Many of us begin noticing a decrease in our collagen production around the age of 30 when our skin begins to lose elasticity, our joints begin to ache, and our digestion starts to suffer. That's why collagen is quickly becoming one of the most popular supplements on the market.

One of the best ways to make sure you're getting enough collagen in your diet is through a high-quality, clinically studied collagen peptide supplement. In fact, these have been found to help improve your health and well-being — better than diet alone.

However, with so many collagen products currently available, it can be hard to distinguish which brands are effective... 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 helps you build muscle mass, and improves the appearance of your skin.

A Quality Collagen Supplement Can:

  • Help support bone & joint health
  • Help encourage muscle mass
  • Boost gut health
  • Strengthen immune function
  • Strengthen hair & nails
  • Promote skin elasticity

However, not all supplements are created equally and when it comes to choosing a high-quality collagen peptide product, there are several things to consider.

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. 

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.

Clinically Recommended Dosages 

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 100% 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 2020

We've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top six products in this category on the market today.