Which Collagen Protein is Most Effective in 2021?
Discover which is right for you, the science you must know, and why trusting what’s on the label isn’t always a good idea…
By now, you’ve no doubt heard the non-stop buzz about collagen peptides.
People everywhere are hailing them as a revolutionary “Fountain of Youth Supplement”. It’s the reason they’re a must-have part of the daily rituals of celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston.
As the world opens its eyes to “Peptide Power”, new brands spring up almost daily. Consumer choice is great. But with all the bright lights advertising, it can be almost impossible to tell the difference between premium products and phoney powders.
To help you make a smart, informed decision, our team spent months researching collagen peptide brands on the market. We found clear standouts – and many that you should avoid at all costs. Ready to discover which is right for you? Read on!
Our Pick: Best Collagen 2021
Latest update: July 28, 2021
Why Your Body Craves Collagen
Decades of scientific research tells us that collagen is essential to every function in the body. It’s like the biological secret for feeling revitalized and energized. All told, it makes up to 35% of all the protein in your body. It’s everywhere. In your muscles, joints, skin, bones and digestive system.
Everyone wants to maintain their youth. And collagen really is like your body’s fountain of youth.
Collagen plays a major role in everything from a glowing complexion, smoothing out wrinkles, gorgeous skin tone, bone and joint health, digestive function and lean muscle development.
The Amazing ‘Whole Body’ Health Benefits of Collagen Peptides
When choosing a collagen peptide, just reading the label and believing the marketing isn’t enough. There’s so much more to it.
Here at Smarter Choices, we use a proven 10-point ranking system to test and compare collagen peptide supplements. It’s important to know how our ranking system works:
Product quality and purity based on ingredients and sourcing.
1
The presence of artificial additives, preservatives and fillers.
2
High-quality, regulated manufacturing facilities and processes.
3
The science, research and development behind the product.
4
The availability, digestibility and absorption of collagen delivered per serving.
5
Manufacturer GMP certifcations.
6
Third-party testing to validate what’s on the label tells the truth.
7
Customer reviews – removing fake/paid reviews so only real opinion count.
8
Return policy and money back guarantee.
10
Our Research-Backed 10-Point System
Customer reviews – removing fake/paid reviews so only real opinion count.
9
Best Overall
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All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks utilized on our website belong to their respective owners and no implied or expressed endorsement of our website or services is intended. Rankings can be affected by the relationship Smarter Choices has with our top picks.
[1] we have a financial relationship with some of our top picks and partners
Top Reviews
Unique Features
Comparisons
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ADVERTORIAL
Support and strengthen bone and joint health
Holistic Health from Easy-to-Digest Collagen
Normally, to take care of your health in a holistic way takes hundreds of dollars every month.
But, with the right collagen peptides, you get a multitude of benefits in a few scoops. Key is to find a product with all the 5 major sources of collagen.
We found clear standouts – and many that you should avoid at all costs. Ready to discover which is right for you?
The Older You Get, The More Collagen You Need
Here’s the unfortunate biological reality though: the older you get, the less collagen your body produces. By your mid-20s it starts to decline. By 40, it’s down 25% and, by 60, it will decrease by more than 50%.
So, as your body produces less collagen each day that goes by, your skin becomes less firm, your hair thins, your joints, bones and muscles lose strength, and your digestive system function decreases.
Collagen Peptides – The Simple Way to Give Your Body the Vital Collagen it Needs
So, research makes it crystal clear why collagen is vital to whole-body health. But getting enough in your body from food alone is extremely difficult. That’s why health practitioners around the world are recommending collagen peptides.
Just one look at the incredible benefits makes it easy to see why collagen peptides are considered a revitalizing, “whole body” supplement.
Help glowing skin health and elasticity, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles
Boost and balance gut health and support appetite control
Promote healthy, strong hair and nails
Encourage lean muscle and faster metabolism
Strengthen immune function and reliance
Aids in the improvement of blood circulation
Note: Collagen peptides are super gentle on your stomach. In fact collagen can help with gut problems
What to Look for in a Collagen Peptide (And What You Absolutely MUST Avoid)
We’ve lost count of the number of collagen peptides on the market today. It’s nothing short of overwhelming!
