Understanding Collagen Peptides: A Founder’s Insight into Skin Longevity

Collagen peptides have become central to the conversation around modern skin health — yet true quality is quietly defined by what happens behind the scenes: sourcing, formulation and clinical integrity. In this journal, Par Olive Founder and CEO Olivia Boyd-Smith shares what distinguishes a superior collagen peptide, why purity and bioavailability are essential, and how Par Olive’s single-origin, patented marine collagen — sourced from wild, sustainably certified Norwegian fish — has earned the trust of dermatologists and skin experts worldwide. Guided by a science-led philosophy, Olivia explains why Par Olive views collagen peptides not as a passing trend, but as a foundational element in supporting long-term skin health and longevity from within.

What is the main difference of the Par Olive collagen peptides in the market? Could you walk us through your sourcing process? 

As the Founder and CEO of Par Olive, from the first day of launch, we've been truly uncompromising about ingredient purity, sourcing and clinical efficacy. When developing our ingestible beauty range, we spent close to two years researching global collagen peptide suppliers before selecting a patented marine source from wild, certified sustainably sourced fish in Norway — single origin, and free from the contaminants found in many collagens including heavy metals, and antibiotics from the fish feed in farmed collagen. The Par Olive collagen peptides are hydrolysed through a gentle enzymatic process that breaks them down into extremely bioavailable, low-molecular-weight chains, meaning they’re easily absorbed and directly support collagen synthesis at the dermal level. Our collagen peptides have been clinically proven to have over 90% absorption rate, which is why we are trusted by Dermatologists and Skin experts globally. 

What are collagen peptides? And why did you focus on them when launching Par Olive? 

Peptides were placed at the heart of Par Olive’s formulations because they are the true building blocks for healthy skin longevity. Collagen peptides don’t just supplement — they signal the body to produce more of its own collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. We wanted every product to start from that intelligent biological repair process, not a superficial “glow” or "radiance" claim. Our products have purity in sourcing, credibility from clinicals and trust from our medical experts at the forefront of all that we do. 

Why do you think collagen peptides are being touted by Skin Experts and professionals? How did Par Olive become so highly regarded by experts globally? 

The renewed conversation around peptides reflects a broader shift in how we think about beauty — from topical to a systematic 360 approach in topicals, ingestibles and treatments. Consumers are becoming far more educated about skin function and are seeking results that begin beneath the surface. The rise in search interest isn’t about a new fad; it’s a recognition that the science has caught up with what dermatologists and formulators have known for decades, and the clinicals are here to prove it. 

Why is there such a trend towards peptides at the moment? Is there more clinical data? 

Peptides aren’t a cure-all — they’re a foundation for optimal skin health at a cellular level. Our Par Olive collagen peptides create the structural integrity upon which everything else in a beauty routine can work more effectively: from skin barrier health to hair strength and nail growth. We see our Ingestible Beauty ritual as one part of a holistic 360 ritual — paired with cosmeceutical topicals, treatments, and intelligent lifestyle choices to achieve optimal skin health and longevity. Leading with expertise from our Par Olive Skin Experts is at the forefront of all that we do, to really empower, educate and create value for consumers in an ever evolving beauty and wellness space. 

Read the full article, Pep Talk in the December issue of Vogue Australia.