The Most Effective Collagen Supplements In 2023 – A Buyer’s Guide
Discover which collagen supplements are worth buying, and which ones to watch out for.
Collagen is one of the most abundant structural proteins found in our bodies, forming much of the connective tissue in our bodies, including skin, bones, skin, tendons and muscles.
In recent years, collagen has garnered world-wide attention for its miraculous skin, hair and nail benefits. Collagen makes up over 80% of our skin, which helps us to preserve skin elasticity, improve hydration and prevent signs of aging. However, as we age, our bodies are no longer able to produce as much collagen and it becomes more difficult for our bodies to replace it. As we hit our 20s, we start to lose as much as 1% of our collagen each year and by the time we hit our 50s, we lose up to a third of it.
This loss of skin elasticity causes us to have drier skin, more wrinkles, and issues related to our heart, bones, joints and tendons1.
Numerous studies have shown that the best way to boost collagen production is by taking a high quality collagen supplement. Collagen supplements are primarily made with collagen peptides (also known as hydrolyzed collagen). Unlike the collagen our bodies produce naturally, collagen peptides are made of amino acids that are derived from animal protein, which makes them much more easily absorbed into the bloodstream2.
Most collagen supplements are made with either bovine or marine peptides. Yet, research has shown that marine collagen (type 1 collagen) supplements are the most effective for improving skin elasticity and texture, and promoting bone, joint and heart health.
What is Hydrolysed marine collagen and why is it superior?
Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, which is also often referred to as type 1 collagen, is made of peptides that come from fish and their scales. When collagen is hydrolysed, it simply means that the proteins have been broken down in order to promote better absorption into the bloodstream. Marine Collagen is the most environmentally friendly type available as it is made from the parts of fish that are typically thrown away3.
With its numerous health and wellness benefits, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a surge in demand for marine collagen supplements. Research has proven that hydrolysed marine collagen effectively helps to promote healthy skin, hair and nails, boost metabolism and support weight management, reduce inflammation and more4.
However, in order to truly benefit from the many health benefits collagen supplements have to offer, it’s important to choose the right one. Keep reading to find out what criteria to look for and what to watch out for when choosing your collagen supplement.
The powerful combination of Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen
Like collagen, Hyaluronic Acid has a multitude of benefits, but it is particularly advantageous for skin health. Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance that is produced by the human body. It is primarily found in fluids in the eyes and joints5.
In recent years, extensive research has been done to prove the effectiveness of Hyaluronic Acid. Studies have revealed that, when taken consistently through a supplement, Hyaluronic Acid is capable of preventing new wrinkles, decreasing the appearance of existing fine lines, and reversing damage from the sun6. In addition to it’s miraculous skin benefits, the substance is also an excellent treatment for joint and muscle pain.
The best brands have started to introduce supplements that contain both collagen and Hyaluronic Acid in one supplement in order to provide additional skin and joint health benefits. This powerful combination of ingredients makes for an even more potent supplement that will likely yield better results than simply taking collagen or Hyaluronic Acid supplement on their own.
Choosing the right supplement
When it comes to choosing dietary supplements, many of us are tempted to reach for the cheapest option on the shelf. Yet, there’s a reason some are more expensive than others. Often, higher quality products are also accompanied by higher price tags. Although this means you’re spending a bit more, it also means you’ll see more results and fully reap the benefits of the supplements you are taking. Keep reading to see our roundup of the 5 best collagen supplements on the market.
How You Can Benefit From Marine Collagen:
- Helps with hair and nail growth
- Supports skin hydration and prevents wrinkles
- Promotes healthy bones and muscles
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels
- Boosts metabolism and thyroid function
- Aids with weight management
- Reduces inflammation and helps with joint pain
With so many different brands and products to choose from, it can be challenging to differentiate the good supplements from the bad ones. This is why we’ve rounded up the best collagen products on the market. Keep reading to see the top 5 collagen supplements that you should buy.
What should I look for?
Considering all of the attributes listed above, we’ve compiled a list of the three essential criteria you should look for when choosing your collagen supplement.
Recommended by healthcare professionals
One of the most important things to look out for when choosing a supplement is that it’s recommended by healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are more likely to align themselves with products that are made with high-quality ingredients that truly work.
