Eggshell Membrane: Nature’s Biological Matrix for Healthy Skin
Written by Alexis Collins, M.A., M.S. and Dr. Prem Sreenivasan
Summary:
Egg shell membrane (ESM) is a naturally derived, upcycled ingredient sourced responsibly from the chicken industry. Backed by extensive clinical research, ESM has been shown to support skin regeneration, hydration, enhance firmness and elasticity, and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. ESM demonstrates remarkable formulation versatility, enabling its incorporation into a wide range of product formats, including dietary supplements, skincare formulations, and functional foods.
Blog:
Chicken eggshell membrane (ESM), the thin, transparent film found inside the eggshell, has emerged as a natural biomaterial of significant scientific and commercial interest. Traditionally used to promote skin wound healing in Asian countries for centuries, this unique layer is now scientifically recognized as a valuable source of bioactive compounds that support skin health, repair, and protection against oxidative and environmental stressors. [i]
ESM is predominantly composed of proteins, including collagen types I, V, and X – key structural proteins that maintain skin integrity and elasticity. It also contains elastin, keratin, and glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate. These polysaccharides are essential for moisture retention and the regulation of extracellular matrix activity. Additionally, ESM contains egg-derived proteins such as lysozyme and ovotransferrin that contribute to its antimicrobial and protective functions. Together, these components form a natural matrix that resemble the composition of human connective tissues.[ii]
Testing demonstrates that the bioactive peptides in ESM stimulate fibroblast activity and promote collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, which are critical for maintaining dermal structure and skin hydration. ESM also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting enzymes such as collagenase and elastase, which degrade connective tissue proteins.[iii],[iv]
While antioxidant activity is typically associated with vitamins and polyphenols, certain proteins and peptides also possess significant free radical scavenging capacity. ESM proteins can inhibit lipid peroxidation, neutralize reactive oxygen species, and chelate metal ions, thereby reducing oxidative damage. The antioxidant capacity is influenced by amino acid composition and peptide sequence, with ESM being particularly rich in methionine, cysteine, leucine, phenylalanine, valine, histidine, tyrosine, and proline – all known for their redox potential.[v]
ESM is currently being used in beauty from within supplements, skincare products, and even functional foods. Human clinical trials have demonstrated ESM’s ability to improve key biomechanical properties of the skin. Supplementation of 300-400 mg per day of unhydrolyzed ESM led to measurable improvements in skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration within 6 to 12 weeks.[vi],[vii],[viii] These effects are consistent with ESM’s role in modulating collagen metabolism and enhancing the dermal extracellular matrix. Topical formulations containing solubilized ESM have also shown significant increases in type III collagen deposition and visible reduction in facial wrinkles.i,[ix]
Animal and cell studies further validate these clinical findings. ESM reduces the activity of collagenase and elastase, preserves moisture in the stratum corneum, and mitigates UVB-induced oxidative damage and inflammation. Studies using hairless mice confirmed that ESM supplementation prevented deep wrinkle formation and maintained epidermal moisture under UV stress conditions. Interestingly, larger molecular weight fractions of ESM appear to be more effective for dermal support, while smaller hydrolyzed peptides exhibit stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.iii,iv,[x]
ESM is an upcycled, environmentally responsible ingredient derived from a byproduct of the egg industry. Its composition of collagen, peptides, and glycosaminoglycans provides a multifunctional platform for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications. Continued research has identified ESM as a source of bioactive compounds capable of promoting skin regeneration, maintaining dermal elasticity, and protecting against oxidative and inflammatory stress.
[i] E. Ohto-Fujita et al., Cell Tissue Res, 376(1):123-135, 2019.
[ii] Y. Shi et al., Foods, 10(9):2178, 2021.
[iii] J. Yoo et al., Korean J Food Sci Anim Resour, 34(1):26-32, 2014.
[iv] J.H. Yoo et al., Korean J Food Sci Anim Resour, 35(1):58-70, 2015.
[v] J. Kim et al., Appl Sci, 14(12):5176, 2024.
[vi] K.J. Ruff et al., J Cosmetics Dermatol Sci Appl, 14(4):306-322, 2024.
[vii] E. Gil-Quintana et al., Clin Res Dermatol Open Access, 5(2):1-8, 2018.
[viii] A. Aguirre et al., J Dietary Suppl, 14(6):706-714, 2017.
[ix] S. Bande et al., IJSAT, 16(3), 2025.
[x] S. P. Sim et al., Mol Cell Toxicol, 19:165-176, 2023.
Author Bios:
Alexis Collins
Alexis holds two upper graduate degrees in Medical Science and Nutrition. As Director of Product and Brand Strategy at Stratum Nutrition, she empowers innovation in the dietary supplement industry with a focus on new ingredient discovery, evaluation, and launch while driving science-based creative direction across marketing and sales tools. With over 15 years of experience in nutrition and health, her mission is to integrate scientific rigor into product innovation and education.
Prem Sreenivasan
About the Author Prem Sreenivasan, Ph.D., is an experienced clinical research professional with expertise in R&D, drug development, and medical affairs developing strategic partnerships for innovation globally. He has led global product launches with unique clinical claims. He is a member of the NYSCC Scientific Committee and volunteers at several national scientific organizations in the health and wellness space.