22 of the best collagen supplements

Heard of collagen? Wondering how you take it?

If you’ve already started to look around, you’ll find quite a few different options. But don’t worry, all will become clear very soon…

• What is collagen?
• What does it do?
• Do I have low collagen?
• The best age for collagen
• The best type of collagen
• Best collagen for skin
• Do collagen supplements work?
• Our top collagen picks
• Tablets
• Powders
• Creamers
• Marine collagenCollagen peptides
• Collagen drinks
• Liquid collagen
• Vegan collagen
• Collagen snacks
• Collagen cream
• Potential collagen side effects
• Is it for me?
• The final say

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body; it’s found everywhere, from our intestines to our skin, muscles, and ligaments.

Collagen benefits your body in more ways than you might think. It makes up about a third of all the protein in your body, so having a good supply of collagen can help you stay strong from head to toe.³

Back in the day, the most common way of increasing your collagen levels was to eat pork skin or bone broth (which you can still do…)

But, in recent years, there’s been a new way of increasing your collagen intake. You’ll find collagen supplements in tablets, gels, powders, gummies…you name it.

What is the function of collagen?

The human body synthesises collagen, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in our food. Animal protein food (like eggs, meat, and dairy) are big contributors towards human collagen production.

But….

The older we get, the less collagen our bodies produce naturally. After we reach just 20, our collagen levels deplete by 1% each year.¹

And….

Because 75% of our skin is made of collagen, having less of it in our system can mean more wrinkles start forming, and our skin may start to sag.² Replenishing your collagen levels can help keep things running smoothly as you age, including maintaining thick hair and nails and supple, youthful-looking skin.

Symptoms of collagen deficiency

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to test your collagen levels. However, you may spot some tell-tale signs as you get older. They include³

• Your skin is losing its elasticity
• Developing wrinkles
• Stiff tendons and ligaments
• Less flexibility
• Reduced muscle mass and increased weakness

The benefits of collagen couldn’t be more apparent as you notice more aches and pains than usual; read on to see if there’s a supplement for you.

What age should you start taking collagen?

There’s no set recommended age for boosting your collagen levels, but it’s worth knowing that you pass your collagen-producing “peak” after age 20.¹

That doesn’t mean you should start taking supplements this early, as you likely won’t see signs of ageing for a few years.

If you’re looking to support your skin ageing healthily, you might want to consider taking oral collagen supplements in your mid-to-late twenties.

But it’s never too late! Collagen has its health benefits at any age. 

Is collagen better in powder or pill form?

There is no right or wrong way to take it – either way, collagen is good for your hair, skin, nails, and joints. There are several options for you to choose from; it all depends on which one you prefer and will stick to.

One benefit of collagen powder is its versatility! Many people find it an easy way to get their daily intake. For example, you can mix it into a glass of water or blend it with a smoothie.

Alternatively, you can take a collagen tablet. Or maybe you’d prefer topical application; there are collagen creams you can add to your pamper routine, too.

What is the best collagen for the skin?

There are many types of collagen, but there are 3 that are found most commonly in the body.

Type I and type III are generally found in skin, so they’re considered the best for supporting healthy skin ageing and maintaining a smooth, glowing complexion.

On the other hand, you’ll find type II in cartilage and joints. If you’re focusing on:

• Keeping your joints and bones healthy as you age
• Supporting swollen or tender joints

look out for type II on your supplement labels.

Adults can use collagen at any age in all sorts of different forms – powders, tablets, and creams.

Do collagen supplements actually work?

So, do collagen supplements really have the effects they promise?

We’ve investigated some of the best supplements out there and gained insight from customers who’ve tried them themselves…

22 best collagen supplements

We’ve rounded up 22 of the best collagen products so that you can check out your options.

Best collagen tablets

Collagen pills, collagen tablets - whatever you choose to call them, they’re a quick and easy way to get more collagen in your body on a regular basis.

These collagen supplements come in different quantities. Usually, 30, 60, 90 or more days’ worth, and are taken around twice a day with a meal.⁴

We’ve rounded up the best collagen capsules below!

1. Vitabiotics Jointace Collagen Tablets

Customer rating: 4.6/5 stars

Jointace collagen has been designed for those with an active life, in sports, or in later life. It provides high-grade, organic collagen that’s been hydrolysed to help improve absorption.

Take 2 tablets a day with a main meal. Swallow with a full glass of water or a cold drink.

