Top 5 Collagen Supplements in 2024
In recent years, collagen has become popular for its potential skin, hair, and nail benefits. But which collagen supplements are worth buying, and which ones should you avoid?
Collagen is a vital structural protein that makes up much of the connective tissue in our bodies, including skin, bones, tendons, and muscles. Collagen makes up over 80% of our skin, helping to keep it elastic, hydrated, and wrinkle-free. However, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and it becomes more difficult to replace. By our 20s, we start losing about 1% of our collagen each year, and by our 50s, we've lost up to a third of it. This loss of skin elasticity can lead to dryness, wrinkles, and problems with our heart, bones, joints, and tendons.[1,2,3,4]
Several studies indicate that the most effective method to enhance collagen production involves the consumption of a premium collagen supplement. These supplements typically feature collagen peptides, also referred to as hydrolyzed collagen. In contrast to the collagen naturally produced by our bodies, collagen peptides consist of amino acids derived from animal protein, making them more readily absorbed into the bloodstream.[5]
While collagen supplements commonly utilise either bovine or marine peptides, research suggests that marine collagen—specifically type 1 collagen—stands out as the most effective option. It has demonstrated superior efficacy in enhancing skin elasticity and texture, as well as supporting overall bone, joint, and heart health.
What Sets Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Apart?
Hydrolyzed marine collagen, often identified as type 1 collagen, is composed of peptides derived from fish and their scales. The hydrolyzation process breaks down the proteins, facilitating better absorption into the bloodstream. Notably, marine collagen stands out as the most environmentally friendly option, utilising parts of fish that are typically discarded.[7]
The growing demand for marine collagen supplements is no surprise, given its multitude of health and wellness benefits. Research has shown the efficacy of hydrolyzed marine collagen in promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails, boosting metabolism, supporting weight management, and reducing inflammation, among other benefits.[6]
To reap the full benefits of collagen supplements, it's essential to select the right one. Read on to learn what to look for and avoid when choosing your collagen supplement.
The Ultimate Duo: Hyaluronic Acid & Collagen
Similar to collagen, Hyaluronic Acid boasts various benefits, with a particular emphasis on enhancing skin health. This natural substance is produced by the human body and is primarily present in fluids within the eyes and joints.[8]
Recent years have seen extensive research confirming the efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid. Studies demonstrate that consistent supplementation can potentially prevent new wrinkles, diminish the appearance of existing fine lines, and even reverse sun damage.[8] Beyond its remarkable skin benefits, Hyaluronic Acid proves to be an excellent remedy for joint and muscle pain.
Recognizing the synergistic potential, top-notch brands have begun offering supplements that combine both collagen and Hyaluronic Acid. This dual-action supplement not only enhances skin health but also provides additional benefits for joints, resulting in a more potent formula that is likely to yield superior results compared to taking collagen or Hyaluronic Acid supplements individually.
Selecting the Perfect Supplement
In the realm of dietary supplements, the temptation of opting for the most affordable option is strong. However, there's a rationale behind varying price points. More often than not, higher-quality products come with a heftier price tag. While it may require a bit more investment, it also ensures more significant results and the full realisation of the benefits offered by the supplements. Continue reading for our curated list of the top 5 collagen supplements currently available in the market.
Unlock the Advantages of Marine Collagen
- Facilitates hair and nail growth
- Enhances skin hydration and guards against wrinkles
- Fosters the well-being of bones and muscles
- Maintains stable blood sugar levels
- Revs up metabolism
- Assists in weight management
- Reduces inflammation and provides relief from joint pain
Navigating through numerous brands and products can make it tough to distinguish the excellent supplements from the subpar ones. That's why we've compiled a list of the finest collagen products currently available. Continue reading to discover the top 5 collagen supplements that deserve your attention.
What to Keep an Eye Out For
Taking into account the mentioned attributes, we've put together a list of the five crucial criteria to consider when selecting your collagen supplement.
1. Endorsed by Healthcare Experts:
A key factor to consider when selecting a supplement is its endorsement by healthcare professionals. Products recommended by healthcare professionals are often crafted with high-quality ingredients that genuinely deliver results.
