these six in clinically supported dosages provides the most robust effect.

Why a complete formula is important

Collagen supplementation without cofactors leaves a significant portion of the potential effect unrealized. Vitamin C, for example, is literally indispensable for the body's own collagen production. Silicon stimulates the same processes through a different pathway. Hyaluronic acid directly supports skin hydration. A complete shot works along multiple axes simultaneously.

Ingredient 1: hydrolyzed collagen (10 g)

Why essential: the main building block. Supplies the amino acids and bioactive peptides that stimulate fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts.

Dosage: 5 to 10 g per day. 10 g is the highest clinically supported dose. Going higher has no proven additional effect.

Source: Peptan bovine collagen offers type I + III with up to 91 percent absorption.

Clinical evidence: strong (meta-analyses, RCTs for skin, joints, bones).

Ingredient 2: silicon (Bloosil, 15 mg)

Why essential: silicon is an indispensable cofactor in the production of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans.

Dosage: 10 to 25 mg per day. ACTIVATE provides 15 mg.

Source: Bloosil is a certified silicon ingredient with good biological absorption.

Clinical evidence: studies show improvement in skin firmness, hair strength, and nail quality.

Ingredient 3: vitamin C (100 mg)

Why essential: without vitamin C, your body literally cannot produce collagen. This explains why scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) leads to the breakdown of skin, gums, and blood vessels.

Dosage: 75 to 200 mg per day. ACTIVATE provides 100 mg.

Clinical evidence: well-supported. Officially recognized EU claim for contribution to normal collagen formation.

Ingredient 4: hyaluronic acid (15 mg)

Why essential: hyaluronic acid attracts water and retains moisture in the skin. It works synergistically with collagen.

Dosage: oral doses of 10 to 240 mg per day have been studied. ACTIVATE provides 15 mg.

Clinical evidence: studies show improvement in skin hydration and elasticity.

Ingredient 5: vitamin D3 (1000 IU)

Why essential: plays a role in the process of cell renewal and is important for bone health and immune function. A large part of the Belgian and Dutch population has suboptimal vitamin D levels.

Dosage: 600 to 2000 IU per day is a common maintenance recommendation. ACTIVATE provides 1000 IU.

Clinical evidence: well-supported for bone health and immune function.

Ingredient 6: SOD (Superoxide Dismutase, 30 mg)

Why essential: SOD is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. It protects cells from oxidative damage by free radicals, a major factor in skin aging.

Dosage: researched dosages vary. ACTIVATE provides 30 mg.

Clinical evidence: SOD supplementation has been studied for anti-aging and oxidative stress.

Ingredients we deliberately did not add

Some shots claim to be "premium" with all sorts of extra ingredients. Not everything adds value:

  • Biotin in low doses: hype without clinical evidence for most people. For people with actual biotin deficiency, it is, but that is rare.
  • Supposed exotic ingredients: goji, acai extracts, and the like. Marketing value greater than clinical effect.
  • "Stem cell activators": marketing term without validated meaning in the supplement context.

Quick-check checklist

For any collagen product:

  1. Contains at least 5 g, ideally 10 g of hydrolyzed collagen per serving?
  2. Is a certified brand ingredient mentioned (such as Peptan)?
  3. Does it contain silicon or a similar collagen stimulator?
  4. Does it contain vitamin C in sufficient dosage (75 mg or more)?
  5. Does it contain hyaluronic acid for skin hydration?
  6. Does it contain vitamin D3 for cell renewal?
  7. Does it contain an antioxidant such as SOD?
  8. Are all dosages transparently listed on the label?

Our formula according to this checklist

ACTIVATE contains exactly these six ingredients in clinically supported dosages: 10 g Peptan bovine collagen (up to 91 percent absorption), 15 mg silicon (Bloosil), 100 mg vitamin C, 15 mg hyaluronic acid, 1000 IU vitamin D3, and 30 mg SOD. One daily 25 ml shot, with refreshing pomegranate flavor.

Discover ACTIVATE collagen shots

Written by the Labo Mariva team. Our formula was developed by a doctor and nutritionist.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Back to blog