Many well-known brands use big marketing campaigns, often featuring celebrity endorsements, to push their products. But, when you take a closer look, do these brands really back up their claims with high-quality ingredients and proven results?

Collagen is one of the hottest supplements on the market, but choosing the right one can be tricky. Understanding what to look for—and what to avoid—is key to finding a supplement that fits your needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of what to look for in a collagen supplement and explore the potential benefits of adding collagen to your daily routine.

Plus, we’ve handpicked the top collagen supplements this year to help make your decision easier.

Why should you be taking a collagen supplement?

The collagen market is projected to soar to $5.3 billion by 2026—and for good reason.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, supporting healthy skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, muscle growth, and overall wellness. Unfortunately, collagen production naturally begins to decline in your mid-20s. By age 30, most people lose about 1% of their collagen each year.

This decline is known to contribute to weaker hair and nails, reduced joint flexibility, loss of skin elasticity, and more noticeable wrinkles. ^[1,2]

Collagen Decline May Contribute To:

❌ Wrinkles, sagging, and dullness in the skin ^[1,2]

❌ Weaker, more brittle hair & nails ^[1,2]

❌ Joint, muscle, and bone discomfort ^[2,3]  

It seems simple—just take a collagen supplement to replenish that loss, right? But not all collagen supplements are created equally.

Some brands use collagen that the body absorbs less efficiently, making it less effective in delivering benefits.

That’s why it’s crucial to choose a supplement with Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides, which are broken down into smaller amino acids that the body can digest and absorb more effectively.

IMPORTANT: Not All Collagen Supplements Are Created Equal

Research shows that Type I collagen plays a key role in supporting skin health, particularly by promoting elasticity and hydration. It’s a top pick for maintaining healthy-looking skin and reducing the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Bovine collagen is one of the most prevalent sources of this essential collagen type. ^[2,3]

Bovine collagen, rich in both Types I and III, provides the amino acids necessary to support joint mobility and flexibility. This makes it a great option for those seeking to maintain joint comfort, particularly as they age or engage in physical activities. ^[4]

Type III collagen, in combination with Type I, plays a vital role in maintaining skin structure and joint flexibility. These two types of collagen work together to support smooth movement, skin firmness, and overall mobility, making bovine collagen highly beneficial for both beauty and joint health. ^[2]

What to Look For

What to Steer Clear Of

• Amino Acid & Collagen Quantity:

Check the label for collagen content and amino acid profile. While some brands boast larger collagen doses, it’s important to remember that more isn’t always better—quality matters more than quantity. Most quality brands also provide a detailed amino acid profile.

• Hydrolyzed Collagen:

Choose a collagen supplement that has been enzymatically hydrolyzed, which breaks the protein into smaller peptide chains to support absorption. Avoid products treated with chemicals, as this can reduce the quality of the amino acids.

• Taste & Mixability:

Some collagen supplements tend to have an unpleasant taste & odor, often accompanied by poor mixability. To make daily use easier, choose one that blends smoothly and is flavorless, so you can enjoy it in your favorite drinks or foods without any issues.

• Quality & Purity:

When choosing a collagen supplement, opt for one made with 100% pure hydrolyzed collagen without unnecessary fillers or additives. It's also best to select collagen sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine or sustainably harvested seafood for higher quality and ethical sourcing.

• Untraceable Collagen Source:

Not knowing the specific origin of collagen used in a supplement can raise concerns about overall quality and sourcing practices. It's important to know where your collagen comes from to ensure you're choosing a high-quality supplement.

• Artificial Fillers & Additives:

Steer clear of collagen supplements containing unnecessary additives or fillers, as these can compromise the overall quality of the supplement. Opt for 100% hydrolyzed collagen, free from synthetic ingredients or fillers, to support the intended quality and benefits.

• Lack of Independent Testing:

Choose supplements that have been verified for purity and potency through third-party lab testing.

• Lack of Transparency:

Always thoroughly review the ingredient list and prioritize brands that are fully transparent, ensuring they have nothing to hide about their product's contents.

• Artificial Flavors & Sweeteners:

• Collagen Type:

Look for collagen types I and III, which are important for supporting skin elasticity, hydration, and joint health. These types are commonly found in bovine collagen, making it a versatile choice for overall wellness.

Some brands include artificial flavors and sweeteners, which can add unwanted chemicals and calories, potentially detracting from the overall quality of collagen supplements. Always check for added sugars and extra calories that can affect the supplement's purity and effectiveness.

