Monat Collagen Key: Does It Work? Is It Safe?

Monat Collagen Key is touted to be an all-in-one formula to help support the body’s natural production of collagen, resulting in better hair, skin, and nails. It sounds great but is does Collagen Key really work or is it an overpriced scam? In this review, you'll discover the ingredients and research on this powered collagen drink to help you decide if it's right for you. While this review is about Monat Collagen, you'll also learn about the lawsuits and controversy over its' shampoo causing hair to fall out too.

 

Monat Key Collagen Benefits?

If you're wondering what Monat Collagen is, it's a powdered supplement, you mix with 8-12 oz of water, stir/shake and drink. According to the company, the supplement is said to have the following benefits:

1. Contains vegan-sourced amino acids to support collagen production
2. Supports the healthy appearance of hair, skin, and nails
3. Supports skin moisture, elasticity, and smoothness
4. Is a source of antioxidants including vitamin C

Remember the stated benefits have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Monat Key Collagen Nutrition Facts

One scoop (5 grams) of Key Collagen has 20 calories and the following ingredients and amounts:

Ingredient	Amount	Percent Daily Value
Total Carbohydrates	5 g	2% DV
Vitamin C	180 mg	200% DV
Thiamin	1.2 mg	100% DV
Riboflavin	1.3 mg	100% DV
Niacin (niacinamide)	16 mg	100% DV
Vitamin B6	NE (?)	100% DV
Folate (methyl folate)	1.7 mg	100% DV
Vitamin B12 (methyl B12)	400 mcg	100% DV
Biotin	2.4 mcg	16,667 % DV
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	5 mg	100% DV
Vegan Amino Acid Blend composed of:	1000 mg	N/A
1. Glycine
2. Proline
3. Hydroxyproline
4. Methionine
Proprietary Blend composed of:	151 mg	N/A
1. Resveratrol
2. Silica (bamboo extract)
3. Hyaluronic acid

My Thoughts On The Ingredients

1 Does It Contain Collagen?

The supplement does not contain collagen protein. This is different from other supplements. This is ok since collagen is digested into amino acids, which the body then reassembles into whatever it needs. So, instead of taking the approach of other companies, Monat Key collagen contains the building blocks of this protein such as:

• vitamin C
• glycine
• proline
• hydroxy proline
• methionine

 

2. What About Hydroxyproline?

Hydroxyproline is particularly important as this amino acid is found almost exclusively in collagen. While we make it too, as we get older, our hydroxy proline production declines. This leads to reduced collagen quality. This contributes to saggy skin and wrinkles. Some think that taking hydroxyproline supplements may help support what we no longer make. In the video below, skip to 11 minutes to see my thoughts on hydroxy proline and collagen production.

Watch on my Youtube Channel if you prefer.

3. What About The Vitamins?

For the most part, Collagen Key is providing 100% of the recommended amount of vitamins. The exception is biotin. Key collagen contains 16,667% of the recommended amount of biotin. Biotin is usually found in hair and nail supplements. This may be why it has so much.

4. How Much Vitamin B6?

For vitamin B6, the Supplement Facts label says “NE.” This does not make sense as that's not an amount. The reasons for this are not known.

5. The Proprietary Blend

The Proprietary Blend only has 150 mg, of which resveratrol is listed first. This means resveratrol makes up most of the proprietary blend. Resveratrol, a natural antioxidant found in grapes and peanuts, has a reputation for being “anti-aging.” While resveratrol may have many effects ranging from lowering blood sugar levels to improving memory the optimal dose is not known.

To their credit, Monat uses resveratrol and not the related compound, pterostilbene which has less evidence.

Monat Collagen Key Clinical Research

Is Monat Collagen better? It would take clinical research to know for sure. Unfortunately, no clinical studies on this supplement could be located. No studies are listed on the company's websites. Hopefully, they are in the pipeline? Stay tuned.

 

Monat Collagen Price

The cost of one container of Key Collagen (5.29 oz/ 150 g) is:

• $65
• The VIP Customer's price is $55.

Becoming a VP member requires a one-time fee of $19.99. This entitles you to a 15% discount on your orders. In addition, you get free shipping on orders greater than $84.

Collagen Key 1 Year Cost

If you used 1 scoop per day, a container will last you a month.  Here is your annual cost:

• $780 per year (if paying $65 per container)
• $660 per year (if paying $55 per container)

No doubt, this supplement is very expensive.

Who Makes Collagen Key?

The company, founded in 2014, is called Monat Global Corporation. The website is MonatGlobal.com. The company is located at this address:

3470 NW 82nd Ave STE 910 Doral, FL 33122-1030.

Customer service can be reached at 888-867-9987.