If you’re like many of our readers, you’re certain you need collagen peptides in your diet. But it’s a nightmare choosing which one is right for you. Fear not, we’ve got your back! Here’s what to look for…
by Primal Harvest [1]
79 Reviews
Primal Collagen
US made with Premium Ingredients
Packed with Amino Acids
Powerful Hydrolyzed Collagen
Sourced from Grass-Fed Beef
Free Shipping on Orders over $75
130 people chose this today
Top Collagen Supplements 2021
1. Primal Collagen
Ingredient Quality Control
Potency & Estimated Efficacy
Price / Customer Value
Return Policy
Overall Customer Happiness
9.6/10
9.7/10
9.4/10
9.5/10
9.7/10
PROS
CONS
Made in the USA with premium quality full spectrum collagen
"No questions asked" 90 day Money-Back-Guarantee
Unflavored, easiest to dissolve powder
Made from certified grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine
Only the purest bovine collagen with GelcoPEP® technology.
Diverse amino acid profile to boost your health and energy
Only Available Online
Sometimes runs out of Stock
The Bottom Line
Primal Collagen peptides by Primal Harvest is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. It provides a full spectrum of collagen to ensure a natural, and best unflavored source to help improve hair, skin, nails, joint, bones, and gut.
But they didn’t stop there. They made sure their collagen would mix instantly due to GelcoPEP® technology. By Choosing Primal Harvest you'll get a highly effective supplement that will supply your body with all the much-vaunted health benefits of the collagen peptides.
We have no doubt about its quality and efficacy. Backed by scientific research, top-notch ingredients and the strong money-back guarantee, we are confident our #1 pick is the only collagen supplement needed.
Primal Collagen peptide pricing stands out especially when you buy multiple bottles. The price drops dramatically and since continued use over months is recommended to achieve the best benefits, buying a 3-6 month supply is a no-brainer.
There’s just a small thing: they get sold out really fast. So we recommend you hurry and place your order if you are now assured that this will be beneficial to your health.
2. Collagen Peptides
by Garden Of Life
B+ Rating
PROS
CONS
Made in the USA
Natural & Non-GMO
Certified Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen Source
Quick Disolving And Easy To Use
Doesn't use hydrolyzed collagen
We weren't fond of the taste it left
Ingredient Quality Control
Potency & Estimated Efficacy
Price / Customer Value
Return Policy
Overall Customer Happiness
8.6/10
7.9/10
9.1/10
8.0/10
8.4/10
3. Collagen Peptides
by Amandean
C+ Rating
PROS
CONS
Certified Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen
Neutral Flavour
Good solubility
Expensive Entry Price Point
Ingredient Quality Control
Potency & Estimated Efficacy
Price / Customer Value
Return Policy
Overall Customer Happiness
7.9/10
7.4/10
7.0/10
7.2/10
7.7/10
4. Pure Collagen
by Zeal Naturals
C Rating
PROS
CONS
Medium Price Point
Neutral Flavor
Grass Fed & Pasture Raised Cows
Expensive Entry Price Point
Ingredient Quality Control
Potency & Estimated Efficacy
Price / Customer Value
Return Policy
Overall Customer Happiness
7.0/10
6.7/10
8.5/10
7.2/10
7.5/10
Available in Capsules Only
5. Multi Collagen
by Renew
C Rating
PROS
CONS
Includes Multiple Types of Collagen
Diverse Amino Acid Profile
Made in the USA
Unpleasant Taste
Ingredient Quality Control
Potency & Estimated Efficacy
Price / Customer Value
Return Policy
Overall Customer Happiness
7.0/10
8.2/10
7.4/10
6.9/10
6.4/10
Doesn't Mix Well
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with your physician and should not be construed as individual medical advice. The testimonials on this website are individual cases and do not guarantee that you will get the same results. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
CITATIONS
Bionumbers. (n.d.). Percent of protein in body that is collagen. Retrieved from https://bionumbers.hms.harvard.edu/bionumber.aspx?&id=109730
Ganceviciene, R., Liakou, A. I., Theodoridis, A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 308–319. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
Clark, K. L., Sebastianelli, W., Flechsenhar, K. R., Aukermann, D. F., Meza, F., Millard, R. L., Deitch, J. R., Sherbondy, P. S., & Albert, A. (2008). 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Current medical research and opinion, 24(5), 1485–1496. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18416885
Takeda, S., Park, J. H., Kawashima, E., Ezawa, I., & Omi, N. (2013). Hydrolyzed collagen intake increases bone mass of growing rats trained with running exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 35. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3750261/
