Collagen, a crucial structural protein found in our skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons, has gained significant attention in the world of dietary supplements. As we age, the natural production of collagen in our bodies diminishes, leading to aging signs such as wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity.
Jan Brandrup, CEO of Neurogan and a Denmark born leader says, “Biologically, collagen is the superstar protein behind all functions to keep your skin, muscles, tendons, and bonds healthy and performing optimally. Naturally, collagen is abundant in our bodies. Among young people, there is a high level of collagen, helping their skin to remain smooth. As you age, the reduced production of collagen in the body triggers a change in skin texture around the face and hands. However, exposure to sun and smoking can also slow down the production of collagen leading to premature aging.”
Collagen supplements, therefore, have emerged as an effective solution, offering potential improvements in skin appearance, joint pain, and even hair and nail strength. However, with several options in the market, choosing the best collagen supplement can be overwhelming. Hence we embarked on a journey of research and review to make a guide that aims to ease that process, providing an in-depth analysis of the best collagen supplements available today.
We evaluated these and various other products through rigorous testing and clinical expertise to come up with this list. The products are assessed on various parameters including taste, texture, smell, third-party testing, nutrition, and value for money, ensuring you make the most informed choice possible.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Beverly Hills MD Plump + Firm Advanced Collagen Booster
- Best Hydrolyzed Collagen For Skin: VitaPost Collagen Complex
- Best Collagen For Joints: Bubs Naturals Collagen Protein
- Best Collagen For Hair Growth: Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides
- Best Drugstore Powder: Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder
- Best Collagen Skin Supplement: Neocell Super Collagen
- Best Collagen Supplement For Weight Loss: Bulletproof Collagen Protein
- Best Powder Collagen Supplement: Besha Natural Collagen Peptides
- Best Capsule Collagen Supplement: Hum Nutrition Collagen Love
01
Product Name:
Beverly Hills MD Plump + Firm Advanced Collagen Booster
Price:
$88.00
Rating:
4.9/5
Ingredients:
Polyphenols, Collagen peptides, Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, EGF, and Retinol.
Pros and Cons
- Contains high-quality ingredients, namely polyphenols, collagen peptides, and ceramides.
- Affordable given its effectiveness.
- Supported by powerful testimonials.
- Has a reputable history.
- Some may find the price steep.
- The unflavored version may not be appealing to everyone.
Short Description:
Restoring the skin’s natural suppleness and plumpness is the main objective of this powerful anti-aging solution, Beverly Hills MD Plump + Firm Advanced Collagen Booster. The potent ingredients of the product including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C & E, and Retinol, work together to support collagen formation, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and increase skin moisture. Dermatologists have praised the lotion as a powerful moisturizing and smoothing solution that nourishes the skin while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Regular use of this non-greasy, fast-absorbing lotion may leave the skin looking younger, firmer, and toned.
02
Product Name:
VitaPost Collagen Complex
Price:
$19.80
Rating:
4.8/5
Ingredients:
Hydrolyzed Collagen, Collactive Marine Collagen, Avian Sternum Collagen
Pros and Cons
- Laboratory tested and GMP certified for safety and quality assurance.
- FDA registered and made in the USA.
- Rich in hydrolyzed collagen, Collective Marine collagen, and Avian Sternum collagen.
- Supports skin, joint, and bone health.
- Gluten-free
- Positive customer feedback, reporting improved skin tone, increased vitality, enhanced digestion, and effective joint pain treatment.
- Unflavored, which might not appeal to some users.
- Requires taking three capsules daily, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Short Description:
The VitaPost Collagen Complex is a premium hydrolyzed collagen peptide supplement designed to promote strong bones, joints, and skin. With each dose delivering 1500mg of collagen, this GMP-certified, FDA-registered supplement is laboratory-tested and made in the USA. It is praised for its effective results as users have reported noticeable improvements in their skin, bones, and joints after just a few weeks of use. In addition to enhancing skin tone and elasticity, it also boosts vitality, improves digestion, and effectively treats joint pain. As per reports, VitaPost Collagen Complex stands as one of the top-rated collagen supplements in the market today.
03
Product Name:
BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides Powder
Price:
$47.00
Rating:
3.2/5
Ingredients:
Hydrolyzed, Grass-Fed & Pasture-Raised Peptides
Pros and Cons
- Approved for a KETO diet
- Certified by NSF Sport
- Offers a reputable history
- Features powerful testimonials
- It is available at an affordable price
- Comes in a powder form that’s easy to integrate into daily diet
- Unflavored, which may not appeal to all individuals
Short Description:
BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides Powder is a high-quality nutritional supplement that promotes the health of the stomach, skin, and joints. Loaded with necessary amino acids, this product is derived from grass-fed bovine collagen and is free from artificial sweeteners or fillers.
