With rumored benefits like improved skin elasticity and that dewy no-makeup glow, there’s a reason you’ve seen so many collagen-boosting smoothies and face masks all over Instagram. But finding a skin-care version that’s also plant-based has been tough.

So when skin-care brand Algenist figured out how to extract the skin-boosting compound from plants with its GENIUS Liquid Collagen™, it was a major breakthrough.

“[Your] collagen (protein) starts to break down in your early 20s, and it becomes a sign of aging,” says Tammy Yaiser, Algenist’s VP of Product Development. The formula’s secret? Combining the youth-boosting powers of collagen with microalgae, the nutrient-rich plants that have adapted to survive the toughest of conditions (think: deep in the ocean, on scorching hot deserts, and atop snow-covered mountains).

The formula’s secret? Combining the anti-aging powers of collagen with microalgae.

“Microalgae is able to survive, adapt, and regenerate all because of Alguronic Acid,” Yaiser says. “We made the connection—that’s exactly what our skin needs.”

Algenist scientists first discovered Alguronic Acid while looking for renewable sources of energy from algae. And after extensive research, the patented ingredient proved to help boost cellular regeneration by a whopping 55 percent, according to the brand’s clinical trials.

Finding a plant-based collagen to complement the super plant was a logical next step. “Algenist strives to bring the best of nature and science together through biotechnology,” explains Yaiser. “Algae is derived from nature and our vegan collagen is derived from nature. We deliver clean and safe formulas—it’s in our DNA.”

Scroll down for three reasons why you are going to want to add liquid collagen to your beauty regimen ASAP.

1. Your body’s natural collagen is probably already starting to break down

#ForeverYoung is a cute hashtag, but it’s not so much a reality if you just leave things up to Mother Nature. You might not think your 20s is time to start thinking about aging, but chances are your collagen stores—which help maintain elasticity and amp up your youthful glow—are already diminishing, according to Yaiser.

GENIUS Liquid Collagen™ is a super-concentrated formula, so with each application you’re getting a high dose of Algenist’s proprietary collagen complex (in other words, collagen amino acids and peptides), which helps visibly restore bounce and resilience to the skin.

And taking an oral collagen supplement might not be enough to reap its full slate of benefits. “The health of your skin is important from the outside in as well as the inside out,” Yaiser says. “But applying collagen topically allows it to go directly and quickly to the source.”

2. The collagen + algae combo is super potent

When paired with other skin-care ingredients, Alguronic Acid was shown to boost their efficacy by at least two times, according to Algenist’s studies. But combined with collagen, the results were selfie-worthy.

“The combination of Alguronic Acid and our collagen complex was seven times more effective than the collagen complex alone,” Yaiser says of Algenist’s research. Plus, with 13,000 beads of microalgae oil (which is rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin E) in every bottle of Liquid Collagen, you can also rack up hydration benefits.

3. It delivers results seriously quickly

Waiting to see results from your skin-care products can be as frustrating as waiting for your freshly painted nails to dry (AKA, feels like eternity).

But Algenist’s claim to fame is that you don’t have to use the whole bottle before you see a difference. In a clinical study, 87 percent of women said their skin felt softer and looked more radiant after just 10 days of using Liquid Collagen™. (Similarly, more than 90 percent reported it helped restore bounce and suppleness—which is fancy talk for improved elasticity.) That’s just about as instantaneous as it gets.

Shop Now

GENIUS Liquid Collagen™ $115

GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream $112

GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Eye Cream $74

GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum $118

GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser $38

GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Bi-Phase Peel $85

GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Foaming Cleanser $38

Complete Eye Renewal Balm $68

ELEVATE Advanced Lift Contouring Cream $96

In partnership with Algenist

Top photo: Stocksy/Vera Lair