The 9 Best Collagen Supplements, Researched and Tested

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take.

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Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology . From there, a registered dietitian on our Medical Expert Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy.

To determine the best collagen supplements on the market, our registered dietitians combed through the research and used their clinical expertise. We also tested 20 collagen powders and rated each product for taste, texture, smell, third-party testing, nutrition, and value . When deciding which collagen supplement is best for you, consider the form, type of collagen (different types are correlated with different potential benefits), source, dose, flavor, and budget that best suits your needs. Also, if you are looking for collagen for a protein boost, be sure to check the nutrition label, as not all collagen supplements are a good source of protein.

Collagen is an important structural protein that makes up our skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons . As we age, our body produces less collagen, resulting in decreased skin elasticity and more wrinkles. Collagen consumed in whole foods or as a supplement may improve skin appearance and joint pain .Additionally, some evidence suggests that collagen supplementation may improve hair and nail strength , however, there is limited research. Aside from these potential benefits, some collagen powders are a good source of protein that can easily be added to beverages or smoothies to help boost your protein intake.

What to Look for in a Collagen Supplement

The recommended time to take this collagen supplement is one hour before exercise for best results, which may be hard to remember. Also note that when you mix this powder into either hot or cold beverages, it gives it a slightly thicker texture to the liquid; however, it is mostly tasteless.

It contains 15 grams of protein and over 50% of the daily value of vitamin C to enhance collagen production. The 60 milligrams of sodium is a small amount but may help replenish some of the sodium lost in sweat. This product dissolves best in hot beverages with thorough mixing for about a minute.

Momentous is NSF Certified for Sport , a reputable and rigorous third-party certification that verifies the supplement contains what it says it contains, with no harmful contaminants and no substances banned for competitive athletes. It's also Informed Sport Certified, a certification that tests supplements for hundreds of substances banned for sport.

If you are an athlete or active individual looking for a collagen supplement, we recommend Momentous Collagen Peptides . If you experience joint pain , this particular supplement may be especially beneficial since it contains FORTIGEL collagen hydrolysate, which may help reduce joint pain in healthy athletes .

Does not dissolve well in cold liquid and slightly thickens both hot and cold beverages

While this is a convenient one-capsule dose, it is recommended to specifically take it on an empty stomach before bedtime. Also, it is not a good source of protein.

Healthy Origins Natural UC-II supplements come in capsule form, so you cannot mix them into liquids, and it is meant to be taken once daily. &#;&#;This product is non-GMO, gluten-free, and has been tested and approved through ConsumerLab.com's voluntary certification program, and was included in ConsumerLab.com's Collagen Supplements Review .

Healthy Origins Natural UC-II contains undenatured type II collagen from chicken cartilage, which has been studied in clinical trials for managing joint pain. It provides 40 milligrams of UC-II cartilage, which contains 10 milligrams of collagen.

While CB Multi Collagen Protein supplement offers many benefits, it is a more expensive choice. We recommend mixing this product in hot beverages, as it does not dissolve well in cold beverages. We also noticed it left behind some clumps at the bottom of the glass when mixed with cold water.

This powder dissolves completely in hot beverages, but it takes a couple of minutes of stirring. We also noticed a slight dairy-like taste when mixed in plain water, but the flavor went undetected in coffee. In addition to the standard packaging, they offer travel packets, convenient for on-the-go.

The recommended dose is one scoop per 50 pounds of body weight, with one scoop providing you with 7.8 grams of collagen. Therefore, unlike other collagen supplements, the recommended dosing will vary based on your weight.

CB Multi Collagen Protein offers unflavored and flavored varieties of collagen in powder form. This supplement contains collagen from grass-fed cows, cage-free chickens, wild-caught fish, and eggshell membranes, providing five types of collagen . It is NSF Certified for Sport making it a great option for athletes. It is also non-GMO and gluten-free.

Does not dissolve well in cold beverages and has a slight taste

The recommended dose is four capsules, which can feel like a lot to take daily. It also has a smaller amount of collagen per serving and contains less protein. These collagen peptides contain porcine-derived collagen, so they may not be suitable if you do not consume pig products.

