Age beautifully. Keep Earth beautiful.

Most collagen supplements come from fish skin or cow hides. We chose something different: the thin membrane inside an eggshell.

When my husband, a stem cell scientist, and I started researching collagen for our family, we kept coming back to one question: why take a single protein when nature already packs a whole skin-support matrix into something we throw away every day? That question became Vicky en France.

What is eggshell membrane (ESM)?

Eggshell membrane is the thin layer between an eggshell and the egg white, the one that sticks when you peel a boiled egg. It naturally contains collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin, the same building blocks your skin and joints depend on. Ours is upcycled from French eggshells that would otherwise end up in landfill.

Eggshell membrane vs marine vs bovine collagen

Why we moved away from marine and bovine collagen

1. A complete matrix, not a single ingredient

Fish and cow collagen give you collagen. Eggshell membrane gives you collagen together with elastin and hyaluronic acid, the trio that keeps skin firm, bouncy and hydrated, plus glucosamine and chondroitin for joints.

2. A small, effective daily dose

Published eggshell membrane studies used just 300 to 600 mg a day. Most marine and bovine collagen powders ask you to take several grams. That is how C'est la BERRY fits into one small jelly stick instead of a scoop of powder.

3. No fishy taste, no powder to mix

Many people stop taking marine collagen because of the taste. Eggshell membrane has a neutral flavour, so C'est la BERRY simply tastes like blueberry.

4. An option for people who avoid beef or fish

Bovine collagen doesn't suit people who avoid beef for religious, dietary or personal reasons, and marine collagen is off-limits for anyone with a fish allergy. Reviews of collagen sources also note that concerns about bovine collagen, including allergy and past BSE (mad cow disease) outbreaks, pushed the industry to look for alternatives. Eggshell membrane is one of them. Please note it does come from eggs.

5. Beauty that gives back to the planet

Millions of eggshells are thrown away every day. Turning their membrane into skincare means less waste and no extra animals raised for collagen.

What the research says

Eggshell membrane has been studied in randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials for both skin and joints. Here are some of the published studies:

• Skin, 100 women, 12 weeks. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial gave women aged 25 to 60 either 600 mg of eggshell membrane a day or a placebo, and measured wrinkles, elasticity, hydration and more. The authors concluded ESM is safe and effective for improving skin health, with no adverse events reported. Park et al., Ewha Womans University
• Skin and hair, 88 adults, 12 weeks. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found 450 mg a day of hydrolysed eggshell membrane was linked to visible improvement in crow's feet by week 4, skin tone by week 8, and hair thickness. Kalman & Hewlings, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
• Joints, 500 mg a day. Two clinical studies found eggshell membrane reduced joint pain significantly within seven days, with continued improvement at 30 days, and was well tolerated. Ruff et al., Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2009
• Joints after exercise, 60 postmenopausal women. A placebo-controlled trial found eggshell membrane sped up recovery from exercise-related joint stiffness and pain within the first week. Ruff et al., Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2018
• Our ingredient. Clinical testing on the eggshell membrane ingredient we use measured a 51% reduction in wrinkle depth, with every participant showing improvement.
• Collagen sources review. A review of collagen sources and cosmetic uses discusses the concerns around bovine collagen and the search for alternatives. Avila Rodríguez et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018

These studies looked at eggshell membrane as an ingredient, not at Vicky en France products specifically. Individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an egg allergy or a medical condition, please check with your doctor first.

Where you'll find eggshell membrane at Vicky en France

• C'est la BERRY: to our knowledge, the world's first eggshell membrane collagen jelly. One blueberry stick a day, with no preservatives, no gelatin and no added sugar.
• ÔROJI skincare: serums, treatment water and masks that put eggshell membrane to work on the outside, too.

Frequently asked questions

Is eggshell membrane collagen better than marine collagen?

They work differently. Marine collagen is mainly type I collagen. Eggshell membrane naturally combines collagen with elastin, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin, and studies used a much smaller daily amount. It also has no fishy taste. The best choice depends on your needs and any allergies you have.

Is eggshell membrane vegetarian?

It comes from eggs, not from fish or cattle, so it can suit people who eat eggs but avoid meat and fish. It is not vegan.

Is it safe if I have an egg allergy?

Eggshell membrane comes from eggs. If you have an egg allergy, please speak with your doctor before trying it.

How long does it take to work?

In published studies, joint comfort improved within 7 to 10 days and skin changes were measured from 4 to 12 weeks. Many of our customers tell us they feel more hydrated within the first week. Results vary from person to person.