Best Collagen Supplements for Skin and Hair

We independently research, exam, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accurateness. Learn more most our procedure. If yous buy something through our links, nosotros may earn a commission.

Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Collagen is ingredient, but it can have real benefits. "Collagen is a structural protein known to support your pare, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments," says Breanna Woods, MS, RD, a dietitian based in Indianapolis. "Equally we age, our torso naturally produces less collagen. Research supports that taking a collagen supplement may improve articulation mobility, skin integrity, and muscle strength (when combined with resistance training)." Plus, a study in Nutrition Journal found that collagen supplementation helped improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, too.

As far as the dazzler manufacture is concerned, though, you may be hearing more about collagen supplements for their skincare benefits—some research has shown that taking a collagen supplement tin can aid meliorate skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.

To get the scoop on the best collagen supplements out there, we asked nutrition experts for their top picks. Annotation, though, that you lot don't need supplements if you're getting collagen from nutrient sources. "As always, the priority should be to go nutrition from food," notes Forest. "Although collagen may accept benefits, supplements are expensive and not totally necessary."

Meet the Skilful

Breanna Woods, MS, RD, a dietitian in Indianapolis.
Tamar Samuels, RD, NBC-HWC, is a registered dietitian and national board-certified health and health coach. She's likewise the co-founder of Culina Health.
Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CFT and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CFT, the Nutrition Twins and creators of The 21-Solar day Torso Reboot in New York Urban center.
Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, a dietitian in Franklin, TN.
Kate Cline, RD, a functional medical nutrition practitioner in Dublin, OH.

What to Wait For in a Collagen Supplement

Hydrolyzed collagen

Samuels recommends looking for supplements that are formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, which indicates that it's easier to assimilate and is more quickly absorbed after ingestion.

"It'south besides loftier in the amino acids glycine and proline which are essential for building new collagen in your muscles, bones, and gut," she adds.

Grass-fed, pasture-raised, and antibiotic-gratuitous

When shopping for a collagen supplement, Samuels also stresses the importance of choosing a production that's made from grass-fed, pasture-raised, and antibiotic-costless animals to ensure you're ingesting the healthiest collagen possible. "The collagen shouldn't comprise whatsoever additives or fillers," she says. "Dietary products are not regulated past the FDA, so it's important to exist mindful of the source of your ingredients to avoid excessive exposure to antibiotics, pesticides, and other potentially harmful substances."

Tertiary-party verification

Samuels also recommends looking for products with third-party verification to ensure that the product lives up to its claims and contains the ingredients it says it does. "These companies also ensure there aren't whatever boosted ingredients in the production that aren't listed on the characterization," she says. She suggests looking for verifications by the post-obit credible groups: NSF International, UL, and U.s.a. Pharmacopeia.

As with whatever supplement, check with your doc before taking ane, but if you get the thumbs up, here are the best collagen supplements out there.

What we like

Gluten-complimentary
Dairy-free
Nut-free
Contains probiotics

What nosotros don't like

Not for vegetarians or pescatarians

Available in many flavors—unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, cold brew, strawberry lemonade, and cucumber lime—this supplement is made from beef, chicken, fish, and eggshell membrane. "It's made with ingredients from non-GMO, grass-fed, and pasture-raised, cage-free, and cruelty-free sources," says, Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CFT, and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CFT, the Nutrition Twins and creators of The 21-Mean solar day Body Reboot in New York City. "Plus, it uses hydrolyzed bovine collagen, which is easier for your body to absorb."

The product is formulated to aid amend the appearance of crow'due south feet, too as help reduce knee stiffness.

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides, fermented eggshell membrane collagen, chicken bone goop protein concentrate, bacillius coagulans, hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides |Age Range: Developed xviii+ |Dosage: 1 scoop (x grams) |Certified: Canonical past ConsumerLab | Size: 16 oz

What we like

Gluten-free
No added sugars
Made without soy, dairy, or lactose

What we don't like

Nothing on website to explain third political party testing

"If I want something sweet, I am a fan of Orgain'southward Keto Collagen Protein Powder," says Kate Cline, RD, a functional medical diet practitioner in Dublin, OH. "Information technology comes in vanilla and chocolate, and makes a overnice enhancement to a postal service-workout poly peptide shake." The collagen contains MCT oil, as well as acacia, sea salt, and stevia. Per 20-gram scoop, you go x grams of fueling protein.

Fundamental Ingredients: Collagen peptides and coconut medium-chain triglycerides |Historic period Range: Adult eighteen+ |Dosage: 1 scoop (20 grams) |Certified: None | Size: 14.1 oz

What we similar

Contains Verisol
Made in facility with allergy-control plan

What we don't like

Non for vegetarians or pescatarians

"I am obsessed with Naturenetics collagen," says Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, a dietitian in Franklin, TN. "It uses special collagen called Verisol that is made specifically to target fibroblasts in the skin. The brand is likewise extremely diligent most third-party testing and the purity of the products."

Key Ingredients: Verisol |Historic period Range: Adult xviii+ |Dosage: one scoop (2.v grams) |Certified: Manufactured in a GMP-certified, NSF-approved facility | Size: 5.3 oz

What we like

Minimal ingredient list
No added sugars
Gluten-free
Dairy-free

Not for vegetarians or pescatarians

This product, some other fan favorite of many registered dietitians, contains Type I and Blazon II collagen pulverization and is certified kosher and Whole30-approved. "This ane is my favorite because it gives you not only eighteen grams of protein simply also vitamin C and hyaluronic acid—which both back up collagen synthesis in the torso," says Woods. "Vital Proteins mixes well in pretty much anything and has piffling to no taste."

