Experts share the 16 best collagen supplements of 2024, plus their benefits

Move over personalized supplements and multivitamins, ditch the protein powder, and wave bye-bye to your skincare routine. It’s time to run for the collagen.

If you’ve spent time on social media in recent years, you’ve probably noticed more people pushing collagen products – like Jennifer Aniston’s favorite Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, Amazon’s ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, or ultimate luxury wellness brand, Thorne’s Collagen Plus.

So what is this new skincare spectacle? A crazy fad or science-backed cure for sagging or stretching skin? Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in animals, providing skin with structure and strengthening bones, according to Healthline. Humans produce collagen naturally, but as we age, collagen begins breaking down and it becomes more difficult to make more.

While there are plenty of collagen-rich foods to add to your diet, including bone broth and pork skin, some may decide to integrate collagen supplements and powders into their routine for a quicker method of replenishing the lost protein. Most collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, meaning the collagen has been broken down so it absorbs more easily.

A comprehensive review of 26 studies by the National Library of Medicine found that most women who took one to 12 grams of collagen per day for four to 12 weeks experienced improved skin elasticity and hydration. Other studies cited by Healthline indicate that collagen could also help prevent bone loss, improve gut health, and strengthen hair and nails.

Before adding any new supplements to your routine, it’s always recommended that you consult with your healthcare professional.

With this array of potential benefits, The Post decided to reach out to Regan La Testa, an IPEC-certified Nutritional Coach, Personal Trainer, and Hormone Specialist, who also happens to have firsthand experience with a variety of collagen brands.

Product Spotlight

Eu Natural Move & Glow Collagen Pills for Women & Men

Pros:

• Enriched with Vitamins C, E, Biotin Pomegranate, Acerola, Camu Camu, Asparagus, Acai, Okra 
• free of artificial fillers, binders, and ingredients
• Eu Natural partners with Vitamin Angels to provide vitamins to women and children

Cons:

• Pill form not ideal for all people
• Unclear how many grams of collagen are in each serving

Form: Capsules

Flavor: Unflavored

“This capsule is a great alternative for vegetarians, as it is made from eggshells and not from animals. This makes it more effective than vegan products. It contains Type I, V and X of collagen as well as hyaluronic acid, biotin, and a superfood blend for added benefits,” La Testa explained. Given the variety of collagen types, Move & Glow is not just focused on hair, skin, and nails, but also could improve joint pain and mobility.

“The brand also seems to be very focused on no fillers, being gluten-free, non-dairy, keto and paleo friendly…One other amazing thing about the company is that for every bottle purchased, a year of vitamins is given to a child in need. All ingredients are sourced in the USA,” La Testa noted. Unfortunately, it is unclear exactly how many grams of collagen are contained in the product.

AMAZON $13.49

Expert Picks

Best Overall: Hum Collagen Love

Form: Capsules

Flavor: Unflavored

La Testa has recommended this collagen supplement based on the combination of ingredients.

“It contains Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, which combined with collagen are believed to be a great way to support skin health and anti-aging with hydration and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles,” she shared. Another great draw is the lack of fillers — “It is free of artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors and preservatives, which is a plus! It has also been 3rd party tested!  All in all, I think this is a decent product and appears to be transparent. It may be a bit costly.” Hum Nutrition hits each requirement when it comes to collagen, but beware that you’ll need to take three capsules per serving for the full benefits (may not be ideal for those who are pill-averse).

Best Powder: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides 

Form: Powder

Flavor: Unflavored

This popular celeb-approved brand hits all the marks for La Testa. “I have personally tried Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder. It is flavorless can be mixed in any liquid, and has Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid,” she pointed out.

While La Testa preferred the original Vital Proteins formula, the new advanced edition does offer a plentiful scoop of collagen — 20 grams per serving to be exact, and it is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, making it a wonderful paleo-friendly option. The one downside to this brand is that you’re going to have to carefully measure it out yourself. The new packaging does not contain a scoop.

Best for Gut Health: Ancient Nutrition Collagen Protein

Form: Powder

Flavor: Unflavored, Cucumber Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, Vanilla, more

“I am currently using Ancient Nutrition Collagen Protein,” La Testa said. “It is a flavorless powder that contains ten types of protein, nine grams of protein and ten grams of collagen per scoop,” she noted. This combination collagen powder also contains Vitamin C and soil-based organism (SBO) probiotics, which La Testa says help promote good gut health.

