ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE
HOW WE RANK
|
ADVERTORIAL
The Definitive Collagen Review of 2023

Collagen is sold everywhere these days... But which one is best? We’ve done all the hard work and research for you and narrowed down our choices for the top 5 best collagen supplements for skin, hair, and joints. Ready to discover which is right for you? Read on!

Ingredients
Benefits
Best of 2023

About 30%

of the protein in your body is collagen.[1]

Approx. 70-80%

of the dry weight of your skin is collagen. [2]

We lose 1% per year

after age 40 [2,3]

Collagen and skin care seem to go hand in hand these days, and if you’re thinking about taking collagen for skin, you're not alone. More and more people are using collagen for its many skin care benefits. It’s no wonder the collagen market has exploded with a huge mass of collagen products from collagen supplements to collagen cream for skin.

Before we look at the top collagen supplements for skin, let’s dive into some basics that are important to know when adding this skin-boosting supplement to your routine…


What is collagen?

Simply put, collagen is a protein that forms the connective tissue all over our bodies. It makes up about 70-80% of the dry weight of your skin and can help keep it looking supple and smooth. [2]

It is also found in bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons, and plays an important role in maintaining healthy-looking skin and hair as well as supporting bone and joint health and maintaining muscle mass to help keep you active and fit.

Why your body needs collagen

As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen plays a key role in skin elasticity, hydration, and texture. Basically, it is what keeps your skin from sagging and helps to maintain that glowy, plump, youthful appearance.

In fact, many studies have found that collagen supplements have the ability to noticeably restore skin elasticity, hydration, and density after just three months of consistent use. [4]

These studies reported that because the collagen peptides were able to reach deeper layers of the skin, the supplements created “long-lasting and cosmetically relevant regeneration of the skin.” [4]

But here’s the most important thing you need to know about collagen for skin:
As you age, the less collagen your body produces. By your mid-20s it starts to decline. By 40, it’s down 25% and, by 60, it can decrease by more than 50%. This can lead to a loss of skin elasticity, sagging, and more visible fine lines and wrinkles. [2,3]
The older you get, the more collagen you need.

Taking a collagen supplement may help to maintain healthy collagen levels, especially as you age.

BUT - be sure to choose a collagen supplement that is hydrolyzed. This means that the collagen is already ‘broken down’ so that it is more easily absorbed by the body. The end result is what’s referred to as collagen peptides.


Best types of collagen for your hair, skin, and joints

When it comes to collagen supplements there are five main types of collagen, types I, II, III, V, and X. Although each of them is linked to different wellness benefits, there are two collagen types that are the key for collagen production as you age:

  • Type I
    This is the most abundant collagen in the human body, found in skin, bone, ligaments, and even teeth. Type I collagen is the primary building block of your skin, and may support skin elasticity and hydration. Bovine collagen is a common source of type I collagen. [3,4]
  • Type III
    Usually associated with type I collagen, these two types make up the two most commonly-found types in our body. Also highly beneficial for supporting skin health, type III collagen makes up a large part of our skin and organs. Bovine collagen is also a source of type III collagen.[3]
  • Reduce the look of crepey, sagging skin
  • Support skin hydration
  • Help minimize the appearance of fine lines
  • Support skin elasticity
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTATION
  • Promote healthy, dewy-looking skin
  • Support hair thickness and density
  • Encourage lean muscle and faster metabolism
  • Support join health and an active lifestyle
Note: Individual results may vary.
PURITY & QUALITY: Choose only grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine or sustainably-sourced seafood collagen.
HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN PEPTIDES: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides mean the amino acids have been broken down for super easy digestion and absorption.
A FULL SPECTRUM COLLAGEN COMBINATION (TYPE I & III): The best combination if you’re looking to target aging and sagging skin.
POTENCY & STRENGTH: Look for at least 8g of collagen per serve with no additives or flavors!
FLAVOR AND 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!
What To Look For In A Collagen Supplement
Premium collagen powders have no flavor and dissolve easily into any drink - hot or cold. This makes it easy to add to your daily wellness routine which means better results!

TIP: Did you know that a high-quality collagen powder can make a great addition to your morning coffee or tea?

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.
ARTIFICIAL 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.

What You Should Avoid In A Collagen Supplement