While aging brings wisdom and experience, it also presents challenges that extend beyond what we see in the mirror.
Joint stiffness that makes morning movements uncomfortable often accompanies visible changes in skin elasticity and firmness, two seemingly separate concerns that share a common underlying cause: declining collagen production throughout the body.
But what if there was a way to address both joint comfort and skin vitality at the cellular level, using targeted approaches backed by clinical research?
In this guide, we'll explore two specialized bioactive collagen peptides—FORTIGEL® for joint cartilage support and VERISOL® for skin health—helping you understand how each works, what the research shows, and how to choose the right approach for your wellness goals.
What Is FORTIGEL® Collagen Peptide?
FORTIGEL® is GELITA's specialized collagen peptide ingredient shown to support joint cartilage. This bioactive collagen peptide was developed through research focused specifically on cartilage health. (1)
Unlike typical collagen powders that provide general building blocks, FORTIGEL® has a smaller molecular weight of approximately 3 kDa (kilodaltons), which may support cellular processes involved in cartilage maintenance.
While research in this area is still emerging, this targeted approach appears promising for joint health support.
How FORTIGEL® May Support Joint Health
Research suggests that FORTIGEL® may support joint health and address factors that promote cartilage health.
May Support Cartilage Cushioning
When taken orally, FORTIGEL® peptides may support chondrocytes (cartilage cells) in increasing the production of proteoglycans, large molecules that help cartilage retain water and maintain cushioning properties during movement. This process may help support the structural integrity that healthy cartilage provides, though individual results may vary. (2)
May Support Cartilage Structure
Additionally, these specialized peptides may influence the production of collagen type II and aggrecan, which are important building blocks in cartilage tissue. (3)
These components may work together to maintain the framework that supports cartilage strength and resilience.
May Support Cartilage Density
A study published in the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage followed participants taking 10 grams of FORTIGEL® daily for 48 weeks. (4)
Using MRI imaging, researchers observed an 8% increase in knee cartilage density in the treatment group compared to the control group, though it's important to note this was a single study, and additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
May Support Joint Comfort During Daily Activities
A 12-week study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health followed 182 healthy adults over 18 years old who experienced knee and hip discomfort during daily activities. Participants took either 5 grams of specific collagen peptides or a placebo daily. (5)
Those taking collagen peptides reported statistically significant reductions in pain at rest and during walking, as assessed by physician evaluations.
Participants also reported significantly less pain when climbing stairs and kneeling, and reduced restrictions when squatting compared to the placebo group.
This research suggests that 5 grams of specific collagen peptides daily may help reduce joint discomfort during everyday activities in healthy adults, though individual results may vary.
Who is FORTIGEL® for?
Wondering if Fortigel might be right for you? Here are some signs that this specialized collagen peptide could align with your health goals.
FORTIGEL® may be particularly beneficial for those who:
- Experience joint stiffness that affects daily activities like climbing stairs or morning movement.
- Participate in regular physical activity and want to support joint health proactively.
- Are dealing with early signs of cartilage wear and prefer addressing root causes rather than just managing symptoms.
- Seek research-backed alternatives to conventional pain management approaches.
- Want to maintain mobility and active lifestyles as they age.
Sound like you? Fortigel's targeted approach to cartilage support might be worth exploring. As always, check with your healthcare provider to see if it makes sense for your situation.
What Is VERISOL® Collagen Peptide?
VERISOL® is GELITA's specialized collagen peptide ingredient designed to support beauty-from-within, targeting the needs of skin, hair, and nail health through bioactive collagen peptides. (6)
This collagen peptide features a molecular weight of approximately 2 kDa (kilodaltons), which some research suggests may support skin health.
How VERISOL® May Support Skin Health
Unlike general beauty supplements, VERISOL® is formulated to work from within to potentially support the structures that may influence skin appearance and health.
May Support Skin Firmness and Strength
When consumed, VERISOL® peptides may stimulate fibroblasts (skin cells) in the dermal layer to increase production of collagen type I, which is the primary structural protein that provides skin firmness and strength.
Research published in Cosmetics suggests that fibroblast cells may recognize these specific peptides as a signal that the skin's collagen is breaking down, which may stimulate fibroblasts to increase their metabolic activity (7)
The result may be higher production of new dermal collagen and other important skin proteins that help balance what's naturally lost through aging and environmental factors.
This process may help address the natural decline in collagen production that typically begins around age 25, though more research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.
May Support Wrinkle Reduction
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology followed women aged 35-55 taking 2.5 grams of VERISOL® daily for 8 weeks. (8)
The results suggested a 20% reduction in eye wrinkle depth in the treatment group compared to the placebo group, with some improvements noted as early as 4 weeks.
While these results are promising, it's important to note that this was a single study with a specific population.
May Support Skin Elasticity
The peptides may also support elastin synthesis, which helps maintain skin elasticity and the skin's ability to bounce back from stretching or movement.
A study published in the Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that participants taking VERISOL® showed an increase in skin elasticity measurements after 4 weeks, with continued improvements observed throughout the 8-week study period. (9)
May Support Skin Smoothness and Cellulite Appearance
A six-month study followed 105 women aged 24-50 with moderate cellulite who took either 2.5 grams of VERISOL® daily or a placebo.