Do not take them with tea or coffee, as this may cause the tablets to disintegrate too early.

2. Bioglan Beauty Collagen 90 Tablets

Customer rating: 4/5 stars

Bioglan Beauty Collagen tablets have been specially formulated with readily absorbed hydrolysed marine collagen.

It also contains Vitamin C, Biotin and Selenium to help support the maintenance of hair, skin and nails.

Take three tablets a day with a glass of water.

3. Holland & Barrett Collagen 1000mg 90 tablets

Customer rating: 4/5 stars

H&B Collagen 1000mg tablets contain Vitamin C, which contributes to collagen formation for the normal function of skin.

These fish-free tablets should be taken daily, preferably with meals (between three to five tablets a day).

4. Neocell Super Collagen + C 120 Tablets

Customer rating: 4.3/5 stars

You’ll find an impressive 6000mg of type I and III hydrolysed collagen in each of these bioactive tablets!

They also contain 60mg of vitamin C, another nutrient that supports normal collagen formation in the body.

Best collagen powders

If you’re not a fan of taking tablets, powdered collagen is a super-versatile choice, as you can sprinkle some into your smoothies, juices, or even in your baking.

Collagen powders combined with a liquid to create a collagen drink are believed to work quickly because the nutrients are absorbed into your bloodstream faster than applying a topical supplement.⁵

Choose from a flavoured or unflavoured powder – it’s up to you.

5. Holland & Barrett Marine Collagen Tropical Flavoured Powder 5000mg 210g

Holland & Barrett Marine Collagen Tropical Powder 5000mg is a versatile collagen powder supplement, which helps to support healthy skin, from the inside out.

Easy and convenient, this marine collagen powder with vitamin C can slot simply into your daily routine, alongside a busy lifestyle, making supplementing with collagen an absolute doddle.

Because of its refreshing tropical flavour, it can easily be added to a simple glass of water, to transform it into a delicious, tropical flavoured, marine collagen drink.

Each 7g serving provides 5000mg of premium marine collagen. Adding it to water also helps to count towards your daily water intake too, ticking off two of your nutrition goals.

6. Bioglan Beauty Powder 151

Customer rating: 4.1/5 stars

This high strength collagen supplement has been specially formulated with readily absorbed hydrolysed marine collagen and hyaluronic acid.

With no taste, strong smell or flavour, it dissolves in water, smoothies, shakes and soups, making it an easy and convenient to support your daily collagen requirement within the foods we eat.

Dissolve one scoop (5g) in warm water, smoothies, shakes and soups.

7. allók Skin Glow Powder Premium Collagen Powder 200g

Customer rating: 5/5 stars 

The allók Collagen range includes vital supporting ingredients that target specific areas of your body. Each allók product contains at least 5 additional ingredients - Skin Glow Powder contains Hydrolysed Collagen, Green Tea Extract, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Dimethyl Sulfone, Vitamin E & Vitamin C.

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Best collagen creamers

Do you love a creamy coffee? You’re in luck! Collagen creamers act like regular coffee creamers but with all the added benefits of collagen.

They work the same way as collagen powders and are absorbed faster than topical collagen creams.⁵

8. Dose & Co Dairy Collagen Creamer - Vanilla

Customer rating: 4.7/5 stars

This premium vanilla-flavoured bovine collagen powder contains 10g of collagen per serving.

Blend a scoop into coffee, smoothies, tea and milk to nourish your body with pure collagen, all while giving your drinks a lush, creamy texture and naturally sweet taste.

9. Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer

Customer rating: 5/5 stars

Collagen… coconut...creamer…Sold!

Not only does this creamer provide you with 10g of high-quality grass-fed bovine collagen peptides, it’s got all the tasty goodness of organic coconut milk powder too. Hello coconut latte with a difference!

Also available in vanilla. 

Best marine collagen

The clue is in the name! Marine collagen is sourced from fish skin, bones and scales.

It’s thought to be one of the best ways to consume collagen and is composed of almost entirely type 1 collagen – the most common collagen found in the human body.⁶

It’s also handy for all you pescatarians out there or those who don’t eat beef / red meat.

10. H&B Expert Marine Collagen Orange Liquid 10 Sachets

Customer rating: 5/5 stars

Holland & Barrett Expert Marine Collagen Liquid Sachets features our most advanced and clinically studied liquid, Verisol collagen, to support with the appearance of wrinkles and your skin’s elasticity.

