People on Social Media Say Gelatin Is 'Mother Nature's Botox'

Social media users claim they found a natural Botox alternative — gelatin-containing supplements and foods. But is it really possible to eat your way to youthful skin?

More than 7.4 million Americans receive Botox treatments, primarily to reduce wrinkles. While these botulinum toxin injections are effective for most people, they can have unpleasant side effects, including muscle weakness and allergic reactions. A 2023 study published in the United Kingdom found that 69% of respondents experienced some sort of side effects, like pain, anxiety, or headaches. However, a 2020 study found that side effects were rare.

Nevertheless, fear or concern over these unwanted symptoms has sparked discussions over natural ways to smooth skin. For example, an influencer, Maisy Healay, has recently admitted to using gelatin supplements instead of injectables.

"Unlike Botox, which involves injections to temporarily paralyze muscles and reduce wrinkles, gelatin works from the inside out, promoting natural processes that improve skin health over time," Healay wrote on Instagram.

Olivia Robertson-Moe, NTP, also chooses to avoid botulinum toxin and instead eat lots of gelatin-rich foods, such as bone broth, gelatin gummies, and panna cotta.

However, eating gummy bears for wrinkle prevention might sound too good to be true. So, let's examine the evidence of gelatin's benefits for the skin.

Gelatin vs. collagen: are the benefits the same?

Gelatin is a colorless and flavorless protein derived from collagen, the protein found in animal skin, tendons, and bones. It is a common ingredient in broths, soups, sauces, and desserts and can be added to certain supplements and medications.

When we age, our skin loses elastic fibers, and collagen production slows, resulting in loss of elasticity, sagging, and wrinkles. Oral collagen has been shown to improve skin elasticity and hydration, especially when used long-term.

Kathryn Piper, RD, founder of The Age-Defying Dietitian, says gelatin supplements and foods rich in gelatin can help with anti-aging, particularly for the skin.

As a collagen-rich protein, gelatin helps preserve skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness. This can diminish the appearance of fine lines, enhance skin texture, and contribute to a more youthful complexion.

Piper

Most gelatin studies are conducted on animals

Most studies showing gelatin's skin benefits were carried out in lab cells and mice. While studies in animal models are essential for research, their findings don't always apply to humans.

Feeding mice with gelatin for 12 months improved the thickness of the middle skin layer dermis and the density of collagen fibers, the weakening of which leads to the appearance of wrinkles.

Additionally, oral gelatin significantly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, the proteins that guard against oxidative stress, which play a major role in aging.

How much gelatin is too much?

Piper says that while moderate gelatin intake is generally safe, excessive consumption can pose risks such as digestive issues and potential allergic reactions.

She adds, "It's best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice."

One tablespoon of gelatin powder contains 6 grams of protein and 14 milligrams of sodium, far from exceeding the recommended daily intake values. Adults should consume 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight (or 0.8 grams per kilogram).

Meanwhile, the American Heart Association recommends that adults should move towards the ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day for most adults.

While gelatin may help smooth wrinkles, be mindful about adding it to your diet: foods like gummies and marshmallows can be high in sugar and, if consumed in large amounts over time, may cause health issues.