Ancient Nutrition’s collagen powder is made with proprietary fermented eggshell collagen, which is said to minimize exercise-induced discomfort. The fermentation process also allows your body to absorb the ingredients better. A few reviewers mentioned that this brand has a more gritty texture than others, however the plentiful array of flavors makes up for it.

Best for Joint Health: Clean Simple Eats unflavored collagen powder

Form: Powder

Flavor: Unflavored, Peach Mango, Blue Hawaii, Cucumber Lime, more

“I just purchased Clean Simple Eats unflavored collagen powder,” said La Testa. She has yet to start taking it, but she likes the serving size and bovine sources. “It contains nine grams of collagen protein per serving, it is third-party tested and is bovine sourced with Types I, II, and III and claims to support skin, hair, nails and joint health. I’m looking forward to starting to use this product!”

Reviewers have shared that this formula is quite effective — some noting that it has aided in their post-workout recovery and others suggesting it has helped with joint pain. There are some mixed reviews on the flavors, with some mentioning that it’s a bit on the sweet and sour side, so you should be prepared for a stronger kick to your smoothie.

Best for Hair and Nails: Thorne Collagen Plus

Form: Powder

Flavor: Passion berry flavored

“This product is focused on improving skin, hair, and nails. Thorne is a reputable supplement company which is great and the product is gluten-free which I love. The collagen is sourced from cows that are grass-fed and hormone-free. Also pluses,” La Testa shared. 

“It contains 13 grams of collagen per serving so it is on the higher end and contains only Types I and III of collagen, which is not unusual.” For La Testa, the only big downside to this brand is that it only comes in one flavor: berry passion. The formula uses stevia for sweetness, which is not ideal for all people. “It may also be cost-prohibitive for people who are looking to take collagen but are on a budget,” La Testa added.

Post Picks

• Best High-Collagen: Bulletproof Unflavored Collagen Protein Powder

  

  Pros:

  • 20 grams of collagen per serving
  • Available in a variety of sizes
  • No added sugar

  Cons:

  • Some reviewers say it has more carbs then they would like to consumer per serving

  Bulletproof offers a range of science-backed supplements. Personally, I can’t get enough of the vanilla collagen protein bars, which make for an incredible on-the-go snack. But for those seeking the basics, we suggest the Bulletproof collagen peptide formula, which is packed with 20 grams of collagen per serving. I love the variety of sizes this brand offers — including single-dosed packets.

  AMAZON $21.56+

  BULLETPROOF $43.95 $35.16

Best Gummies: Olly Collagen Rings

Form: Gummies

Flavor: Unflavored

For a reliable drugstore option, we recommend going to Olly. While this brand does not contain quite as much collagen as La Testa recommended (it only offers 2.5 grams per serving), it could be an ideal choice for someone who prefers getting their nutrients through delicious, and easy-to-chew gummies. The brand is “clinically tested,” and most reviewers agree that as far as flavor goes, Olly has nailed it. The Peach Bellini flavor is like candy. The gummies are also gluten-free and use no artificial colors.

Best Amazon reviews: Vital Proteins Collagen Gummies

Form: Gummy

Flavor: Grape

Vital Proteins has also made their collagen blend accessible in a gummy — what’s not to love? These decadent bites have received rave reviews on Amazon, with many people saying that they noticed differences in their hair and nails within weeks of use.

Some people love the gentle grape flavor and soft texture, but there are a few mixed reviews on the sweetness level. Most people agree that the real draw of these gummies is that they are gluten, dairy, and soy-free as well as free of synthetic colors and artificial flavors. On the downside, each serving only provides a 2.5-gram dose of collagen, which is certainly on the lower side.

Best Budget-Friendly: Youtheory Collagen

Form: Capsules

Flavor: Unflavored

For collagen focused particularly on improving skin, hair, and nails, opt for a formula with type I and III collagen. This advanced formula is also blended with Vitamin C for easy absorption, and reviewers say their skin was glowing after consecutive use. Perhaps our favorite part about this supplement, is that it is available for under $10. Collagen can be expensive, so for those looking to save, we recommend going with Youththeory.

Best Value: California Gold Nutrition, Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides + Vitamin C

Editor’s Note: This item will be back in stock on April 26, 2024. Add your email to be notified when it’s available.

Form: Capsules

Flavor: Unflavored

For shoppers who are very weary of what they’re putting in their bodies, it’s important to find a brand that discloses its testing practices. California Gold Nutrition utilizes third-party testing on its health products and provides key findings that are helpful for consumers — like microbial analyses and heavy metal analyses.

