The Best Collagen Peptide Supplements of 2022 — Glowsly

Collagen is queen in the beauty world — or at least we think it should be. Collagen is a major protein in our bodies that contributes to healthy joints, bones, and muscles. But what does that have to do with beauty? Well, the substance also plays a role in skin elasticity, strong nails, and healthy hair. Now that we have your attention, we want to give you a rundown of some of the best collagen peptide supplements currently available.

Keep in mind that there’s a lot to consider in the world of collagen peptide supplements, and your specific needs will likely differ from someone else’s. While one might seek help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, another might want to grow longer nails. In either case, we’ve got you covered and will fill you in on the best collagen peptides to try right now.

Best collagen peptide supplements overview

How we chose the best collagen peptides

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including source, form, flavor, and more to create a short list of the top collagen peptide supplements. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best collagen peptide supplements for each category.

Factors to consider before selecting the collagen peptide for you

Choosing the right collagen peptide supplement comes down to a few different factors, depending on the benefits you’re looking for. Considerations like formulation, flavor, or how to take the supplement will help narrow down the options.

Type

• Type I. Type I collagen makes up most of the collagen in our bodies. Think hair, skin, and nail benefits.
• Type II. Type II collagen is most prominent in cartilage and is excellent for supporting joint health.
• Type III. Type III collagen is found in bone marrow and connective tissues. It’s beneficial for skin health, as it shares similar properties to type I. That’s why you’ll often find these types of collagen peptides together in supplements.
• Other types. There are currently 28 different types of collagen. Most contain at least a mix of types I, II, and III, but there are advanced powders that have five or more types of collagen peptides.

Form

• Powder. Collagen peptide powders are often the go-to form due to their versatility. You can mix it with food, water, or your afternoon smoothie.
• Liquid. Liquid collagen peptides are great for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or prefer drinking their collagen.
• Capsule. Collagen peptide capsules contain the same powder found in a canister. The difference is that capsules are more convenient since they don’t need to be mixed.
• Tablet. Though not as common, you may prefer a collagen peptide tablet that can easily dissolve in your water or other beverage.

Size

• Canister. If you want a collagen powder that you can ration out and scoop into your meals or drinks, you may want to get a canister.
• Single-serve. Single-serve collagen peptide sticks or drinks work well for those traveling or on the go. Another benefit is having your serving pre-portioned rather than having to measure it out.

Source

• Marine. Marine peptide collagens come from fish and are often — but not always — type I collagen.
• Bovine. Bovine collagen peptides come primarily from cows, so those looking for vegetarian- or pescatarian-friendly sources should steer clear. Many times, these are type I and III collagen peptides.
• Combination. If you want more than one or two types of collagen peptides, chances are you’ll need a mix of sources. This might include eggshells or chicken. in addition to bovine and marine. We’ll add that since supplements are not FDA-regulated, the side effects of collagen peptide supplements are not well evidenced. Take note of any food allergies you might have to avoid potential reactions.

Our picks for the best collagen peptide supplements

Vitauthority’s Multi Collagen Peptides contain hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and five different types of collagen — each with its own unique benefits. By taking a more advanced collagen powder like this one, you can strive for more youthful skin, stronger nails, healthier hair, and joint and bone support. 

This is one of the best powders we’ve researched for its variety of collagen types, plus added protein — 7 grams per scoop. Though, it does take about 15-20 seconds to dissolve before you should start stirring. Whether hot or cold, Vitauthority’s Multi Collagen Peptides mix well without clumping if you properly follow the instructions. Each scoop contains 7.8 grams of a multisource collagen complex. This collagen supplement is also keto-friendly and has zero sugars, carbs, or dyes.

Form: Powder | Collagen type: I, II, III, V, and X

Nordic Naturals’ Nordic Beauty Marine Collagen is a tasty way for those who prefer marine collagen to get their daily intake. The powder comes in a strawberry flavor and contains 4,200 milligrams of bioactive collagen peptides and 45 milligrams of vitamin C per serving. You can also up your protein with 4 grams in each serving. Some benefits are better skin elasticity and flexibility in your bones and joints.

People love this brand because it’s non-GMO verified and free of gluten and milk derivatives. Nordic Naturals is also known for its freshness because of its high-quality ingredients. One potential drawback is the somewhat pricey tag for just over 5 ounces.

Form: Powder | Collagen type: I

If your day doesn’t start until you’ve had your morning cup of coffee, Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein in Cold Brew may give you the jolt you need. Each serving has 42 milligrams of caffeine and pairs well with almond milk or water. 

This collagen powder contains 10 different types of collagen — whereas most powders simply have types I, II, and/or III. Some highlighted benefits include improving the appearance of crow’s feet and reducing collagen degradation, knee stiffness, and hair breakage. 

There are 10 grams of collagen per serving and a 100% daily value of vitamin C. Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein also contains 9 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbs per serving.

Form: Powder | Collagen type: I, II, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, X, XII, and XXII

Vital Proteins’ Marine Collagen will have you glowing from the inside out. Instead of only a canister option, this marine collagen powder is also available in single-serve and capsule formulations, giving you ultimate on-the-go convenience. No matter how you mix or stir your daily collagen intake, you’ll get support for skin elasticity, hair, nails, and joints with types I and III collagen.

Each packet serving contains 10 grams of collagen peptides and 9 grams of protein. If you choose the capsule route, it’s recommended that you take seven capsules at least twice a day to get 2.5 grams of collagen and 2 grams of protein. The most collagen per serving comes from the canister, with 12 grams of collagen and 11 grams of protein.

