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The Best Collagen Supplements For Healthy Skin, Hair & Joints
Learn what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a collagen supplement
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In your 20s, collagen production starts to slow—and your body shows it. Fine lines deepen, skin loses elasticity, joints feel stiffer, and signs of aging begin to appear. That's why collagen is quickly becoming one of the most popular supplements on the market.
But not all collagen is created or dosed equally. To see real results, you need at least 10 grams a day through a high-quality, scientifically-formulated collagen peptides. Most powder supplements can get you there. But with capsules, gummies, or liquids? You’d need multiple servings just to hit the minimum. That makes them convenient, but ultimately less effective for deep, visible change.
However, with so many collagen products and forms currently available, it can be hard to distinguish which brands can restore your youthful appearance...and which are just trying to take your money.
That's why Smarter Reviews has compiled months of research about this emerging category and narrowed them down to the top 6.
Before we dive into what makes a supplement effective and worth your hard-earned money, it’s important to understand what exactly collagen can do for your overall health.
Why Do We Need Collagen?
Did you know that collagen is the most abundant protein in your body? It's not only responsible for keeping your bones & joints healthy, but it also improves the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails, plus it helps you build muscle.
A Quality Collagen Supplement Can:
- Support healthy weight management
- Promote skin elasticity
- Helps strengthen hair & nails
- Help support bone & joint health
- Help encourage muscle mass
Not All Collagen Is Created Equal
Once you've narrowed down which form is right for you, it's time to know what ingredients to look for and which to avoid.
What To Look For In A Collagen Supplement:
Diverse Amino Acid Profile
Our bodies require approximately 20 different amino acids in order to function properly. Therefore, when looking for a collagen supplement, we recommend finding one with a diverse amino acid profile — the more amino acids, the better.
Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen
Though collagen can come from many different sources, bovine has been found to be the most potent and effective. Furthermore, when collagen is hydrolyzed it essentially means the amino acids within it have been broken down, so they're easier for your body to absorb.
Types I & III
We recommend finding a supplement that contains collagen types I & III -- as these support the primary areas of concern and are the most potent. However, be wary of any product that contains more than 3 types, as it likely means the supplement is "watered down" and less effective.
What Ingredients To Avoid:
Marine Collagen
A problem with marine collagen is that you never know what you're getting. "Marine" is a blanket term for any aquatic creature whether it be a jellyfish, shellfish, or shark — these sources are not easy for the body to absorb.
Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners
Some brands add a sweetener or artificial flavors that could upset your GI tract or add unnecessary calories. We recommend adding your own sweetener to an unflavored version or mixing it into a flavorful beverage.
How Much Collagen Should You Take?
If you're concerned you lost too much collagen and want to restore your levels quickly, you may benefit from "collagen loading."
Simply double your collagen intake for the first 30 days so that your body can return to the baseline level of collagen production.
After this level has been established, you'll likely start feeling and seeing the difference with just a single serving.
Your Definitive Collagen Checklist:
At Least 3g Serving Size
Some brands will use quality ingredients, but skimp out on dosages in order to save money. So even if you’re getting the right ingredients, if they’re not in their recommended dosages, you won’t experience the full benefits. We recommend looking for a supplement that lists at least 9 different amino acids in their profile and is comprised of at least 90% protein.
Prioritize Quality
It's vital to prioritize quality when searching for a collagen supplement, even if that means paying a little more for a high-quality, safe, and clinically recommended formula. Your health is far too valuable to take such a gamble.
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 90-day money-back guarantee.
Top 6 Collagen Supplements Of 2025
We've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top 6 products in this category on the market today.
1. Collagen Peptides
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Total Ranking
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 10% discount offered
- Over 57,000 5-star reviews across the web
- Formulated with 15 grams of types I & III collagen
- Hydrolyzed bovine collagen
- Over 6 million bags sold
- 19 amino acids included
- Multiple flavor options: original unflavored, chocolate & peach mango
- 365-day, risk-free, money-back, product guarantee
CONS
- Out of stock frequently
The Bottom Line
Live Conscious' Collagen Peptides will help nourish your hair, skin, nails, joints, and bones while promoting healthy weight management.