The Monat company is a subsidiary of another business called Alcora Corporation (AlcoraCorp.com), a health and wellness network marketing company formed in 2001. Besides Monat, the Alcora Corporation is also in charge of these other businesses too:

• Project Beauty
• L’EUDINE

The Better Business Bureau gives the company an A- rating. The Better Business Bureau lists hundreds of customer complaints. See the BBB file for updates and more information.

How Do You Buy It?

Monat products are not sold in stores like Costco, Wallgreens, Walmart, Kroger, or Rite Aid. Rather, products and supplements can also be purchased through Market Partners (distributors). You can also purchase directly from the company too.  The advantage of purchasing through a Market Partner is they can help you find the right products for you and assist you if you have questions.

Warranty and Returns

Monat supplements come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, minus what you pay to send it back. You have 30 days to return any unused product you purchase. After 30 days, you will receive 90% of the purchase price of unopened/unused products.  There are no refunds on products purchased after 90 days.

Refund Summary:

• 30 days: full refund on unused supplements
• 31-90 days: 90% refund on unopened/unused supplements
• After 90 days: No refunds

Refunds are not issued on discontinued, seasonal, or non-returnable items.

To Get a Refund Follow These Steps

First. Call Monat customer service at 888- 867-9987 and obtain a Return Authorization Number (RMA). You'll need to provide your order number and tell them if you are requesting a full or partial refund.

Second.  Pack the items in proper shipping containers. The post office may be able to help you with this. Consider adding tracking to the package in case it gets lost in the mail.

Third. Send the supplements you are returning to this address:

MONAT Returns

3450 NW 115th Ave. Miami, FL 33178

It may take up to 10 days to receive a refund from the company.

Monat Customer Service

The Customer Service number is 888-867-9987. You can also email them at MonatAccess AT monatglobal.com.

Call the company during these times:

• Monday to Friday: 8 a.m.–11:00 p.m. EST
• Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST
• Sunday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST

Key Collagen Side Effects

Based on the ingredients the supplement should be safe for most people. Here are some things to consider first. This list is not complete

• Start with less than the recommended amount for the first week
• Ask your doctor first you're pregnant or breastfeeding
• Collagen Key contains a lot of the B vitamin, biotin which may interfere with some blood test results
• Stop taking the supplement at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Vitamin C can increase iron absorption. This may be a problem for those with iron overload disease (hemochromatosis).
• If you have any health problems or take medications, ask your doctor and pharmacist

The Monat Lawsuit

In 2018, at least 2 class-action lawsuits were brought against Monet Global company by people who said Monat shampoo caused scalp irritation, thinning hair, and hair loss. These reports are not related to Monat Collagen Key.

In an interview with reporters, one woman said when she brought her hair loss issues to the attention of the company, she was told the hair loss was part of the detox process. Reporters claim the Florida attorney general says there are over 800 customer complaints from people about the shampoo.

Here are some news reports:

ABC News 10 Report

watch on YoutTube if you prefer.

Indianapolis WRTV Report

In a twist, Monat Global, in 2018 filed a lawsuit against Kala Baker, a hairstylist who posted on social media about her hair loss. For more see the WXYZ report

Channel 7 WXYX Report

Monat and The FDA

In 2018 WXYZ Detroit News reports that when the FDA inspected its Florida manufacturing facility, they found insanitary conditions that may have caused it to be contaminated.

What Does The Company Say About All This?

To be fair, Monat Global states their shampoo and conditioners are safe. In 2019 they released the results of their research proving their hair care products:

• do not irritate the skin
• don't damage hair follicles
• do not contain allergy ingredients

Remember the allegations of hair loss are not related to the Collagen Key supplement. According to ABC News, the company has settled it's legal dealing with the Florida Attorney General and is offering refunds to people.

 

Monat Collagen Vs. The Competition

There are no studies comparing Collagen Key to other collagen supplements. For more insights, see these other reviews:

• Dr. Kelly Ann SLIM Collagen Coffee Review
• Modere Trim Review
• Beverly  Hills Dermal Repair Complex Review
• Collagen Type I II and III: What's The Difference?

  

• Phytoceramides Review
• Glucosamine For Sagging SkinReview

What Do I Suggest?

If you're looking for a collagen supplement, here are some to look at which cost significantly less:

• Ancient Nutrition Brand
• Great Lakes Brand
• Vital Proteins Brand

Does Collagen Key Work?

While the ingredients make sense for a collagen supplement, I'm not convinced.  I see no good proof Monat Collagen Key is superior for hair skin or nails or that it is better than similar supplements – or eating well. Considering how expensive the supplement is, I'd like to see proof.

Here's Monat Products on Amazon

What Do You Think?