Where Does Youtheory Get Their Collagen From? An In-depth Look at Sourcing

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, is a popular dietary supplement for skin, hair, and joint health. When considering a supplement like Youtheory, a crucial question for many consumers is: Where does Youtheory get their collagen from?.

Quick Summary

Youtheory sources its collagen primarily from bovine, but also uses marine (fish) and chicken sources for specific products. Their collagen is hydrolyzed for optimal absorption. Some reports indicate potential for porcine content in certain bovine-derived batches, which is a key consideration for consumers with specific dietary restrictions.

Key Points

Diverse Animal Sources: Youtheory utilizes multiple animal sources for its collagen, including bovine (cattle) for its Advanced Formula, marine (fish) for its Marine Collagen, and chicken for its Joint Collagen.
Hydrolyzed for Absorption: All Youtheory collagen is hydrolyzed, meaning the protein is broken down into smaller peptides for better and more efficient absorption by the body.
Specific Concerns for Diets: Some customer reports indicate that certain bovine-derived products may contain porcine (pork) collagen, which is a critical detail for individuals with specific dietary or religious restrictions.
Different Types for Different Benefits: Products contain varying types of collagen (primarily Types 1, 2, and 3) to target different body needs, such as skin elasticity, joint support, and overall structural health.
Quality Control and Vitamins: Youtheory emphasizes its high quality sourcing and in-house manufacturing, often including Vitamin C in its formulations to support the body's natural collagen synthesis.
Non-GMO and Traceable: The company claims that its collagen sources are non-GMO and provides traceability from source to shelf.

Youtheory’s Multi-Source Collagen Approach

Youtheory is a family-owned company that emphasizes rigorous sourcing and in-house manufacturing in Southern California. To produce its range of collagen supplements, the company utilizes a variety of animal-derived sources. This multi-source strategy allows them to offer products with different types of collagen tailored for specific wellness needs.

The primary source for many Youtheory products is bovine-derived collagen, which comes from cattle. For other specialized formulations, such as the Marine Collagen, they utilize fish-sourced collagen. Furthermore, their Joint Collagen products incorporate chicken collagen. This variety of sources ensures that different types of collagen, which benefit various parts of the body, can be included in their product lineup. Youtheory states they travel globally to source high-quality raw materials, specifically mentioning Brazil, the United States, and Europe. They also ensure their sources are always non-GMO.

The Importance of Hydrolyzed Collagen

All Youtheory collagen is fully hydrolyzed. This is a crucial detail for absorption and efficacy. During the hydrolysis process, food-grade collagen undergoes a gentle, cold enzyme process that breaks down the proteins into smaller, more bioavailable peptides. The body can absorb these smaller peptides more efficiently into the bloodstream. This processing method is intended to maximize the supplement's effectiveness for supporting health and beauty. The addition of Vitamin C to many of their products further aids the body's natural collagen production.

Addressing the Porcine Sourcing Concern

For consumers with specific dietary restrictions, such as those following halal or kosher diets, the sourcing of collagen is of critical importance. While Youtheory advertises bovine, marine, and chicken sources, a notable customer interaction reported on Amazon indicates a potential for porcine (pork) collagen in some batches of their bovine-derived products. A customer service representative allegedly confirmed that some capsules contain both bovine and porcine collagen. Youtheory does not explicitly state porcine on its labels for these products, leading to a loss of trust for some customers. This highlights the necessity for consumers to do their own due diligence or contact the company directly with specific concerns, especially if following a strict dietary code.

Understanding Collagen Types

Youtheory's Advanced Formula typically includes Types 1, 2, and 3 collagen, leveraging multiple sources like bovine and chicken. Different types of collagen serve distinct functions in the body.

Type I Collagen: The most abundant type, found in skin, bone, tendons, and ligaments, providing structure and elasticity.
Type II Collagen: Primarily found in cartilage, which cushions joints, making it crucial for joint health.
Type III Collagen: Found in muscles, organs, and arteries, it is often paired with Type I to promote skin health.

Youtheory Product Sourcing Breakdown

To help clarify the sourcing for specific products, here is a general breakdown based on available information:

Youtheory Advanced Formula: This product is most commonly associated with a blend of Type 1 and 3 bovine collagen. Historically, some batches may have also included porcine, according to customer reports.
Youtheory Marine Collagen: As the name suggests, this product contains hydrolyzed collagen sourced from fish, primarily for Type 1 and 3 benefits related to skin hydration and elasticity.
Youtheory Joint Collagen: This formula specifically uses Type 2 collagen sourced from chicken.

Youtheory Collagen vs. Generic Alternatives: A Comparison


Feature	Youtheory Collagen	Generic Collagen Supplement
Sourcing	Diverse animal sources (Bovine, Marine, Chicken), depending on product. Claimed global, non-GMO sourcing.	Varies widely. May be single-source, multi-source, or undisclosed. Quality and traceability can be inconsistent.
Processing	Hydrolyzed into small peptides for high bioavailability.	May or may not be hydrolyzed. Non-hydrolyzed collagen is poorly absorbed.
Quality Control	In-house manufacturing and processing in Southern California; guarantees purity, potency, and traceability.	Variable; depends on the manufacturer. Less oversight possible without independent certification.
Key Ingredients	Combines hydrolyzed collagen with Vitamin C to support natural production.	Often contains just collagen, lacking synergistic nutrients like Vitamin C.
Potential Porcine Issue	Some bovine batches may contain porcine, creating concerns for specific dietary needs.	Dependent on manufacturer; requires careful label checking and potential inquiry.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Understanding where Youtheory gets their collagen from reveals a complex picture of sourcing practices. While the company highlights a commitment to high-quality, hydrolyzed bovine, marine, and chicken sources, the reported presence of porcine in some products is a critical factor for consumers with specific dietary restrictions to consider. The multi-source strategy allows them to target different wellness outcomes, offering specific collagen types for skin, joints, or overall health.

For those interested in Youtheory, it is recommended to examine the specific product formulation and consider any personal dietary restrictions. A proactive step is to contact the company directly for clarity on sourcing, especially regarding products derived from bovine sources. Consumers seeking alternatives for dietary reasons can consider Youtheory's marine or joint collagen options, which are fish- and chicken-based, respectively. Ultimately, an informed decision based on transparency and individual needs is essential for choosing the right collagen supplement.

For a deeper understanding of collagen and its function in the body, authoritative resources such as the National Institutes of Health provide detailed information on its biosynthesis and types.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to one customer's report based on a phone call with the company, certain bovine-derived batches sold at retailers like Costco may include porcine collagen. Youtheory's own blog focuses on bovine, marine, and chicken sourcing but does not explicitly mention porcine for its bovine products.

Hydrolyzed collagen is a form of collagen that has been broken down into smaller, more easily digestible and absorbable peptides through an enzymatic process. Youtheory uses this method to increase the bioavailability of its supplements.

Youtheory offers a specific product called Marine Collagen, which features fish-sourced collagen. This is often targeted for skin hydration and overall health.

The Advanced Formula typically contains a combination of Types 1, 2, and 3 collagen, derived from a mix of bovine and chicken sources. These types are beneficial for skin, hair, and joint support.

Given the reports of potential porcine content in some bovine-derived products, consumers following halal or kosher diets should exercise caution. It is highly recommended to seek certification details directly from the company before use.

Youtheory manufactures its products in-house at its facility in Southern California, which allows them to oversee quality and ensure potency.

Your body can produce its own collagen if you consume a diet rich in proteins, vitamin C, zinc, and other key nutrients. Supplements are an option, but a balanced diet is also crucial for overall health and collagen support.