Hydrolyzed Collagen, EGF, and NAD+: Understanding the Ingredients

Some skincare ingredients are familiar because they also have important roles in the body. Collagen, EGF, and NAD+ belong to that conversation—but each raises a different formulation question.

Understanding what an ingredient does biologically is a starting point. Understanding what a finished serum does when applied to skin requires another layer of evidence.

What is hydrolyzed collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein. Hydrolyzed collagen has been broken into smaller fragments and is used in cosmetic formulations, including products focused on skin conditioning and hydration.

Applying it does not mean you are directly replacing the collagen deeper in your skin. Research on swallowed collagen supplements also cannot be used as evidence that a face serum delivers the same results.

A clinical pilot study examined a topical combination of proteoglycan, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen and reported improvements in hydration and barrier-related measures. Because it tested a combination, it cannot show how much of the effect came from collagen alone.

SAYNID's Collagen Lifting CO₂ Bubble Serum Mask contains hydrolyzed collagen alongside a peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and Ceramide NP.

What is EGF?

EGF stands for epidermal growth factor, a protein involved in cell signaling. Its biological role has inspired interest in topical skincare.

Research has evaluated particular growth-factor-containing serums, including combination formulas. A result from one formula does not establish that every EGF complex performs the same way. Ingredient identity, stability, delivery, and the complete product are relevant.

The phrase “growth factor” should not be taken as a promise that a cosmetic regenerates skin or rebuilds tissue.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme involved in cellular metabolism. Its role in biology has made it a subject of interest in skin research.

NAD+, niacinamide, and other NAD-related compounds are not interchangeable names. A study involving a precursor does not automatically prove a benefit from applying NAD+ itself.

Delivery matters here, too. A published NAD+ study used a microneedling system for intradermal delivery. That is different from everyday serum application and cannot establish equivalent effects for an at-home cosmetic.

How to make sense of an ingredient story

Ask three questions: What exactly is the ingredient? How was it used in the research? Has the finished product been tested for the benefit being claimed?

Those questions allow exciting ingredients and realistic expectations to sit together.

Frequently asked questions

Does a collagen serum replace lost collagen?

The presence of hydrolyzed collagen does not demonstrate replacement of dermal collagen. Evaluate the formula's substantiated cosmetic benefits instead.

Is NAD+ the same as niacinamide?

No. They are related through biological pathways but are different molecules, with different evidence for topical use.

Skin activating skincare begins with curiosity—and follows through with clear explanations.

Continue reading: What Is a Multi-Hyaluronic Acid Complex?.

Research references: Topical combination containing hydrolyzed collagen, 2021; Combination growth factor serum study, 2022; Procedural NAD+ delivery study, 2026.