The most abundant forms in the body, Type I, and Type III collagen, are concentrated in BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides Powder in significant amounts. Its bland flavor and easy to use property make it a suitable option for individuals looking to add collagen to their daily routine. According to numerous testimonials, this supplement has been shown to effectively enhance gut health, joint mobility, and skin elasticity.
04
Product Name:
Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides
Price:
$45 on Amazon, $20 on Walmart
Rating:
4/5
Ingredients:
Collagen peptides, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid
Pros and Cons
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Derived from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine peptides
- Good source of protein
- Slightly unpleasant taste when mixed with just plain water
Short Description:
The Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides provide a robust 20 grams of collagen per two scoops, derived from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine. The product is kosher certified, and enriched with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid which promotes a healthier skin appearance. Recognized as an NSF Certified for Sports product, it does not contain substances prohibited by sports organizations and discloses all ingredient amounts on the label. It is free from gluten, dairy, and sweeteners, offering both flavored and unflavored versions, and versatile enough to be mixed in hot or cold beverages. Its lemon flavor variant is a pleasing addition to plain water, herbal teas, or smoothies. The unflavored version can also be mixed into coffee, tea, smoothies, or soup to mask its slightly unpleasant taste. This supplement contains collagen types I and III, formulated to nourish and support your skin, hair, and nails.
05
Product Name:
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder
Price:
$37 on Amazon
Rating:
4.1/5
Ingredients:
Hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides, fermented eggshell membrane collagen, chicken bone broth protein concentrate, bacillius coagulans, hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides
Pros and Cons
- Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free
- Contains probiotics
- Available in many flavors: unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, cold brew, strawberry lemonade, and cucumber lime
- Made with ingredients from non-GMO, grass-fed, and pasture-raised, cage-free, and cruelty-free sources
- Uses hydrolyzed bovine collagen, which is easier for your body to absorb
- Formulated to help improve the appearance of crow’s feet, reduce knee stiffness, and support gut health and healthy skin, hair, and nails
- Some may find the price steep.
- The unflavored version may not be appealing to everyone.
Short Description:
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder is a well-known collagen supplement for overall wellness. Available in multiple flavors, it is made with ingredients from reputable, ethically conscious sources. This supplement includes hydrolyzed bovine collagen, which your body can easily absorb.
It is specifically formalized to enhance your appearance by reducing crow’s feet and promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails, while also improving your physical wellbeing by reducing knee stiffness and supporting gut health. However, it may not be suitable for those following a vegetarian or pescatarian diet.
06
Product Name:
NeoCell Super Collagen
Price:
$13.59 on Amazon, $18.70 on Walmart
Rating:
3.2/5
Ingredients:
Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen, Vitamin C, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Biotin
Pros and Cons
- Supports healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints
- Non-GMO and Gluten-Free
- Contains key amino acids and nutrients
- Positive customer reviews about its effectiveness
- Some users may experience side effects when they stop using it
- It’s not vegan, as it contains bovine collagen
Short Description:
NeoCell Super Collagen is a dietary supplement designed to provide comprehensive support for your skin, hair, nails, and joints. It is packed with key amino acids – glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline that are essential for collagen production in the body. Collagen, a vital protein, lends structure to skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. However, as we age, our ability to produce collagen decreases, leading to signs of aging like wrinkles and weak joints.
This supplement steps in restoring collagen levels, helping to prevent these age-related issues. For people on a ketogenic diet, NeoCell protein powder is also readily accessible as the manufacturer certifies it as ‘keto certified’. Additional ingredients like vitamin C, further enhance the overall health of skin, hair, and nails. It’s a non-GMO, gluten-free formulation, offering a safe and effective way to nourish your body from the inside out.
07
Product Name:
Bulletproof Collagen Protein
Price:
$49.51 on Amazon, $76.99 on Walmart
Rating:
3.6/5
Ingredients:
Hydrolyzed Collagen, Protein Peptides, MCT oil, Monk fruit extract
Pros and Cons
- Made from grass-fed cows’ collagen
- Contains MCT oil for boosted metabolism
- Sweetened with monk fruit extract, a low-calorie sweetener
- Supports weight loss, joint health, bone health, and skin hydration
- Keto-friendly and low in sugar
- Unflavored variant may not appeal to everyone
- More expensive than some other brands
- Must be used as directed and in moderation to avoid potential adverse effects
Short Description:
Bulletproof Collagen Protein is a high-quality protein supplement that uses the collagen from grass-fed cows and boosts it with MCT oil for extra metabolic advantages. It’s a versatile supplement that supports weight loss goals, skin hydration, and joint and bone health, ticking all the boxes for a balanced lifestyle.
With its unique formulation, it stands out in a crowded market, proving its worth with numerous satisfied customers, as per the positive reviews. Enjoy its benefits in moderation to maximize its effectiveness and minimize any potential side effects. But always remember to consult a health professional before making any significant changes to your dietary routine.
