By the time we reach our 40s, collagen production has already declined by 25%, and by our 60s, it drops by a staggering 50%. This critical protein—responsible for keeping skin firm, hair thick, and joints flexible—gradually diminishes, leading to visible signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, and brittle nails. Collagen, which makes up nearly 30% of the body’s protein, is fundamental to maintaining the structure and vitality of our skin, hair, and connective tissues.
Dr. Josh Axe, a leading figure in nutrition and author of The Collagen Diet, explains that replenishing lost collagen is essential for preserving youthful skin, boosting hair health, and promoting overall wellness. With modern advancements in skincare, collagen supplements now offer a powerful, targeted way to restore these levels—providing a seamless blend of luxury and efficacy.
Best Collagen Products For Skin, Hair and Wellness
From marine-sourced peptides known for their superior absorption to innovative multi-collagen formulas, the curated list of the best collagen products represent the pinnacle of collagen supplementation, designed to nourish the body from within while delivering visible, transformative results.
Best Collagen for Skin Hydration: Ingenious Beauty Ultimate Collagen+
Price: $90
Where to Buy: Amazon
Collagen Type: Marine collagen peptides
Form: Patented capsule
Why It’s Special: Ingenious Beauty Ultimate Collagen+ uses patented capsule technology to protect marine collagen from stomach acid, ensuring maximum absorption. Enhanced with hyaluronic acid and astaxanthin, this supplement works to deeply hydrate and improve skin elasticity while protecting against UV damage.
Benefits:
- Deep hydration and improved skin elasticity
- Protects against UV damage
- Astaxanthin provides powerful antioxidant protection
- Best For: Those who want the best collagen product with high absorption, advanced hydration, and deep skin repair in one luxurious capsule.
- Why It’s Worth the Splurge: The innovative delivery system ensures that the collagen actually reaches your skin, making it one of the most effective supplements on the market. The luxurious feel of the product, combined with its high efficacy, makes it a top choice for those serious about maintaining youthful, glowing skin.
Best Collagen for Hair Growth: Youtheory Marine Collagen
Price: $26
Where to Buy: Amazon
Collagen Type: Fish collagen peptides
Form: Powder
Why It’s Special: Youtheory’s Marine Collagen contains 2,500 mg of hydrolyzed fish collagen per serving and is enhanced with vitamins A, C, and E. This combination promotes hair growth, improves skin hydration, and supports healthy nails, offering a well-rounded approach to beauty.
Benefits:
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- Stimulates hair growth and strengthens nails
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- Promotes skin hydration and elasticity
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- Includes vitamins A, C, and E for skin nourishment
Best For: Anyone looking to improve hair health while supporting their skin and nails with a marine-based collagen formula.
Best Collagen Supplement for Glowing Skin: Vida Glow Original Marine Collagen
Price: $42
Where to Buy: Amazon
Collagen Type: Marine collagen peptides
Form: Powder
Why It’s Special: Vida Glow Original Marine Collagen is sustainably sourced from wild-caught fish, offering a potent collagen option that supports healthy skin, hair, and nails. With high bioavailability, it’s quickly absorbed, making it an effective choice for those looking to see fast results.
Benefits:
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- Boosts skin hydration and firmness
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- Strengthens hair and nails
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- Marine collagen offers high absorption for faster results
Best For: Those seeking a sustainable, fast-absorbing collagen supplement that delivers visible beauty benefits.
Best Collagen Serum with Vitamin C: MOOD Skin Care Elevate
Price: $49
Where to Buy: MOOD Skin Care
Collagen Type: Vitamin C stimulates collagen production
Form: Serum
Why It’s Special: 5-star rated, MOOD’s Elevate 15% Vitamin C Serum is more than just skincare—it’s a neurocosmetic solution that not only promotes collagen production but also enhances your mood. Infused with a potent concentration of Vitamin C, this serum works to brighten skin, reduce fine lines, and protect against free radical damage. The inclusion of Clementine Essential Oil offers a sensory boost, reflecting the neurocosmetic approach of uplifting both skin and spirit.
Benefits:
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- Stimulates collagen production and brightens skin
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- Reduces dark spots and fine lines
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- Aromatherapy for mood enhancement
Best For: Vegan and vegetarian customers who wish to boost their collagen production and enjoy the benefits of a brightened, more even complexion.
Best Collagen for Holistic Wellness: Live Conscious Collagen Peptides
Price: $35
Where to Buy: Amazon
Collagen Type: Grass-fed bovine collagen (types I & III)
Form: Powder
Why It’s Special: Live Conscious Collagen Peptides is a holistic wellness favorite, made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen. It supports not just skin health but also hair, nails, and joints. With its unflavored powder, it easily mixes into any drink, making it an effortless addition to your daily routine.
Benefits:
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- Improves skin elasticity and supports joint health
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- Strengthens hair and nails
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- Pure formula, free from additives and GMOs
Best For: Those looking for a clean, science-backed collagen supplement that supports overall beauty and wellness.
