Should You Be Adding Bovine Colostrum to Your Wellness Routine?

Colostrum is seemingly everywhere now; it’s in Sofia Richie’s Sweet Cherry Erewhon smoothie and it was an essential part of Kourtney Kardashian’s postpartum recovery plan. With all of its celebrity endorsements, the global colostrum market surpassed more than $3 billion dollars this past year.

But, what is colostrum exactly? Often referred to as “liquid gold,” colostrum is the nutrient-dense first milk produced by mammals after giving birth. While human colostrum is essential for newborn immunity and development, bovine colostrum—harvested from cows within the first 24–48 hours postpartum—has become an “it” ingredient in the beauty and wellness industries. It’s rich in growth factors, peptides, amino acids, and immunoglobulins, all of which help promote skin regeneration, collagen production, and overall cellular health.

While colostrum is becoming more mainstream, it's actually been around for 10,000 years. Ayurveda used colostrum for thousands of years as a way to improve overall health, fight off infection, or heal wounds. Now, the cosmetic industry has caught onto its magic and colostrum has become a buzzy new ingredient; it’s in creams, moisturizers, serums, you name it. But, when it comes to colostrum in beauty and wellness, there’s a lot to unfold. So, we reached out to the experts to help demystify this new-to-us ingredient. Read along as we uncover its uses and determine whether or not it’s worth adding to your wellness regimen.

THE BENEFITS OF COLOSTRUM

People have been drawn to colostrum for thousands of years because it is considered a powerhouse ingredient; it’s packed with bioactive compounds, like growth factors, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, cytokines and proline-rich polypeptides (PRP’s). These components are thought to support skin and hair health along with boosting the immune system.

Growth factors have been linked to cellular growth and tissue repair. Amanda Kahn, MD, board-certified internist and longevity specialist in New York City, shares that certain growth factors, (e.g. IGF-1) may stimulate collagen production, supporting skin elasticity and aiding in hair follicle health. These proteins can help reduce shedding and yield thicker, healthier strands. Colostrum also has immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which play crucial roles in supporting the immune system. Dr. Kahn adds that immunoglobulins can help prevent infections and reduce inflammation and lactoferrin contributes to immune modulation. The “liquid gold” also has cytokines, which are proteins that help regulate immune responses and are thought to target inflammation. Lastly, there are PRP’s, which Dr. Kahn says are believed to balance immune activity by either stimulating or calming the immune system, as needed.

SKIP COLOSTRUM IN SKINCARE... FOR NOW

While not abundant, there are several creams and serums on the market that tout the benefit of colostrum. But, doctors aren’t quite sold on colostrum in topicals yet. “I believe colostrum may offer some benefits for skin and hair, but we don’t yet have enough data and clinical evidence to officially recommend it over other well-studied ingredients,” New York-based dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, says. “Without strong data, it’s hard to say whether colostrum is worth prioritizing over other proven ingredients like peptides, ceramides, or vitamin C.”

AEDIT Founder and board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. William Kennedy, MD adds “Colostrum is undeniably rich in growth factors, antibodies, and nutrients—but its primary function is to nourish newborns when ingested, not to work miracles on the skin. While there are claims it can boost collagen and repair the skin barrier, there’s little concrete evidence proving these benefits when applied topically. Unlike well-researched ingredients like retinol or peptides, colostrum’s large molecular structure may limit its ability to penetrate the skin effectively. It’s not harmful, but without solid scientific backing, it may not be worth the investment—especially when proven alternatives already exist.”

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF COLOSTRUM SUPPLEMENTS

When it comes to introducing colostrum into your wellness routine, supplements seem to be the most effective. Similar to drinkable collagen, colostrum comes in powder form and is meant to be mixed into a beverage or incorporated into treats, like marshmallows or energy balls. Depending on the brand, there are a lot of fun flavors, but you can also get it unflavored, if you want something more neutral.

There is research that has proven colostrum’s effectiveness on overall health but more data is needed to fully understand its efficacy, specifically around skin and hair health.

According to Dr. Kennedy, “Studies on bovine colostrum supplements suggest potential benefits for skin health, primarily through gut-skin connection. Colostrum's bioactive compounds can promote collagen synthesis, enhance skin barrier function, and reduce inflammation, potentially improving skin elasticity and hydration. Additionally, its role in gut health may contribute to a clearer complexion and reduced breakouts. While some evidence points to benefits for hair growth by supporting follicle health and reducing oxidative stress, more clinical research is needed to establish its direct effects on skin and hair regeneration.”

Though, Dr. Kahn says that anecdotal evidence suggests that consistent use may improve skin texture and reduce fine lines over time. But, the key is consistency. Dr. Kahn recommends ingesting colostrum daily on an empty stomach for at least eight to 12 weeks. And, for enhanced skin benefits, she sometimes combines colostrum with collagen peptides or oral hyaluronic acid supplements.

So, what can you realistically expect from taking colostrum? According to Dr. Kahn, many of her patients see more hydrated skin, improved skin elasticity and diminished fine lines. They also find that they shed less and, as a result, have thicker hair. While most people see improvements in their skin within eight to twelve weeks of regular use, it can take around a year and a half to see significant improvement around hair volume. As another benefit, Dr. Kahn says that her patients commonly report enhanced immune resilience, improved gut function and increased energy levels within a few weeks to three months of consistent supplementation.

CHOOSING A COLOSTRUM SUPPLEMENT

If you’re looking to try a colostrum supplement, start with quality. According to Dr. Kahn, grass-fed pasture-raised bovine colostrum is widely regarded as the gold standard due to its superior nutrient profile. It is also important to select products that are third-party tested to ensure they are free from additives, hormones and antibiotics, she adds.

“Cold processing is the preferred method of production, as it helps preserve the bioactive compounds that contribute to colostrum’s efficacy. For optimal immune support, aim for products with at least 20% to 30% immunoglobulin content,” Dr. Kahn advises. “If patients have access to a longevity or integrative doctor, I highly recommend asking about prescription bovine IgA for gut support, as this is an FDA-approved pharmaceutical-grade medical food.”

Dr. Kennedy advises "While colostrum supplements are generally considered safe for most individuals, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a longevity specialist before incorporating them into your routine. A doctor can help assess your unique health needs, potential interactions with other treatments, and ensure that colostrum supplementation aligns with your overall wellness goals."

BRANDS RECOMMENDED BY OUR EXPERTS

Dr. Kahn’s favorites:

• ARMRA emphasizes purity and minimal processing while focusing on immune and gut support. Fun fact: Erewhon uses ARMRA in some of their smoothies.

• Sovereign Laboratories is coated in a liposomal lipid powder, which is thought to enhance absorption.

• Surthrival Colostrum is sourced from grass-fed cows and uses a cold-processing method to maintain bioactivity.

• Ancestral Supplements offers a desiccated colostrum product that is available in convenient capsules.

Dr. Kennedy recommends: 

• PerCoBa Colostrum sources first-milking colostrum, aiming for a product that is both clean and nutrient-dense.

• Biostrum specializes in premium bovine colostrum that is freeze-dried to preserve the natural nutrients and growth factors.

• EquipCore is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised farms in the U.S. and offers a higher dosage per scoop compared to competitors.

• Codeage stands out for its use of pasture-raised, grass-fed cows, third-party testing for purity, free from additives.