Freemen Nutra and RAWGA introduce hibiscus collagen alternative VC-H1 in North America

In a September 6, 2025, press release, global ingredient supplier Freemen Nutra Inc. announced a partnership with the South Korean ingredient development company RAWGA Inc. to introduce VC-H1 to markets in North America. VC-H1 is sourced from organically grown hibiscus and is comprised of bioactive peptides from a collagen-like protein and polyphenols that scavenge free radicals, the press release explains.

The partnership is anticipated to provide growth and multiple opportunities. “We are excited to be working with Freemen Nutra to bring VC-H1 to the US and Canada,” stated Raw Kim, founder and CEO of RAWGA Inc., in the press release. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our quest to create more healthy, safe, and sustainable food systems.”

“We see this as a tremendous opportunity to bring to our customers, especially those with a focus on sustainability, a research-backed ingredient in a high demand category,” stated Hanks Li, President of Freemen Nutra. “VC-H1 is not only an innovative option within the collagen market, but with a 1.5g dose many, if not most our customers will also see a cost savings. That is truly a rare opportunity.”

What did a clinical trial show about the effects of VC-H1 on skin health?

The effects of VC-H1 supplementation on skin health were tested in a clinical trial: “Hibiscus Collagen Alternative (VC-H1) as an Oral Skin Rejuvenating Agent: A 12-Week Pilot Study,” which was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in July 2025¹. The effects measured included skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), desquamation, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction. As noted in the introduction, concerns over the safety and negative sensory profiles of animal-based oral collagen supplementation have increased the interest in plant-based alternatives. Hibiscus sabdariffa, it adds, has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties, as well as offer protection against oxidative stress from UV and pollution and stimulate collagen synthesis.

In this study, 98 participants aged 35–60 years with dry skin and wrinkles around the eyes were given 1.5 g per day of the supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Highlighted results include:

• In the test group, skin hydration improved, starting at 43.1 ± 4.4 AU(arbitrary unit) at baseline and increasing to 44.7 ± 4.3 AU by Week 12.
• TEWL decreased in the test group, with a baseline of 16.9 ± 5.5 AU to 16.2 ± 5.0 AU by Week 12. Fewer reductions were seen in the control group.
• The test group also demonstrated more improvements in skin moisture than the control group, starting at 52.9 ± 4.7 AU and ending at 53.4 ± 4.5 AU by Week 12.
• Keratin increased in the control group, while in the test group it decreased significantly, down from 9.3 ± 2.2 at baseline to 8.5 ± 1.7 AU by Week 12.

Additionally, increases in skin elasticity were seen in the test group compared to the control group, as well as a reduction in roughness and wrinkles.

What is the value of VC-H1 supplementation?

Overall, the supplementation was deemed effective. “These clinical benefits are likely mediated by the rich content of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and organic acids, which exert potent antioxidant effects and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase activity in VC-H1, supporting ECM [extracellular matrix] preservation and skin barrier function,” the researchers concluded. “Given its safety, favorable compliance, and efficacy, VC-H1 presents a promising plant-based alternative to animal-derived collagen supplements for skin rejuvenation.”

“The key to the efficacy of VC-H1, and any collagen really, are the short two to four amino acid length peptides that stimulate collagen production in the body,” explained Eric Withee, director innovation at Freemen Nutra. “And VC-H1 has a very low molecular weight, meaning it is made almost entirely of these collagen boosting peptides.”

Freemen will be present at Booth #4354 at SupplySide Global taking place October 29 – 30in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Reference

1. Baek, Y.; Nguyen, NH.; Lee, YI.; Jung, MJ.; Kim, IA.; Lee, SJ.; Kim, HM.; Lee, JH. Hibiscus Collagen Alternative (VC-H1) as an Oral Skin Rejuvenating Agent: A 12-Week Pilot Study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025, 26(15), 7291. DOI: 10.3390/ijms26157291