König, D., Oesser, S., Scharla, S., Zdzieblik, D., & Gollhofer, A. (2018). Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients, 10(1), 97. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793325/
Bolke, L., Schlippe, G., Gerß, J., & Voss, W. (2019). A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients, 11(10), 2494. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/
Yang, Z., & Liao, S. F. (2019). Physiological Effects of Dietary Amino Acids on Gut Health and Functions of Swine. Frontiers in veterinary science, 6, 169. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6579841/
Rubio, I. G., Castro, G., Zanini, A. C., & Medeiros-Neto, G. (2008). Oral ingestion of a hydrolyzed gelatin meal in subjects with normal weight and in obese patients: Postprandial effect on circulating gut peptides, glucose and insulin. Eating and weight disorders : EWD, 13(1), 48–53. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18319637/
Rushton D. H. (2002). Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clinical and experimental dermatology, 27(5), 396–404. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12190640/
Hexsel, D., Zague, V., Schunck, M., Siega, C., Camozzato, F. O., & Oesser, S. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 16(4), 520–526. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28786550/
Oertzen-Hagemann, V., Kirmse, M., Eggers, B., Pfeiffer, K., Marcus, K., de Marées, M., & Platen, P. (2019). Effects of 12 Weeks of Hypertrophy Resistance Exercise Training Combined with Collagen Peptide Supplementation on the Skeletal Muscle Proteome in Recreationally Active Men. Nutrients, 11(5), 1072. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566884/
Alves, A., Bassot, A., Bulteau, A. L., Pirola, L., & Morio, B. (2019). Glycine Metabolism and Its Alterations in Obesity and Metabolic Diseases. Nutrients, 11(6), 1356. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627940/
Basu, P., Sen, U., Tyagi, N., & Tyagi, S. C. (2010). Blood flow interplays with elastin: collagen and MMP: TIMP ratios to maintain healthy vascular structure and function. Vascular health and risk management, 6, 215–228. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2856577/
Graham, M. F., Drucker, D. E., Diegelmann, R. F., & Elson, C. O. (1987). Collagen synthesis by human intestinal smooth muscle cells in culture. Gastroenterology, 92(2), 400–405. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3792777/
Lin, M., Zhang, B., Yu, C., Li, J., Zhang, L., Sun, H., Gao, F., & Zhou, G. (2014). L-Glutamate supplementation improves small intestinal architecture and enhances the expressions of jejunal mucosa amino acid receptors and transporters in weaning piglets. PloS one, 9(11), e111950. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25368996/
A Guide To Our Rankings:
How We Picked our Top Choice
After intense research, consultations & numerous customers interviewed, we found the following five products that became our top picks.
We chose these five based on the following factors:
Evaluation Criteria
Ease to Swallow
Affordability / Value
Taste
Impressive Results
Clearly Labeled Ingredients
Effective concentration percentage
Company Reputation
30+ Hours Researched
3 Experts Consulted
20 customers Interviewed
What To Avoid:
Artificial Sweeteners & Added Sugar
These nasty additions can cause all kinds of damage and cause weight gain.
"Natural" Flavors
The ugly truth is, most “natural flavors” are chemically made and disguised as healthy by marketers.
Artifical Preservatives
Added to extend shelf life, artificial preservatives fill your body with unwanted, harmful chemicals.
Soy-based Fillers
Used to bulk up products, soy fillers can negatively impact important vitamins and minerals in your body.
Must Haves
Choose only grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine or sustainably-sourced seafood collagen.
Purity & Quality
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides mean the amino acids have been broken down for super easy digestion and absorption.
Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides
A Full Spectrum Collagen Combination (Type I & III)
The best combination for overall health benefits that make up 90% of the collagen in your body.
Look for at least 8g of collagen per serve with no additives or flavors!
Potency & Strength
Flavour & Mixability
Most of the Off-the-shelf collagen supplements tend to taste bad and do not mix well. Try to find a collagen you'll be glad to consume every morning!.