Find a supplement that contains marine collagen
Studies have shown that marine collagen supplements achieve better results than other types of collagen, like types 2 and 3 collagen which are derived from chicken or bovine proteins. The reason for this is because our bodies are able to absorb marine collagen peptides better than other types. This superior absorption means that you will be able to take full advantage of all the benefits your supplement has to offer8
Quality Ingredients
It goes without saying, but it’s essential that the supplement you take is produced using high-quality, natural ingredients. You should look for a collagen supplement that also contains additional ingredients that support healthy skin, nails, bones and joints, such as Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. You will see more favourable results by choosing a supplement that combines clinically-studied vitamins and minerals with collagen.
Finally, make sure that the supplement you buy doesn’t have any synthetic additives or additional unnecessary ingredients.
High - potency
When buying your collagen supplement, you need to ensure that you choose a potent formula. Experts suggest that in order to see results, you should seek a supplement containing at least 500mg of collagen peptides.
Money - back guarantee
Make sure that the product you buy has a clear money-back guarantee on all product purchases. This is a tell-tale sign that a company knows they’re selling you a great product, so they aren’t afraid to offer you a sort of “insurance” on it.
What should I avoid?
Poor quality ingredients and low potency
In order to see the wellness results you’re looking for with collagen, it’s essential to choose a supplement that uses great ingredients in potent doses. Avoid any supplements with less than 500mg of marine collagen peptides. Also, watch out for supplements that add unnecessary ingredients or synthetic additives.
Beware of online reviews (especially on Amazon)
Before purchasing any product, one of the first things we do when researching it is check its online reviews. Unfortunately, these are not always a trustworthy way to measure the quality and effectiveness of a product. Companies often pay for reviews on popular online retailers, like Amazon, to try and trick their way to a five star rating. While you should definitely consult these reviews before purchasing, do your own research as well.
How we evaluated the top 5
In recent years, collagen has become one of the most popular natural supplements on the market. There are so many brands producing different variations of the supplement, and while this means you have an abundance of choice, it also makes it challenging to differentiate between the good supplements and the poor quality ones that won’t provide you with the benefits you’re looking for. So, we’ve made it easy for you.
We searched the internet for the most popular collagen supplements available on the market today and ranked them for you in our top 5 list.
1. Collagen Complex
Total Ranking
830 votes
9.7/10
A+
Overall GradePROS
- 1000mg of marine collagen peptides (the recommended daily dose) per serving
- Contains other great vitamins and minerals, including: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Biotin, Seaweed (Algae) and Natural Iodine
- Does not have any synthetic or unnecessary additives
- Money-back guarantee.
- Recommended by healthcare professionals.
- Product is reasonably priced.
- Made in UK and Ireland
CONS
- Only Available Online
- Express delivery is only available in the UK and European countries.
The Bottom Line
Of every collagen supplement that we tested, Theonia's Collagen Complex is by far the highest quality product that delivered the best results. Compared to other brands, Theonia’s collagen supplement contains the recommended 500mg of marine collagen in each capsule, and 1000mg per serving.
In addition to marine collagen peptides, it also contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Biotin, Seaweed (algae) and Natural Iodine, which help to improve skin and hair health, promote healthy bones, muscles and joints.
Theonia has included Hyaluronic Acid in their capsules, which is clinically proven to provide great skin and joint health benefits9,10, which makes their supplement much more effective than other similar products on the market.
In addition, they have added a sea kelp to their impressive list of ingredients which is high in healthy amino acids and minerals.
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 About Our Top Pick2. 365 V Advanced Collagen
Total Ranking
312 votes
8.6/10
B
Overall GradePROS
- Contains additional ingredients, such as: Bamboo Extract, Zinc and Biotin
- GMO-free
CONS
- Only 350mg of marine collagen per capsule
- Slow delivery
The Bottom Line
365 V is a quality collagen supplement. Their formula is made using marine collagen, which is the most easily absorbed type of collagen available. Moreover, the brand has also added several ingredients that have many benefits related to skin, hair, joint and metabolism, such as Bamboo Extract, Zinc and Biotin.
Unfortunately, their product is not as potent as other supplements we have included in our list. With only 350mg of marine collagen per capsule, 365 V’s Marine Collagen Supplement is lacking potency, which makes it a less effective formula.
