At a Glance

BEST FOR: Skin, hair, nails, and joints*
COLLAGEN TYPES: I and III
SOURCED FROM: Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
FLAVOR: Neutral
MIXABILITY: Excellent

Bottom Line:

Note* This was by far my favorite one and where I truly noticed a difference. Call it whatever you want but I got comments from people that didn't even know I was doing this challenge.

Primal Collagen by Primal Harvest delivers hydrolyzed bovine collagen types I and III that have been produced with GelcoPEP® technology for maximum dissolvability and absorption support.*

This formula dissolves quickly and easily and is neutral in flavor, making it convenient to stir into any liquid of your choice, from your morning coffee to smoothies and juice. You can even shake it in a shaker for when you're on the go. Each scoop provides you with 10 g of ultra-premium hydrolyzed collagen, 20 mg of calcium, and a wide range of amino acids.

Primal Collagen is third-party lab tested and made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. The brand also offers a convenient Subscribe & Save program which means you can order Primal Collagen through their convenient and hassle-free subscription service. By signing up for a subscription you get 20% off all products plus free shipping.

All in all, this collagen supplement delivers great value and quality at a reasonable price point. To top it off, Primal Harvest offers a 90-day money-back guarantee for all of its products.

PROS

CONS

At a Glance

BEST FOR: Hair, skin, and nails
COLLAGEN TYPES: I, II, III, V, X
SOURCED FROM: Bovine, marine, chicken, and eggshell membrane
FLAVOR: Neutral
MIXABILITY: Good

Bottom Line:

BeautyLux Beauty Multi Collagen is an unflavored multi-collagen peptide powder, formulated from bovine, marine, chicken, and eggshell membrane collagen. This premium powder features collagen types I, II, III, V, and X which are sustainably sourced from cage-free chickens, grass-fed cows, and kosher, North Atlantic fish.*

Each once-a-day serving contains 7.8 g of hydrolyzed collagen which can easily be added to any liquid of your choice. As an added perk, the formula also contains 7 g of protein.*

This unflavored collagen powder mixes well and leaves no aftertaste. It's made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients and is third-party lab tested.

PROS

CONS

At a Glance:

BEST FOR: Gut and joints
COLLAGEN TYPES: Unspecified
SOURCED FROM: Grass-fed bovine
FLAVOR: Neutral (slightly salty)
MIXABILITY: Good

Bottom Line:

Collagen Peptides by Vital Proteins is formulated with 20g of grass-fed and pasture-raised collagen.

Like Primal Collagen by Primal Harvest, the Vital Proteins formula is easy to use. Although this unflavored formula is a solid choice for a collagen powder, some people may want to note that it contains 110 mg of sodium. This is especially something to consider for those watching their sodium intake. It also makes the product less versatile as the sodium content may impact the flavor.

PROS

CONS

Bottom Line:

Ancient Nutrition's Multi Collagen Protein is a pretty solid choice for a collagen supplement. It contains 10g of hydrolyzed collagen per scoop. Their collagen is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine collagen and also contains probiotics and vitamin C.

It has a relatively neutral flavor making it easy to drink when added to other beverages. Although it dissolves fairly easily into cold drinks, it does seem to take longer to dissolve than some other collagen powders. Some consumers also reported that it did not dissolve as easily into warm drinks.

This is generally a great choice, but you may want to note that it's a little pricier than some of the other products featured on this list.

PROS

CONS

At a glance:

BEST FOR: Joints, hair, and skin
COLLAGEN TYPES: I, II, III, V, X
SOURCED FROM: Bovine, fish
FLAVOR: Chocolate (complaints of fishy aftertaste)
MIXABILITY: Poor

Bottom Line:

Super Youth Collagen by SkinnyFit includes 15.6 g of hydrolyzed collagen per serving, sourced from bovine, fish, chicken, and eggshell membrane. It also includes vitamin C, apple cider vinegar, and hyaluronic acid and is sweetened with stevia leaf and monk fruit extracts. Each container consists of 28 servings of unflavored collagen powder.

Although the formula includes a range of collagen sources, the addition of fish collagen and eggshell membrane means this product may not be suitable for all consumers. Some may find the two-scoop serving size inconvenient in comparison to other products that have a one-scoop serving. The addition of stevia and monk fruit gives the product a little sweetness which means some may find that it is not totally neutral. Finally, you may want to consider the price of the product. At $99.95 for a one-time purchase (about 28 servings), this powder is less wallet-friendly than some other options.