Women taking VERISOL® reported statistically significant improvements in cellulite appearance, skin smoothness, and skin density compared to the placebo group. Benefits were most pronounced in normal-weight women, though overweight participants also saw improvements. (10)
This research suggests that consistent VERISOL® supplementation over six months may help improve skin appearance in women with moderate cellulite.
Beyond skin health, VERISOL® may also support healthy nails and hair.
May Support Nail Strength
A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that women taking VERISOL® reported improvements in nail strength and growth rates, with participants showing a 12% increase in nail growth speed and reduced nail breakage after 24 weeks of supplementation. (11)
May Support Hair Health
A randomized, placebo-controlled study published in the Nutrients journal examined VERISOL®'s effects on hair thickness in 44 women aged 39-75 who took 2.5 grams daily for 16 weeks. (12)
The results suggested a statistically significant increase in hair thickness in the VERISOL® group, while the placebo group experienced a slight decrease. (13)
Who is FORTIGEL® for?
Wondering if VERISOL® is right for you? This beauty-focused collagen peptide may be especially valuable if you:
- Notice visible signs of skin aging, such as fine lines, reduced firmness, or decreased elasticity.
- Experience brittle or slow-growing nails and hair.
- Prefer beauty-from-within approaches that address underlying cellular processes.
- Want comprehensive anti-aging support that works at the cellular level.
- Are interested in maintaining skin health proactively rather than reactively.
If these resonate with you, VERISOL®'s targeted approach to beauty and skin health might be worth considering.
Head-to-Head Comparison: FORTIGEL® vs VERISOL®
| Aspect | FORTIGEL® | VERISOL® |
| Primary Target | Joint cartilage and mobility | Skin, hair, and nail health |
| Molecular Weight | ~3 kDa | ~2 kDa |
| Main Mechanism | Cartilage regeneration | Dermal collagen synthesis |
| Clinical Dose | 5-10g daily | 2.5g daily |
| Time to Results | 3 weeks for comfort |
4 weeks for skin improvements |
| Target Cells | Chondrocytes | Fibroblasts |
| Key Benefits | Joint comfort, cartilage density | Wrinkle reduction, skin elasticity |
Safety and Dosage Guidelines
Both FORTIGEL® and VERISOL® have GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, which means they've been evaluated as safe for use in foods at typical amounts. Clinical studies show that most people tolerate these collagen peptides well, though everyone responds differently. (14)
If you have allergies to bovine or marine sources, check where your collagen comes from before using it.
Side effects are uncommon, but it's always smart to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. This is especially important if you have health conditions or take other medications.
FORTIGEL® Dosage Guidelines
You can take FORTIGEL® between 5-10 grams daily, which is the dosage range shown in studies to support healthier joints and cartilage. (4) (5)
It also comes in both powder and capsule forms. The powder mixes easily into drinks and can be taken anytime, while capsules may require taking several to reach the study-used amounts.
VERISOL® Dosage Guidelines
You can take VERISOL® at 2.5 grams daily, which is the dosage shown in studies to support healthier skin, hair, and nails. Research shows that consistent daily use for 8-12 weeks helps achieve these beauty benefits. (8)(10)(12)
VERISOL® is available in powder or capsule form, and the small dose makes it easy to fit into your daily routine.
FORTIGEL® vs VERISOL® Collagen Comparison: Which Works Better?
When comparing FORTIGEL® and VERISOL®, it's important to understand that these specialized collagen peptides work as complementary approaches rather than competing options.
- FORTIGEL® works with your joint cartilage cells to support healthier joints and mobility. (1)
- VERISOL® works with your skin cells to support healthier skin, hair, and nails. (6)
Since they target completely different areas, many people find value in supporting both.
After all, as we age, we notice changes in multiple places—maybe your knees feel stiffer during morning walks, while you're also seeing more fine lines around your eyes.
So, why choose between joint comfort and radiant skin when you can support both?
FORTIGEL® and VERISOL®: Best Collagen Peptides for Women Over 40
That's exactly why we developed Healthy Bones Co. Collagen Peptides Total Body Formula—a collagen supplement that contains both FORTIGEL® and VERISOL® in their clinically-validated doses.
But we didn't stop there. We added two additional specialized peptides to provide comprehensive support for all the ways collagen affects your body as you age:
- FORTIGEL® (5g) - May support joint cartilage health and comfort
- VERISOL® (2.5g) - May provide beauty-from-within benefits for skin, hair, and nails
- FORTIBONE® (5g) - May support bone mineral density and strength
- TENDOFORTE® (0.5g) - May target tendons and ligaments for connective tissue support
Plus, Healthy Bones Co. Collagen Peptides Total Body Formula meets all the quality standards you should look for in a collagen supplement.
- GELITA-sourced peptides - The exact formulations used in clinical studies
- Third-party testing - Ensures purity and potency
- cGMP manufacturing - Meets pharmaceutical-grade production standards
- Grass-fed, pasture-raised sources - Clean collagen free from hormones and antibiotics
Instead of juggling multiple supplements with different dosing schedules, you get comprehensive tissue support in one convenient daily serving that addresses joint comfort, skin vitality, bone strength, and connective tissue health.
Why choose between Fortibone for bone health and VERISOL® for skin beauty when you can have both, and complete tissue support?
=>> Try Healthy Bones Co. Collagen Peptides Total Body Formula with four research-backed peptides in one comprehensive formula.
