Collagen is applied externally to skin, nails, or hair of the human or animal body. For purposes of beautifying coloring and conditioning. Other applications are for cleansing or protecting the bodily surface. Examples of cosmetic ingredients or cosmetic compositions in accordance with the invention include, creams, hair conditioners moisturizers, gels, sun screens, makeup, cleansers, soaps, shampoos, lotions skin firming compositions, after shaves protein concentrates, colored cosmetics including for example eye shadows and blushes, nail enamels, and so forth. Marine animal collagen is known to have moisturizing and film forming properties, and is a popular additive to treatment cosmetics.