Fundamental Ingredients: Bovine hibernate collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C |Age Range:Developed eighteen+ |Dosage: 2 scoops (20 grams) |Certified: Kosher, whole30 canonical, USDA certified, not-GMO, NSF certified cGMP facility, approved past ConsumerLab | Size: 9.33 oz

Come across the Proficient

Cynthia Barrett, PT, DPT, founder of Wellness Couture in New York City.
Lacy Ngo, MS, RDN, a dietitian in Rock Colina, SC.
Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, author of 25 Anti-Aging Smoothies for Revitalizing, Glowing Pare.
Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, a diet professor at Boston University and host of the podcast Spot On!

What we like

Suitable for pescatarians
Gluten-gratis
Kosher

What nosotros don't like

Not for vegetarians

Here's the perfect product for a pescatarian who doesn't want to consume bovine collagen. "There are many dissimilar types of collagen on the market, however, there is a huge departure between bovine and marine collagen," says Cynthia Barrett, PT, DPT, founder of Wellness Couture in New York City. "Indigo Marine Collagen is fished in the wild and processed in the United States to ensure strict quality controls. Information technology also consists of smaller peptides or smaller protein molecules than bovine collagen sources, which means it's more efficient in the torso." The product contains Types I, Two, Iii, and Four of collagen.

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed fish collagen |Age Range: Adult 18+ |Dosage: i scoop (10 grams) |Certified: Kosher | Size: x.vi oz

What we similar

Sugar-free
Comes in various flavors for various tastes
Versatile in use

What we don't similar

Not for vegetarians or pescatarians

"I like the Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel because it provides 10 grams of collagen peptides per serving while however containing minimal amounts of refined sugars," says Lacy Ngo, MS, RDN, a dietitian in Rock Colina, SC. "This pulverization besides comes in several tasty flavors like vanilla, chocolate coconut, and peanut butter. The matcha season provides the added benefits of antioxidants." Per xvi-gram scoop, y'all get 11 grams of protein from this powder that contains Types I and III collagen.

Fundamental Ingredients: Bovine collagen peptides |Historic period Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: ane scoop (xvi grams) |Certified: Keto | Size: 19.two oz

What nosotros like

Gluten-complimentary
Organic
Travel-friendly

What we don't similar

Not for vegetarians or pescatarians

"This product is fabricated with hydrolyzed Blazon I and 3 bovine collagen," says Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, writer of 25 Anti-Aging Smoothies for Revitalizing, Glowing Skin. "Hydrolyzed Type I collagen peptides are the most abundant type found in the body, Hydrolyzed collagen means that it is broken down into smaller peptides, making it more than easily absorbed." One stick contains x grams of collagen.

Central Ingredients: Bovine hydrolyzed collagen |Age Range: Adult 18+ |Dosage: 1 stick pack (10 grams) |Certified: USDA-organic | Size: seven oz

What nosotros like

Portable
Gluten-gratuitous
Made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle

What nosotros don't like

Not for vegetarians or pescatarians

Mix these single-serve cups with hot water for a savory snack—the product is made with beef bone broth, vegetables, herbs, spices, and seasonings. "If going for savory, my favorite is LonoLife unmarried-serve packets, which nearly people find taste good plenty to drink on their own," says Cline.

Fundamental Ingredients: Beef collagen |Age Range:All |Dosage: Single-serve cup (15 grams) |Certified: None | Size: 2.12 oz

What we like

Carbohydrate-gratis
Just 1 ingredient
Easy to mix resulting in no clumping

What we don't similar

Not for vegetarians or pescatarians

"NutraCollagen has more collagen peptides per serving than nigh of its competitors," says Lakatos. "And unlike many collagen supplements, the brand manufactures all of its products in the United States, in its own Michigan facility—which means it can ensure quality. We like the smooth texture and consistency of NutraCollagen products, as they deliquesce immediately with no clumping. And then they're super easy to add into drinks, smoothies, and other foods."

Cardinal Ingredients: Instantized bovine collagen peptides |Age Range: Adult 18+ |Dosage: 2 scoops (22 grams) |Certified: None | Size: 15.5 oz

Last Verdict

There are many collagen supplements on the market place correct now, but our favorite is Ancient Nutrition'southward Multi Collagen Peptides Poly peptide Powder Pure. Additionally, marine collagen products are available for people who exercise not desire to consume bovine collagen—if that'due south y'all, opt for Indigo Marine Collagen Pure.

FAQ

What are the benefits of collagen supplements?

"Emerging research using nutritional supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen is beginning to show boosted anti-aging, collagen-boosting hope in the skin," says Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, a diet professor at Boston Academy and host of the podcast Spot On! Additionally, research using Verisol shows a decrease in the wrinkles that appear around your eyes.
Do collagen supplements expire?

Yes. However, according to Wood, most collagen supplements have a pretty long shelf life. "Even after the expiration date, the dry out nature of powders ways they don't technically spoil or become unsafe to swallow," she says. "Still, the quality of the collagen will probable decrease, which may touch on its effectiveness."
How often should you accept collagen supplements?

"Consistency is primal for results," says Woods, who recommends taking one serving per twenty-four hour period. "A lot of people like mixing it in their coffee, smoothie, but you can add together it to whatever beverage. You can also add information technology to oatmeal or broiled goods. However, it's not necessary to take collagen with food."

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Amy Gorin, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist and has over a decade of experience in the diet industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She specializes in found-based nutrition and is ane of the almost recognized nutrition experts in America. For this story, she interviewed nine additional nutrition experts to weigh in on their favorite collagen supplements.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-endemic and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to notice any collagen supplements from a Black-owned and/or Blackness-founded concern. If you lot know of one nosotros should consider, please email u.s.a. atcontact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.