2. Opt for a Supplement with Marine Collagen:
Research indicates that marine collagen supplements outperform other collagen types, such as types 2 and 3 collagen derived from chicken or bovine proteins. The enhanced absorption of marine collagen peptides by our bodies allows for full utilisation of the supplement's benefits, ensuring optimal results.[7]
3. Premium Ingredients:
It's crucial to emphasise that the supplement you choose is crafted with top-tier, natural ingredients. Seek a collagen supplement that not only includes high-quality collagen, but also incorporates supportive elements for skin, nails, bones, and joints, such as Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C. Opting for a supplement that combines clinically studied vitamins and minerals with collagen ensures more favourable results.
Lastly, ensure that the supplement you purchase is free from synthetic additives or unnecessary extra ingredients.
4. Optimal Strength:
When selecting your collagen supplement, opt for a potent formula. Experts recommend choosing a supplement with a minimum of 500mg of collagen peptides to ensure noticeable results.
5. Satisfaction Assurance:
Ensure that the product you purchase comes with a transparent money-back guarantee for all transactions. This serves as a clear indicator that the company has confidence in the quality of their product and is willing to provide a form of "insurance" to reinforce your satisfaction.
What to steer clear of?
1. Subpar Ingredients & Insufficient Potency:
To achieve the desired wellness outcomes with collagen, it's important to opt for a supplement that incorporates high-quality ingredients in potent concentrations. Avoid supplements with less than 500mg of marine collagen peptides. Additionally, be cautious of supplements that include unnecessary additives or synthetic ingredients.
2. Exercise caution with online reviews (especially on Amazon)
Before making any purchase, checking online reviews is a common research step. Unfortunately, these reviews may not always provide a reliable measure of a product's quality and effectiveness. Companies often pay for reviews on popular online platforms, such as Amazon, attempting to manipulate their way to a five-star rating. While consulting these reviews is advisable, conduct your own research for a more comprehensive understanding.
How We Evaluate The Top 5
In the past few years, collagen has become one of the most sought-after natural supplements. With numerous brands offering various formulations, the extensive choices available pose a challenge in distinguishing between effective supplements and those of lesser quality that may not deliver the desired benefits. To simplify your decision-making process, we've done the legwork for you.
We scoured the internet to identify the most popular collagen supplements currently on the market and have compiled a convenient top 5 list for your consideration.
1. Collagen Complex with Hyaluronic Acid & Sea Kelp
Total Ranking
980 votes
9.7/10
A+
Overall GradePROS
- Provides the recommended daily dose of 1000mg of marine collagen peptides per serving
- Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Biotin, Zinc, and Natural Iodine
- Free from Synthetic and Unnecessary Additives
- Endorsed by Healthcare Professionals
- UK Manufactured
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
CONS
- Only Available for Online Purchase
The Bottom Line
Of every collagen supplement that we tested, Theonia's Collagen Complex is by far the highest quality product that delivers the best results. Compared to the majority of other brands, Theonia’s collagen supplement contains the recommended 1000mg of marine collagen per serving.
They included a variety of other beneficial ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Sea Kelp, Biotin, Vitamins C and E, and Zinc to make this a top-tier multi-action formula.
Theonia also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all purchases. All in all, Theonia seems to have the best and most results-oriented ingredients list of all the supplements we came across in our research.
*Results are based on the TheoniaLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More2. Marine Collagen Complex
Total Ranking
765 votes
9.3/10
A
Overall GradePROS
- Includes Type 1 Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen
- 7 Clinically Studied Ingredients
- Mindfully Sourced
- Backed by a Money-Back Guarantee
- UK Manufactured
CONS
- Exclusive availability online
- Express Delivery Limited to the UK & European Countries
The Bottom Line
Hey Nutrition’s Collagen Complex is another stellar collagen supplement. It contains the recommended dose of marine collagen, as well as incorporates other ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C and E, Biotin, Seaweed (algae), and Natural Iodine for added benefits. This comprehensive blend enhances skin and hair health while promoting the well-being of bones, muscles, and joints.
To bolster consumer confidence, HeyNutrition offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all purchases.
*Results are based on the TheoniaLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. 365 V Advanced Collagen
Total Ranking
356 votes
8.6/10
B+
Overall GradePROS
- Includes additional beneficial ingredients: Bamboo Extract, Zinc, and Biotin
- GMO-free
CONS
- Contains only 350mg of marine collagen per capsule
- Slow delivery
The Bottom Line
365 V offers a commendable collagen supplement. Utilising marine collagen, the most easily absorbed type, their formula is enriched with ingredients like Bamboo Extract, Zinc, and Biotin, offering various benefits for skin, hair, joints, and metabolism.
