What ingredients are in vital proteins, collagen peptides?

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Vital Proteins' flagship Original Collagen Peptides product is notably simple, containing just one primary ingredient: bovine hide collagen peptides. While the core product is a straightforward protein supplement, the company also offers various enhanced formulas that incorporate additional beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to target different wellness goals.

Quick Summary

The core of Vital Proteins' Original Collagen Peptides is a single, highly bioavailable ingredient derived from bovine hides. More specialized Vital Proteins products feature additional components, including hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, to offer expanded wellness benefits for skin, hair, and joints.

Key Points

Single Ingredient: The original, unflavored Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides contains only one ingredient: hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides.
Enhanced Formulas: Advanced versions include additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for enhanced benefits for skin hydration and elasticity.
Quality Sourcing: The bovine collagen is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle to ensure a high-quality, sustainable product.
High Bioavailability: The collagen is hydrolyzed into smaller peptides, making it easier for the body to digest and absorb.
Amino Acid Rich: It is rich in key amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are essential for connective tissue health.
Easy to Mix: The powder is versatile and dissolves easily in both hot and cold liquids, including coffee, smoothies, and water.

The Core Ingredient: Bovine Hide Collagen Peptides

At its heart, the original, unflavored Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides product is composed of a single, simple ingredient: hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides. The sourcing is a key aspect of the brand's appeal, as the collagen comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. Sourcing from healthy, responsibly-raised cattle is intended to ensure a high-quality and sustainable product. The hydrolysis process breaks down the large collagen protein molecules into smaller, more easily digestible peptides. This enhances the product's bioavailability, allowing the body to absorb and utilize the amino acids more efficiently for maximum benefits.

The Amino Acid Profile

Collagen is rich in specific amino acids that are foundational to the body's connective tissues. The bovine hide collagen peptides in Vital Proteins contain 18 amino acids, including a high concentration of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Glycine is particularly important for the synthesis of collagen, while proline is crucial for maintaining skin and joint health. The presence of these specific amino acids is what differentiates collagen from other protein sources and links its consumption to benefits for skin, hair, nails, and joints.

Expanded Formulas: Beyond the Basic Ingredient

While the original formula keeps it simple, Vital Proteins offers several variations designed for different wellness needs. These products incorporate additional, science-backed ingredients to deliver targeted benefits. For instance, the Advanced Powder is a "thrice-as-nice" formula.

Common additions to specialized Vital Proteins formulas:

Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its ability to help the skin retain moisture, hyaluronic acid is included to support skin hydration and elasticity.
Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant is crucial for the body's natural collagen production. Adding it to the supplement helps promote a youthful appearance and supports overall skin health.
Marine Collagen: For individuals with pescatarian dietary preferences, Vital Proteins offers a marine-sourced collagen derived from the skins of wild-caught fish, which is also unflavored and dissolves easily.
Vital Performance™ Protein: This product line is formulated for athletes and includes a blend of milk protein isolate and collagen peptides, along with other ingredients, to support muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

Comparison Table: Original vs. Advanced Collagen

To better understand the variations, here is a comparison of the key ingredients in two popular Vital Proteins products.


Feature	Original Collagen Peptides	Advanced Collagen Peptides
Primary Ingredient	Hydrolyzed Bovine Hide Collagen Peptides	Hydrolyzed Bovine Hide Collagen Peptides
Secondary Ingredients	None	Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C
Sourcing	Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine	Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
Main Benefit Focus	Hair, skin, nail, bone, and joint support	Enhanced skin hydration and elasticity, plus basic collagen benefits
Daily Value Vitamin C	None	100% Daily Value
Hyaluronic Acid Content	0mg	120mg

How to Use the Products

Whether it's the simple or advanced version, incorporating the powder into your routine is straightforward. The peptides are designed to be tasteless and soluble in hot or cold liquids.

Mixing instructions:

For hot beverages: Stir the desired amount directly into your coffee, tea, or soup until fully dissolved.
For cold beverages: For optimal mixability, start with a small amount of room-temperature liquid, stir in the powder, and then add the rest of your cold liquid or ice.
For food: Mix the powder into foods like sauces, oatmeal, or baked goods for a protein boost.

Potential Considerations

While Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are generally well-tolerated, some users may experience mild side effects, such as digestive discomfort, constipation, or changes in appetite, especially when starting the supplement. It's crucial to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare provider if you have any pre-existing health conditions or experience persistent issues. The quality of supplements can also vary, and some customers have reported inconsistencies between batches, including differences in taste or smell. Choosing high-quality, third-party certified products can help mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

The core ingredient in Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is high-quality, bioavailable bovine hide collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. This simple, clean formula is ideal for those focused solely on the foundational benefits of collagen for hair, skin, and joint health. However, for consumers seeking additional targeted benefits, the Advanced formula is fortified with skin-supporting hyaluronic acid and collagen-production-boosting vitamin C. By understanding the ingredients in each product, consumers can select the best option to align with their specific health and wellness goals.

Visit the official Vital Proteins website to learn more about their sourcing and ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

The original, unflavored version contains just one ingredient: hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides, sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows.

No, while the original is a single-ingredient product, some specialized formulas, like the Advanced Collagen Peptides, contain extra ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for added benefits.

The bovine collagen is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine hides to ensure a high-quality and natural product.

The collagen is hydrolyzed, or broken down into smaller peptides, to make it more bioavailable. This means it is more easily digested and absorbed by the body for maximum effectiveness.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides contain 18 amino acids, with a particularly high concentration of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

Yes, the powder is soluble in both hot and cold liquids. For better mixability in cold drinks, some users find it helpful to mix the powder with a small amount of lukewarm water first before adding ice.

While generally safe, some users have reported mild side effects like digestive issues, constipation, or reduced appetite. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended if you have concerns or pre-existing conditions.