While eggshell membrane collagen remains less familiar than marine or bovine sources, the Singapore-based firm says it could offer a more sustainable alternative for beauty and wellness formulations.
“To date, Vicky en France has successfully upcycled 35kg of pure French eggshell membrane. To put that into perspective, it represents the diversion of over 350,000 eggs and more than 2 tons of calcium-rich shell waste from landfills,” Founder Vicky Choi told FoodNavigator.
“By refining this ‘waste’ into a premium 500mg daily dose in C’est La BERRY, we are proving that luxury beauty and environmental responsibility can – and must – go hand in hand.”
C’est La BERRY is a jelly stick formulated with French eggshell membrane containing collagen types I, V and X. It is also designed to function as an oral sunscreen while easing joint pain.
“Beyond 500mg of eggshell membrane, we’ve formulated a comprehensive beauty suite. We’ve added apple cider vinegar mixed with blueberry extract for antioxidant support, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) prebiotics for gut health, and additional biotin and glutathione for skin brightness and hair strength,” Choi said.
“The jelly format allows us to stabilise this complex blend in a bioavailable matrix. The act of chewing also initiates pre-gastric absorption via salivary enzymes, helping the body begin breaking down nutrients the moment they enter the mouth.”
Ensuring food safety for upcycled products
The firm sources its eggshell membranes from a French partner, where materials are produced in a dedicated “Food Zone” approved by veterinary authorities for human consumption.
Each batch carries a unique lot number to ensure full farm-to-package traceability. The process is HACCP-approved and includes thermal pasteurisation to ensure microbiological safety while preserving delicate proteins within the eggshell membrane.
Exploring why eggshell membrane collagen works
Eggshell membrane is naturally rich in structural proteins that closely resemble those found in human connective tissues.
The thin membrane lining the inside of eggshells is composed largely of protein and contains several types of collagen, particularly types I, V and X – the structural “glue” that keeps skin firm and joints resilient.
Eggshell membrane also contains elastin, which helps maintain skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid, a compound known for its ability to retain moisture in skin cells.
These structural molecules are also key constituents of human skin, cartilage and bone, which has led researchers to explore eggshell membrane as a biomaterial for tissue repair and functional nutrition applications.
Research also suggests eggshell membrane proteins can be efficiently utilised by the body.
In one animal study, more than 80% of ingested eggshell membrane protein was absorbed and utilised, demonstrating high net protein utilisation comparable to common dietary proteins.
These developments have led to eggshell membrane being increasingly studied as a functional ingredient for joint health, skin support and regenerative applications.
Making eggshell membrane collagen more accessible
The decision to formulate eggshell membrane collagen into a jelly stick goes beyond facilitating nutrient absorption – it also serves to make the product more appealing, and therefore accessible, to consumers.
“We wanted to create a supplement that was truly delicious, something you enjoy rather than endure,” said Choi, emphasising the importance of a science-backed approach to achieving longevity and ageing beautifully.
“We’ve replaced ‘clinical chores’ with sensory-driven luxury. Longevity shouldn’t be a pill you swallow; it should be a ritual you look forward to.”
She added that science-backed research indicates eggshell membrane is a viable alternative to bovine and marine collagen sources, supporting environmental consciousness and clean-label initiatives.
A US study found that ingesting 450 mg per day of hydrolysed eggshell membrane for 12 weeks was associated with reduced wrinkles and better skin tone, as well as reduction in hair breakage and improvement in hair growth.
Data from another human trial indicated that a daily dose of 500mg eggshell membrane significantly reduced both joint pain and stiffness.
South Korean researchers have also found that eggshell membrane can potentially have anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle benefits.
Indeed, more food and supplement brands are exploring eggshell membrane collagen in formulations for health and wellness applications, including skin hydration, wound recovery, tissue growth, and wrinkle reduction.
Market readiness for eggshell membrane collagen
Upcycled eggshell membrane is emerging as a collagen source as firms look to reduce food waste while targeting demand for beauty-from-within products.
Major Japanese brand Kewpie, best known for its mayonnaise, uses around 250,000 metric tonnes of eggs annually, generating roughly 28,000 tonnes of eggshells each year. The company has been exploring ways to convert this by-product into ingredients such as calcium for fortified foods and eggshell membrane for supplement applications.
For eggshell membrane-based supplements, Choi believes there is potential in South East Asia and France.
“In South East Asia, consumers are sophisticated early adopters who understand that ‘inside-out’ beauty is the foundation of health,” said Choi, a native South Korean who firmly believes in her country’s advancement in beauty research and technology.
“France is the heart of luxury skincare and is our source for premium raw materials. By marrying Korean bio-innovation with French science, we bridge the gap between two world-class beauty cultures.”
The firm promotes an “inside-out” beauty ritual combining ingestible and topical products. Alongside the C’est La BERRY collagen jelly sticks, users can cleanse with C’est La Chick, a handmade collagen scrub soap, and apply OROJI Le Masque, a “second skin” peel-off mask for the face, neck and décolleté.
Both topical products also contain eggshell membrane collagen. Choi said the routine reflects her view of beauty as a 360-degree cycle supported through cleansing, topical treatment and nutritional support.
