15 Best Collagen Supplements For Skin, As Per A Plastic Surgeon (2024)
The key ingredient to firm your skin and restore it to its former glory – collagen.
Dr. Afshin (Ash) Mosahebi is a plastic surgeon with over 29 years of experience. He is a consultant and academic lead at Royal Free Hospital, London, and a professor of plastic surgery at University College, London. He is on the editorial board of Aesthetic Surgery Journal and is the Honorable Secretary of BAAPS.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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We all try to look for skincare products that can help make us look younger and more radiant with age. That is when you would want to get your hands on the best collagen supplements out there! Collagen is a protein that naturally occurs in our body in our skin, bones, and tissues. But as we grow older, it tends to get used up faster than it is replaced! That is when collagen supplements and skincare products can help replenish it for you. These help your skin regain its natural hydration and elasticity, making it look firm, plump, and youthful! While most anti-aging skincare products are formulated with collagen, dietary intake as supplements is another way to increase collagen production in your skin! Collagen supplements are available as powders, gummies, pills, and other convenient forms! They have been all the rage in the skincare and cosmetic industry recently! According to a survey done in 2018, the global collagen market would see a boom of 7.63% by 2024 (1). This definitely includes collagen supplements and all other collagen-based formulations.
In This Article
15 Best Collagen Supplements For Skin To Look Healthy And Young
1. Best For Glowing Skin:Reserveage Ultra Collagen Booster
The Reserveage Ultra Collagen Booster nourishes the skin and boosts skin elasticity. The patented complex of hydrolyzed collagen, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid helps rebuild the fabric of your skin. The dermaval, a blend of rich fruit and vegetable antioxidants, retains the youthful glow of your skin. This collagen booster is an antioxidant powerhouse of resveratrol. It is free of gluten and dairy.
Pros
- Adds glow to the skin
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
Cons
- None
"The Ultra Collagen Booster from Reserveage plumps my skin and gives me joint relief. It also helps rejuvenate my skin and reduce dullness. I like how it helps me with nail and hair growth."
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 805 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Preservative-Free:NATURELO Collagen Peptides Powder
The NATURELO Collagen Peptides Powder improves the health of your skin, joints, hair, muscles, and gut. It is formulated with organic spirulina and protein amino acids that act as a source of copper, which is essential for the formation of collagen.
This collagen powder has anti-aging benefits. It firms your skin, strengthens your healthy hair, stimulates keratin production, and improves the appearance of cellulite. It also restores the standard structure of dermal tissues to maintain a healthy skin barrier. This collagen peptide powder helps stabilize your joints, improve mobility, and enhance flexibility. It is vegan and free of GMO, gluten, soy, and synthetic colors, added flavors, and preservatives.
Pros
- Preservative-free
- Soy-free
- Vegan
- No added colors or flavors
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- None
"I like the subtle flavor of this collagen powder. The best part is that it doesn't overpower my morning yogurt or coffee. It improves my skin's health, hair strength, and joint comfort within weeks. I drink it with warm drinks mostly because it dissolves quickly."
3. Best Paleo-Friendly:NeoCell Marine Collagen
The NeoCell Marine Collagen contains hyaluronic acid, collagen type 1 and 3, and a vita-mineral blend. It supports healthy collagen formation and keeps your skin healthy and hydrated. Hyaluronic acid has moisturizing properties that promote a youthful appearance and rejuvenate skin by replenishing the moisture of the skin. This collagen supplement is paleo-friendly, IGEN tested, and free of gluten, GMOs, soy, lactose, and artificial flavors.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- Soy-free
- GMO-free
- No artificial flavors
- Paleo-friendly
- IGEN tested
Cons
- None
"This marine collagen supplement improves my nail health and skin appearance. It also enhances my hair growth. I usually have the capsules with plenty of water to avoid nausea or unpleasant experiences."
Reserveage Ultra Collagen Booster Best For Glowing Skin | NATURELO Collagen Peptides Powder Best Preservative-Free | NeoCell Marine Collagen Best Paleo-Friendly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.11 Kilograms | 9.6 Ounces | 0.25 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 4.5 inches | - | 4 x 2 x 2 inches |
| Weight | 3.84 Ounces | - | 4 Ounces |
| Dimensions | - | 3.7 x 4.5 x 3.7 inches; 9.6 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 805 | 328 | 2,834 |
| Price | $41.45 | $24.95 | $16.99 |
4. Best For Cellulite:Sparkle Skin Boost Plus
The Sparkle Skin Boost Plus is clinically proven and boosts collagen production up to 60%. It can be included in your superfoods, morning smoothie, tea, or yogurt without change in flavors. This skincare supplement helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhances skin elasticity, reduces cellulite, and promotes nail health.
