:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwh-product-vital-proteins-peptides-jthompson-6723-ff4cac2eecdd459e8ed4ff4bc8cd5bbf.jpeg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "The 8 Best Collagen Supplements of 2024")
Collagen is a protein that forms skin, bones, tendons, muscles, hair, and nails. As we age, our collagen production decreases, reducing skin elasticity and bone strength, contributing to joint pain and weaker hair and nails.
While you can get collagen from foods like bone broth and fish, collagen supplements are an easy way to consistently and easily get collagen and also a boost in protein. Collagen supplements may improve skin appearance, reduce joint pain, and minimize activity-related muscle soreness. Some studies show potential benefits for hair and nail strength, although research is limited.
We tested 23 of the top collagen supplements to find our best picks. We considered collagen type, third-party testing, flavor, smell, value, and whether we noticed any changes during testing in joint pain, skin appearance, hair and nail strength, or muscle soreness. All our bovine (cow) based collagens are from grass-fed sources.
What Registered Dietitians Want You To Know
- Types of Collagen: The different types of collagen have different bodily functions. The main types of collagen are I through IV. Type I provides structure to skin, bones, and tendons, type II provides joint support, type III is found in muscles, and type IV is found in the skin. Collagen supplements are only derived from animal sources like cows or fish. There are no vegan collagen supplements.
- How much to take: The recommended daily dose for wrinkles and joint pain is 2.5 to 15 grams daily. We recommend following the dose recommendations on your product of choice.
- What to expect: Collagen supplements do not reverse the effects of aging, and they need to be taken consistently to see results. Anna Brown, MS, RD says the benefits of collagen supplements include longer, stronger hair and nails, more supple skin, stronger joints, improved muscle growth and maintenance, and a stronger gut lining. It can take around eight weeks to see reduced wrinkles, three to six months to alleviate joint pain, and around 12 months for benefits such as bone strength.
- Seek a professional if: We recommend speaking with a healthcare professional before using collagen supplements if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a history of kidney stones. Brown advises seeking a professional if you are experiencing symptoms such as hair loss or joint pain and do not notice improvements to address root causes.
Editor’s Note
Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Medical Expert Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your needs and which dosage to take.
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Amazon
NSF Certified for Sport products
Dissolves well in hot liquids
Flavored products taste delicious
Higher protein content
Variety of types of collagen to choose from
Key Specs
Serving size (unflavored and flavored option): 4 tbsp | Collagen per serving: 20 g | Protein per serving: 18 g | Source: Bovine collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Type I & III
Why We Recommend It
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is our top pick for a versatile collagen supplement you can use in different ways. We love that the unflavored option dissolves well in hot liquids and doesn’t add a noticeable flavor. Four tablespoons provide 20 grams of collagen and 18 grams of protein per serving from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, a higher amount than other products. The individual packets can be helpful to take with you on the go or while traveling.
We also love the flavored options from Vital Proteins—specifically the lemon-flavored option. During testing, we loved how delicious this powder was and received top scores for taste. It made cold drinks taste like lemonade and hot drinks like lemony tea without any unpleasant aftertaste. Other flavor options include vanilla, chocolate, or matcha. Many Vital Proteins products are NSF Certified for Sport—a strong third-party certification that verifies ingredient accuracy, lack of contaminants, and no banned substances for athletic competitions.
Vital Proteins also has wild-caught marine collagen if you prefer a supplement not based on cows.
Taste and Texture
- This lemon-flavored collagen powder received top marks for taste and texture. It dissolved completely in liquids without leaving behind any residue and tasted lightly sweet and refreshing.
- The unflavored and marine collagen don’t dissolve as well in cold liquids. The marine collagen also has a slightly grainy texture—but no aftertaste.
Keep In Mind
The flavored options are sweetened with stevia, which some people may not like. The collagen amount and ingredients can vary between different products.
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Amazon
Key Specs
Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 10 g | Protein per serving: 9 g | Source: Hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides, fermented eggshell membrane collagen, chicken bone broth protein concentrate, hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Types I, II, III, IV, V VII, VIII, X, XII, XXII
Why We Recommend It
Different types of collagen have varying roles in the body. Brown says Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein is a great option since it contains a variety of collagen sources, including bovine hide collagen peptides, fermented eggshell membrane collagen, chicken bone broth protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides, which are meant to support skin, hair, nails, bones, and joint health. We also like that it contains vitamin C, which is needed for collagen formation.
