Collagen XVIII: The little-known collagen that changes everything

Why is no one talking about collagen XVIII (even though it's crucial)?

When we talk about collagen in cosmetics, we immediately think of collagen I or III, responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. But collagen XVIII is a little-known treasure that deserves our full attention:

• It is present in all layers of the skin , from the deep dermis to the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ).

• It plays an architectural role in the basement membrane , the interface that structures the skin deep down.

• It acts as a matrix support net , stabilizing the skin in its three dimensions.

With age, its production drops by 43% and the consequences are visible:

• enlarged pores,

• sagging of features,

• deep wrinkles

• loss of elasticity.

Our pro-collagen active ingredient 18: the natural active ingredient that boosts collagen production XVIII

Pro-Collagen 18 is an eco-designed extract of the bark of Khaya senegalensis , also known as African mahogany. Just as its bark envelops and protects its wood, Pro-Collagen 18 envelops the deep structures of the skin to firm them from within .

It is produced according to Ecocert and Cosmos standards, and has undergone rigorous in vitro and clinical testing .

Understanding the dermo-epidermal junction and the basement membrane

Before explaining how Pro-Collagene 18 works, it is essential to understand where it acts.

The dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) is the thin interface between the epidermis (the visible layer of skin) and the dermis (the deeper layer). This junction is a strategic zone of cohesion : it allows cells to remain firmly anchored, ensures the transmission of signals between skin layers, and guarantees proper tissue nutrition.

At its core lies the basement membrane , a complex structure composed of collagens (notably IV and XVIII), laminins, and anchoring glycoproteins. This membrane acts as an exchange platform , an invisible foundation that supports epidermal cells and enables skin regeneration.

When this junction is damaged, the skin becomes disorganized: wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity and visible pores appear.

This is precisely where collagen XVIII plays a fundamental role .

Mechanism of action of pro-collagen 18

• Strongly stimulates the production of collagen XVIII in keratinocytes (+54%) and adipocytes (+217%)

• Reorganizes the dermo-epidermal junction , strengthening the cohesion between the layers of the skin

• Improves the biomechanical properties of the skin:

  • +11.6% immediate elasticity (R7)

  • +10.7% overall elasticity (R²)

  • -16.2% reduction in wrinkle volume (crow's feet)

  • -38.2% surface heterogeneity (visible pores, microrelief)

Why targeting collagen XVIII is a smart strategy

Because it is the only collagen present in all layers of the skin , it acts as a comprehensive framework, unlike skincare products that only target the surface. By stimulating its synthesis, pro-collagen 18 allows:

• to restore the dermo-epidermal junction , a key area for communication and cell anchoring

• to improve cutaneous microcirculation and cellular nutrition

• to restructure subcutaneous adipose tissue , key to overall tone

• to smooth the surface in depth

Clinically proven multi-dimensional efficacy

In a clinically controlled study of 25 women aged 53 to 65, with 2 applications per day for 56 days, the results showed:

• +11.6% elasticity (Cutometer R7)

• -16.2% reduction in the volume of crow's feet wrinkles

• -38.2% surface irregularity (pores, microrelief)

Results visible to the naked eye and proven by 3D projection.

In conclusion: an often overlooked collagen, yet the most fundamental for visible results

If you are looking for an effective, deep, complete anti-aging treatment that works where youth takes root, pro-collagen 18 is your best ally.

Pro-collagen 18 is today the reference natural active ingredient to boost endogenous collagen production for visible results from the first weeks and lasting over time.

Integrated into our exclusive [C3 Collagen] complex, it restores this invisible architecture of your skin.