Which brand of collagen is best? A comprehensive guide

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 review, consistent hydrolyzed collagen supplementation can significantly improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. For those looking to support their body's connective tissues, knowing which brand of collagen is best can make all the difference in achieving desired results.

Quick Summary

This guide examines popular collagen brands, their specific benefits for skin, hair, and joints, and the different types and sources available. It helps consumers navigate options by highlighting key features like absorption, sourcing, and quality certifications to find a suitable product.

Key Points

Source & Type Matter: Marine collagen (Type I) is often best for skin, while bovine (Types I & III) is great for overall wellness, and chicken (Type II) is best for joints.
Bioavailability is Key: Opt for hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which have been broken down into smaller, easier-to-absorb molecules for maximum effectiveness.
Check for Complements: Look for supplements that include Vitamin C, as it is essential for the body to synthesize collagen effectively.
Certifications Ensure Quality: Independent third-party testing by organizations like NSF or USP verifies product purity and potency.
Multi-Collagen for Broad Benefits: Brands with a multi-collagen blend from various sources offer a wider range of collagen types for holistic support.
Choose Your Form: Collagen is available in powders, capsules, and liquids, so you can choose the format that best fits your lifestyle and routine.

Understanding Collagen: Types and Sources

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein, providing structure to skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage. As natural production declines with age, supplements have become a popular way to replenish levels. Choosing the right one begins with understanding the core differences.

Key Collagen Types

Type I: The most prevalent type, found in skin, bones, teeth, tendons, and ligaments. It is vital for skin elasticity and is often the focus of 'beauty' collagen supplements.
Type II: Located mainly in cartilage, this type is crucial for joint health and function. Supplements for joint pain and arthritis typically contain Type II collagen, often in an undenatured form (UC-II).
Type III: Works alongside Type I in the skin, muscles, and blood vessels to provide structural integrity. Bovine-sourced collagen commonly contains both Type I and Type III.

Common Collagen Sources

Bovine: Derived from cow hides and bones, this source is rich in Types I and III. It is a cost-effective and common option for overall wellness.
Marine: Sourced from fish skin and scales, it contains primarily Type I collagen. Marine collagen is known for its high bioavailability (superior absorption) and is often favored for skin-specific benefits.
Chicken: The primary source for Type II collagen used to support joint cartilage.
Multi-Source: Products like Ancient Nutrition blend several sources (bovine, chicken, marine, eggshell) to provide a wider spectrum of collagen types.
Plant-Based Builders: Vegans and vegetarians can use 'collagen builders' containing nutrients like Vitamin C, zinc, and amino acids to help stimulate their body's natural collagen production, as plants do not contain collagen itself.

Key Factors for Choosing the Best Collagen

Beyond the basic types and sources, several factors determine the quality and effectiveness of a supplement.

Hydrolyzed Peptides for Absorption: The best supplements use hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides). This process breaks down the protein into smaller, easier-to-absorb peptides, maximizing effectiveness.
Supporting Nutrients: For optimal efficacy, look for products that include complementary ingredients. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, while hyaluronic acid and biotin can boost skin and hair health.
Third-Party Testing and Certifications: Reputable brands will have certifications from independent organizations like NSF or USP, ensuring the product's purity, potency, and freedom from contaminants.
Form and Convenience: Collagen is available as powders, capsules, or liquids. Powders offer higher doses and versatility (mixing into coffee or smoothies), while capsules provide convenience. Choose the form that best fits your lifestyle.

Comparison of Leading Collagen Brands

To help answer the question, "Which brand of collagen is best?", here is a comparison of some popular, well-regarded brands.