It contains verisol bioactive collagen peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, which helps in the overall maintenance of your health, skin, hair, nails, teeth, gums, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This collagen booster also enables restful sleep, checks hormone imbalance, and maintains a stable collagen supply to your body. It is paleo-friendly and free of GMO, sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, carbs, and artificial ingredients.
Pros
- Clinically-proven
- Paleo-friendly
- Carb-free
- Sugar-free
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
- Diary-free
- Soy-free
- No artificial ingredients
Cons
- None
"This collagen supplement blends seamlessly into my morning routine. I usually have it with either coffee or yogurt. It does not alter their taste or consistency. I have noticed that my nails are growing faster and my hair and skin appear rejuvenated."
Pro Tip5. Best Dairy-Free:Sports Research Collagen Peptides (Hydrolyzed Type I & III Collagen)
Type I collagen is right for your skin, bones, blood vessels, and tendons, while Type III collagen improves skin firmness and elasticity. This scientifically formulated collagen supplement ensures that each part of your body gets all the support it needs. It also improves your vitality and youthfulness. This supplement can be mixed with beverages (coffee or shakes) and added to baking mixes. Check this review on YouTube, to view a reviewer’s experience with this supplement.
Pros
- Gut-friendly
- Hydrolyzed (to aid easy digestion)
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Non-GMO verified
- KETO-certified
- Paleo-friendly
Cons
- None
"I have incorporated this collagen into my daily routine. I drink it with my coffee or smoothie. It does not alter their tastes. It dissolves completely and makes my skin appear rejuvenated."
6. Best Sugar-Free:Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
This supplement comes in a powder form that you can easily mix in your beverages. Each serving (two scoops) contains 20 grams of collagen that is good for your hair, skin, nails, and bones. It also aids digestion. It can be mixed with delicious smoothies, soups, coffee, hot or cold liquids, and baked goodies.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Sugar-free
- Paleo-friendly
- Whole30-approved
- Cruelty-free
- Unflavored
Cons
- None
"I blend this chocolate blackberry collagen mix with water. I drink it when it turns into a smoothie. This blend has helped with digestion and enhanced my skin and hair health. I like it because it isn't too sweet and does not have any unpleasant scent."
7. Best Medical-Grade:AminoSculpt Anti-Aging Type 1 Collagen Peptides
This highly concentrated Type 1 collagen supplement is available in hydrolyzed liquid form. It helps reduce the age-related collagen tissue breakdown in your body and stimulates collagen growth. The professional-grade product also helps in maintaining lean muscles, thus aiding weight loss. It also gives you stronger nails and healthier skin, hair, joints, and cartilage.
Pros
- Medical-grade collagen
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- No artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors
- It does not contain whey, eggs, fish, pork, and shellfish extracts
Cons
- None
"This liquid collagen is great for my daily routine. I personally like its tart cherry flavor. It makes my hair appear fuller. It also strengthens my nails and boosts my energy."
Quick Tip8. Best Gluten-Free:Neocell Super Collagen+C
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you need to try this collagen supplement. This is a Type I and III collagen supplement that is good for your joints, skin, nails, and bones. It gives you radiant skin and healthy bones. It improves the hydration levels of your skin by 21% and comes in tablet form. This video review will help you understand more about Neocell Super Collagen+C
Pros
- Gluten-free
- GMO-free
- No artificial flavors
- No soy
- Clinically-studied
Cons
- None
"These collagen tablets are great for my skin and nails. I take them carefully because they can be a bit bulky to swallow. However, they have reduced my joint discomfort and helped my hair regrow."
9. Best Non-GMO: The Veggie Doctor Collagen Pills
Give your hair and skin some extra love with the Veggie Doctor Collagen Pills supplement. It contains biotin, vitamins A, C, and E as well as zinc which are all essential nutrients for optimal skin and hair health. It comes in an easy-to-swallow capsule form that makes taking your daily vitamins hassle-free. This supplement helps improve skin tone and skin health due to its high concentration of collagen proteins which can help keep skin hydrated and firm while reducing wrinkles or fine lines.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- Adds glow to the skin
- All-natural
- Vegan
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Endorsed by medical professionals
Cons
- None
"This hair supplement has reduced hair shedding and enhanced fine hair growth. My hair seems healthier and so does my skin. Remember to drink plenty of water when taking the pills because they can be nauseating."