During testing we liked that this powder was truly unflavored when mixed with hot liquids, leaving behind no aftertaste. It also dissolved quickly and did not leave behind any clumps or powder at the bottom of the glass, so this powder could work well in smoothies or baking, too. Ancient Nutrition provides a Certificate of Analysis for its products to show they have been tested for heavy metals and other toxins.
Taste and Texture
- Ancient Nutrition collagen dissolves well in hot and cold liquids but had a chalky smell when mixed with cold water. After mixing, it left some visible particles that were not noticeable while drinking.
Keep In Mind
This collagen supplement contains nine grams of collagen per serving, which is lower than other powders. However, this is still within the recommended range, and you can add two scoops for a higher collagen boost if desired.
Avoid this powder if you have egg or fish allergies.
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Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson
![Hand stirring a drink made with Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Pure next to its bottle]()
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Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson
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Transparent Labs
Key Specs
Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 11 g | Protein per serving: 10 g | Source: Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Type I & III
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for a tasty and high-quality collagen supplement to add flavor to drinks, Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate chocolate-flavored collagen is a great choice. This grass-fed cow-based collagen supplement received top marks in all categories during testing as a delicious option that smells pleasant and dissolves well.
We like that it contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. It is Informed Choice Certified, so you can be confident the ingredient label is accurate and has been tested for contaminants. During testing we noted improved skin hydration, healthier hair, and reduced neck stiffness after using this supplement consistently. However, individual results may vary.
Taste and Texture
- We really enjoyed this supplement’s light chocolate, mocha-like flavor and found that it blended well in hot and cold drinks without a gritty texture.
Keep In Mind
This collagen supplement contains 11 grams of collagen and 10 grams of protein, which is lower than other products. It also contains stevia, which some people prefer to avoid.
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Amazon
Key Specs
Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 11 g | Protein per serving: 10 g | Source: Bovine collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Type I & III
Why We Recommend It
Sports Research Collagen Peptides Protein is a flavorless, high-quality collagen powder that dissolves well in hot drinks. During testing, we found it dissolved completely in coffee without leaving any clumps. We didn’t notice any flavor, so you don’t have to worry about the taste of your hot beverage being altered. It can be easily added to warm drinks like tea or blended into smoothies for a collagen boost.
We like that this powder is Informed Choice Certified, so you can feel confident knowing this supplement has been checked for contaminants and banned substances for athletic competitions. The only ingredient is hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides without additives or flavors. It contains collagen types I and III to support hair, skin, and nails.
Taste and Texture
- When added to coffee, this collagen powder had no detectable taste and dissolved completely.
Keep In Mind
This powder does not fare as well in cold water, where we noticed it did not dissolve well and had a somewhat chalky smell. We recommend using it in hot beverages or blended into smoothies or other foods.
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Bubs Naturals
Third-party certified
Higher dose of protein
Truly unflavored
Dissolves completely
Key Specs
Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 20 g | Protein per serving: 18 g | Source: Bovine collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Type I & III
Why We Recommend It
If you prefer to add collagen to water or other cold drinks, BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides Powder will dissolve completely without leaving behind any clumps. While some unflavored collagen powders can still have a distinct taste, during our testing we found that the flavor and smell were indeed very light, nearly undetectable, making this a great choice to add to water or other beverages.
The serving size of one scoop provides you with 20 grams of collagen and 18 grams of protein, which is higher than other products. BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides Powder is NSF Certified for Sport, so it is also a great choice for athletes or anyone who wants peace of mind that the ingredient label is accurate and free of contaminants.
Taste and Texture
- We found this collagen powder dissolved well in both hot and cold liquids. A thin layer of powder stuck to the bottom of the glass, but we did not notice any clumps. It was the closest to unflavored, especially for cold beverages with no aftertaste, even when mixed with plain water.
Keep In Mind
This is one more expensive than other picks.