#1

Mobility Collagen Peptides

by Fernes ^[5]

ESSENTIAL TAKEAWAYS

• SUPPORTS: Skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, gut health, & recovery*
• COLLAGEN TYPES: I & III
• DERIVED FROM: Brazilian pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine
• TASTE: Tasteless
• MIXABILITY: 10/10

Score

A+

Overall Score

Pros

• Made in the USA with traceable collagen.
• Features Peptan® collagen – scientifically studied for its wellness and overall health support.
• Rich in 18 amino acids for full-body support.
• Hydrolyzed and highly bioavailable, designed to support absorption.
• 100% pure collagen with no additives or fillers.
• Unflavored and odorless for versatile use.
• Dissolves fast without clumping.
• Hassle-free subscription service available.

Cons

• Only available for purchase online.
• Popularity can result in occasional stock shortages.
• Not the cheapest option

Overall Thoughts

What makes Fernes Mobility Collagen Peptides stand out is the inclusion of Peptan® collagen, a scientifically supported collagen peptide known for supporting skin elasticity, hydration, joint health, and more. Each serving contains 10 grams of bioactive hydrolyzed collagen peptides, providing essential amino acids for full-body wellness.

We found that this unflavored powder dissolves easily in both hot and cold beverages, making it a seamless addition to coffee, smoothies, or even recipes like oatmeal or baked goods. The fact that it’s completely tasteless ensures it won’t alter the taste or texture of your food.

Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, Fernes Mobility Collagen Peptides is made in the USA and third-party lab-tested, ensuring purity and quality. With no fillers or artificial additives, it offers a clean, pure collagen supplement designed for efficient absorption.

Fernes also offers a convenient Subscribe & Save program, which provides a 20% discount on each order, making it cost-effective to maintain your collagen routine. Plus, the 365-day money-back guarantee adds an extra layer of confidence.

Overall, Fernes Mobility Collagen Peptides offers excellent value, combining bioavailability, scientific backing, and a strong commitment to quality, making it a great option for supporting joint comfort and skin health.

#2

Collagen Peptides

by Native Path

ESSENTIAL TAKEAWAYS

• SUPPORTS: Skin, hair, nails, joints, & bones*
• COLLAGEN TYPES: I & III
• DERIVED FROM: South American grass-fed & pasture-raised bovine
• TASTE: Neutral
• MIXABILITY: 6/10

Score

B+

Overall Score

Pros

• Made in the USA
• Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine in South America
• Hydrolyzed collagen for easy absorption
• No odor or unpleasant taste
• Contains only one ingredient
• Convenient subscription service available

Cons

• Collagen source not fully specified
• Only 25 servings per container
• Contains 50mg of sodium per serving
• Difficult to dissolve fully

Overall Thoughts

Native Path Collagen Peptides offer hydrolyzed, unflavored type I and III collagen, sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised South American bovine. However, the sourcing details remain somewhat vague, highlighting the importance of transparency when choosing a product.

While the powder contains only one ingredient—pure collagen peptides—it doesn’t dissolve easily in liquids, making it more challenging for daily use. On the positive side, the powder is odorless and free from any unpleasant taste, which is ideal for an unflavored supplement. The formula also includes 50mg of sodium per serving, which could be a consideration for those monitoring sodium intake.

Native Path offers a 10% discount on the first order with their subscription service, providing a modest saving. However, with only 25 servings per container, it may not last as long as other collagen supplements on the market.

#3

Collagen Peptides Advanced

by Vital Proteins

ESSENTIAL TAKEAWAYS

• SUPPORTS: Skin, hair, nails, & joints*
• COLLAGEN TYPES: I & III
• DERIVED FROM: Bovine (Source Unknown)
• TASTE: A tad salty
• MIXABILITY: 7.5/10

Score

B-

Overall Score

Pros

• Made in the USA
• Hydrolyzed collagen for easy absorption
• Contains added Vitamin C & HA
• Convenient subscription service available

Cons

• Contains 110mg of sodium per serving
• Collagen and ingredient sources are unspecified
• Only 13 servings per container
• Does not come with a scoop for easy measuring
• Lacks a satisfaction guarantee

Overall Thoughts

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced offers a convenient way to add collagen into your daily routine, featuring hydrolyzed, unflavored peptides that mix easily into beverages & foods. However, the serving size is relatively large at 20g, which is higher than many comparable options.

The product contains 110mg of sodium per serving, which may be a consideration for those monitoring their sodium intake. This sodium content also slightly affects the taste. Moreover, the product doesn’t include a scoop, making it less convenient to measure out the correct serving size.

While the product delivers collagen benefits, it would be helpful if the sourcing of the collagen and other ingredients were specified to ensure full transparency. Additionally, the absence of a satisfaction guarantee may be a drawback for some customers.