PROS

CONS

1. Primal Collagen

by Primal Harvest

Rating A+

Our rating:

Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
Premium quality hydrolyzed bovine collagen from grass-fed cows
Essential amino acids
9 g of protein plus 20 mg calcium
Unflavored, easy-to-dissolve powder
GelcoPEP® technology for mixability
The brand offers a hassle-free subscription service

Only available online
Due to popularity, sometimes runs out of stock

2. Multi Collagen

by Beauty Lux

Rating: B+

Our rating:

5 collagen types
Collagen from 4 food sources
Hydrolyzed collagen
Dissolves well
No unpleasant aftertaste
Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

Only sold online
Sometimes runs out of stock

3. Collagen Peptides

by Vital Proteins

Rating C+

Our rating:

Made in the USA
Gluten and dairy-free
Certified grass-fed bovine collagen

110 mg sodium
No 90-day money-back guarantee

4. Multi Collagen Protein

by Ancient Nutrition

Note C

Our rating:

Hydrolyzed bovine collagen
Neutral flavor
With probiotics & vitamin C

Price
No 90-day money-back guarantee

5. Super Youth Collagen

by SkinnyFit

Note C

Our rating:

Hydrolyzed bovine collagen
14 g protein
With vitamin C

2-scoop serving size
Price
Contains fish and egg

Our Choice 2024

Based on 3732 Reviews of Primal Harvest

Primal Collagen

by Primal Harvest

10 G Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen
9 G Protein Plus 20 MG Calcium
Essential Amino Acids
GelcoPEP® Technology for Mixability
Free Shipping on Orders Over $75

Top 5 Collagens - Which One Had Greatest Firming Effect?

Written by:

Angela Schulz

Expert tested

21 May 2024

How we rated the Top 5 Nutritional Supplements

Each of our reviews is based on a factual analysis and comparison. We examine the ingredients, dosages and manufacturing processes to understand the quality of the product. In addition, we evaluate customer reviews, value for money and customer service to protect our readers from negative buying experiences. Although we may receive compensation for these reviews, we strive to provide objective comparisons based on facts.

EFFECTIVENESS

INGREDIENTS

PRICE-PERFORMANCE

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Top Collagen Supplements 2024

Citations

DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Wellness Reviews provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.

[1] Ricard-Blum, Sylvie. “The collagen family.” Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology vol. 3,1 a004978. 1 Jan. 2011, doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a004978

[2] Oikarinen, A. “Aging of the skin connective tissue: how to measure the biochemical and mechanical properties of aging dermis.” Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine vol. 10,2 (1994): 47-52.

[3] León-López, Arely et al. “Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 24,22 4031. 7 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/molecules24224031

[4] Bolke, Liane et al. “A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study.” Nutrients vol. 11,10 2494. 17 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11102494

[5] Silvipriya, K., et al. “Collagen: Animal Sources and Biomedical Application.” Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 2015, pp. 123–127., https://doi.org/10.7324/japs.2015.50322.

[6] Zhao, Yu-Hong, and Yu-Jie Chi. “Characterization of Collagen from Eggshell Membrane.” Biotechnology(Faisalabad), vol. 8, no. 2, 2009, pp. 254–258., https://doi.org/10.3923/biotech.2009.254.258.

[7] Borumand, Maryam, and Sara Sibilla. “Daily consumption of the collagen supplement Pure Gold Collagen® reduces visible signs of aging.” Clinical interventions in aging vol. 9 1747-58. 13 Oct. 2014, doi:10.2147/CIA.S65939

To see a list of our other references, please click here.

What Can Collagen Supplements Do?

Taking a collagen supplement is a convenient way to replenish your collagen, protein, and amino acid stores. Although collagen is also present in foods such as bone broth, to be able to replenish it sufficiently using foods, you'd have to eat a whole cow each month.

"Because once your body slows the collagen production, your skin and hair health will start to decay. "

When it comes to fortifying skin, hair, joints and muscle, consistency is key. It is crucial to saturate our bodies with collagen and be consistent. It is not a miracle and results will not be visible unless we are consistent on a daily basis, months at a time.

What Are The Different Collagen Sources?

Bovine Collagen

Naturally sourced from cattle, bovine collagen is rich in collagen types I and III. It also contains protein and a diverse amino acid profile. Because it delivers types I and III, it’s often used for skin, hair, nail, and joint health. [5]

Marine Collagen

Rich in collagen type I, this collagen is sourced from different marine species, typically fish (skin, bones, fins) but also jellyfish, sponges, and other by-catch from the fishing industry. [5]

Chicken Collagen

Chickens also provide a natural source of collagen, including types I, II, III, and V. These are usually extracted from different parts of chickens such as the feet, neck, skin, and muscles. [5]

All Collagen Is NOT Created Equal

With over 300 various collagen supplements on the market, choosing the collagen that is right for you can seem like an uphill battle. When choosing a collagen supplement, always read labels, verify origins of ingredients, or research these important details before making your decision:

Help minimize the appearance of fine lines*[7]
Support skin elasticity*
Support muscle health*

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTATION*

Provide essential amino acids and protein*
Support hair thickness and density
Support joint health and an active lifestyle*
Support skin health*

Note: Individual results may vary. The benefits stated are based on personal experiences and subjective feedback and may vary from person to person.