Get your daily dose of high strength collagen in this quick and easy, liquid collagen drink.

As well as high quality, clinically studied marine collagen, Holland & Barrett Expert Marine Collagen Liquid Sachets also contains skin supporting nutrients, such as vitamin C and zinc.

11. Vital Proteins Marine Collagen – Unflavoured

Customer rating: 4.5/5 stars

Not a fan of bovine collagen? Give this marine collagen a whirl instead. It’s made from the scales of fresh, non-GMO white fish, wild-caught off the coast of Alaska.

This is a winner if you’re looking for a no-effort collagen powder. Not only is it highly bioavailable and easy to digest, but it’s unflavoured. Mix into any food or drink you like!

Simply enjoy 1 scoop a day.

Best collagen peptides

Collagen peptides are simply small pieces of protein found in animal collagen, e.g., bovine collagen.

Because they’re made up of shorter amino acid chains, peptides are more bioavailable (easy to absorb into the bloodstream) than other forms of collagen.⁷

No worries: you’re getting all the goodness you need.

12. Dose & Co Pure Collagen Peptides 283g

 The most versatile product in the Dose & Co range, this unflavoured collagen peptide formula can fit seamlessly into your busy routine. As this pure collagen comes

unflavoured, you can blend into coffee, smoothies, tea, milk and other recipes easily. Just add four heaped teaspoons of powder to get 21g of quality bovine collagen. 

Fancy learning about all the collagen benefits you could stir into your coffee? We spoke to Dose & Co Founder and official “collagen guru” Libby Matthews to find out more…

Handpicked content: Meet our collagen gurus

13. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides – Unflavoured

Customer rating: 4.4/5 stars

Sourced from grace-fed, pasture-raised cattle, this collagen peptide powder is super high quality.

Enjoy an impressive 20g of collagen per serving, whether you mix it into your coffee or pop it in your smoothie – it’s unflavored so you can use it however you like with no unfortunate taste consequences!

Simply enjoy one scoop a day.

Best collagen drinks

If you’re not overly keen on taking tablets or simply just want to save some time – a readymade powdered collagen drink could be a good choice for you.

Most just require you to add water or milk, so it’s great if you live a busy lifestyle or want to make collagen drinks at work, when travelling, etc.

14. Planet Paleo Pure Collagen Cacao Magic 264g

A new way to get your daily dose of Planet Paleo Pure Collagen powder. Each serving contains a dose of 5g of Collagen protein powder, alongside high-quality organic Cacao powder. Whether you’re after a boosted chocolate milkshake, nourishing hot chocolate, or an added extra in your protein shake, this easy to mix powder is suitable for all fancies.

Best liquid collagen

Collagen that comes in liquid form -e.g., in sachets or shots - can be easier for the body to absorb. This is because it requires less digestion and is absorbed into the bloodstream faster than a powder, for example.

Another advantage of liquid collagen is that it’s a great option for all you busy bees out there, as you can pop a sachet/shot in your bag and not have to worry about preparing it – just enjoy!

15. Revive Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Drink Sachets, 14 Days Worth 

Customer rating: 4.5/5 stars

Mixing powders or popping pills not your thing? Then you may have just found your ideal collagen supplement!

These ready-to-drink liquid collagen sachets are formulated with 8500mg of hydrolysed marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera juice and a great-tasting citrus flavour.

Take one sachet a day, preferably with a meal.

Also available in a 28-day package.

16. Neocell Collagen + C Pomegranate Liquid 

Customer rating: 5/5 stars

Activate your inner beauty in the most refreshing way!

This collagen + pomegranate liquid formula contains 4g of type 1 and type 3 collagen peptides, vitamin C, antioxidant fruit juice concentrates, herbal extracts and minerals. It tastes pretty nice too!

Best vegan collagen

With most collagen sources and supplements being from animal sources, vegan collagen can seem a little confusing… but it does exist!

Experiments have shown that genetically modified yeast and bacteria can be made to replicate human collagen. As you can imagine, it’s a little more complicated than extracting it from fish scales…⁸

This is why most vegan collagen supplements are made with ingredients like vitamin C and amino acids (like l-lysine found in human collagen).

Rather than supplying ready-made animal collagen, it gives your body all the ingredients to do the job.