This was one of the few products that had no hidden additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients. It is third-party tested.
They also offer a peach mango and chocolate option alongside their original unflavored.
Their return policy was top-notch — a comprehensive, 365-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee. All in all, Live Conscious Exitis at the top of this list.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Get 10% off2. Liquid Collagen
Total Ranking
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains types I & III collagen
- Diverse amino acid profile
CONS
- 5 grams of collagen per serving
- Higher price at $49 for 30 servings
- No unflavored option
- Only comes in liquid form
- Includes vitamin C, biotin, and hyaluronic acid
- Does not specify if it's hydrolyzed collagen
- 60 day return policy
The Bottom Line
Coming in at number 2 on our list is Liquid Collagen by Spoiled Child.
While we don’t typically favor liquid formats, some appreciate the pre-mixed convenience.
It contains only 5g of collagen per serving, half our recommended dose, and no unflavored option, which can limit flexibility.
Their flavored formulas add sweeteners, vitamin C, biotin, and hyaluronic acid which some may be sensitive to.
It also includes vitamin C, biotin, and hyaluronic acid, which may not suit everyone.
Spoiled Child also has a 60-day return policy. For these reasons, we had to include Spoiled Child's Liquid Collagen 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.
3. Collagen Peptides
Total Ranking
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains types I & III collagen
- Diverse amino acid profile
CONS
- Higher dose of 20 grams of collagen per serving
- More expensive at $47 for less than 30 servings
- Only a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Users report clumping while mixing
The Bottom Line
The Collagen Peptides by Vital Proteins contains a hefty dose of types I & III bovine collagen, with a diverse amino acid profile.
It does have a higher dose of collagen at 20 grams, which your body might not need and will end up paying more for.
It also has a higher price point than others on our list.
Vital Proteins offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is not as comprehensive as other brands on this list.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
4. Collagen Peptides
Total Ranking
9.5/10
B
Overall Grade
PROS
- Includes 15 grams of types I & III collagen
- Derived from bovine
- 365-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Lower amount of reviews than others
The Bottom Line
Essential Elements formulated their product with the optimal dosages of types I & III collagen.
Beyond that, Essential Elements offers a comprehensive 365-day return policy, so everyone can try their products completely risk-free.
For all these reasons, the Collagen Peptides by Essential Elements is a great, no frills option.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Super Youth Collagen Powder
Total Ranking
7.9/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains types I & III hydrolyzed bovine collagen
- Diverse amino acid profile
CONS
- 5 grams of collagen per serving
- Contains 5 different collagen types
- Contains apple cider vinegar
- Contains pre+probiotics
- Contains hyaluronic acid & vitamin C
- Shorter 90-day return policy
The Bottom Line
SkinnyFit's Collagen Peptides are formulated with types I, II, III, V & X collagen. But with so many different types, it's difficult to get the maximum benefits and bioavailability.
SkinnyFit also only contains 5 grams of collagen per serving. This is half of our recommended dose per day, which may hinder your results.
This formula also adds apple cider vinegar, pre+probiotics, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C which some may be sensitive to.
Potential customers should also take into consideration that SkinnyFit offers a 90-day, money-back guarantee.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More6. Multi Collagen Protein
Total Ranking
7.6./10
C
Overall Grade
PROS
- Uses of hydrolyzed bovine collagen
- 10 grams of collagen per serving
CONS
- Contains 5 different collagen types
- Requires two scoops per serving
- Contains probiotics
- Contains vitamin C
- Mixed user reviews
The Bottom Line
Coming in at number 6 is Multi Collagen Protein by Ancient Nutrition. This does contain 10 grams per serving of hydrolyzed bovine collagen.
However, this formula isn't just bovine collagen. It includes 5 different types of collagen from eggshell, chicken, and more. It also includes probiotics and vitamin C, so this may not be a great option if you are just wanting pure bovine collagen.
Additionally, a handful of customers reported seeing an increase in skin blemishes and pimples since starting this supplement. So if you’re prone to breakouts, you may want to be careful with the Multi Collagen Protein by Ancient Nutrition.
*Results 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 pageWith Research From
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