15 Best Collagen Supplements for 2023

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This article describes what collagen supplements are in more detail, their benefits, and how to choose a supplement. It also reviews some products that a person may consider buying.

Learn more about collagen.

A quick look at the best collagen supplements

• Best overall collagen supplement: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | Skip to review
• Best for a variety of flavors: Care/Of Collagen Packs | Skip to review
• Best hypoallergenic supplement: HUM Collagen | Skip to review
• Best for different ages: Dose & Co Collagen Creamers | Skip to review
• Best keto- and paleo-friendly supplement: Reserveage Nutrition Collagen Booster | Skip to review
• Best for hair and nail growth: Menolabs Goddess Glow Beauty Collagen | Skip to review
• Best for digestive health: Zhou Nutrition Collagen Peptides | Skip to review
• Best plant extracts: Thorne Collagen Plus | Skip to review
• Best marine collagen supplement: Agent Nateur Holi (Mane) Supplements | Skip to review
• Best for post-workout support: Kayo Skin Perfect Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen PLUS | Skip to review
• Best liquid collagen supplement: Aura Inner Beauty Marine Collagen | Skip to review
• Best for pre-portioned sachets: Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen | Skip to review
• Best odorless and tasteless supplement: Shore Magic Collagen Powder | Skip to review
• Best collagen capsules: HECH Caviar Collagen Capsules | Skip to review
• Most types of collagen in one supplement: Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein | Skip to review

How we chose

The best collagen supplements

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best overall collagen supplement: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• List price: $47
• Source: bovine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I and III

Two scoops of this product contain 20 grams (g) of collagen, and the company recommends taking 1–2 scoops daily.

It states that the supplement promotes hair, skin, and joint health, and it contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Vital Proteins also includes a wide range of essential amino acids in this formula.

It is also Whole30 approved, paleo-friendly, and it does not contain dairy or gluten.

Best for a variety of flavors: Care/of Collagen Packs

• List price: $24–32
• Source: bovine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I and III

Care/of sells collagen and other supplements online and offers online consultations. A person can fill out a form about what they are looking for, and Care/of gives product recommendations.

The company’s collagen packs are available in these flavors:

• lemon passion fruit
• matcha
• vanilla oat creamer

A person can also choose an unflavored option.

The packs contain grass-fed bovine collagen. Care/of also sells vegetarian collagen made from eggshell membranes. This comes in capsules and is not vegan.

Learn more about Care/of.

Best hypoallergenic supplement: HUM Collagen

• List price: $40 for 90 capsules
• Source: bovine collagen
• Form: capsules
• Types: I and III

HUM says it produces sustainable, hypoallergenic collagen supplements that do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), gluten, or artificial colors or flavors.

It adds that it tests the quality of all its products in-house and through independent labs.

These collagen capsules also contain vitamin C and other antioxidants that may help promote skin elasticity and firmness. HUM Nutrition states on its website that its collagen supplement can help reduce the effect of free radicals and visible signs of aging.

HUM recommends taking three capsules a day with food.

Best for different ages: Dose & Co Collagen Creamer

• List price: $24.99 (vanilla, 12 oz)
• Source: bovine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I and III

A person must add this creamer to hot or cold drinks. Each serving contains 10 g of collagen.

The creamer comes in two flavors: vanilla and caramel. They also produce a dairy-free formula, which is made with coconut milk powder.

Dose & Co states that the creamer can stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis in skin cells. This may improve the appearance of a person’s skin. It may also improve hair thickness, nail growth and strength, and reduce the appearance of fine lines in 4 weeks.

This claim comes from the results of a Consumer Perception Study involving 192 people ages 19–77 who used Dose & Co collagen for 28 days. Other results this study produced showed that:

• 90% of participants saw improvements in skin quality
• 91% of participants had stronger and longer nails
• and 76% of participants claimed their hair was thicker

This shows that this collagen product may suit people across a wide range of ages.

However, the company does not provide access to this study.

Best keto- and paleo-friendly supplement: Reserveage Nutrition Collagen Booster

• List price: $59.99
• Source: BioCell Collagen
• Form: capsules
• Types: II

This contains BioCell Collagen (an ingredient unique to the brand), hyaluronic acid, and Reserveage’s Pro-Longevity Factors blend, which includes organic red grapes, Japanese knotweed, and red wine antioxidants.

