Collagen supplements have become more popular as people search for ways to improve their skin, joints, and general body health.
Collagen is a protein naturally found in our skin, bones, and tissues. It gives these areas structure and strength. But as we age, our body’s collagen production gradually slows down. This can lead to some well known signs of aging, like wrinkles, joint stiffness, thinning hair, and other common issues.
To help us fight and potentially reduce these aging signs, collagen supplements were created. These supplements are designed to replenish the body’s natural collagen production. They come in various forms (e.g., powders, capsules, and liquids).
Choosing the best collagen supplement can be confusing because of the many types of collagen available on the market. Some supplements focus on skin benefits and others support joint health or general body strength.
So how do you know which is best for your specific needs?
This article will guide you through everything you need to look out for when choosing a collagen supplement.
Let’s get into it!
How We Test and Select the Best Collagen Supplements
Choosing the right collagen supplement involves looking at more than just the label. To ensure we’re recommending high quality products, we carefully examine each supplement based on key criterias. This process helps us identify options that provide real benefits and meet safety standards.
First, we check the source of collagen. Collagen can come from various sources, like bovine (cow) marine (fish, jellyfish, etc.,) or chicken.
Next, we review the ingredient list. The best collagen supplements are made with high quality ingredients. We avoid products with unnecessary fillers, artificial additives, or excess sugars. In some cases, added vitamins, like vitamin C, improve collagen absorption, so we consider supplements that include supportive ingredients as a plus.
We also consider the form and ease of use. Collagen supplements are available in powders, capsules, and liquid forms. We evaluate whether a supplement is easy to mix, swallow, or add into a daily routine without difficulty.
Finally, we assess customer reviews and feedback. Real user experiences reveal a lot about a supplement’s effectiveness and any potential side effects. We consider both positive and negative reviews and pay attention to consistent trends rather than isolated comments. This way, we can confidently recommend the best options for various needs.
Our Top Picks of 2025
Best for Enhanced Skin Hydration & Elasticity: WOWMD Collagen Complex
Top Choice for Firming and Anti-Aging: Beverly Hills MD Plump + Firm Advanced Collagen Booster
Best Overall Collagen Supplement for Skin & Joints: VitaPost Collagen Complex
Best Collagen Supplements of 2025
After carefully reviewing countless options, we’ve curated a list of the Top Collagen Supplements on the market. Take a look at these standout brands!
WOWMD Collagen Complex – Best for Enhanced Skin Hydration & Elasticity
Our Rating
- Comfort 5/5
- Effectiveness 5/5
- Convenience 4.9/5
- Value 5/5
WOWMD Collagen Complex is a powerful dietary supplement that supports skin elasticity, joint health, and overall vitality. This advanced formula combines hydrolyzed collagen types I, II, and III, promoting a youthful appearance and enhanced mobility. Perfect for those aiming to age gracefully, WOWMD Collagen Complex provides essential nutrients to help you feel revitalized from within.
Key Specs
- Form: Capsules
- Type: Dietary Supplement
- Benefits: Reducing urinary leakage, decreasing urinary urgency and improving bladder tone
- Brand: WOWMD
- Active Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Collagen Types I, II, III
- Dosage: 3 capsules daily
- Price: $53.10*
Pros & Cons of WOWMD Collagen Complex
Pros
- Provides a comprehensive range of collagen types for diverse benefits.
- Supports skin, joint, and muscle health.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and sugar-free.
- Easy to integrate into a daily routine with convenient capsule form.
- Available with a subscription plan for ongoing savings.
Cons
- May interact with certain medications; consult a healthcare provider.
- Results may take several weeks to become noticeable.
Beverly Hills MD Plump + Firm Advanced Collagen Booster – Top Choice for Firming and Anti-Aging
Our Rating
- Comfort 4.9/5
- Effectiveness 4.9/5
- Convenience 4.8/5
- Value 4.9/5
Beverly Hills MD Plump + Firm Advanced Collagen Booster is a premium formula designed to enhance skin elasticity, smoothness, and firmness for a youthful appearance. This advanced blend of collagen-supporting ingredients reduces visible signs of aging, promoting a plump and radiant complexion. Perfect for those looking to rejuvenate their skin, this supplement provides a natural boost to your daily skincare routine.
Key Specs
- Form: Powder
- Type: Dietary Supplement
- Benefit: Makes skin firmer, improves skin health, makes skin more radiant
- Brand: Beverly Hills MD
- Active Ingredients: Acai extract, collagen peptides, polyphenols, ceramides
- Price: $88.00*
Pros & Cons of Plump + Firm Advanced Collagen Booster
Pros
- Nourishes the skin from within.
- Provides protein to the skin.
- Tightens the skin.
- It has skin-lifting effects.
Cons
- Supplies may be limited.
- It may take some time to see the results.