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Key Specs
Serving size: 2 scoops | Collagen per serving: 10.8 g | Protein per serving: 10 g | Source: Bovine, chicken, marine, and eggshell membrane | Collagen Type: Types I, II, III, V, X
Why We Recommend It
In addition to collagen, Micro Ingredients Multi Collagen Protein Powder contains other nutrients that may support your hair, skin, and nails. It has 61% of the Daily Value of vitamin C, which is important because vitamin C is needed to make collagen. It also contains biotin and hyaluronic acid. Supplemental biotin may benefit your hair and nails if you’re not getting enough through your diet or have a deficiency. Hyaluronic acid is found in the skin and joints and goes down with age. It can help reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration.
During testing, we noticed this collagen powder is unflavored as advertised, making it easy to add to smoothies or other liquids without altering the taste or an unpleasant aftertaste. It has no scent and mixes well with a light and smooth texture. It contains five types of collagen that can benefit hair, skin, nails, and joints. We noticed firmer, clearer skin, stronger nails, and slightly reduced joint stiffness after using this collagen powder consistently. However, individual results may vary. We also appreciate each batch is third-party tested.
Taste and Texture
- The collagen powder was truly unflavored, blended well into smoothies without altering the taste, and had a smooth, fine texture.
Keep In Mind
While supplemental biotin may benefit some, note that deficiencies are rare. While there is no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for biotin, a side effect of high amounts of biotin can impact certain lab results.
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Amazon
Key Specs
Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 7.8 g | Protein per serving: 7 g | Source: Beef, chicken, fish, eggshell membrane | Collagen Type: Type I, II, III, V, X
Why We Recommend It
If you regularly exercise, you may benefit from collagen supplements, as some small studies show it may help with muscle recovery and activity-related joint pain. Brown says collagen is high in the amino acid leucine—an important amino acid for muscle growth and another consideration for why collagen may benefit active people. CB Supplements Multi Collagen Protein may be a great choice for active people, as it is third-party tested for banned substances and contaminants and contains various types of collagen from various sources, including bone broth.
This supplement can make a great addition to a warm morning beverage. We noticed it dissolved well, remains unflavored, and does not leave an aftertaste. One scoop provides 7.9 grams of collagen and 7 grams of protein.
Taste and Texture
- We noticed this collagen is mostly unflavored, with a slight dairy taste, which is less noticeable in coffee. It did fully dissolve in hot beverages, although it took some time.
Keep In Mind
This collagen formed clumps when mixed in cold water, so we recommend adding it to warm beverages, smoothies, or baked goods.
Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson
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Amazon
Key Specs
Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 20 g | Protein per serving: 18 g | Source: Bovine collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Tye I & III
Why We Recommend It
Both probiotics and collagen are popular supplements, so taking them in one dose may be more convenient. We recommend Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides Powder if you want a probiotic and collagen supplement in one. We like that It has more protein than other products, with one scoop providing 20 grams of collagen and 18 grams of protein. Each scoop also gives you 1.5 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of a common probiotic supplement, Lactobacillus plantarum. We like that these are the only ingredients in this collagen.
We tested this collagen powder in water, coffee, smoothies, yogurt, and overnight oats. We found this powder versatile, dissolving well in both liquids and foods. Our tester noticed improved skin elasticity and nail growth after using this product consistently, but individual results may vary.
Taste and Texture
- This collagen powder is smooth and dissolves well without clumping over time when added to liquids and foods. When mixed with water, it tastes slightly sweet and does not have any taste when mixed with hot beverages and other foods.
Keep In Mind
Not everyone may benefit from the added probiotic, especially those with compromised immune systems or other illnesses. If you notice any side effects after using this, ask a healthcare professional about continuing to use it.
Collagen Supplements We Also Tested
We also tested the following collagen supplements that we think are worth highlighting:
- Momentous Collagen Peptides Powder with Protein: This collagen powder is an NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice certified supplement. During testing, we found the flavor to be fairly neutral and undetectable. While it dissolved better in hot beverages, it did not dissolve well in cold water, and some clumps formed in both hot and cold liquids. It contains vitamin C to aid in collagen formation.
- Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides: This is another high-quality collagen powder sourced from wild-caught cod. Every batch is third-party tested, with results available on their website. During testing, we noticed this product had a somewhat fishy smell, but this was undetectable when mixed into liquids. The flavor was neutral in both hot and cold beverages.
Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Besides being an easy way to increase your overall protein intake throughout the day, research shows collagen supplements may be beneficial in the following ways.
- Joint health: Some studies show supplementing with type II collagen for three to six months may help alleviate joint pain. However, research is mixed, and not all studies show this benefit.
- Skin health: Collagen supplements, particularly those with type I and type III collagen, may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and increase skin elasticity and hydration.
- Hair and nails: Some small studies show that collagen supplements may slightly increase hair thickness and strength. Research regarding nail growth is mixed, with some studies suggesting collagen can help increase nail growth.
- Muscle soreness: Incorporating collagen supplements into your workout routine may help modestly reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness and reduce activity-related joint pain.
How We Test and Select the Best Collagen Supplements
To create a list of the top collagen supplements, we tested 23 different collagen powders. We analyzed the following qualities when choosing products:
- Flavor: We reviewed each collagen supplement’s flavor to determine if it enhanced or detracted from the experience and whether or not it impacted the taste of the beverage it was mixed with.
- Texture: We analyzed the texture of each collagen powder to see whether it was smooth or gritty and if it mixed well with liquids and foods.
- Aftertaste: We noted whether the supplements left an aftertaste once consumed and whether or not this was pleasant.
- Smell: Testers smelled each supplement before use to see if it accurately reflected the flavor and if it was pleasant.
- Value: We determined whether or not the price of each collagen supplement reflected the quality and if we would be willing to pay the price for a given collagen powder.
- Real-world impact: After testing the collagen supplements for 6 weeks, we noted whether they experienced any improvements in joint pain or stiffness, skin hydration and elasticity, hair and nail strength, thickness, and growth, and changes in muscle recovery and soreness post-exercise. We also noted whether a given supplement caused any digestive symptoms and if it impacted their sense of well-being. However, we know results like this can vary, and many factors can contribute to these outcomes.
Why Third-Party Testing Matters
Third-party testing is important for collagen supplements as they can be contaminated with toxins. For example, collagen sourced from seafood can contain heavy metals such as mercury. Kylie Ivanir, MS, RD recommends looking for a Certificate of Analysis for each product. Athletes may want to choose a supplement that is NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport Certified to ensure they are not consuming a supplement with any banned substances.
Pay Attention To These Ingredients
Ivanir recommends opting for collagen supplements without any added ingredients. Many of the collagen powders in our list contain only one ingredient, but you may find added ingredients in some products such as:
- Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid: Vitamin C is involved in collagen formation in the body, so many companies add it to their collagen powders. However, most people get enough vitamin C, so while not harmful, it is not a critical addition. Hyaluronic acid is often added to further support skin and joint hydration.
- Sweeteners: Some collagen powders contain non-nutritive sweeteners, such as stevia. Some may dislike the flavor or prefer to avoid it.
- Probiotics: Collagen supplements may contain probiotics meant to support gut health. While generally considered safe, we recommend speaking with a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking antibiotics.
If you are allergic to fish or eggs, avoid collagen supplements with these ingredients. Collagen supplements from marine sources may also impact blood sugar, so be cautious if you take blood sugar-lowering medication. The recommended dose of collagen is 2.5 to 15 grams daily. While there is no upper limit, taking more than this is generally safe. We recommend following dosing instructions on your product of choice.
Our Experts
We interviewed registered dietitians about how collagen supplements can be beneficial, what to look for in a collagen supplement, and what to avoid. We spoke with the following people:
- Anna Brown, MS, RD, is a Functional Dietitian specializing in women’s gut and hormone health
- Kylie Ivanir, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and founder of Within Nutrition. She specializes in gut and hormone health.
Why Trust Verywell Health
Tamar Kane is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist with a Master’s in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University. She regularly recommends collagen supplements to athletes seeking muscle and joint support and a protein boost. Tamar is the founder of Tamar Kane Nutrition, a nutrition practice that supports athletes.