Best Collagen for Anti-Aging: Beverly Hills MD Plump + Firm Advanced Collagen Booster
Price: $58
Where to Buy: Amazon
Collagen Type: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides
Form: Capsules
Why It’s Special: Beverly Hills MD Plump + Firm Advanced Collagen Booster is a potent anti-aging supplement that combines hydrolyzed collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. This formula works to smooth wrinkles, plump the skin, and enhance elasticity for a firmer, more youthful appearance.
Benefits:
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- Firms and plumps the skin
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- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
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- Deeply hydrates for a youthful glow
Best For: Those seeking a luxury anti-aging supplement that targets wrinkles and promotes a firmer, youthful complexion.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that accounts for roughly 30% of the total protein in the human body. It plays a vital role in maintaining the structure of the skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissues, essentially acting as the “glue” that holds everything together. This protein provides skin elasticity, promotes joint health, and even supports muscle function.
What Does Collagen Do for the Body?
As we age, the body’s natural collagen production decreases, leading to visible signs of aging. Supplementing with the best collagen products can help restore skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve joint mobility. In addition to its beauty benefits, collagen supplements are known to support hair growth, nail strength, and digestive health, while also enhancing muscle recovery and sleep quality, thanks to the presence of the amino acid glycine in collagen peptides.
Which Type of Collagen Is Best?
With at least 28 types of collagen identified, the most commonly used types in supplements are:
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- Type I: Found in skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. This is the most abundant type in the body and is favored in beauty supplements for its ability to improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging.
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- Type II: Primarily found in cartilage, making it essential for joint health and flexibility.
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- Type III: Works alongside Type I in skin and is also found in blood vessels and internal organs. It’s a key component in maintaining healthy skin and improving skin texture.
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- Types V and X: Found in hair, the placenta, and joints, these types are often included in multi-collagen formulas for their role in skin and joint health.
Which Collagen Source Is Best?
Collagen’s effectiveness is also determined by its source, which refers to where the collagen is derived from:
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- Bovine (cow): Contains Type I and III collagen, known for improving skin elasticity, joint health, and gut health. It is a comprehensive option for those seeking both beauty and wellness benefits.
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- Marine (fish): Primarily provides Type I collagen, which is highly bioavailable (easily absorbed by the body). Marine collagen is particularly effective for skin hydration, hair growth, and nail strength, making it ideal for beauty-focused results.
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- Poultry (chicken): Rich in Type II collagen, it is best known for supporting cartilage health and joint flexibility. It’s commonly found in supplements designed to alleviate joint discomfort.
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- Eggshell Membrane: Contains a mix of Types I, V, and X, offering benefits for skin, hair, and joint health. Though less common, it is a powerful source for beauty and wellness combined.
Which Collagen Source Should You Choose?
For those prioritizing anti-aging and beauty, marine collagen is often considered the most effective due to its high absorption rate and its Type I collagen content, which directly targets skin health. If you’re looking for a more holistic supplement to support skin, joints, and gut health, bovine collagen offers a broader range of benefits with both Type I and III collagen. Ultimately, the best collagen source depends on your specific goals—whether you’re aiming to achieve youthful skin, support joint health, or enhance overall vitality.
Catering to the Growing Demand for Kosher and Halal Collagen Products
As collagen becomes a staple in beauty and wellness, there’s a growing demand for collagen products that adhere to halal, kosher, and other dietary requirements. These products are often derived from bovine, marine, or chicken sources, avoiding pork derivatives. For those following halal or kosher practices, fish-based marine collagen and bovine collagen from non-pork sources provide a viable and luxurious option. The expansion of ethical and religiously permissible collagen ensures that everyone can experience the benefits of this essential protein without compromising their values.
Are Vegan and Vegetarian Collagen Products Effective?
Unlike animal-derived collagen, vegan and vegetarian collagen supplements don’t contain collagen. Instead, they typically include plant-based ingredients like:
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- Amino acids (such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) to support collagen production.
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- Vitamin C to aid the body in producing its own collagen.
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- Silica and zinc to promote skin elasticity and hair health.
While they can be beneficial for overall skin health and boosting natural collagen production, they’re not the best collagen products because they don’t supply collagen directly. Instead, they help promote the body’s natural collagen synthesis.
How Effective Are Vegan Collagen Products Compared to Animal-Based Collagen?
Vegan and vegetarian collagen boosters are helpful for improving skin hydration, elasticity, and overall health. However, they may not be as directly effective as animal-based collagen supplements for issues like wrinkles or joint health, which benefit from the direct intake of collagen peptides.
If someone is specifically looking to boost collagen levels quickly or target joint health, animal-based sources (marine, bovine, etc.) may provide faster, more noticeable results. For those following a plant-based diet, vegan options can still support the body’s natural collagen production, though the results may take longer to appear and could be less dramatic.
Vegan Collagen-Boosting Treatments
Individuals who prefer to avoid animal-derived collagen supplements, there are non-supplement alternatives like Sculptra, Emface, and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for hair restoration. These treatments stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, offering powerful results for improving skin firmness and hair health without compromising dietary values.
