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 a Certificate of Analysis. Results in 5–10 business days.