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A daily smidgen of collagen could be just the thing for your skin health. Our dietitian evaluated top products. Vital Proteins and Care/of, among others, made our list of the best collagen supplements for skin.
- Best overall: Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen | Skip to review
- Best bovine collagen: Care/of Collagen | Skip to review
- Best subscription collagen: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | Skip to review
- Best flavored collagen powder: Garden of Life Grass-Fed Collagen Beauty | Skip to review
- Best collagen for healthy aging: Thorne Collagen Plus | Skip to review
- Best collagen with vitamin C: Klean Collagen+C | Skip to review
- Best collagen for athletes: Sports Research Collagen Peptides | Skip to review
- Best unflavored collagen: Further Food Collagen Peptides | Skip to review
- Best marine collagen: Anthony’s Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides | Skip to review
- Best multi-ingredient collagen capsules: HUM Nutrition Collagen Love | Skip to review
- Best high dose collagen capsules: Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C | Skip to review
- Best multisource collagen: Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein | Skip to review
Collagen is a type of protein found throughout your body, including in your skin, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, connective tissue, and teeth (
Because collagen production starts to decline as you age, many people use supplements to help increase collagen levels naturally (
Sun exposure also contributes to collagen breakdown and can lead to unwanted wrinkles (
People often use collagen supplements to promote skin health, as this protein has shown benefits for skin elasticity, hydration, and texture (
However, not all collagen supplements are created equal, and collagen is available in several forms.
Collagen is most commonly derived from bovine, porcine, or marine sources. It can also be produced synthetically from insect, yeast, and plant or mammal cultures, resulting in a lower risk of allergic reactions (
Though bovine collagen is more widely found in supplements, marine collagen is believed to be better absorbed and less inflammatory and to contain fewer toxins (
We selected the products featured in this article based on the following criteria:
- Type of supplement: We included collagen supplements in various forms, including powders and capsules.
- Ingredients: We selected collagen supplements made with high quality ingredients, all of which are free of fillers and unnecessary additives.
- Third-party testing or certifications: Many of the products on our list have been tested or certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety and quality.
- Dosage: Most studies have evaluated the effects of collagen at doses of 2.5–10 grams (g) per day. We selected collagen supplements available in a wide range of doses, so you can adjust based on your needs (
6 ).
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.
Generally, prices range from $0.48 to $1.43 per serving, or $19.99 to $51.95 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Note that serving sizes vary by product.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $0.50 per serving
- $$ = $0.50–$1 per serving
- $$$ = over $1 per serving
When selecting a collagen supplement, there are several factors to consider.
First, it’s important to consider the type of supplement.
While some people prefer the ease and convenience of capsules, others enjoy the versatility of collagen powders, which can easily be mixed into beverages and baked goods.
You should also check the label to determine the dosage.
Although there are no established guidelines for how much collagen you should take, studies show that doses of 2.5–15 g of collagen peptides per day are considered safe and effective (
You may also want to read the ingredients label, as some products may contain additional ingredients to support skin health, such as silica, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
Finally, be sure to opt for high quality supplements purchased from a reputable retailer and look for products that have undergone third-party testing to ensure quality and safety.
