The Best Collagen Supplements for 2025

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about one-third of its protein composition. It’s found in our skin, hair, nails, bones, ligaments, and tendons, essentially serving as the scaffolding that holds our bodies together. As we age, our body's natural collagen production declines, leading to visible signs of aging like wrinkles, joint discomfort, and a reduction in skin elasticity. This is why collagen supplements have gained immense popularity—they are touted as a way to restore collagen levels and support overall health and vitality.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein made up of amino acids, primarily glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. It plays a significant role in the structural integrity of skin, joints, and connective tissue. There are different types of collagen, with the most common being:

Type I: Found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.

Type II: Found primarily in cartilage.

Type III: Found in skin, muscles, and blood vessels.

Collagen supplements generally contain hydrolyzed collagen, which is broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides. These supplements come in various forms, including powders, capsules, and liquids.

Potential Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Improved Skin Health

Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration. Several studies have shown that collagen supplements may improve the appearance of skin, reducing wrinkles and dryness. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that women who took collagen supplements for 12 weeks saw improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth compared to a placebo group.

By replenishing the body’s natural collagen levels, supplements can help improve skin texture and slow the visible signs of aging. Many beauty and skincare enthusiasts turn to collagen supplements as a non-invasive way to maintain youthful-looking skin.

Joint and Bone Health

Collagen is a major component of cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. As we age, cartilage can wear down, leading to joint pain and discomfort, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis. Research suggests that taking collagen supplements may help relieve joint pain and improve joint mobility. A 2017 study published in Nutrients demonstrated that collagen supplementation reduced joint pain among athletes and improved their joint function.

Collagen also plays a role in bone health. Bones are made primarily of collagen, which gives them structure and strength. Some studies have indicated that collagen supplements may help improve bone density, potentially lowering the risk of osteoporosis as we age.

Hair and Nail Growth

Collagen supplements may also support healthy hair and nails. Some individuals report that taking collagen results in faster hair growth and stronger nails. Although clinical evidence is more limited in this area, the amino acids in collagen are key building blocks for keratin, the protein that makes up hair and nails.

Gut Health

Collagen is believed to support gut health by strengthening the intestinal lining. This can be beneficial for individuals with conditions like leaky gut syndrome, where the gut lining becomes more permeable, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream. Collagen may help improve gut integrity and reduce inflammation.

Muscle Mass and Recovery

Collagen is not just a structural protein; it also plays a role in muscle function. About 1–10% of muscle tissue is composed of collagen. Research has shown that collagen supplements, when combined with strength training, can help increase muscle mass in elderly individuals. This makes it a useful supplement for aging populations or those looking to improve muscle recovery after exercise.

If you're interested in adding collagen to your health regimen, there are numerous supplements on the market. We've ranked the top five collagen supplements based on quality, ingredients, reviews, and overall effectiveness.

1. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Type: Bovine Collagen (Type I & III)

Form: Powder

Why It's Great: Vital Proteins is one of the most popular collagen brands, offering high-quality, pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine collagen. The powder is flavorless, making it easy to mix into coffee, smoothies, or water. It also includes additional benefits from hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, both of which support skin health. It's praised for its effectiveness in improving skin, hair, and joint health.

Price: Moderate

Best For: Skin health, joint pain, and overall well-being.

2. Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

Type: Bovine, Chicken, Fish, Eggshell Membrane (Type I, II, III, V, & X)

Form: Powder

Why It's Great: Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein stands out for its inclusion of five different types of collagen, sourced from various animal products like chicken and fish. This ensures a broad spectrum of benefits, from joint support to skin elasticity and hair growth. It is particularly useful for individuals seeking all-around health benefits, including gut and joint health.

Price: Moderate to High

Best For: Full-spectrum collagen support for skin, joints, and gut.

3. Garden of Life Grass-Fed Collagen Beauty

Type: Bovine Collagen (Type I & III)

Form: Powder

Why It's Great: This product is designed specifically with beauty benefits in mind, featuring grass-fed collagen and additional ingredients like biotin, silica, and probiotics for skin, hair, and nails. The presence of biotin, a well-known supplement for hair growth, enhances its appeal for those looking to improve the health and appearance of their hair and skin.

Price: Moderate

Best For: Hair, skin, and nail health.

4. Sports Research Collagen Peptides

Type: Bovine Collagen (Type I & III)

Form: Powder

Why It's Great: Sports Research Collagen Peptides is another high-quality, grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen supplement that has garnered positive reviews for its efficacy. It’s known for dissolving easily in hot or cold liquids and being highly bioavailable. This supplement is a great option for those who want an affordable yet high-quality collagen source.

Price: Affordable

Best For: Budget-conscious consumers seeking skin and joint health benefits.

5. Further Food Collagen Peptides

Type: Bovine Collagen (Type I & III)

Form: Powder

Why It's Great: Further Food is a rising star in the collagen supplement world, known for its clean, sustainably-sourced bovine collagen. This supplement dissolves easily in liquids and is praised for its ability to improve joint pain and skin appearance. The company also focuses on transparency and ethical sourcing, which appeals to health-conscious consumers.

Price: Moderate

Best For: Ethically-minded consumers focused on joint and skin health.

How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement

When choosing a collagen supplement, it's important to consider your individual health goals. If your primary focus is skin health, a collagen supplement with added vitamin C or hyaluronic acid may be more beneficial. For those looking to support joint health, a collagen product containing Type II collagen, which is particularly beneficial for cartilage, may be more appropriate. Also, pay attention to the quality of the ingredients—look for supplements that are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, or wild-caught animals.

By choosing a high-quality collagen supplement, you can support your body’s natural processes and enjoy the benefits of better skin, stronger joints, and overall vitality.