The manufacturer claims that this supplement supports skin hydration and healthy joints.

It contains chicken extract, meaning it is unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans.

It suggests taking 1–2 capsules per day, with or without food.

Best for hair and nail growth: Menolabs Goddess Glow Beauty Collagen

• List price: $32.99
• Source: bovine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I and III

This company produces health products to support females during menopause. Although Menolabs states this product is for females, it contains similar ingredients to many other collagen supplements.

This product contains grass-fed bovine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. It aims to help the skin appear brighter and support the joints. It may also stimulate nail and hair growth.

The manufacturer recommends adding one or two scoops with 8 ounces (oz) of liquid. A person can use the powder at any time they want. Each serving provides 20 g of collagen.

It is unflavored, and each pouch contains around 14 servings.

Best for digestive health: Zhou Nutrition Collagen Peptides

• List price: around $30
• Source: bovine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I and III

Zhou Nutrition offers this hormone-free powder that contains bovine collagen to support nail and skin health. It also claims to improve gut health and joint flexibility in males and females.

The supplement uses hydrolyzed collagen, which the company writes produces smaller protein molecules that can be easier for the body to absorb. Zhou Nutrition states these smaller molecules can also soothe the digestive tract.

People should have one scoop daily with or without a meal. Each serving provides 11 g of collagen.

Best plant extracts: Thorne Collagen Plus

• List price: $60 for 30 scoops
• Source: bovine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I and III

This product contains a range of plant extracts alongside collagen peptides. This includes peach extract, nicotinamide riboside, and a black and red currant polyphenol blend.

It contains a natural passion berry flavor and is dairy, gluten, and soy-free.

According to Thorne’s website, this collagen powder can improve skin, hair, and nail health within four weeks. Afterward, people may also notice a reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The manufacturer recommends adding one scoop with 12 oz of water every day. Each serving offers 13 g of collagen.

Best marine collagen supplement: Agent Nateur Holi (Mane) Supplements

• List price: $99 for 30 scoops
• Source: marine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I, II, III, and IV

This product contains marine collagen, derived from the scales of wild-caught, deep-sea fish. The manufacturers say these fish are kosher and non-GMO.

It also contains pearl powder, a type of calcium, which the company says helps stimulate collagen production.

Agent Nateur states that the product promotes hair, skin, and nail health.

People should take one scoop of this powder with any raw food or drink, including coffee, smoothies, sauces, desserts, and dressings.

Best for post-workout support: Kayo Skin Perfect Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen PLUS

• List price: $46 for 14 scoops
• Source: marine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I

This collagen supplement contains wild-caught marine collagen which the manufacturers claim strengthens hair, skin, nails, joints, and muscles. They also say it is suitable for post-workout support.

Other ingredients include:

• Hyaluronic acid and phytoceramides: These ingredients may help to improve skin moisture and texture, and may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• Antioxidants and silica: These ingredients may help protect collagen that is already present in the body and enhance the skin’s ability to make more.

It is free from gluten, dairy, sugar, soy, and preservatives. It is non-GMO and sustainably sourced.

A person should take 1 scoop of this powder with 8–16 fluid ounces (fl oz) of water or tea.

Best liquid collagen supplement: Aura Inner Beauty Marine Collagen

• List price: $62 (11.8 fl oz)
• Source: marine collagen
• Form: liquid
• Types: I

This coconut-flavored supplement contains hydrolyzed marine collagen. It also contains organic flavorings, including coconut, passionfruit, wildberry, and hibiscus.

The product is made in Canada and is free from gluten, artificial flavors, and artificial colors.

This supplement is a liquid formula. The company recommends a person mix 2 teaspoons with a beverage of their choice every day. They also say a person can take up to 4 teaspoons a day if they wish to see faster results.

Best for pre-portioned sachets: Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen

• List price: $50 for 30 sachets
• Source: marine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I

This supplement from Vida Glow comes in preportioned sachets for convenience. One packet contains 30 sachets.