| Product | Price | Certifications | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen | $$$ | none | • third-party tested • multiple flavors available • includes probiotics and hyaluronic acid • formulated with hydrolyzed collagen | • doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquids • priced higher than similar products |
| Care/of Collagen | $$$ | none | • easy to blend • available in multiple flavors • made with hydrolyzed collagen for easy absorption • third-party tested | subscription required to purchase |
| Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | $$$ | none | • third-party tested • contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid • available in tub or stick packs • features hydrolyzed collagen | • expensive • has a flavor that some may find unpalatable |
| Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Beauty Powder | $$$ | • certified gluten-free by NSF • certified keto and paleo | • tested by an independent lab • formulated with probiotics, vitamin C, biotin, and silica • certified gluten-free • contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides for better absorption | • some negative reviews of the taste • may be pricey |
| Thorne Collagen Plus | $$$ | none | • produced in a third-party certified facility • formulated with a blend of ingredients for hair and skin health • naturally flavored and sugar-free • contains hydrolyzed collagen | • more expensive than similar products • not tested by an independent lab |
| Klean Collagen+C | $$$ | NSF Certified for Sport | • third-party certified • contains a high dose of collagen per serving • hydrolyzed to increase absorption | • relatively pricey • has a strong flavor, which some may dislike |
| Sports Research Collagen Peptides | $$ | certified keto and paleo Informed Sport certified | • affordable • third-party tested and certified • simple list of ingredients • made with hydrolyzed collagen for improved absorption | • some negative reviews of the taste • may clump in cold liquids |
| Further Food Collagen Peptides | $$ | none | • thirty-party tested • contains just one ingredient • budget-friendly • includes hydrolyzed collagen peptides | • lower dose per serving • some negative reviews of the taste |
| Anthony’s Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides | $$ | none | • batch-tested and verified gluten-free • contains only one ingredient • cost effective • hydrolyzed to increase absorption | • not third-party tested or certified • has a slightly fishy taste and smell, according to some reviewers |
| HUM Nutrition Collagen Love | $$$ | none | • third-party tested • contains a blend of herbal ingredients to support skin health • available in convenient capsule form • made with hydrolyzed collagen | • lower dose than powders • relatively expensive |
| Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C | $ | NSF Certified | • third-party tested and certified • available in tablet form • cost effective • includes hydrolyzed collagen for better absorption | • contains less collagen than other supplements • large tablets that may be difficult to swallow |
| Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein | $$$ | none | • third-party tested • includes collagen derived from four sources • hydrolyzed to increase absorption • contains a high dose of collagen per serving • formulated with vitamin C and probiotics | • expensive • some negative reviews of the taste and smell |
Useful supplement shopping guides
Check out these two articles to help make supplement shopping a breeze:
How long does it take for collagen supplements to start working?
The amount of time it takes to experience noticeable benefits after taking collagen supplements can vary. However, some research suggests that collagen supplements could improve skin elasticity and hydration within just 4–12 weeks (
What is the difference between regular and hydrolyzed collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen has been broken down into smaller molecules. It may be easier for your body to digest and absorb than regular collagen (
Are collagen supplements safe?
Collagen supplements are generally considered safe and are associated with few negative side effects when used as directed (
However, to ensure safety, it’s important to purchase products that have been tested by an independent lab whenever possible. Additionally, be sure to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your routine.
Are collagen supplements good for reducing wrinkles?
Some research suggests that collagen could help slow down signs of aging.
In fact, one review of 19 studies concluded that hydrolyzed collagen supplements could reduce skin aging, decrease wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity after 90 days (
Can collagen supplements help tighten saggy skin?
There is limited research on whether collagen can tighten skin. However, some studies have found that collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity, hydration, and texture, which could potentially improve the appearance of saggy skin (
Is there a vegan source of collagen?
Because collagen is derived from animal products, there are no vegan-friendly sources of collagen.
Some older research suggests that vegan collagen could be produced using genetically modified yeast and bacteria. However, more studies are needed and vegan collagen supplements are not yet readily available (
However, several vegan-friendly collagen-boosting supplements are already on the market. These usually contain ingredients that support collagen production, such as vitamin C.
Alternatively, you can consume more vitamin C-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to help naturally promote collagen synthesis (
Is collagen keto-friendly?
Collagen can fit into a ketogenic diet, as it is typically low in carbs and high in protein. However, to keep your carb intake low, be sure to check the ingredients label carefully and opt for products without added sugar.
Taking a collagen supplement can be an easy and effective way to help promote better skin.
Plenty of products are available, containing a range of dosages and a variety of ingredients.
When deciding which supplement is right for you, consider the type of supplement, any additional ingredients, the dosage, and whether the product has undergone third-party testing.
As with any supplement, consult a healthcare professional before adding collagen to your treatment regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
