Collagen isn’t new. But the way brands are thinking about collagen is evolving fast.

Today’s consumers want more than a scoop-and-hope approach. They want science, simplicity, and solutions that actually fit into real life. This is where eggshell membrane collagen enters the picture. It’s the overachiever of the collagen world, and Stratum Nutrition®’s two standout ingredients: NEM® and OVOLUX™.

Let’s crack it open, shall we?!

Who’s buying collagen (and why they’re so into it)

The collagen crowd is bigger and more diverse than ever.

1. Beauty-from-within believers

Women ages 25 to 45 still lead the charge, using collagen to support glowing skin, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Men are catching on too. Turns out everyone likes good hair days.

2. Joint health seekers and healthy agers

This group is not waiting for creaky knees to make the first move. With the shift from longevity to health-span, people want to stay active, mobile, and pain-free while keeping up with the moments that matter.

3. Athletes and active lifestyles

From weekend warriors to serious trainers, collagen has become part of the recovery conversation, helping support joints so movement stays comfortable and consistent.

4. Younger wellness natives

Ages 18 to 30 are discovering collagen through social media and lifestyle-friendly formats. Think capsules, gummies, sticks, and beauty-forward routines that fit seamlessly into daily life.

Collagen is no longer niche. It is mainstream, and the market is expected to at least double by 2030. That means brands need smarter ingredients to stand out.

Meet the heavy hitters: NEM® and OVOLUX™

1. NEM®: Joint Health’s Fast-Acting MVP

NEM® is Stratum Nutrition’s flagship ingredient for a reason. This partially hydrolyzed eggshell membrane delivers a low-dose, fast-acting, multi-collagen solution for joint comfort and mobility.

Why brands love it:

• Clinically studied at just 500 mg

• Benefits shown in as little as one day

• Supports joint comfort, stiffness, mobility, and cartilage health

• Backed by more than 10 published human trials

• Upcycled Certified™, NutraStrong™ Collagen Verified, non-GMO, ovo-vegetarian

• Fully traceable and made in the USA using USDA-certified eggs

• Collagen with receipts.

2. OVOLUX™: Beauty-from-Within, Reinvented

OVOLUX™ is NEM®’s glow-up sibling. This unhydrolyzed, ultra-low-dose eggshell membrane ingredient is designed for hair, skin, and nail health, without the need for multi-gram collagen loads.

What makes it shine:

• Clinically studied at 400 mg per day

• Gold-standard human trial showing improvements in skin elasticity, firmness, hair, and nails
• Works for both women and men
• Clean-label, sustainable, and ovo-vegetarian
• Upcycled Certified™, NutraStrong™ Collagen Verified, non-GMO, ovo-vegetarian
• A fresh take on multi-collagen beauty support
• Named “Collagen Ingredient of the Year” by Beauty Innovation Awards

Together, NEM® and OVOLUX™ give brands a science-backed way to address joint health support and beauty from the inside out.

The innovation is not just the collagen, it’s the matrix.

Eggshell membrane is not a single-note ingredient. It is a naturally occurring matrix of collagen types, glycosaminoglycans, and bioactive compounds that work together.

That means:

• All-in-one functionality instead of ingredient stacking
• Lower doses without sacrificing efficacy
• Faster benefits consumers can actually feel
• Cleaner, more elegant formulations

Consumers are savvier than ever, and they are asking for proof. NEM® and OVOLUX™ answer that call with robust clinical data and real-world relevance.

What Brands Should Keep in Mind When Formulating

A few truths worth repeating:

• More is not better. Better is better. Clinically relevant dosing beats long ingredient lists every time.
• Delivery matters. Ultra-low-dose collagen solutions open doors to capsules, gummies, sticks, and beauty-forward formats.
• Education builds trust. Consumers may know collagen, but they do not always understand sourcing, matrices, or why eggshell membrane is different.
• Sustainability sells. Stratum’s upcycled process keeps millions of pounds of eggshells out of landfills each year, giving brands a story that feels as good as it performs.

What’s Next? The Science Keeps Coming

Stratum Nutrition is not slowing down. The latest 2024 OVOLUX™ clinical study confirmed measurable improvements in skin biomechanics and visible beauty outcomes, and more research is already in motion.

With collagen continuing to trend across joint health, beauty-from-within, and healthy aging, the opportunity is clear: science-backed, ultra-low-dose, fast-acting, sustainable collagen solutions are the future.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.