However, compared to other supplements on our list, 365 V's Marine Collagen Supplement falls short in potency, with only 350mg of marine collagen per capsule. This lower potency may affect its overall effectiveness when compared to more robust formulations.
*Results are based on the TheoniaLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Marine Collagen
Total Ranking
412 votes
8.1/10
B-
Overall GradePROS
- Enriched with additional ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B2, Zinc, and Iodine
- 500mg of marine collagen per capsule
- Easy-to-swallow tablets
- GMO-free
CONS
- Contains copper sulphate
- Lack of a money-back guarantee
The Bottom Line
Nutravita, being a renowned supplement company, was anticipated to deliver a quality collagen supplement. Each capsule of their product contains 500mg of marine collagen, complemented by beneficial ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B2, Zinc, and Iodine.
Despite the inclusion of skin, bones, and joint-promoting ingredients, Nutravita falls short by not offering any form of guarantee. Additionally, our request for a Certificate of Analysis for their ingredients went unanswered.
*Results are based on the TheoniaLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Marine Collagen Hydropro
Total Ranking
212 votes
7.7/10
C+
Overall GradePROS
- Provides 500mg of marine collagen per capsule
- Includes additional beneficial ingredients, such as Biotin and Blueberry
- Free from artificial colours or additives
CONS
- Potentially misleading label
- Contains copper sulphate
The Bottom Line
Pretty Smart Food Co's collagen supplement initially presents itself as a high-quality option, featuring the recommended minimum of 500mg of marine collagen peptides and various ingredients beneficial for skin, hair, and overall health.
However, a closer inspection of their ingredients list reveals the inclusion of 1mg of copper sulphate. While copper sulphate is occasionally found in supplements, numerous studies highlight its toxicity to humans, potentially leading to health complications involving the kidneys, liver, spleen, and endocrine system.[9]
*Results are based on the TheoniaLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreFinal Thoughts
Addressing concerns from wrinkles and skin roughness to relieving muscle and joint discomfort, collagen has swiftly emerged as a sought-after natural supplement, thanks to its myriad health benefits. Despite the limitless advantages of incorporating a collagen supplement into your daily wellness regimen, finding the ideal product can be daunting.
After thorough research into various brands' collagen offerings, assessing their ingredients, customer service, and reputation, it's evident that Theonia's Collagen Complex with Hyaluronic Acid stands as the premier collagen supplement on the market.
Theonia assures a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Resources:
- Shoulders, M. D., & Raines, R. T. (2009). Collagen structure and stability. Annual review of biochemistry, 78, 929–958. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.biochem.77.032207.120833
- Ganceviciene, R., Liakou, A. I., Theodoridis, A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 308–319. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22804
- Varani, J., Dame, M. K., Rittie, L., Fligiel, S. E., Kang, S., Fisher, G. J., & Voorhees, J. J. (2006). Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. The American journal of pathology, 168(6), 1861–1868. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302
- Figueres Juher, T., & Basés Pérez, E. (2015). REVISIÓN DE LOS EFECTOS BENEFICIOSOS DE LA INGESTA DE COLÁGENO HIDROLIZADO SOBRE LA SALUD OSTEOARTICULAR Y EL ENVEJECIMIENTO DÉRMICO [An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen intake on joint and bone health and on skin ageing]. Nutricion hospitalaria, 32 Suppl 1, 62–66. https://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2015.32.sup1.9482
- Paul, C., Leser, S., & Oesser, S. (2019). Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients, 11(5), 1079. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051079
- Campos, L. D., Santos Junior, V. A., Pimentel, J. D., Carregã, G. L. F., & Cazarin, C. B. B. (2023). Collagen supplementation in skin and orthopedic diseases: A review of the literature. Heliyon, 9(4), e14961. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14961
- León-López, A., Morales-Peñaloza, A., Martínez-Juárez, V. M., Vargas-Torres, A., Zeugolis, D. I., & Aguirre-Álvarez, G. (2019). Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(22), 4031. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224031
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
- Gupta, D., Kerai, S., & Budoo, M. S. (2018). A fatal and deceiving case of copper sulphate poisoning. Indian journal of anaesthesia, 62(10), 819–820. https://doi.org/10.4103/ija.IJA_71_18