What are the different types of collagen Vital Proteins?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Vital Proteins states that its natural collagen production begins to decline by about 1-2% around the age of 25, prompting many to consider supplementation. Understanding the different types of collagen Vital Proteins provides can help you choose the best product to support your skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. This guide will detail the primary collagen products from Vital Proteins and their unique benefits.

Quick Summary

Vital Proteins provides several types of collagen, including standard Bovine Collagen Peptides, Marine Collagen for pescatarians, and Beauty Collagen. These supplements, sourced from grass-fed bovine or wild-caught fish, feature hydrolyzed collagen for high bioavailability and are designed to support various wellness and beauty goals.

Key Points

Bovine Peptides: Derived from grass-fed bovine hides and feature Types I and III collagen, offering comprehensive support for skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.
Marine Collagen: Sourced from wild-caught white fish scales, providing a pescatarian-friendly option rich in Type I collagen for enhanced skin elasticity and hydration.
Beauty Collagen: A specialty blend of bovine collagen with added hyaluronic acid and biotin for targeted support of hair, skin, and nail vitality.
Enhanced Absorption: All Vital Proteins collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, breaking down the protein into smaller peptides for maximum bioavailability and easier digestion.
Variety of Formulas: The product line includes options for general wellness, specific joint care (Type II collagen), and beauty-focused regimens, catering to diverse needs.
Sourcing Transparency: The brand emphasizes high-quality, sustainable sourcing, including grass-fed bovine and wild-caught fish, to ensure product integrity.

Understanding the Different Vital Proteins Collagen Formulas

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing the structural framework for connective tissues such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. While there are numerous types of collagen, the vast majority found in the body and in supplements consists of Types I, II, and III. Vital Proteins offers a targeted range of products by sourcing specific types of hydrolyzed collagen peptides from different animal sources. The primary benefit of using hydrolyzed collagen is its high bioavailability, meaning the body can efficiently digest and absorb it to maximize its effectiveness. Each product is formulated with a specific wellness goal in mind, catering to different dietary needs and health priorities.

Bovine-Sourced Collagen Peptides

Vital Proteins' flagship product is its standard Collagen Peptides powder, derived from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. This source is particularly rich in Types I and III collagen, which are the most prevalent in the body and provide comprehensive support for skin, hair, nail, bone, and joint health. These peptides are known for their versatility, as the unflavored version dissolves seamlessly into both hot and cold liquids without altering the taste. For those who prefer a flavored option, Vital Proteins offers varieties like Chocolate Collagen Peptides. The brand also provides an 'Advanced' formula, which boosts the peptides with skin-supporting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. This all-purpose supplement is a foundational choice for individuals prioritizing overall wellness and aging support.

Marine Collagen Peptides

For individuals seeking a pescatarian-friendly option, Vital Proteins offers its Marine Collagen, sourced exclusively from the scales of wild-caught, non-GMO white fish. This product primarily provides Type I collagen, which is renowned for its benefits for skin elasticity and hydration, as well as supporting healthy hair, nails, and joints. It is a popular choice for those with a primary focus on skin health or those who cannot consume bovine products. Marine Collagen is also highly bioavailable and easily mixed into beverages and recipes, similar to its bovine counterpart.

Beauty Collagen

Vital Proteins also offers specialized formulations, such as its Beauty Collagen. This product is a blend of bovine-sourced collagen peptides with other beauty-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and biotin. The combination of Type I and III collagen with these added nutrients is specifically designed to provide more focused support for healthy hair, skin, and nails, promoting a youthful appearance. The Beauty Collagen is available in various flavors, such as Strawberry Lemon, making it an enjoyable addition to a dedicated beauty regimen.

Other Specialized Vital Proteins Products

In addition to its flagship offerings, Vital Proteins has developed other targeted products for specific applications. The Cartilage Collagen, for instance, is formulated with Type II collagen, which is the main structural component of cartilage and is therefore targeted for specific joint support. There are also Bone Broth Collagen options, derived from simmering animal bones to provide a different nutritional profile. For those with more focused joint or dietary goals, these specialized products offer tailored benefits.

