Collagen supplements and functional peptides are among the most popular product categories in health and beauty nutrition. Marine, bovine, and chicken collagen sources carry distinct contamination profiles — including heavy metals in marine sources and microbial risks in animal-derived ingredients. Our LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS platform confirms identity and purity while verifying safety parameters.
Collagen quality varies significantly by source and hydrolysis process. Marine collagen from fish carry ocean-derived heavy metal load; bovine collagen requires documentation of BSE-free sourcing. Peptide product potency claims require analytical backing.
Fish-derived collagen peptides carry mercury, arsenic, and cadmium from ocean bioaccumulation. ICP-MS per-lot testing is especially critical for marine sources.
Bovine hide and bone collagen requires robust microbial testing — TAMC/TYMC plus specified organism screening — as part of the animal-derived ingredient safety file.
Molecular weight distribution and sequence confirmation by LC-MS/MS validates that hydrolysis produced the specified peptide profile rather than incomplete or over-hydrolyzed product.
Hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine are collagen-specific amino acids. Amino acid analysis confirms authenticity and distinguishes collagen from cheaper gelatin or non-collagen proteins.
Natural beauty retailers, DTC brands, and supplement retailers selling collagen require a complete COA including heavy metals before listing. We format for all major retailer requirements.
Pharmaceutical and compounding-grade peptides require identity, purity, sequence confirmation, and residual solvents per ICH Q3C. See our dedicated peptide testing page.
Standard testing for collagen and peptide products:
Submitting takes less than 5 minutes. Most projects turn around in 5–10 business days from sample receipt.
Send a brief project description — sample type, quantity, and timeline. We confirm turnaround and quote within one business day.
We'll send a submission form and our San Diego shipping address. Most samples ship ambient or cold depending on stability requirements.
Results are delivered as a signed PDF COA within the agreed turnaround. Rush service (2–3 business days) is available for urgent timelines.
Send us your samples and receive an ISO 17025 accreditation pending Certificate of Analysis. Results in 5–10 business days.