Health Claims
Helping you understand the complex regulatory landscape surrounding beauty and health claims, ensuring that every message is compliant, compelling, and backed by data.
What is a Beauty claim?
Beauty claims refer to appearance-related effects such as smoother skin, shinier hair, or stronger nails. These claims focus on cosmetic results and do not imply a physiological or health effect.
- Do not require EFSA authorisation
- Must be truthful and not misleading
- Must be supported by scientific or consumer data
Examples of acceptable beauty claims:
“Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines”
“Contributes to firmer-looking skin”
“Supports shinier, more voluminous hair”
“Improves nail strength and gloss”
These types of claims are generally considered outside the scope of the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (NHCR, Regulation EC No. 1924/2006), provided they do not reference bodily functions.
What is a Health claim?
Health claims go further by linking a nutrient or ingredient to a physiological function or health benefit. These fall under strict regulation.
- Require EFSA approval under the NHCR
- Must be based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence
- Cannot be used unless officially authorised
Examples of health claims (require EFSA approval):
“Supports normal collagen formation for healthy skin”
“Helps maintain normal skin barrier function”
“Protects cells from oxidative stress”
“Reduces hair loss due to oxidative damage”
These claims relate directly to the function of the body and must meet clearly defined criteria set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Collagen in the body
Discover key technical facts about collagen, highlighting its structural role in the human body and its relevance to skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues.
Technical claims:
- Collagen is a major component of the human body
- About 30 % of our total body protein is collagen
Skin
Collagen is the main structural protein in the various connective tissues in the body and the major structural component of skin, comprising about 80% of this organ. Skin properties are known to be affected by endogenous and environmental factors including ageing, ultraviolet radiation, hormones and nutrition.
Tendons
Collagen is the main structural protein in the various connective tissues in the body. The collagen-rich fascia tissue organises the muscle fibres, while tendons and ligaments transmit mechanical forces between muscles and bones and enables optimal movement.
Joints
Collagenous protein makes up nearly 70% of cartilage mass. Collagen is the main structural protein in connective tissues, also abundant in cartilage. A healthy cartilage makes joints strong, mobile and flexible.
Bones
Collagen is a major component of the human body. About 30% of our total body protein is collagen. Collagen protein in the body is crucial for healthy bones. About 90% of the bone matrix proteins are collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the body.
Nutrients with authorised health claims, relevant to Collagen
“Contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin”
Vitamin C
EFSA Journal 2009; 7(9):1226
“Contributes to the maintenance of normal skin”
Niacin, Biotin, Vitamin B2 or Zinc
EFSA Journal 2009; 7(9):1224 2010;8(10):1757 & EFSA Journal 2009; 7(9):1209 / 2010;8(10):1728
“Contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue”
Manganese
EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1808
“Contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones”
Vitamin C
EFSA Journal 2009; 7(9):1226
“Contributes to maintenance of normal bones”
Calcium
EFSA Journal 2009;7(9):1210
“Contributes to maintenance of normal bones”
Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Zinc, Vitamin D or Vitamin K
EFSA Journal 2009; 7(9):1216
“Contributes to normal development of bones and teeth”
Vitamin D
EFSA Journal 2009; 7(9):1227
“Source of protein” or "High in Protein”
Collagen
At least 12 % and 20% of the energy value of the food is provided by collagen protein, respectively.
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