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Somewhere between your mid-20s and your third iced coffee of the day, your body starts producing less collagen. You won’t notice it overnight, but as you age, it shows up as more fine lines, stiffer joints and weaker hair. This is why many people resort to collagen supplements. They’ve become the go-to in the wellness space for people looking to support their skin, joints and overall health from within.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up 30% of the total protein in your body. Its main job is to provide structure, strength and support. It gives your skin its firmness, helps your joints move smoothly and supports your bones, muscles and connective tissues. There are five main types of collagen, including:
As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen, and that’s why you may start to notice changes. These could include sagging skin, less flexible tendons, muscle aches and joint discomfort.
Although collagen exists in food sources like bone broth and fish skin, getting consistent amounts through diet alone can be tricky. Supplements may help support your intake, and research suggests that they can help reduce joint pain and improve skin elasticity.
Most collagen supplements are derived from animal sources such as beef, pigs, or fish and are processed into hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides. This form is broken down into smaller pieces so your body can absorb it more easily through the gastrointestinal tract.
Collagen supplements are booming in popularity, with the global collagen market valued at $10,376.1 in 2024 and projected to reach $26,213 million by 2033. With so many options on the market, though, figuring out which one actually fits your needs can be overwhelming. Here are the best collagen supplements available right now.
HUM Collagen Love is a great choice if your main goal is healthier-looking skin. This supplement uses Types I and III collagen sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, delivering 600 mg per serving in capsule form. It also includes vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, both of which support collagen production and help your skin stay hydrated and firm. On top of that, you’re getting extras like red wine extract, grape seed extract and chondroitin sulfate, all aimed at supporting overall skin health.
HUM Collagen Love is formulated by registered dietitians and tested by a third party for purity and quality, with Clean Label Project certification to back it up. While it doesn’t contain colors, flavors or sweeteners, keep in mind that it’s not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
This is one of the most recognizable collagen powders on the market, and for good reason. Each serving provides 20 grams of collagen and 18 grams of protein, sourced from Types I and III collagen derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. It can support your skin, hair, nails and joints and help you boost your daily protein intake in an easy way.
The unflavored powder mixes smoothly into both hot and cold liquids, though it works best in room temperature or warm drinks like coffee or tea. It’s been tested in smoothies, baked goods, yogurt and soups without significantly altering the taste. Moreover, it’s NSF Certified for Sport, which means it’s been thoroughly checked for quality and safety.
If you want something more comprehensive, this multi-collagen formula covers a lot of ground. It includes 10 different types of collagen sourced from four places, including bovine, marine, eggshell and chicken bone broth. Each serving provides nine grams of collagen and 10 grams of protein, so it’s a well-rounded option for overall support.
This supplement also offers much more than just collagen, with vitamin C and two billion CFU of the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans to support gut health. The brand is transparent about what’s inside, publishing a Certificate of Analysis and testing for heavy metals like lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury. Although the unflavored version can have a slight odor due to its multiple sources, the taste remains mild. You can also get the flavored versions if you prefer something a bit easier to drink.
This one is created with athletes and active lifestyles in mind. One serving provides 16.8 grams of collagen and 15 grams of protein, combining collagen with Fortigel, a hydrolyzed form of collagen that’s typically used to support joints and connective tissue. It also contains vitamin C to help with collagen production.
Momentous Collagen Peptides’ formula focuses on performance, supporting muscle recovery, strength and joint function. It’s both NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport Certified. This means it’s been rigorously tested and doesn’t contain banned substances. You can dissolve it in hot drinks or smoothies, though it’s not as smooth in cold liquids. The brand suggests taking it 30 to 60 minutes before training or a few hours after caffeine on rest days.
If powders and capsules aren’t your thing, these gummies make collagen supplements a lot more fun to take. You simply take two a day, no water or prep needed, which makes them easy to stick with. They support skin hydration and structure by combining collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid.
The formula also includes sea buckthorn, along with ingredients such as glucose syrup, beet sugar and fruit-derived coloring. However, each serving contains three grams of added sugar, and the collagen and protein content are lower than in powders.
Sports Research Marine Collagen is a fantastic alternative to meat-based collagen supplements. It’s sourced from wild-caught fish like barramundi and red snapper and offers 10 grams of collagen and nine grams of protein per serving, as well as 18 amino acids like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. You’re getting Types I and III collagen here, meaning you can expect skin, hair, nails and joint support.
Since it dissolves well in both hot and cold drinks, it’s easy to work into your routine. There’s a slight smell, but it doesn’t affect the taste. Additionally, the formula is third-party tested, and it’s Non-GMO, Paleo-friendly and Keto-certified.
If you’re training regularly or focusing on recovery, try the Gnarly Collagen Pro. Each serving provides 15 grams of collagen and 14 grams of protein, sourced from 100% grass-fed bovine. It also includes added nutrients like zinc, vitamin C and copper to support collagen synthesis and overall recovery.
The formula is both NSF Contents Certified and NSF Certified for Sport. It can support tendons, ligaments and joints while reducing injury risk. For optimal results, mix it with eight to 10 ounces of liquid and take it about 30 to 60 minutes before training.
Youtheory Collagen delivers 6 grams of hydrolyzed collagen and 100% of your daily vitamin C needs in a full serving of six capsules. It’s made with bovine collagen and promises to improve your hair, skin, nails and joint health. It may also contribute to muscle and bone support.
It’s been independently tested for heavy metals and contaminants, so you know the label matches what’s inside. Just keep in mind that six capsules is a full serving, and they’re on the larger side.
For joint health, opt for the Life Extension ArthroMax Advanced. It uses undenatured Type II collagen sourced from chicken and provides 40 milligrams per serving. This type of collagen is the same kind found in your joints, and it may be more effective than glucosamine or chondroitin alone for supporting joint comfort and mobility.
In addition to collagen, the formula also includes glucosamine, boswellia and boron. These work together to support joint structure, reduce inflammation factors and promote flexibility. Life Extension ArthroMax Advanced has passed strict testing through ConsumerLab.com’s Quality Certification Program and follows high internal quality standards, with Non-GMO ingredients.
This one combines grass-fed bovine collagen peptides with Nicotinamide Riboside to help support NAD+ levels, an important coenzyme for cellular energy that naturally declines with age. With a focus on Types I and III for skin and joints, each serving provides 13 grams of collagen and 12 grams of protein.
THORNE Collagen Plus also includes HydroPeach ceramides and red and black currant extracts. These can help support skin hydration and elasticity by strengthening the skin barrier. The powder is unflavored, so it’s easy to mix into drinks without changing the taste.
Collagen supplements aren’t a magic fix, but they can be a helpful addition to your routine if you’re looking to support your skin, joints and overall well-being. Make sure to choose one that fits your lifestyle and stick with it.
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