VitaPost Collagen Complex – Best Overall Collagen Supplement for Skin & Joints
Our Rating
- Comfort 5/5
- Effectiveness 4.9/5
- Convenience 4.7/5
- Value 5/5
VitaPost Collagen Complex is a revitalizing supplement crafted to support skin elasticity, joint mobility, and hair strength. Packed with hydrolyzed collagen types I, II, and III, it aims to reduce visible signs of aging, boost skin firmness, and enhance joint health. This formula is ideal for anyone looking to age gracefully with a boost in natural beauty and vitality.
Key Specs
- Form: Capsules
- Type: Supplement
- Benefit: Supports the skin’s natural firmness and skin tone, improves visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lessens natural degradation of the joints & bones with age
- Brand: VitaPost
- Active Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Collagen Types I, II, III, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin , Bamboo Extract
- Dosage: 3 tablets per day
- Price: $19.80*
Pros & Cons of VitaPost Collagen Complex
Pros
- It contains 1500mg of hydrolyzed collagen in each serving
- Helps improve skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity
- Promotes healing and repair of damaged skin
- Maintain bone structure and prevent bone degradation associated with hormonal changes and aging
Cons
- For some individuals, it may take a while to work
- The results and improvements produced may vary among individuals
What to Look For in a Collagen Supplement
Currently, there are so many collagen supplements on the market claiming to be the best. This can make it tricky to decide which one is right for you. But when you know the specific details to look for, it’s easier to find an effective product with real benefits that meets your needs.
Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a collagen supplement:
1. Type of Collagen
Collagen comes in several types. Type I and III collagen are often found in skin, hair, and nails. Type II collagen improves joint health and is commonly used for cartilage. Type IV collagen is beneficial for skin structure and type V is good for strengthening bone and muscles.
2. Collagen Source
The source of collagen also matters. Bovine and marine collagen are popular options. Bovine collagen often benefits joints and bones, while marine collagen is known to support skin. For those with dietary preferences, some vegan alternatives exist, though these may not provide the same proteins as animal derived collagen.
3. Additional Ingredients
Some collagen supplements include extra ingredients, like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, which can help your body better absorb and use collagen more effectively.
4. Form and Convenience
Collagen supplements are available in different forms, such as powders, capsules, or liquids. Powders are versatile and easy to mix into drinks, while capsules offer a simple, no-mix option. Choose a form that best fits your routine so it’s something you can take regularly.
5. Brand Transparency
Look for brands that are open about their ingredients, sourcing practices, and quality control. Reputable companies usually provide information on their website about where their collagen comes from and how it’s processed.
6. Testing and Quality Standards
Supplements that have been third party tested for purity and quality offer added assurance. Independent testing confirms that the product meets safety standards and contains the ingredients it claims.
Do Collagen Supplements Work?
The rave around collagen supplements makes many people wonder if it actually delivers results. The short answer is YES, collagen works!
Research proves that collagen supplements may support specific areas, such as skin and joints.
For skin, studies show that collagen can help improve elasticity and hydration. This can result in smoother and firmer looking skin over time. Joint health is another area where collagen supplements have been shown to make a difference.[1]
Collagen is a key component in cartilage, which cushions our joints. Some research indicates that collagen supplements can reduce stiffness or discomfort, especially for those with joint issues.[2]
Collagen supplements provide amino acids that are the building blocks needed for collagen production. Once ingested, the body breaks down these amino acids and they go wherever needed.
However, it’s important to manage expectations. Collagen supplements are not an instant fix. Visible results may take weeks or even months, depending on factors like your age, lifestyle, and the specific area you’re looking to support.
Ingredients
When choosing a collagen supplement, it’s essential to know what’s inside the product. The right ingredients can make a big difference in how effective the supplement is and how well your body absorbs it.
Here are the main ingredients to look out for in a quality collagen supplement.
Collagen Peptides – According to scientific study published in the Molecules, most collagen supplements contain collagen peptides, which are broken down forms of collagen that are easier for the body to absorb.[3]
Vitamin C – Vitamin C is a valuable addition to collagen supplements because it helps in collagen synthesis. The body relies on vitamin C to produce collagen naturally, so when it’s included in a supplement, it can support more efficient collagen production.[4]
Hyaluronic Acid – Often found in skin supporting collagen products, hyaluronic acid is known for retaining moisture.
As we explained in our review of Beverly Hills MD Multi-Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Booster, It can help keep skin hydrated and may work well with collagen to improve skin elasticity and smoothness. Hyaluronic Acid helps make the skin look firmer and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging
Biotin – This B vitamin is sometimes added to collagen supplements (especially those focused on hair, skin, and nails). Biotin supports keratin production (a protein found in hair and nails) and can improve strength and growth over time.[5]
Amino Acids – Collagen is rich in amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline that are important for maintaining healthy skin and connective tissues. Some supplements include additional amino acids to support collagen’s benefits even further.[6]
Natural Flavors and Sweeteners – In flavored collagen powders, natural ingredients like fruit extracts or stevia are often used to make the product taste better. Choose a supplement with natural flavors or minimal sweeteners to avoid excess sugars and additives that don’t benefit your health.