Brand	Source	Collagen Types	Key Features	Best For
Vital Proteins	Bovine (Grass-Fed)	I & III	Good mixability, simple formula with added Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.	Skin, Hair & Nails
Ancient Nutrition	Multi-Source	I, II, III, V, X+	Comprehensive blend from beef, chicken, fish, and eggshell sources, often includes probiotics.	Overall Wellness & Gut Health
Sports Research	Bovine (Grass-Fed)	I & III	Hydrolyzed for high bioavailability, often unflavored for versatility.	Active Individuals & Skin Health
Momentous	Bovine, FORTIGEL	Peptides	Contains FORTIGEL peptides, specifically developed for joint cartilage regeneration.	Athletes & Joint Health
Klean Athlete	Bovine (Grass-Fed)	Peptides	NSF Certified for Sport, includes Vitamin C from organic amla fruit.	Athletes & Connective Tissue

Best Collagen Brand Recommendations

The best brand for you depends on your specific health goals.

For Skin Health

Look for supplements high in Type I collagen, like Marine Collagen, which is known for its superior absorption and benefits for skin elasticity and hydration. Brands like Vital Proteins are also excellent choices, especially those with added hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C for a synergistic effect.

For Joint Support

If your primary goal is to alleviate joint pain and improve mobility, focus on brands with Type II or specialized peptides. Momentous Collagen Peptides, formulated with FORTIGEL®, is specifically engineered for cartilage health. Another effective option is undenatured Type II collagen, found in capsules from brands like Healthy Origins.

For Active Individuals & Athletes

Athletes often need support for both joints and connective tissue. Brands that are NSF Certified for Sport, like Klean Collagen+C, ensure product safety and are specifically designed for performance and recovery. The added Vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis post-exercise.

For Overall Wellness & Gut Health

A multi-source collagen can provide broad-spectrum benefits. Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein offers a blend of 10 types of collagen from four food sources, making it excellent for overall body support, including gut health. Their formula often includes beneficial probiotics.

For Vegans and Plant-Based Diets

As collagen only comes from animal sources, true vegan collagen does not exist. However, plant-based collagen builders, like those from Cureveda, use amino acids and nutrients from plants to help your body produce its own collagen naturally.

The Verdict: Which brand of collagen is best?

Ultimately, the best brand of collagen is a personal choice based on your individual needs, diet, and budget. For maximum absorption and versatile use, a hydrolyzed collagen powder like Vital Proteins is a great all-around option, especially for skin and hair. If joint health is your main priority, a specialized Type II or FORTIGEL-based supplement is more targeted. Multi-collagen formulas provide comprehensive support for overall wellness, while certified-for-sport options are best for athletes. Always prioritize quality, absorption, and third-party testing to ensure you're getting a safe and effective product.

Consistency is key. Regardless of the brand you choose, regular daily intake is essential to experience the full benefits of collagen supplementation. Before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are pregnant, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is the right choice for you. You can learn more about collagen research and its effects on health on reliable medical resource websites such as Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

For skin and hair, Type I and Type III collagen are most beneficial. Marine collagen is particularly rich in Type I and is praised for its high bioavailability, while bovine collagen provides both Type I and III.

For joints and arthritis, Type II collagen is the most effective, as it is the primary protein in cartilage. Undenatured Type II collagen (UC-II) has been shown to be particularly effective in clinical studies for joint support.

Neither is inherently better; the choice depends on your goals. Marine collagen is excellent for skin due to its high concentration of Type I collagen and superior absorption. Bovine collagen provides a wider spectrum of support for skin, bones, and joints (Types I and III).

Look for products that are hydrolyzed (collagen peptides), sourced transparently (e.g., grass-fed bovine, wild-caught marine), contain minimal additives, and are certified by third-party organizations like NSF or USP.

Collagen supplements are generally well-tolerated. Some people may experience mild digestive issues like bloating or a feeling of fullness. Allergic reactions are rare but possible if you have allergies to the source (e.g., fish).

No, true collagen only comes from animal sources. However, vegans can use 'collagen builders' or vegan supplements that contain the amino acids and nutrients (like Vitamin C and zinc) needed for their body to produce collagen naturally.

The timeframe for seeing results varies by individual, but many users report noticeable improvements in skin hydration and joint comfort after 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.

Collagen is the large, intact protein molecule, while hydrolyzed collagen (or collagen peptides) has been broken down into smaller, more easily digested and absorbed peptides. The hydrolyzed form is considered more bioavailable for supplements.