This hydrolyzed collagen also comes with a 100% GOLD guarantee, meaning you can get your money back if you’re unsatisfied with the product for any reason. The one downside of this formula is that you’ll need to take six tablets a day for the best results. For those who don’t enjoy taking pills, this may not be the best option.

Best Grass Fed: Orgain Unflavored Collagen Peptide Powder

One of our editor’s love this brand of collagen powder, swearing she sees a noticeable difference when she stops taking it.

“I always thought collagen wasn’t worth the hype or money,” she says. “However, I’ve become a convert. I used it for several months and didn’t think much of it. It was when I stopped taking it that I noticed a huge difference in how my skin looked. If you’re curious, it wasn’t great. Now I take it everyday. My skin looks plumper. I’m also a runner, and it’s supposed to help with joint health, which is important to me.”

Best Hormone-Free: NEEDED Prenatal Collagen Protein

This collagen protein is geared towards mothers-to-be. However, many of us like our collagen without hormones, from pasture-fed cows. Third-party tested and winner of the Purity Award, this supplement from NEEDED is something we’d be more than happy to add to a cup of cocoa or shake. It’s flavorless, so it can be mixed with practically anything — even a bowl of ice cream or yogurt.

Best Tasteless : Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Hydrolyzed Powder

We’re seriously impressed with the reviews on this collagen powder. It doesn’t change the taste or consistency of whatever you mix it with, and a single scoop gives 10 gorgeous grams of collagen. Best of all, in a small survey conducted by Live Conscious with 695 people, 85% noticed a positive different in their hair, while 87% saw an improvement in mobility.

Best Liquid: Spoiled Child E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen

Not into powder or pills? No problem. Spoiled Child and its liquid collagen has your back. All it takes is a tablespoon (or two) per day, and you’ve got your dose in. Featuring more than 7,000 reviews, this bestseller comes in the tropical flavor pineapple, as well as mango, and can still be mixed in water, juice or a fruit-based smoothie. While some customers noted they haven’t seen a visible difference since taking it, the website has some amazing before and afters from people who have.

Best Tasting: mindbodygreen beauty & gut collagen+

Craving something sweet? Maybe this collagen powder from mindbodygreen will nip that craving. Is it exactly the same as a candy bar? Nope, but it also has ingredients that are way better for you, including anti-inflammatory turmeric. The cocoa used is organic, and so is the monk fruit used to sweeten the powder. Although the reviews for the unflavored version of this supplement aren’t great, as far as the chocolate is concerned, folks like it.

Expert Recommendations

As a certified nutritional coach, La Testa specializes in supporting mothers and women over 35 who are working towards taking control of their health, and increasing their energy, and confidence inside and out.

Where does collagen come from?

“Collagen, a protein that is responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity, is located in your muscles, blood, and bones. Our bodies make collagen naturally from amino acids but to do so, it needs: proline, vitamin C; copper, glycine, and zinc. These all come from eating a healthy, well-balanced diet,” shared La Testa.

What are collagen supplements?

“As supplements, collagen comes in a digestible form called collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen,” explained La Testa. “Collagen supplements are made from the tissues of fish, cows, pigs or chicken. While there are vegan collagen supplements, made from bacteria and yeast, it is unclear whether this type of collagen provides the same possible benefits as collagen made from animal sources.”

What are the health benefits of taking collagen?

“Collagen supplement companies assert that taking collagen supplements provides many benefits to the body. Evidence is still out as to whether this is accurate,’ revealed La testa. She prefers to say that collagen may play a role in strengthening skin, lowering inflammation, preventing bone loss, boosting muscle mass, improving gut health, strengthening hair and nails, and maintaining brain health.

What forms does collagen come in?

La Testa has shared that collagen can be taken in the form of a powder, capsule, liquid, or gummies: “Based on my research and understanding, it is unclear which form is the most effective. Most of the debate I’ve seen is between powder and liquid forms. I personally use powder because it can easily be mixed with other things. I know people who swear by liquid forms that are daily dose ‘packs’ drunk straight from the package.”

How often should you take collagen and how much should you take?

“Generally it is recommended to take collagen one time daily, between 2.5 and 15 grams. Most products I’ve seen or used are approximately 10 grams per scoop of powder,” she noted.

What should you look for in a collagen supplement?

“I prefer supplements that are 3rd party tested because there is no federal oversight of nutritional supplements. Additionally, collagen supplements that contain Types I, II, III, V, and X of collagen may be ideal,” said La Testa. She tries to avoid products with fillers. She also notes that some people have preferences when it comes to flavors or unflavored options.

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