Minerals – Certain minerals, like zinc and copper, sometimes appear in collagen supplements. These minerals support skin health and tissue repair.[7]
Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements
Taking collagen daily can be a great way to support your body. Here are some key benefits you may enjoy with regular use of collagen supplements:
- Smoother, Firmer Skin: Collagen is essential for keeping skin looking youthful and vibrant. Many people find that their skin appears more hydrated and resilient after consistent collagen use.
- Greater Joint Comfort: Collagen keeps joints flexible and cushioned (which is why it’s so valuable as we get older). Regular use of collagen supplements may help reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility.
- Stronger Hair and Nails: Collagen’s amino acids support stronger, healthier hair and nails. Many people notice thicker hair, improved shine, and nails that are less likely to chip or break.
- Healthier Bones: Bones rely on collagen for structure and strength, which makes collagen a great supplement to help maintain bone density and strength.
- Enhanced Muscle Support: Collagen provides amino acids that aid in muscle growth and repair, especially when combined with exercise.
- Gut Health Support: Collagen’s amino acids, like glycine and glutamine, helps with digestion and general gut comfort.
Are Collagen Supplements Safe to Use?
For most people, collagen supplements are considered safe and well tolerated. They’re made from natural sources that the body can easily absorb and use.
However, as with any supplement, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have a safe and positive experience.
- Source and Quality: High quality brands are transparent about where they source their collagen. Look for products with strict quality controls to ensure they are free from contaminants and safe for regular use.
- Allergies: People with specific allergies, such as to fish or shellfish, should check labels carefully to avoid allergens. For those with dietary preferences, vegan-friendly alternatives are available, although they may use ingredients that mimic collagen instead of actual collagen.
- Digestive Comfort: In rare cases, some may experience mild digestive discomfort, like bloating, when starting collagen. To Potentially avoid this, try starting with a smaller dose and gradually increase to let your body adjust.
- Health Conditions: If you’re pregnant, nursing, or managing a health condition, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including collagen. This ensures it fits well with your health needs.
Who Should Consider Using Collagen Supplements?
Collagen supplements can be beneficial for many people, especially those looking to support specific areas of health.
Here are some groups who may find collagen supplements particularly helpful:
- Adults Experiencing Signs of Aging: As natural collagen levels in the body begin to drop with age, collagen supplements can help to support smoother skin, maintain skin elasticity, and promote comfortable joint movement.
- Active Individuals and Athletes: For people who engage in regular physical activity that put extra strain on their joints and muscles, collagen can help support joint health.
- Those with Joint Discomfort: Joint stiffness or discomfort can make daily activities harder. Collagen supplements may help in cushioning and provide flexibility.
- Individuals Looking to Improve Hair, Skin, and Nail Health: If you’re aiming for healthier hair, stronger nails, or glowing skin, collagen could be a useful addition.
- People Focused on Bone Health: Since collagen makes up a large portion of our bones, adding it to your diet may be helpful for those wanting to maintain bone strength, especially as they age.
- Those Interested in Supporting Digestive Health: For individuals focusing on gut health, collagen provides amino acids like glutamine and glycine, which may support a healthy gut lining.
Final Verdict
Collagen supplements have become a popular choice for those looking to improve the areas of their health that easily succumb to aging. With consistent use, collagen can support these areas (skin firmness, joint flexibility, and bone strength).
When choosing a collagen supplement, keep in mind the source, type, and additional ingredients contained in it. Also, get the forms of collagen that can help you stay consistent with daily use to enjoy the full benefits.
While collagen supplements aren’t a magic fix, many users report positive effects with regular use. This is particularly true for skin hydration, joint comfort, and even hair and nail strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I Take Collagen Supplements?
A: Collagen supplements can be a good choice if you’re looking to support your skin, joints, or hair as you age. Many people find that adding collagen to their routine brings benefits over time.
Q: How Much Collagen Should You Take?
A: The recommended amount of collagen varies depending on the product and your goals. Most collagen supplements suggest a daily dose of around 10 grams, though this can differ based on the type of collagen and the brand. Always check the label for specific serving sizes, and start with the suggested amount to see how it works for you.
Q: How Long Does It Take to See Results from Collagen Supplements?
A: Results from collagen supplements can vary from person to person. Many people begin noticing improvements in skin hydration and joint comfort within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. For optimal results, aim to take collagen daily and allow at least a few months to experience the full benefits, especially for areas like hair and nails.
7 Sources
Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
[1] A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6835901/
[2] Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10058045/
[3] Hydrolyzed Collagen—Sources and Applications: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6891674/
[4] Vitamin C: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
[5] A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5582478/
[6] Metabolism and Functions of Amino Acids in the Skin: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32761577/
[7] Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5793244/
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