10. Best For Nails And Hair:Sanar Naturals Collagen Wrinkle Formula
This is a Type I and III collagen supplement. It gives you vibrant skin, improves your skin elasticity and firmness, strengthens your nails and hair, makes your joints flexible, and helps in building lean muscles. It also supports your connective tissues, protects your bones, and improve your overall health. These capsules are filled with hydrolyzed collagen that is easy to digest. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review.
Pros
- Made in an FDA-registered facility
- GMP-certified
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- None
"This collagen supplement gives me fast-growing hair and nails. It also improves my skin elasticity within a short period. I use it daily to reduce wrinkles and acne breakouts. The best part is that it does not have any aftertaste."
11. Best Allergen-Free:Great Lakes Wellness Collagen Hydrolysate
Great Lakes Wellness Collagen Hydrolysate is an excellent dietary supplement. It contains a blend of useful amino acids that help in the development of your overall health and well-being. This supplement supports healthy skin and promotes strong hair and nails. It is tasteless and odorless, so you can easily mix it in meals, smoothies, and beverages.
Pros
- MSG-free
- Kosher-certified
- KETO-certified
- Paleo-friendly
- Allergen-free
Cons
- None
"I have incorporated this collagen into my morning coffee. It has given me stronger nails, quicker hair growth, and healthier-looking skin. I have it with warm beverages because it mixes better with them."
12. Best Lactose-Free:Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nail Gummies With Biotin And Collagen
These collagen gummies burst with a refreshing lemon flavor. So, if you struggle to swallow pills and don’t prefer powder supplements, these laboratory-tested gummies loaded with vitamins and minerals are a fun way to get your daily dose of collagen. They are formulated to strengthen and nourish your skin and hair. They are also effective in improving your nail strength. These gummies contain 100 mg collagen per two servings.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- No artificial flavor
- Naturally sourced color
- No milk or lactose
- Laboratory-tested
- No fish, soy, or yeast
Cons
- None
"This tasty product boosts my nail health and improves my skin texture as well. It is sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. I have it with my vitamins as per my doctor's instructions. It is better to consult a physician about the dosage before taking it."
13. Best Soy-Free:Youtheory Collagen
These are hydrolyzed collagen tablets that claim to revitalize your hair, skin, and nails. They also contain vitamin C and magnesium stearate. They replenish your body’s collagen levels and fight the signs of aging by improving your skin texture. They also support the tendons and ligaments of your body. Each serving contains 6 g collagen, 60 mg vitamin C, and 18 amino acids. If you are an absolute new user, this video review might be useful.
Pros
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- None
"This collagen supplement is my favorite. It improves my joint pain, skin health, and even sleep quality over time. I use it sparingly because a high dosage may mess with my immune system. It also helps me improve my hair and nails."
Note: This product might contain sulfite residue as it is manufactured in a facility that produces fish extracts and whey milk.
14. Best UV Protection:Garden Of Life Organic Plant Collagen Builder
These collagen supplements by Garden Of Life are formulated with co-nutrients like silica that help maintain the health of your skin, hair, and nails. They restore the youthful glow of your skin, deliver a plumping effect, and stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and keratin. These collagen supplements contain polyphenolic pomegranate that protects your skin from UV damage. They are enriched with turmeric, amla, and green and rooibos tea that support teeth and even bone health.
Pros
- Non-GMO project verified
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- No artificial sweeteners
- Chemical-free
- No added colors
Cons
- None
"The Garden of Life Vegan Collagen Builder is the best for me. It rejuvenates me from within and clears my skin. I like that it makes my skin softer and nails stronger."
15. Best Anti-Aging:The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost
This beauty-boosting collagen skin elixir is scientifically formulated and developed to increase collagen production in your body. The key feature of this product is that helps give you a smoother complexion and fights the signs of aging. Apart from collagen, this product also contains organic papaya, blueberry, pomegranate, goji berry, grape seed extracts, zinc, and vitamin C.
Pros
- Comes in liquid form
- Gluten-free
- No artificial flavors
- No preservatives
- No additives or lactose
- Dairy-free
- Sugar-free
Cons
- None
"I mix this collagen-boosting product with water or take it straight. I have noticed improvement in my gut health and skin complexion. I take it as per my physician's advice . I suggest everyone do the same."
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that acts as a building block for cells, tissues, and organs (1). It keeps the skin plump, prevents wrinkles, thickens the hair, strengthens the nails, and makes the body agile.
The following section explains how collagen supplements help maintain your skin health. Read on for more information!
How Do Collagen Supplements Work?
With age, your body tends to lose its natural collagen. This weakens the skin elasticity, causing wrinkles and fine lines. It also deteriorates the health of the tendons, bones, joints, and heart.
