CARTHAGE, Mo. - Marylandian -- Stratum Nutrition®, a leading global supplier of science-backed functional ingredients, announced that its clinically validated, upcycled collagen ingredient OVOLUX™ has been named "Collagen Ingredient of the Year" in the 2025 Beauty Innovation Awards. The recognition highlights OVOLUX™ as a next-generation beauty-from-within and nutricosmetic ingredient that meets growing consumer demand for clean, sustainable, and efficacious collagen solutions.

OVOLUX™ is an unhydrolyzed collagen complex derived from upcycled eggshell membrane, offering a naturally complete matrix of collagen types I, V, and X, elastin, hyaluronic acid, calcium, keratin, and sulfur-bearing amino acids. This composition closely mimics the structure of human skin, supporting strength, elasticity, and resilience.

Unlike hydrolyzed collagens that rely on isolated peptides, OVOLUX™ retains its native structure for a slow, sustained release of beneficial compounds. The result is a clinically proven beauty-from-within solution that enhances skin elasticity, firmness, hydration, and overall texture.

In a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study, published in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, daily supplementation with 400mg of OVOLUX™ resulted in statistically significant improvements in skin elasticity, firmness, hydration, and smoothness, with visible results as early as six weeks.

These benefits are supported by multiple mechanisms, including:

• Inhibition of collagenase and elastase, enzymes that break down collagen and elastin
• Calcium-mediated keratinocyte differentiation, which strengthens the skin barrier
• Natural anti-inflammatory activity, helping protect and renew the skin

"The beauty-from-within category is fueled by demand for clinically supported solutions with a preference for sustainability and clean-label attributes. OVOLUX™ delivers on this demand along with the components youthful skin depends on," said Micah Osborne, CEO of Stratum Nutrition. "We're proud to accept 'Collagen Ingredient of the Year' from Beauty Innovation. Supplemental collagen helps ensure that the body has what it needs to keep our bones, joints, muscles, and skin as healthy as possible. By repurposing eggshells, which are often discarded as waste, OVOLUX™ not only delivers this powerful consumer benefit but also builds on our commitment to sustainability."

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OVOLUX™ provides low-dose efficacy and versatile application across capsules, powders, and gummies. It offers formulators a powerful differentiator: a premium collagen ingredient that is Upcycled Certified™, non-GMO, Halal, and Kosher, while maintaining a clean-label profile that aligns with eco-conscious consumer values.

"OVOLUX™ represents a new standard of innovation in collagen supplementation. Though collagen is essential for maintaining the strength and structure of skin, bones, and more, most supplements don't deliver the full spectrum of collagen types. Additionally, heavy processing results in missing critical ingredients like calcium," said Travis Grant, Managing Director, Independent Innovation Awards. "OVOLUX™ naturally contains all the building blocks of beauty. By delivering science-backed, visible results at just 400 mg with attributes in alignment with eco-conscious consumers, OVOLUX™ delivers a true 'collagen-plus' advantage and represents the future of beauty-from-within ingredients."

This recognition of OVOLUX™ reinforces Stratum Nutrition's ongoing commitment to ingredient integrity and responsible innovation.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About Stratum Nutrition

Stratum Nutrition® is a trusted innovator and global supplier of science-backed functional ingredients for human and pet health. Stratum's portfolio features progressive, safe, and effective solutions across key health categories, including NEM® eggshell membrane for fast-acting joint health, SageXtra™ sage extract for cognitive support, OVOLUX™ eggshell membrane containing collagen types I, V, and X, Bimuno® GOS prebiotic, ORACMU™ oral probiotic, Humiome® Post LB postbiotic, Curcumin 95, curQ+® highly bioavailable curcumin, and ESC® eggshell calcium. Stratum Nutrition and its ingredient brands are trusted by companies and consumers internationally. For more information, visit www.stratumnutrition.com.

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About The Beauty Innovation Awards

Part of Independent Innovation Awards (https://independentinnovationawards.com/) organization, a global market intelligence and recognition program within the most competitive consumer categories, The Beauty Innovation Awards honors the most outstanding and innovative companies, services, and products within the rapidly expanding Beauty industry. The Beauty Innovation Awards provides public recognition for the achievements of beauty industry companies and products including Bath and Body, Make-up, Skin, Retailers and Services, and more. For more information visit: www.beautyinnovationawards.com.