08
Product Name:
Besha Natural Collagen Peptides
Price:
$33
Rating:
4/5
Ingredients:
Collagen
Pros and Cons
- Third-party tested for purity and potency
- Collagen is the only ingredient, no fillers or additives
- Powder form allows easy mixing into drinks
- Derived from pigs, may not be suitable for all
- Not a good source of protein
Short Description:
Besha Natural Collagen Peptides is a high-purity collagen supplement, that comes in the form of a mixable powder. This product is well-known for its simplicity—the only ingredient is collagen, with no added fillers or additives. The collagen is sourced from pigs, hence this product might not be suitable for everyone. It’s also worth noting that while this product is rich in collagen, it is not a significant source of protein. The serving size is also smaller compared to other powders. This product leverages the power of Verisol, a patented collagen peptide known to stimulate skin collagen production, as demonstrated in placebo-controlled studies.
09
Product Name:
Hum Nutrition Collagen Love
Price:
$40 (Amazon), $47 (Walmart)
Rating:
3.9/5
Ingredients:
Collagen peptide hydro-matrix blend, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C
Pros and Cons
- Supports skin elasticity
- Contains two types of collagen peptides
- Clinically tested
- Need to take three capsules a day
Short Description:
The Hum Collagen Love capsules are a mix of superior ingredients manufactured to support skin elasticity and combat signs of aging. Instead of relying on a traditional powder, these easy-to-use capsules incorporate two types of collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, creating a unique combination to improve skin appearance.
Despite being clinically tested to ensure safety and efficacy, some users may find it avoidable as it needs to be consumed three times a day. Also, sourced from grass-fed bovines, the collagen used in these capsules is non-GMO and gluten-free.
How We Tested?
In our quest to identify the best collagen supplements on the market, we implemented a robust, multi-faceted testing process. Our team of experts started by conducting extensive research into the most popular and highly rated products. We then evaluated each supplement on a variety of criteria, including its ingredients, taste, texture, smell, third-party testing certifications, nutritional value, and cost-effectiveness.
We also took into consideration the manufacturing practices of the brand, prioritizing products sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, and those that were free from unnecessary additives and fillers. Our team also analyzed real, unsponsored customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the product’s effectiveness and overall user experience.
Furthermore, we conducted a comparative analysis of each product against other popular brands and treatments to determine its unique benefits and potential drawbacks. We also consulted several clinical studies to verify the health claims made by each brand.
This rigorous, step-by-step testing process enabled us to curate a list of the best collagen supplements available today, providing readers with a reliable and comprehensive guide to making an informed choice.
What to Look for When Buying A Best Collagen Supplement
When selecting a collagen supplement, consider the following factors:
- Avoid Unnecessary Additives and Fillers: Ensure the supplement does not contain any non-essential additives or fillers. Pure, natural ingredients are key for effectiveness and safety.
- Multiple Types of Collagen: Look for a supplement that contains more than one type of collagen. Each type serves a unique function in the body, and a diverse blend can offer broader benefits.
- Absorbability: The supplement should be easily absorbed by the body. Hydrolyzed collagen is a good option as it is easy to digest and quickly absorbed.
- Source of Collagen: The collagen should be sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, and antibiotic-free animals. This ensures you’re ingesting the healthiest collagen possible.
- Forms of Supplement: Collagen supplements come in various forms such as powders, capsules, and liquids. Choose a form based on your dietary needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
- Third-Party Testing: Due to the lack of regulation of dietary supplements by the FDA, opt for a product that has undergone third-party testing. This ensures that the supplement’s ingredients have been evaluated independently, adding an extra layer of assurance to its claims.
- Third-Party Verification: Look for products verified by credible organizations such as NSF International, UL, and US Pharmacopeia. This ensures that the product contains what it claims to, without additional, unlisted ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, collagen supplements have become a vital part of our health regimen, offering numerous benefits such as improved skin health, stronger hair and nails, and enhanced joint function. However, the market is saturated with a myriad of collagen supplements, making the selection process quite daunting.
It’s essential to choose a product that not only suits your specific needs but also comes from a reputable brand that values quality, safety, and efficacy. One should always opt for products that are free from unnecessary additives and fillers, sourced from grass-fed, antibiotic-free animals, and third-party tested for purity.
As everyone’s body and health needs are different, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regime is crucial. With careful selection and proper usage, collagen supplements can be a worthy addition to your health and wellness journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Who should not take collagen?
Q. Which collagen supplement is most effective?
Q. Which collagen is best for over 50?
Q. What is the most effective source of collagen?
Q. Which is the best collagen supplement for sagging skin?
Sources
Glozine avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Glozine, you can read more about the editorial process here.
- Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23949208/
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