Hence, consuming collagen supplements can help reduce the risk of bone disorders, boost skin elasticity, and relieve joint pain. Collagen-enriched products maintain skin health by minimizing wrinkles and fine lines.
Oral collagen supplements enhance skin elasticity and dermal collagen density (2). Collagen supplements also promote skin renewal and wound healing and are generally safe with no reported adverse effects.
Let’s look at a few benefits of collagen supplements in the following section.
Benefits Of Collagen Supplements
- Improve Skin Elasticity: As we age, collagen production decreases gradually and leads to skin dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Collagen helps hydrate the skin and boost its elasticity. Anecdotal evidence claims that collagen supplements also help minimize acne and other skin issues.
- Prevents Bone Loss: According to a study, moderate intake of dietary hydrolyzed collagen peptides (HC) improves bone density during the growth period (3). Collagen hydrolysate has a positive therapeutic role in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis as it potentially increases bone mineral density. It has a protective effect on articular cartilage and provides symptomatic relief from pain (4).
- Improve Muscle Mass: Aging decreases muscle mass, and collagen contains amino acids, arginine, and glycine, which significantly improve muscle strength.
Consider these factors before buying collagen supplements to make the ideal choice.
What To Look For In A Collagen Supplement
- Type
There are various types of collagen supplements available on the market, and each has different uses. Types 1 and 3 keep your skin healthy and enhance its elasticity. Type 2 is found in the cartilage and supports joint health.
- Source
Collagen is derived from animal sources like cow, chicken, fish, and eggshells. Hence, an essential factor that needs to be considered is how these animals are raised. To ensure quality and sustainability, look for products from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals and sustainably sourced fish.
- Flavor
Some prefer their collagen supplements to be flavored. The choice should depend on how you want to take it. If you want to mix it in water, smoothies, or your morning acai bowl, some flavors may taste good. If you do not want to consume collagen powders, take a pill, gummy, or premade collagen beverage to sip on throughout the day.
- Ingredients
Purchase collagen that is free of sugar and unwanted additives. Look out for ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid as they help stimulate collagen production.
- Third-party Certificate
Third-party testing certification ensures that the product contains what it claims. Purchase products with seals from USP, NSF, or UL.
Is It Safe To Take Collagen Supplements?
Whether the consumption of collagen supplements is safe or not does not have a definite answer. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor collagen powders for safety or efficacy. It only does when a manufacturer claims that its supplement can cure a disease.
The Bottom Line
Using the best collagen supplements for skin can help you look younger, brighter, and healthier. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein on the skin, but as we grow older, it reduces. And hence, collagen supplements help regain the lost hydration, glow, and elasticity of the skin. The Reserveage Ultra Collagen Booster fights free radicals, while the NATURELO Collagen Peptides Powder repairs the skin barrier. The Sparkle Skin Boost Plus regulates hormone balance. Most supplements mentioned above are gluten-free and have no artificial flavors. These supplements do not interfere with your balanced diet and are easy to intake. They help increase muscle mass and prevent bone loss. Before making a purchase, it’s advisable to thoroughly review the ingredients list and consider the experiences shared by reviewers on e-commerce platforms. This careful evaluation ensures that you make a well-informed and health-conscious decision when selecting a collagen supplement that aligns with your unique needs.
Infographic: Healthy Practices To Follow When Taking Collagen Supplements For Skin
Collagen supplements have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their potential benefits for skin health. However, when incorporating collagen supplements into your routine, it is essential to understand a few key things. Check out the infographic below to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for collagen supplements to work on the skin?
You’ll start seeing impressive results from collagen supplements within 3 months of using them. Your skin will become more nourished and elastic with regular use.
Can collagen supplements work for loose skin?
Yes. Collagen supplements have skin-tightening properties, and they can help you bring back your skin’s youthful glow within a few months.
Are collagen supplements good for reducing wrinkles?
Yes, they work effectively on your skin and can reduce the roughness and wrinkles from the skin and provide a boost of nourishment.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skincare coach passionate about reviewing skincare products. She applied her knowledge of ingredients and read product specifications and numerous customer reviews to narrow down this list of the best collagen supplements. The shortlisted products are made without harmful ingredients and help the skin regain its natural hydration and elasticity, making it look firm, plump, and youthful.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21582/ - Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681787/ - Hydrolyzed collagen intake increases bone mass of growing rats trained with running exercise
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3750261/ - Collagen supplementation as a complementary therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis: a systematic review
https://www.scielo.br/j/rbgg/a/fk95TfhxB7mPsmqYRDdHH8K/?lang=en
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