#4

Multi Collagen Protein

by Ancient Nutrition

ESSENTIAL TAKEAWAYS

• SUPPORTS: Skin, hair, nails, joints, & gut health*
• COLLAGEN TYPES: I, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, X, XII, XXII
• DERIVED FROM: Bovine, chicken, eggshell membrane & fish (Sources Unknown)
• TASTE: Noticeable aftertaste
• MIXABILITY: 4/10

Score

C

Overall Score

Pros

• Made from pasture-raised and grass-fed sources
• Hydrolyzed bovine collagen for easy absorption
• Contains added Vitamin C & Probiotics
• Convenient subscription service available

Cons

• Unspecified sodium amount
• Collagen and ingredient sources are unspecified
• Contains allergens like fish and eggs

Overall Thoughts

Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein offers 10g of hydrolyzed collagen per scoop, along with probiotics and vitamin C. However, this product has several notable downsides that may make it less appealing for those seeking high-quality collagen supplements.

First, the origins of the collagen and other ingredients are not disclosed, which could leave consumers seeking greater transparency. Additionally, the product contains allergens like fish and eggs, making it unsuitable for individuals with dietary sensitivities. The dissolvability of this powder also falls short, as it struggles to mix smoothly, even in warm beverages.

Another drawback is that the sodium content is not specified, which could be a consideration for those monitoring their sodium intake. Priced higher than many alternatives, this product may not meet the expectations of some consumers when compared to other collagen options.

#5

Super Youth Collagen

by Skinny Fit

ESSENTIAL TAKEAWAYS

• SUPPORTS: Skin, hair, nails, & joints*
• COLLAGEN TYPES: I, II, III, V, X
• DERIVED FROM: Bovine, chicken, eggshell & fish (Sources Unknown)
• TASTE: Noticeable aftertaste
• MIXABILITY: 7/10

Score

C

Overall Score

Pros

• Contains hydrolyzed bovine collagen for easy absorption
• Contains added Vitamin C, HA, ACV, Probiotics, & Fiber
• Convenient subscription service available

Cons

• Has an aftertaste
• Collagen and ingredient sources are unspecified
• Contains allergens like fish and eggs

Overall Thoughts

SkinnyFit's Super Youth Collagen offers a multi-source collagen blend with 15.6g of hydrolyzed collagen per serving, derived from bovine, fish, chicken, and eggshell membranes. This formula also includes vitamin C, apple cider vinegar, and hyaluronic acid, with about 28 servings per container.

While the additional ingredients may offer added benefits, the inclusion of fish and eggshell membranes could be a consideration for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Additionally, the origins of the collagen and ingredients are not specified, which could leave some consumers seeking greater transparency. Although the powder dissolves fairly well, there is a slight aftertaste, likely due to the variety of collagen sources and added ingredients.

The serving size is relatively large at 2 scoops (20g), which is higher than many comparable options. At $99.95 per container for a one-time purchase, this product is also priced higher than other collagen options, which may not align with every consumer’s budget.

CITATIONS

DISCLAIMER: The scientific research presented is solely for informational purposes. Individual results may differ. We provide this information as a service and do not endorse its contents. This material should not  be regarded as an endorsement or recommendation of any specific products. 

*These statements have not been reviewed by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Please note: The information provided on this website or by this company should not replace a personal consultation with your physician and should not be taken as personalized medical advice. The testimonials featured on this site reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee similar results for everyone. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information available on this website, is intended for general informational purposes only.

Any trademarks displayed on our website are owned by their respective holders, and no endorsement by them of our website or services is implied or expressed. Rankings may be influenced by our relationships with the top picks featured.

[5] We maintain financial relationships with some of our top picks and partners.

© 2024 jointeasetips.com

All Rights Reserved.

[1] Lippiello L, Woodward J, Karpman R, Hammad TA. "Chondroprotective effects of glycosaminoglycans on human articular cartilage explants in vitro." Am J Ther. 1994 May;1(2):84-91. PMID: 8043384

[2] Jiang JX, Yu S, Huang QR, Zhang XL. "Efficacy and Safety of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, the Two in Combination, or Celecoxib in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee." Sci Rep. 2019 Nov 25;9(1):17417. PMC6891674

[3] Dai Z, Wang R, Ang LW, Low YL, Yuan JM, Koh WP. "Protective effects of dietary carotenoids on risk of hip fracture in men: The Singapore Chinese Health Study." Osteoporos Int. 2016 Feb;27(2):681-9. PMID: 26840887

[4] Kapoor S, Agrawal DK, Mittal SK. "Proteoglycans in the compressive strength of cartilage." Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2002 Oct;(403 Suppl). PMC10058045