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The Best Collagen Capsules for Healthy Hair, Skin, and Joints
Learn what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for collagen capsules.
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When you look in the mirror you might notice a few signs of aging. You may feel it in your joints as well. Although this process is natural, you have more power to slow it down than you think.
For a more youthful appearance and greater mobility, pairing collagen with Vitamin C could be the game-changer you've been looking for. Vitamin C promotes further natural collagen synthesis in the body, which provides an added layer of support for healthier, clearer-looking skin.
Unfortunately, collagen production declines as we enter our twenties and drops around 1% every year.
This fact alone has turned collagen and Vitamin C supplements into a growing 4.5 billion-dollar industry. Knowing what to look for in a supplement could mean the difference between a transformative product and a mediocre one.
At Smarter Reviews, we've compiled months of research about this emerging category to bring you our top 5 picks for the best collagen capsules.
A Quality Collagen Supplement Can:
Strengthen hair & nails
Promote skin elasticity
Boost gut health
Promote immune function
Help support bone & joint health
Help boost muscle mass
Why Do We Need Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It plays a key role in preserving and strengthening the health of your skin, hair, joints, and more. Losing collagen makes the structure of our skin hair and joints fall apart.
The lack of collagen in the standard American diet has only increased the demand for supplements. But are they effective? And more importantly, are they safe?
The answer is 'yes.'
There are thousands of clinical studies that have shown positive results with daily use of collagen supplements, including products containing key nutrients like Vitamin C. Many of them conclude a noticeable difference in skin elasticity, hair density, and joint mobility.
Collagen Capsules vs. Powder
In terms of effectiveness and absorption, there is no significant difference between capsules and powders.
However, if you're the type of person that appreciates the convenience of swallowing a couple of capsules as opposed to preparing a drink, then capsules are for you. Capsules are also easier to transport and ensure that you get an exact dose every time you take them.
However, not all supplements are created equally and when it comes to choosing a high-quality collagen product, there are several things to consider.
What To Look For In A Collagen Capsule
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Hydrolyzation is a process by which the amino acids in collagen are broken down by heated water so they're easier for your body to absorb. This method is also the safest and avoids the use of harsh chemicals.
Collagen Types I, II, III, V & X
We recommend finding a supplement that contains each of these types of collagen. This ensures you have a well-rounded supplement that targets your hair, skin, and joints.
Biotin
A hair-nourishing vitamin that keeps your follicles strong and works in conjunction with collagen to promote strong hair, smooth skin, and reduce inflammation.
Why Vitamin C Is Essential
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is vital in your body's ability to synthesize collagen.
With extra Vitamin C in your diet, a quality collagen supplement prepares your body for long-term, intensive collagen synthesis — essential for clear and healthy skin, in addition to helping keep joints healthy and flexible.
What To Avoid
Vegan Collagen
Collagen is found in animal tissue, so there's no way to make truly vegan collagen. Vegan collagens on the market are called collagen "boosters" and are made up of various vitamins that claim to promote your innate collagen production. Unless you're looking for an overpriced daily vitamin, steer clear of vegan collagen.
Topical Collagen Creams
This type of collagen claims to be absorbable through the skin, but the science just isn't there. The outer layer of the skin sometimes called the skin barrier, blocks out large molecules like collagen. The collagen in topical creams is not that effective or absorbable, making them no better than a common moisturizer.
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Magnesium Stearate
This cheap filler is used to help bind ingredients together and lubricate the supplement so it doesn’t gum up in the manufacturing process. Magnesium stearate adds no nutritional value and can become toxic to your system.
Your Definitive Collagen Checklist
Now that you know what ingredients to look for and what to avoid, it’s also important to keep these additional tips in mind when shopping for a collagen supplement.
Diverse Amino Acid Profile
At the end of the day, collagen is just a combination of amino acids – mostly hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline but the others have a role to play as well. We recommend looking for a supplement that lists at least 12 different amino acids in its profile. So be sure to do your own research.