Why your body needs collagen

As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen plays a key role in maintaining healthy-looking hair and skin, joint and bone health, and can help build muscle mass and support an active lifestyle.[2,3] Here’s the unfortunate biological reality though: the older you get, the less collagen your body produces. It starts to decline between ages 18-29. By 40, we may lose about 1% per year. This may lead to weaker and more brittle hair and nails, less mobility, a loss of skin elasticity, and more visible fine lines and wrinkles.[2,3]

What is collagen?

Simply put, collagen is a protein that forms the connective tissue all over our bodies. It is found in skin, nails, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Collagen is primarily made up of amino acids and makes up about 70-80% of the dry weight of your skin.[2]

That is why it plays such a crucial role to the firming of our skin. Think of it like support beams under a tarp. The more support beams the less wrinkles you'll have on a tarp. In this case the support beams are collagen particles.

About 30%

of the protein in your body is collagen. [1]

Approx. 70-80%

of the dry weight of your skin is collagen. [2]

We lose 1% per year

after age 40. [2,3]

5 MAIN TYPES OF COLLAGEN

When it comes to supplements there are five main types of collagen, types I, II, III, V, and X. Although each of them is linked to different wellness benefits, here are the five commonly found collagen types:

Type I

This is the most abundant collagen in the human body, found in skin, bone, ligaments, and even teeth. Type I collagen is the primary building block of your skin, and may support skin elasticity and hydration. Bovine collagen is a common source of type I collagen. [3,4]

Type II

Sometimes colloquially referred to as “joint support” collagen, type II is found in the cartilage that supports our joints. That’s why some people turn to type II collagen when they experience joint concerns. Hydrolyzed chicken collagen is considered a good source of type II collagen.[5]

Type III

Usually associated with type I collagen, these two types make up the two most commonly-found types in our body. Also highly beneficial for supporting skin health, type III collagen makes up a large part of our skin and organs. Bovine collagen is also a source of type III collagen.[3]

Type V

This type of collagen helps to support muscles and bones and is often sourced from eggshell membrane. [6]

Type X

Like type V collagen, type X is also typically sourced from eggshell membrane - a rich source of not only collagen but essential amino acids. This type of collagen can help support bones. [6]

Our Choice: Collagen Supplements in 2024

What To Look For

What To Avoid

Important Criteria

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Types I and III Collagen

Sourced from Bovine

Dissolves/Mixes Well*

Neutral Flavor*

Over 5 g Protein

Calcium

Primal Collagen

by Primal Harvest

Multi Collagen by BeautyLux

Collagen Peptides

by Vital Proteins

Multi Collagen by Ancient Nutrition

Super Youth Collagen

by Skinnyfit

No Sweeteners

No More Than 45 mg Sodium

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Third-Party Tested

Subscription Service

Note: We try to update product information as often as we can. Please visit product websites for more information.

*Based on the individual experience of the team and on a number of user reviews of the product.

If you're like me, you're probably a little older and wondering 'Are all these claims about your skin feeling firmer in just a few weeks are true?' Which one in the market even has the right formulation to make that happen? So I tried 5 of the best collagens on the market over the course of months and ranked them based on the differences I noticed after 8 weeks using each.

But... first some background on what Collagen even is and why it can improve your skin, hair and joints.

What To Look For In A Collagen Supplement

PURITY & QUALITY: Choose only grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine or sustainably-sourced seafood collagen.*
HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN PEPTIDES: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides mean the amino acids have been broken down for easier digestion and absorption.*
A COMBINATION OF COLLAGEN TYPES: A popular combination for targeting hair, skin, joint, and nail health.*
QUANTITY: Check the label for the collagen and protein content. Most quality brands also include the amino acid profile of their collagen supplement.
FLAVOR AND MIXABILITY: Some off-the-shelf collagen supplements may taste bad and do not mix well. Try to find a collagen supplement you'll be glad to consume every morning!*

TIP: Did you know that a high-quality collagen powder can make a great addition to your morning coffee or tea?

Premium collagen powders have no flavor and dissolve easily into any drink - hot or cold. This makes it easy to add to your daily wellness routine which means you're likely to see positive changes!

What To Try To Avoid In A Collagen Supplement

Collagen That Hasn’t Been ‘Hydrolyzed’: Collagen that is hydrolyzed has already been ‘broken’ down for maximum absorption and digestibility. Hydrolyzed collagen is also labeled as collagen peptides so be sure to look out for either term on the package.
Unwanted Ingredients: You want to ensure you’re getting 100% pure, premium, hydrolyzed collagen sources with no unnecessary synthetic fillers or other additional ingredients you may be trying to avoid.
Collagen Lacking Testing: Always check that a product has been ‘third party lab-tested’ to be certain that the product has been independently tested for potentially harmful ingredients to ensure safety.

At a Glance:

BEST FOR: Gut, joints, and skin
COLLAGEN TYPES: I, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, X, XII, XXII
SOURCED FROM: Bovine, eggshell membrane, chicken, fish
FLAVOR: Neutral
MIXABILITY: Poor