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Collagen supplements are thought to help with healthy skin, hair and nails, but I spoke to the experts to find out whether it’s effective when taken in supplement form.
“As we age, natural collagen production declines and we tend to break it down more rapidly,” says Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City. With this in mind, collagen supplements can support the body’s collagen production, providing amino acids — especially glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline — that the body can use to build collagen, according to Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy.
Research into the results of collagen supplements has been mixed, though. “Ingested collagen is digested into peptides and amino acids. It doesn’t travel intact to skin, hair, or joints,” Keatley explains. “Benefits tend to be modest, variable, and slow.” However, people will often report small benefits, according to Cording. “You don't notice a change instantly,” she says. “It tends to be more subtle, gradual changes.” She also stresses that a collagen supplement shouldn’t be considered a substitute for a balanced diet.
Supplements aren’t closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means it’s difficult to know whether the bottle accurately reflects what the label says. With this in mind, we asked dermatologists for their expert top picks – keep reading for their collagen recommendations.
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What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, accounting for about 30 percent of the body’s protein, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Collagen has a fiber-like structure used to make connective tissue, Cording explains. It’s also the main building block of the body’s skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Collagen is naturally found in animal flesh, including beef, poultry, and fish, Cording explains. There is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for collagen, but research suggests that it’s safe to take 2.5g to 15g of hydrolyzed collagen a day.
Do collagen supplements work?
Admittedly, while collagen is hugely popular for its skin and hair-enhancing benefits, the data on performance is inconsistent. “The strongest evidence is for modest improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, and some improvements in joint pain and function in certain groups, typically over eight to 12 weeks,” Keatley says.
Collagen is one of the main components of connective tissue, but collagen supplements provide protein, too, according to Jessica Cording, RD, the author of The Little Book of Game-Changers. “While there is some research on collagen supporting skin moisture and elasticity, I’m more likely to recommend it as a way of adding extra protein into someone’s diet,” Cording says.
The best collagen supplements for 2026 are:
- Ancient Nutrition multi collagen protein: Iherb.com
- Codeage multi collagen powder platinum: Codeage.com
- Vital Proteins collagen peptides powder: Iherb.com
- Thrive Market grass-fed collagen peptides: Thrivemarket.com
Ancient Nutrition multi collagen protein
Why we love it
- Absorbs quickly
- Reputable brand
- Contains probiotics
- Neutral flavor
Take note
- Contains egg and fish, which will not work with certain allergies
The Ancient Nutrition multi collagen protein contains 10 different types of collagen from beef, chicken, fish, and fermented eggshell membranes. “I use and love the products from Ancient Nutrition,” Cording says. “They do third-party testing and have a lot of blends I really like.”
The collagen powder comes in six flavors — the unflavored option can seamlessly blend into a range of foods and drinks. The supplement contains probiotics for gut health and vitamin C to support and stabilize collagen structure.
It’s also non-GMO and free of hormones and chemicals. Cording praises its short and clear ingredient list.
Key specifications
- Main ingredient: Hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides
- Dosage: 10g
- Servings per container: 40
- Other active ingredients: Vitamin C, bacillus coagulans
Buy now £28.01, Iherb.com
Codeage multi collagen powder platinum
Why we love it
- Several forms of collagen from multiple sources
- Dissolves easily
- Clean, simple ingredients
- Doesn’t change texture of foods or drinks
Take note
- Expensive
Codeage’s multi collagen powder platinum delivers collagen from a variety of sources, including beef, chicken, fish, and eggshell membranes. “I like it because it blends Types I, II, III, V, and X from multiple sources, giving a broader spectrum that parallels various connective tissues — skin, cartilage, bone,” Keatley says.
The ingredients list is simple and easy to read, and the supplement delivers 9g of protein per serving. The supplement is also hydrolyzed for faster absorption and easier digestibility. It also dissolves well, Keatley says.
It’s non-GMO and free of dairy, soy, and gluten, and also made under current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) processes, which means the brand follows strict safety and purity protocols.
Key specifications
- Main ingredient: Grass-fed hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides
- Dosage: 9g
- Servings per container: 63
- Other active ingredients: Chicken and beef bone broth
Buy now £39.99, Codeage.com
Vital Proteins collagen peptides powder
Why we love it
- Made from grass-fed beef
- Inexpensive
- Large protein content
- Gluten-free
Take note
- Doesn’t come with a measuring scoop
The Vital Proteins collagen peptides powder has become a big name in the collagen supplement space thanks to multiple celebrity endorsements. But dietitians say this relatively affordable supplement is worth considering. “It’s easy to find and pretty good quality,” explains Cording.
The supplement delivers 18g of protein per serving, along with 20g of collagen, which is more than what you’ll see from most other brands. While this particular collagen powder is made from bovine collagen peptides, Cording points out that the brand also sells marine- and poultry-based products to work with dietary concerns.
The supplement comes in a variety of flavors and contains no sugar. It’s also hydrolyzed to be gentle on the digestive system.
Key specifications
- Main ingredient: Bovine collagen peptides
- Dosage: 20g
- Servings per container: 14
- Other active ingredients: None
Buy now £27, Iherb.com
Thrive Market grass-fed collagen peptides
Why we love it
- Good price
- Comes in packets or pouches
- Features one ingredient
- Delivers two types of collagen
Take note
- Made on equipment that also manufactures eggs, fish, nuts and seeds
The Thrive Market grass-fed collagen peptides powder is the online retailer’s proprietary blend. Cording recommends it as a great value option.
This supplement features collagen types I and II, along with 18 amino acids to support collagen synthesis. It’s made from one ingredient — bovine hide collagen peptides — so there are no additives. According to Cording, the fewer the ingredients, the better.
Thrive Market offers this supplement in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, mocha, and unflavored. You also have the choice of a larger pouch or stick packets, which you can take on the go.
Key specifications
- Main ingredient: Bovine hide collagen peptides
- Dosage: 11g
- Other active ingredients: None
- Servings per container: 51
Buy now £26.99, Thrivemarket.com
Why you can trust IndyBest U.S. reviews
Korin Miller has more than a decade of experience as a journalist covering health and wellness. She’s a former competitive runner who regularly tests new fitness and health products. To help you find the best collagen supplements, Korin consulted with dietitians and a dermatologist on what to look for and the top options they recommend to their own patients.
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