17. Starpowa Vegan Collagen Support – 60 Gummies

Customer rating: 5/5 stars

This gummy offering by Starpowa has been formulated to support your body’s natural collagen formation and skin health with vitamin C.

It also includes other ingredients, like l-lysine, BCAAs, bamboo, hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E. No animal necessary!

Take 2 cloudy lemonade-flavoured gummies a day.

18. Neocell Hyaluronic Acid Berry Liquid

Customer rating: 5/5 stars

This delicious blueberry liquid is ready to nourish your body with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, green tea extract, pomegranate, blueberry and cranberry juice concentrates.

Vitamin C in this formula can help support normal collagen formation and keep your skin healthy.

Not only that, but it’s also totally vegan friendly, lactose free, soy free and gluten free.

Best collagen snacks

Are you the sort of person who would always choose a snack over a drink? Maybe a healthy collagen-infused snack could be for you!

19. Locako Cakes – 3 amazing flavours

Customer rating: 5/5 stars

Calling all you snack-lovers out there, now you can take your collagen in the form of a tasty bite!

Locako’s Keto Collagen Brownie Bites are the perfect delicious protein hit for a mid morning snack or afternoon sweet treat. Try in chocolate orange, peanut butter and almond butter flavours.

Best collagen cream

As well as collagen pills and collagen powder, there’s collagen cream. And even that comes with different choices…

Will you go for a day cream, night cream, super night-time cream, or eye cream? They’ll all provide the benefits of collagen and blend seamlessly into your skincare routine.

While collagen tablets work from the inside out, collagen cream topically targets one specific area. So, you can have all the collagen benefits you’re after in your face or body.

20. Q&A Natural Skincare Collagen Face Cream 50g

Customer rating: 4.5/5 stars

This cream contains a collagen boosting active derived from seaweed, helping to provide collagen to support hydration.

Assisted by magnesium PCA and lactic acid, it helps combat free radicals whilst supporting the peptide technology.

Apply evenly to clean skin. Can be used as a day or night cream.

21. Vitaskin Vitamin C Collagen Boosting Night Cream

Customer rating: 4.2/5 stars

This hydrating collagen boosting night cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It contains high levels of Vitamin C and omega oils that recharge skin overnight for a youthful and healthy glow.

Apply as final step in your skincare routine. This cream is 99% natural and 100% vegan. (For more on vegan collagen read, ‘What is vegan collagen made from?’)

22. Dr Organic Pro Collagen Plus Dragon’s Blood

Customer rating: 4.3/5 stars

Dr Organic’s Pro Collagen Plus Dragon’s Blood has been sourced from the Amazonian forests of Peru.

This advanced moisturiser helps increase hydration while working to create smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

Apply in the morning after cleansing. At night, apply after cleansing and toning.

What are the side effects of taking collagen supplements?

Collagen is considered to be very safe due to the fact it naturally exists in our bodies and is therefore well tolerated by the human body.¹⁰

No significant side effects have been linked to collagen. However, some people who’ve taken collagen supplements have found they can leave a bit of a lingering bad taste in their mouth.

The other side effects to be mindful of are digestion-related; feeling full up and suffering from heartburn can potentially be caused by taking collagen.

If you do experience any of these symptoms, they should only be minor, and they should go away when you stop using collagen.

However, if you have any concerns or the side effects persist, seek advice from your GP.

Are collagen supplements suitable for everyone?

In the meantime, it’s also worth bearing in mind that while collagen supplements haven’t been linked to any major side effects, they are made from ingredients that some people are allergic to (for instance, fish, shellfish, and eggs).

In this case, vegan collagen support, like we’ve mentioned above, is likely a safer option for you!

If you are allergic to any of these ingredients, then you should avoid supplements that list these on their ingredients to avoid the possibility of experiencing an allergic reaction.

The final say

• Collagen is something our bodies all produce: it helps to keep our skin firm and smooth, our joints supple, and our body running smoothly.
• Our collagen levels begin to decrease in our twenties, and we might see visible and physical signs of ageing.
• Collagen supplements, in their many forms, help replenish those declining collagen levels
• You can take it orally, or you can apply it topically. The choice really is yours…
• Looking for healthy skin as you age? Move on to our guide, The top 10 benefits of collagen, or check out our Home of Collagen.

Related article: ‘Could collagen give you younger-looking skin?’

Last updated: 30 January 2023