What Company Makes the Best Collagen? A 2025 Guide

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 90% of the body's collagen is Type I, found in skin, bones, and tendons, with production naturally declining with age. While countless companies claim to make the best collagen, the right brand for you depends on individual goals, sourcing preferences, and budget. Choosing the top-performing product requires navigating a market flooded with options, each with unique formulations and claims.

Quick Summary

An overview of top collagen supplement brands, comparing product features like sourcing, ingredients, and third-party testing. It helps you identify the ideal collagen company based on your specific health objectives, whether for skin, joints, or overall wellness. This guide examines market leaders to provide a reliable comparison.

Key Points

Vital Proteins: A strong contender for best overall collagen due to its high-quality, grass-fed sourcing, NSF certification, and widespread positive user reviews.
Transparent Labs: The top choice for athletes and purity-conscious consumers, with third-party testing via Informed Choice and a focus on clean, high-potency formulations.
Ancient Nutrition: Offers a comprehensive multi-collagen formula from various sources, providing a wide spectrum of collagen types for holistic support.
NeoCell: A budget-friendly option that delivers effective results for skin, hair, and nails with added nutrients like Vitamin C and biotin.
Hydrolyzed Collagen: Opt for supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen peptides for maximum bioavailability and absorption by the body.
Third-Party Testing: Look for certifications from independent organizations to ensure product purity, potency, and safety, as supplements are not FDA-regulated.

What to Look for in a Top Collagen Company

When searching for what company makes the best collagen, it's essential to look beyond marketing hype and focus on key quality indicators. Collagen is a structural protein, but once ingested, it's broken down into amino acids. The effectiveness of a supplement depends largely on how easily the body can absorb and utilize these components.

Bioavailability

The term 'hydrolyzed collagen' or 'collagen peptides' indicates that the collagen has been broken down into smaller, more bioavailable particles, allowing for better absorption. Top companies consistently use hydrolyzed peptides to ensure maximum efficacy. For example, brands like Vital Proteins and Transparent Labs are frequently praised for their products' excellent solubility and absorption.

Sourcing and Purity

The source of collagen is a critical factor, impacting both effectiveness and safety. Bovine collagen, often from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, is a rich source of Type I and III collagen, beneficial for skin and bones. Marine collagen, derived from fish, is another popular option, particularly valued for skin health due to its high Type I content and bioavailability. Concerns about potential contaminants like heavy metals, particularly in bone-based sources, make reputable sourcing crucial. The best companies prioritize clean, ethical sourcing and provide transparency on their processes.

Third-Party Testing and Certifications

Since dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as pharmaceuticals, independent third-party testing is a gold standard for verifying product safety and purity. Certifications from organizations like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice, as seen with Transparent Labs and Momentous, guarantee products are free of banned substances and meet strict quality standards. Always look for products that can verify their testing status to ensure you're getting a safe and clean product.

Formula and Added Ingredients

While simple, single-ingredient collagen peptides are effective, some of the best companies enhance their formulas with complementary nutrients. For example, Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for the body's natural collagen synthesis. Many brands, including NeoCell and Ancient Nutrition, include Vitamin C to boost effectiveness. Hyaluronic acid and biotin are other common additions aimed at amplifying beauty benefits for skin, hair, and nails.

Reputation and Customer Reviews

Finally, a company's reputation and customer feedback offer a real-world gauge of a product's success. While individual results vary, consistent positive reviews regarding taste, mixability, and noticeable benefits can signal a trustworthy brand. Listening to feedback from long-term users can be more telling than short-term trials.

Comparison of Top Collagen Brands


Brand	Sourcing	Key Types	Certifications	Key Benefits	Best For
Vital Proteins	Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine; wild-caught marine	Type I, III	NSF Certified for Sport	Skin elasticity, hydration, joint support	All-around user; variety of options
Transparent Labs	Grass-fed bovine	Type I, III	Informed Choice Certified	Purity, high potency, mixes well	Athletes and purity-focused users
Ancient Nutrition	Multi-source (bovine, egg, fish, chicken)	Type I, II, III, V, X	Third-party tested	Comprehensive support (skin, gut, joints)	Holistic health seekers
NeoCell	Bovine, marine	Type I, III	Non-GMO, gluten-free	Targeted beauty support (skin, hair, nails)	Budget-conscious user
Sports Research	Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine	Type I, III	Certified Paleo Friendly	Skin, nails, and joint health	Skin-focused users; wide availability

Leading Companies by Category

Best Overall: Vital Proteins

Vital Proteins consistently appears at the top of many best-of lists for its high-quality sourcing, extensive testing, and broad product range. Their unflavored Collagen Peptides are a staple for many, valued for their mixability and versatility. The brand's use of grass-fed bovine and wild-caught marine sources ensures a high-quality product, and their certifications provide consumer confidence.

Best for Athletes: Transparent Labs

For athletes who need to be extra cautious about banned substances, Transparent Labs is an ideal choice. Their Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate is not only sourced from grass-fed cattle but is also Informed Choice certified, verifying its purity. The high potency and dedication to transparent sourcing make it a top contender for those with strict dietary and performance standards.

Best Multi-Source: Ancient Nutrition

Ancient Nutrition stands out for its comprehensive approach, offering a multi-source collagen product derived from bovine, eggshell membrane, fish, and chicken. This blend provides a broader spectrum of collagen types (I, II, III, V, and X), addressing multiple wellness goals from joint support to skin health. This makes it a compelling option for those seeking a single, all-encompassing supplement.

Best Value: NeoCell

NeoCell offers an affordable and effective entry into the collagen market, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Their products, often featuring Type I & III collagen plus Vitamin C and biotin, deliver targeted benefits for skin, hair, and nails at a competitive price point.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing what company makes the best collagen ultimately depends on your individual health objectives, dietary needs, and commitment to consistency. While top brands like Vital Proteins, Transparent Labs, and Ancient Nutrition offer robust, third-party-tested products with excellent ingredients, the best option for a skin-focused consumer might be different from that of an athlete. Prioritize companies that demonstrate transparency in sourcing, provide third-party certifications, and align with your specific wellness goals. By doing your research, you can confidently select a high-quality collagen supplement to support your health journey.

For more in-depth, scientifically-backed information on the effects of collagen, consider reviewing studies and research published on the National Institutes of Health website at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8824545/.

Frequently Asked Questions

For skin health, supplements containing Type I and Type III hydrolyzed collagen are generally recommended. Marine collagen is also known for its high bioavailability and potential effectiveness in boosting skin hydration and elasticity.

No, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way as medications. This makes third-party testing by independent organizations crucial for verifying a product's safety and label accuracy.

No, true collagen is always derived from animal sources. Vegetarians and vegans can opt for 'collagen-boosting' supplements that contain the amino acid building blocks and co-factors like Vitamin C needed for the body's natural production.

Results can vary depending on the individual and the product's quality. Some users report noticeable improvements in skin and nails within 4 to 6 weeks, but consistent, long-term use is key for sustained benefits.

Collagen powder typically offers higher doses per serving and is often more easily absorbed, especially when hydrolyzed. Capsules are more convenient for travel or daily use but may contain a lower amount of collagen per serving.

Bovine collagen comes from cows and is rich in Types I and III, supporting skin and bones. Marine collagen, from fish, contains mostly Type I and is highly bioavailable, often favored for skin-specific benefits.

Yes, research suggests that specific collagen types, particularly Type II (often from chicken cartilage), can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness, especially in people with osteoarthritis.