Comparison of Vital Proteins Collagen Products


Feature	Bovine Collagen Peptides	Marine Collagen Peptides	Beauty Collagen
Primary Collagen Types	I and III	Primarily I	I and III (with additional ingredients)
Source	Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide	Wild-caught, non-GMO white fish scales	Bovine, with other sources for added nutrients
Targeted Benefits	All-around support for skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints	Focused support for skin elasticity and hydration	Enhanced support for hair, skin, and nail vitality
Dietary Suitability	Paleo and Whole30® friendly	Pescatarian-friendly	Typically contains bovine collagen
Additional Ingredients	Some advanced formulas contain Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid	None in the standard marine powder	Contains hyaluronic acid and biotin
Key Consideration	Versatility and broad spectrum benefits	Sourcing for pescatarian diets or specific skin focus	Targeted approach for beauty-specific wellness goals

How to Choose the Right Vital Proteins Collagen for You

Choosing the correct Vital Proteins collagen product depends on your personal health and wellness goals. For an all-purpose daily supplement to support general skin, hair, nail, bone, and joint health, the standard Bovine Collagen Peptides are an excellent choice due to their concentration of Types I and III. For those with a pescatarian diet or a primary focus on improving skin hydration and elasticity, the Marine Collagen is the ideal fit. If your main objective is a boosted beauty routine, the Beauty Collagen, with its added nutrients like biotin and hyaluronic acid, is formulated specifically for that purpose. For more focused concerns, such as targeted joint cartilage support, the Cartilage Collagen with Type II collagen is the most appropriate option. Ultimately, identifying your specific needs will guide you to the Vital Proteins product that will provide the most effective benefits for your individual lifestyle. For general guidance on supplementation, consider consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.

Conclusion

Vital Proteins offers a carefully curated range of collagen supplements to address different health and beauty needs. By understanding what are the different types of collagen Vital Proteins uses, from the comprehensive bovine-sourced peptides to the pescatarian-friendly Marine Collagen and the beauty-focused formulations, consumers can make informed decisions. Each product is formulated with hydrolyzed peptides for optimal absorption, ensuring that your body receives the necessary building blocks to support vitality from within. Consistent, daily use of the right type of collagen can be a proactive step toward maintaining overall wellness as you age. For more information on the science of collagen and its benefits, explore resources from reputable health organizations like the Arthritis Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the source. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide and contain Types I and III collagen, while Marine Collagen is sourced from wild-caught white fish and is rich in Type I collagen, making it pescatarian-friendly.

While both bovine and marine collagen offer skin benefits, Marine Collagen is often favored by those focusing on skin elasticity. The Beauty Collagen product is also specifically formulated with skin-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and biotin for a concentrated effect.

Yes, Vital Proteins uses hydrolyzed collagen peptides. The hydrolysis process breaks down the collagen into smaller, more easily digestible peptides, allowing for quick absorption and effective use by the body.

Vital Proteins offers a variety of unflavored options that can be mixed into any liquid without altering the taste. They also provide flavored varieties, such as the Strawberry Lemon Beauty Collagen and Chocolate Collagen Peptides.

The Bovine Collagen Peptides contain Types I and III, which support general joint health. For those seeking more specific joint health benefits, Vital Proteins offers targeted products like Cartilage Collagen, which provides Type II collagen, the main component of cartilage.

The standard Collagen Peptides powder from Vital Proteins is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide, ensuring a high-quality and sustainable ingredient.

Yes, anyone can use Marine Collagen. It is simply an alternative source of collagen and is a popular choice for those seeking to maximize skin and hydration benefits, regardless of their diet.

Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen combines bovine-sourced collagen peptides with beauty-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps with skin hydration, and biotin, which is known for its benefits for hair and nails.