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Nov 05, 2024

The 8 Best Collagen Supplements of 2024

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. These collagen supplements help support the health of your hair, skin, nails, and

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

These collagen supplements help support the health of your hair, skin, nails, and joints

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

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.

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.

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

Flavored products have stevia

Some options don’t dissolve well in cold liquids

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

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.

The flavored options are sweetened with stevia, which some people may not like. The collagen amount and ingredients can vary between different products.

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Amazon

Dissolves well in hot and cold liquids

Unflavored

Contains vitamin C to aid in collagen formation

Chalky smell

Lower amounts of collagen and protein

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

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.

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.

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Transparent Labs

Informed Choice Certified

No artificial sweeteners or colors

Dissolves easily

Lower amounts of collagen and protein

Contains stevia

Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 11 g | Protein per serving: 10 g | Source: Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Type I & III

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.

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.

Amazon

Informed Choice Certified

Dissolves completely in hot liquids

Single-ingredient

Does not dissolve in cold liquids

Chalky smell

Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 11 g | Protein per serving: 10 g | Source: Bovine collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Type I & III

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.

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.

Bubs Naturals

Third-party certified

Higher dose of protein

Truly unflavored

Dissolves completely

May leave some residue in the glass

Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 20 g | Protein per serving: 18 g | Source: Bovine collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Type I & III

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.

This is one more expensive than other picks.

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson

Contains vitamin C and biotin for hair and skin health

Five types of collagen

Unflavored

Not all will need the high dose of biotin

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

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.

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.

Amazon

NSF Certified for Sport

Multiple collagen sources including bone broth

Unflavored

Forms clumps in cold water

Takes some time to dissolve

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

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.

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

Amazon

High amount of protein

Only collagen and probiotic ingredients

NSF Certified for Sport

Dissolves well in liquid and food

Few servings per container

Not all may benefit from probiotic

Serving size: 1 scoop | Collagen per serving: 20 g | Protein per serving: 18 g | Source: Bovine collagen peptides | Collagen Type: Tye I & III

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.

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.

We also tested the following collagen supplements that we think are worth highlighting:

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.

To create a list of the top collagen supplements, we tested 23 different collagen powders. We analyzed the following qualities when choosing products:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014; 27(3):113-9. doi: 10.1159/000355523

Khatri M, Naughton RJ, Clifford T, Harper LD, Corr L. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids. 2021;53(10):1493-1506.

Paul C, Leser S, Oesser S. Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1079. Published 2019 May 15. doi:10.3390/nu11051079

Konig D, Oesser S, Scharia S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A. Specific collagne peptides improve bone mineral density and bone markers in postmenopausal women - A randomized controlled study. Nutrients. 2018; 10(1) 97.

Biotin: Fact sheet for consumers. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant’Anna B, Kerob D. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35(12). doi: 10.1111/dth.15903.

T C, M V, Dm A, et al. The effects of collagen peptides on muscle damage, inflammation and bone turnover following exercise: a randomized, controlled trial. Amino acids. 2019;51(4).

Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lane NE. Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrition Journal. 2016;15(1):14.

Bongers CCWG, Ten Haaf DSM, Catoire M, et al. Effectiveness of collagen supplementation on pain scores in healthy individuals with self-reported knee pain: a randomized controlled trial. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2020;45(7):793-800.

Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral collagen supplementation: a systematic review of dermatological applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):9-16.

Kalman DS, Hewlings S. The effect of oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane on the appearance of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle-aged adults: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(6):1463-1472. doi:10.1111/jocd.13275

Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato F, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduced symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017; 16(4): 520-526.

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin. Updated March 29, 2021.

Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258. doi:10.4161/derm.21923

Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A review of the use of biotin for hair loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166-169. doi:10.1159/000462981

Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8). doi:10.3390/nu9080866

By Tamar Kane, MS, RDTamar is a former combat fitness instructor in the Israel Defense Forces.Tamar is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist with Master's in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology.Tamar is the founder of Tamar Kane Nutrition, a nutrition practice that supports athletes.