The collagen is derived from fish, which the company states goes through a natural hydrolyzation process. The supplement contains only natural marine collagen. The flavored varieties contain blueberries or pineapple, and natural sweeteners, in addition to collagen.

It is available in five flavors: Original, blueberry, mango, peach, and pineapple.

Vida Glow recommends a person mix the sachet with a drink and to take the right amount for their age group. These recommendations are:

• Ages 25–35: one sachet a day
• Ages 36–45: two sachets a day
• Ages 45+: three sachets a day

Best odorless and tasteless supplement: Shore Magic Collagen Powder

• List price: $120 for a 30-day supply
• Source: marine collagen
• Form: powder
• Types: I, II, III, and IV

This odorless and tasteless collagen supplement contains just one ingredient: hydrolyzed marine collagen from wild fish skins. The company states that this collagen is kosher, halal, and GMP.

It is free from additives, synthetics, fillers, binders, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

The company recommends a serving size of 10 grams, which they state is approximately 2 scoops. A person can mix this into a drink, smoothie, or yogurt.

Best collagen capsules: HECH Caviar Collagen Capsules

• List price: $55 for 120 capsules
• Source: marine collagen
• Form: capsules
• Types: no information provided

These marine-derived collagen capsules also contain vitamins A, C, D, and E. Additionally, it contains caviar extract.

The capsules contain gelatin so are unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. They may also contain traces of milk, soy, wheat, and egg.

The company state that one serving size is four capsules.

Most types of collagen in one supplement: Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

• List price: $59.95 (28.38 oz)
• Source: beef, chicken, fish, and fermented eggshell
• Form: powder
• Types: I, II, III, V, and X

According to the company, this supplement contains five different types of collagen. This collagen comes from beef, chicken, fish, and fermented eggshell membranes. Other key ingredients include SBO probiotics and vitamin C.

There are five different flavors to choose from, including unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry lemonade, and a Brain Boost Vanilla flavor, which contains added Ashwagandha root and leaf extract, cucumber lime, and cold brew. The Brain Boost version also has 10 types of collagen, not just 5.

The product is free from gluten, dairy, soy, grains, and nuts. It is also suitable for those on keto and paleo diets.

The company recommends a person add a scoop to 8 oz of water, coffee, or a smoothie. They also suggest adding a scoop to pancakes, oatmeal, or cookies.

What are collagen supplements?

Collagen refers to a group of related proteins in the human body. The proteins make up a large portion of different connective tissue throughout the body, including the:

• skin
• joints
• cartilage
• tendons

Collagen supplements usually come as oral pills, tablets, powders, or capsules. Liquid varieties are also available.

There are 28 types of collagen, but supplements will typically include four common varieties:

• Type I: This is the most common type, which is present in all connective tissues. It is flexible and provides resistance to stretching, force, and tension.
• Type II: This type is in the joints and discs between the vertebrae. It helps to provide pressure resistance.
• Type III: This type is a main component of the reticular fibers in the skin and blood vessels. It is present in high amounts during wound healing.
• Type IV: This type of collagen is a mesh that forms part of the structure of the kidneys, inner ear, and the lens of the eyes.

Learn more about collagen supplements.

Do collagen supplements have any benefits?

When a person takes collagen supplements orally, they may promote health and healing in the skin and joint health.

Skin health

In a 2019 study, researchers found that taking a particular brand of collagen supplement helped improve skin elasticity, hydration, and density. It also aided in smoothing rough patches of skin. They also noted that people generally tolerated the supplements well.

It must be noted that the study included fewer than 80 participants who were all female and used only Elasten supplements. The research was also funded by the same company that manufactures Elasten. As a result, the findings may not be applicable across all collagen supplements or people.

This collagen supplement also included other ingredients, such as acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin E, and biotin. The placebo did not contain these nutrients. The additional ingredients in the collagen supplements may have led to the benefits that scientists discovered in the study rather than the collagen alone being responsible.

Another 2019 review found similar results across multiple studies.

Joint health

Collagen supplements may help keep the joints healthy and improve their health over time.

A recent study published in 2019 showed similar results. Scientists found that regular use of collagen supplements helped improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

How to choose a collagen supplement

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a role in supplement safety and manufacturing claims, it does not directly regulate the quality or content of supplements.