Watch Out For Serving Size
If you don't want to consume 6-12 capsules per day, be sure to check the serving size. It's inconvenient and annoying to swallow that many capsules from one product, especially when there are equally potent products with a serving size of 3 capsules or less.
Money-Back Guarantee
It’s always a good idea to invest in a supplement that offers a money-back guarantee that shows the company's faith in its product. Look for brands that offer at least a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Top 5 Collagen Supplements Of 2024
1. Beyond Collagen Capsules
Owned by the Smarter Reviews Group of Companies
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Total Ranking
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Formulated with Types I, II, III, V & X
- Hydrolyzed collagen
- Vitamin C
- Biotin
- 20 Amino Acids
- Serving size of 3 capsules
- 365-day money-back, product guarantee
CONS
- Only sold in the US
The Bottom Line
Live Conscious' Beyond Collagen Capsules contains 5 types of collagen. It is formulated with Vitamin C and biotin to help support your bones & joints while strengthening your hair, skin, & nails.
This was one of the only products that was third-party tested and has 20 different amino acids in it.
Additionally, their return policy was top-notch — a comprehensive, 365-day, money-back guarantee, proving the company stands behind its products. This was a huge advantage versus the competition, along with total effectiveness projections that rivaled any other supplement we found.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More2. Multi Collagen
Total Ranking
9.5/10
A
Overall Grade
PROS
- Includes types I, II, III, V & X Collagen
- Hydrolyzed collagen
- 14 amino acids
- Serving size of 3 capsules
- 60-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- No Biotin or Vitamin C
The Bottom Line
Ancient Nutrition formulated their product with the optimal dosages of 5 types of collagen. They fall just shy of being great because they don't include biotin or vitamin C for enhanced collagen synthesis.
Multi Collagen contains 14 amino acids, including the ones that are most beneficial for collagen production.
Beyond that, Ancient Nutrition offers a comprehensive 60-day return policy, so everyone can try their products completely risk-free. Plus, they just opened a store on Amazon making ordering easier than ever.
For all these reasons, Multi Collagen is number 2 on our list.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Collagen Peptides
Total Ranking
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Strong brand recognition
- 19 amino acids
- Hydrolyzed collagen
CONS
- Lacking Types II, V & X collagen
- Serving size of 6 capsules
- Only a 30-day money-back guarantee
The Bottom Line
The Collagen Peptides by Vital Proteins contains a hefty 3.3 g dose of types I & III bovine collagen. Unfortunately, they lack the other types of collagen and biotin so you won't get as complete a product as some of the others on our list.
However, it has 19 amino acids making it a strong collagen supplement.
Vital Proteins offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is not as comprehensive as others on this list.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
4. Super Collagen C
Total Ranking
8.7/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Includes vitamin C
- Uses hydrolyzed collagen
- 20 Different amino acids
CONS
- No clear return policy
- Serving size of 6 capsules
- Missing Collagen types II, V, and X
The Bottom Line
Super Collagen C contains types I & III and vitamin C. It has 41 servings and is hydrolyzed for maximum absorption. It also contains 20 different amino acids.
However, it lacks type II, V, and X Collagen. It does not contain biotin so it's not as potent as others on the list.
Potential customers should also take into consideration that NeoCell does not have any information on their return policy page — proceed with caution.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Multi Collagen Plus
Total Ranking
7.5/10
C
Overall Grade
PROS
- Collagen I, II, III, V, and X
- Serving size of 3 capsules
- 60-day return policy
CONS
- Lacks several key ingredients
- No Listed Amino Acid Profile
The Bottom Line
Multi Collagen Plus is formulated with 5 types of hydrolyzed collagen. But once again lacks some key nutrients like biotin and vitamin C. There's also no amino acid profile listed making it difficult to truly verify the quality.
Potential customers should also take into consideration that Dr. Emil offers a 60-day, money-back guarantee.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageOur Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
What You Will Learn:
Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes
Benefits of a Quality Collagen Supplement