Form: Powder | Collagen type: I and III

For a complete collagen powder that helps with everything from healthy hair and nails to strong bones and joints, Vital Proteins’ Original Collagen Peptides is a true winner. There are 20 grams of collagen per serving, plus you get the added benefits of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

A particularly unique feature is that the bovine powder is both Whole30 and Paleo-friendly. Have a gluten or dairy allergy? This collagen powder is made without it. However, you should note that although it doesn’t contain those ingredients, it is made in a factory that processes milk, fish, and peanuts. 

Another benefit of this brand is convenience — you can purchase single-serve sticks or opt for a container from three different size offerings. Then, you can add it to your food or beverage without having to worry about a potent flavor.

Form: Powder | Collagen type: I and III

Want to sip your collagen peptides rather than stir? NeoCell’s Collagen + C Pomegranate Liquid is the drinkable collagen you’ve been searching for. The liquid is tasty on its own, but you can also mix it with water or your favorite juice.

The 16-fluid-ounce bottle is a 32-day supply that contains 4 grams of collagen in each serving. It also has antioxidants, herbal extracts, vitamin C, and minerals so that you can reap the benefits of glowing skin, strong nails, and healthy hair. It only comes in a single size, but the non-GMO formula is free of gluten, soy, wheat, and lactose.

Form: Liquid | Collagen type: I and III

If you want to add a little extra oomph to your morning smoothie or post-workout shake, Thrive Market’s Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides is a solid mix. The bovine powder contains collagen types I and III to improve the health of your hair, nails, and skin.

Each scoop has 11.1 grams of collagen. You’ll also get 10 grams of protein per serving, on top of an amino acid profile that includes 18 amino acids.

While you can mix the collagen peptides into coffee, water, yogurt, or just about anything else, we like it best for smoothies because fruits and veggies help to make the vanilla flavor more subtle. The main drawback, though, is that purchase requires a paid membership to Thrive Market.

Form: Powder | Collagen type: I and III

Maintaining a ketogenic lifestyle takes dedication, but it’s easy to incorporate collagen into your diet with Perfect Keto’s Keto Collagen powder. The grass-fed collagen offers benefits for your hair, nails, skin, joints, and muscle recovery. There are also added MCTs, which are fatty acids that can aid mental clarity and sharpness. Each scoop contains 10 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen and 9 grams of protein. 

With options including chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel, cinnamon toast, strawberry, and peanut butter, there’s a flavor for you, no matter your taste. If you prefer unflavored powders, Perfect Keto has you covered, too.

Form: Powder | Collagen type: I and III

If you’re specifically looking for support with aching joints, these capsules are formulated to help with comfort. UC-11 is undenatured type II collagen, meaning it’s derived from chicken cartilage. Benefits of Healthy Origins’ UC-11 include better mobility and flexibility in your joints. A single 40-milligram capsule each day may improve your overall joint function. 

Your knees (and possibly even your elbows) will thank you for taking this supplement. Each capsule provides 10 milligrams of collagen that, while excellent for joint health, will need to be paired with other types of collagen if you’re looking to improve your hair, skin, or nail health.

Form: Capsule | Collagen type: II

These 8Greens Skin Effervescent Tablets go beyond just collagen, providing “a facial in a glass.” Each tablet contains marine collagen, biotin, and, as the name suggests, eight greens, including kale, broccoli, spinach, peppermint, alfalfa, green tea, collard greens, and aloe vera.

Getting your daily greens in can be difficult, but this product is like taking collagen vitamins with added veggies. It contains the same amount of vitamin A as 4 cups of broccoli and as much vitamin C as 25 stalks of celery. Major benefits include reduced acne and redness, increased skin elasticity, and anti-aging support.

All you need to do is drop one tablet in an 8-ounce glass of water. Then, simply enjoy the perks of the collagen supplement while sipping on what many reviewers said tastes like fresh apples. Each tablet contains 500 milligrams of marine collagen powder and only 10 calories.

Form: Tablet | Collagen type: I

Why we love collagen (and you should too!)

There’s no question that collagen is important — it creates connective tissues in our bodies and plays a major role in bone, skin, and muscle health. Since different types of collagen serve varying functions, you may benefit more from one type over another. However, rather than picking and choosing what might be most helpful, we prefer a collagen peptide supplement that covers multiple bases.

That’s why Vitauthority’s Multi Collagen Peptides is our overall top pick. It contains five different types of collagen, so with each scoop, we’ll get support for our hair, nails, skin, and bones. Being unflavored, it’s easy to stir into just about anything, including gourmet recipes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

FAQs

What’s the most effective collagen to take? 

There are several types of collagen — for example, type I and type III — as well as different forms. The most effective collagen to take from a concentration standpoint would be powder. Compared to liquids, there’s usually more collagen per serving. This generally applies to pill capsules that contain powder as well. 

For example, the NeoCell Collagen + C Pomegranate Liquid on our list contains 4 grams of collagen per serving, while the featured powder formulations have a minimum of around 9 grams per serving. If you’re looking for something entirely different, you can also look into collagen creams.

Which is better: peptides or collagen?

Collagen is a type of protein that our bodies produce. Collagen peptides are derived from animals, and their hydrolyzed properties allow them to be more easily absorbed into our bodies. Being that hydrolyzed collagen is more bioavailable, the thought is that collagen peptides are better when you’re looking for health benefits. However, collagen as a whole is vital to your overall health, and you should always do extensive research or talk to your doctor before deciding which supplement will work best for you. 

Do collagen peptide supplements actually work?

Like with any supplement, there’s no guarantee, and it depends on the individual. That said, consistency is key when it comes to collagen peptide supplements. Every supplement should be taken daily, or as instructed by the packaging, and you can monitor any changes in hair, nails, skin, or joints for yourself.