*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. Marine Collagen
Total Ranking
269 votes
8.5/10
B
Overall GradePROS
- Contains additional ingredients, such as: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B2, Zinc and Iodine
- 500mg of marine collagen per capsule
- Easy to swallow tablets
- Free of GMOs
CONS
- Contains copper sulfate
- No money-back guarantee
The Bottom Line
Nutravita is one of the UK’s and Ireland's most popular supplement companies, so we expected them to have a good collagen supplement. Their product contains 500mg of marine collagen in each capsule, along with other great ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B2, Zinc and Iodine.
Although the brand has included additional ingredients that promote healthy skin, bones and joints, their product contains 0.5mg of copper sulfate, which can be potentially dangerous. As mentioned previously, you should be wary about ingesting supplements that contain metals. Studies have revealed that copper sulfate can cause a number of health problems, such as issues with the kidneys and liver11.
*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 Hydropro
Total Ranking
301 votes
8.4/10
B-
Overall GradePROS
- 500mg of marine collagen per capsule
- Contains additional ingredients, including: Biotin and Blueberry
- No artificial colours or additives
CONS
- Misleading label
- Contains copper sulfate
The Bottom Line
At first glance, the Pretty Smart Food Co’s collagen supplement appears to be a high-quality collagen supplement. Their product contains the recommended minimum of 500mg of marine collagen peptides and many other ingredients that benefit skin, hair and general health.
Yet, when we analysed their ingredients list further, we noticed that their supplement also includes 1mg of copper sulfate. Copper sulfate is a heavy metal, which is sometimes included in supplements. However, numerous studies have reported that this ingredient is toxic to humans and can cause numerous health complications, including issues with kidneys, liver, spleen and the endocrine system12.
*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. Vegetarian Collagen
Total Ranking
207 votes
7.9/10
C
Overall GradePROS
- Contains some useful additional ingredients
- Available in retails stores
- Suitable for vegetarians
CONS
- Only 300mg of OvodermTM (Min 22% Collagen) per serving
The Bottom Line
Holland & Barrett is one of the UK’s and Ireland's biggest retailers of health and wellness products, and therefore, they have an excellent reputation as well. Their collagen supplement is the only product on our list that is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, which is a unique benefit.
The downfall of Holland & Barrett’s product is that it is lacking potency, and therefore, it may not deliver the results you’re looking for. Their supplement only contains 300mg of collagen per serving, which makes it much less effective than other collagen supplements on the market.
*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
The Bottom Line
From preventing wrinkles and skin roughness to alleviating muscle and joint aches, collagen has quickly become one of the most popular natural supplements due to its many health benefits. While the advantages of adding a collagen supplement to your daily wellness routine are endless, finding the right product can be challenging.
After researching numerous brands’ collagen products and evaluating their ingredients, customer service and reputability, it’s clear that Theonia's Collagen Complex with Hyaluronic Acid is the best collagen supplement on the market.
Theonia provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Take advantage of this Offer while supplies last.
CITATIONS
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/09/style/self-care/collagen-benefits.html
2. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/09/style/self-care/collagen-benefits.html
3. https://clearmedicine.com/top-ten-benefits-marine-collagen/
4. https://clearmedicine.com/top-ten-benefits-marine-collagen/
5. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1062/hyaluronic-acid
6. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1062/hyaluronic-acid
7. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/09/style/self-care/collagen-benefits.html
8. https://clearmedicine.com/top-ten-benefits-marine-collagen/
9. Lupo, M. P. Hyaluronic acid fillers in facial rejuvenation. Semin.Cutan.Med Surg. 2006;25(3):122-126.
10. Kalman, D. S., Heimer, M., Valdeon, A., Schwartz, H., and Sheldon, E. Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (Hyal-Joint) on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Nutr J 2008;7:3.
11. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Copper-sulfate
12. http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/carbaryl-dicrotophos/copper-sulfate-ext.html
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* The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, you are urged to consult with a health care provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or the European Food Safety Authority. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Results are based on the opinion of the author and their own rankings and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Trademarks used on our website belong to their respective owners and no implied or expressed endorsement of our website or services is intended. Rankings can be affected by the relationship or ownership interest we have in various products featured.
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