With this in mind, a person should look for products with third-party testing. Companies, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia and NSF International, provide purity and quality control testing for different supplement brands.

People can also explore online reviews of the company and the products it offers. However, these reviews are anecdotal, meaning they only apply to some people.

Before ordering any supplement, an individual should consult a doctor to ensure it will not interfere with their current medications or any underlying health conditions.

Vegan collagen

Most collagen comes from bovine hide, so it is unsuitable for people following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. While some vegetarian collagen supplements are available, those following a vegan lifestyle may want to check that the supplements do not use animal products.

Most of the supplements people think are vegan collagen are actually collagen boosters or collagen builders. They do not contain any collagen. Instead, they have nutrients that may support collagen synthesis, so they may not produce the same effects as supplements in the studies.

Furthermore, scientists have discovered a way to produce vegan collagen using bacteria and the yeast strain Pichia pastoris, though there are currently no commercially available products on the market.

Learn more about vegan collagen.

Comparison of collagen supplements

The table below compares the products in this article on key features:

Side effects, risks, and considerations

Side effects of collagen supplements are not common. However, anyone with sensitivities or allergies should check the product labeling carefully.

Some additional ingredients can include:

• eggs
• gelatin
• shellfish
• dairy

If a person consumes something that they are sensitive to it can cause digestive side effects, such as bloating.

It is best to consult a physician before taking a collagen supplement. It is also important to note that supplements are not substitutes for a balanced and nutritious diet.

Alternatives to collagen supplements

Collagen may not be the right or best choice for everyone. It also should not replace treatment or recommendations from a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

Alternatives for collagen may depend on a person’s reasons for its use. An individual wishing to improve their skin care may want to look at moisturizing creams and other products that promote skin health.

Those looking to promote joint health may want to speak with a doctor about their concerns, as they may find other supplements that support the joints.

Learn how to boost collagen levels in the skin.

In a 2019 study, researchers identified several common sources of collagen in the American diet. They include:

• beef
• bone broth
• fish
• chicken
• pork
• prepared meats

A 2018 systematic review suggests that vitamin C increases the production of collagen in the body.

Learn about how to get collagen from food.

Frequently asked questions about collagen supplements

Below are answers to common questions about collagen supplements.

Do collagen supplements really work?

A 2019 literature review that included 11 studies involving 805 people found that supplemental collagen helps improve skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen density. It may also be useful for wound healing.

A 2021 literature review also found collagen supplements beneficial for joint health.

Confirming these benefits and exploring the full effects requires further research.

How long does it take for collagen supplements to work?

Studies show that people can see results from collagen supplements in 8 weeks, although it may take longer.

Does collagen make a person gain weight?

While the evidence is limited, weight gain is not a known effect of collagen supplements.

A 2019 study found that people who combine collagen supplementation with resistance training may develop more muscle mass than those who exercise without supplementation. Gaining lean muscle can make a person heavier.

How do I choose the best collagen supplement?

People may consider the following before buying collagen supplements:

• the form
• the price
• ingredients
• testing processes
• how and when to use

People should prioritize products that have gone through third-party testing ensuring the product does not have any unlisted or unsafe ingredients.

What is the most effective collagen to take?

Collagen can be effective for different health concerns, but it also depends on the type of product a person chooses. For example, a 2021 study found that using hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the skin’s elasticity.

Another study reports that collagen supplements may suit people looking to improve skin elasticity.

What is the best and healthiest collagen?

People looking for healthy collagen supplements may look for a product free of hormones and artificial sweeteners. Those who follow a gluten-free diet may also choose supplements without this ingredient.

People can also consider collagen supplements that offer a range of essential amino acids and or use collagen peptides, as these may be easier for the body to digest.

Summary

Collagen supplements may help promote skin and joint health. They may also offer other health effects, but there is not enough evidence that supports their use.

These products typically come in capsule or powdered forms and usually contain collagen from bovine or other animal or fish sources. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available as collagen boosters or builders. However, these do not contain collagen — their ingredients may help support collagen production.

Before starting any new supplement, a person should talk with a doctor as they may recommend alternative solutions to help address their health concerns.