If you prefer to use capsules over powders, Trunature Healthy Skin Verisol Collagen provides 2.5 grams of collagen per four capsules. This supplement contains Verisol collagen, which has shown benefits for skin health in several placebo-controlled studies. This supplement is also third-party tested for purity and potency.

While Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein provides many collagen types, it does contain fish and eggs, which are potential dietary allergens. Also, this powder has a slightly chalky smell that some may find off-putting.

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein contains a blend of five types of collagen meant to support the health of your skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones. The cows are grass-fed and pasture-raised, and the supplement is non-GMO, dairy, nut, soy, and gluten-free. We like that this collagen is flavorless, especially in hot beverages, and dissolves quickly. The chalky smell of the powder is less noticeable when mixed into a flavored or hot beverage compared to cold water, and there is no aftertaste.

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein is third-party tested and provides you with 10 grams of collagen per scoop of powder, with 9 grams of protein. This product provides 90 milligrams of vitamin C, 100% of the Daily Value, to aid in collagen production. Each serving also contains the soil-based organism (SBO) Bacillus coagulans probiotic strain. This probiotic is generally considered safe for most people, but if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking antibiotics, or taking other probiotic supplements, talk to a healthcare provider before taking this supplement.

Not suitable for those with fish or egg allergies

We noticed this powder takes a bit longer to dissolve. It took a little more stirring, but it did dissolve without residual sediment. It also only contains type I collagen. Given that this is marine-derived collagen, it is not suitable if you have a fish allergy.

It is recommended to mix this powder with warm or hot water first, and then add ice or chill in the refrigerator if you want to drink it cold. Alternatively, you can add it directly to smoothies without any premixing required. We love that despite a slight fish smell upon opening the package, it has a completely neutral taste (and no aftertaste) in both hot and cold beverages, including in plain water.

We like Natural Force's transparency in testing their products to ensure the purity of ingredients and no contaminants. Each batch of Natural Force Marine Collagen peptides is third-party tested by Covance, and they offer a Certificate of Analysis for each batch.

If you prefer marine-derived collagen peptides, Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides contain 11.1 grams of collagen from wild-caught cod per scoop, with 10 grams of protein. This supplement contains type I collagen , which is meant to support your skin, hair, and nails.

This is one of the more expensive products on our list at about $1.67 per serving. Also, we recommend mixing it with a flavored beverage for improved taste.

During pregnancy, protein needs increase, so if you are unable to consume adequate protein from food alone, protein supplements can be a good option to help boost your intake. Needed Collagen Protein provides 14 grams of protein per serving and is also rich in the amino acid glycine, which may be especially beneficial in late-stage pregnancy.

This supplement contains just hydrolyzed bovine collagen sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. Hydrolyzed collagen is a form that is easier for your body to digest and absorb. Because the powder is unflavored and dissolves well in any fluid, it can easily be added to beverages, soups, smoothies, and more.

If you are looking for a pregnancy-safe collagen powder, try Needed Collagen Protein Powder . We like that this product is third-party tested for heavy metals, pesticides, allergens, microbes, and other contaminants and is a Clean Label Project Purity Award Winner. It's also free of hormones, additives, and common food allergens, making it a safe option for those who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Given that this product is derived from pigs, it may not be suitable if you do not consume pig products. It also has a smaller serving size compared to other powders and contains less protein.

The only ingredient in this supplement is collagen, and it does not contain any fillers or additives. It is also third-party tested for purity and potency.

Besha Collagen Peptides is a pure collagen powder in the form of Verisol, a specific, patented collagen peptide known for stimulating the production of skin collagen. This pig-derived collagen supplement has been tested in placebo-controlled studies and has shown modest improvement in wrinkles after eight weeks. It comes in powdered form and requires mixing 2 teaspoons into your beverage of choice daily, providing 2.9 grams of type I and III collagen per serving .

Pig-derived collagen may not be suitable for all

This unflavored option has a slightly unpleasant taste when mixed with plain water, so we recommended mixing into flavored beverages.

This collagen supplement contains collagen types I and III , which are meant to support your skin, hair, and nails.

Vital Proteins has both flavored and unflavored options that can be added to either hot or cold beverages . However, we found that the unflavored collagen dissolves better in hot liquids. We also noticed that the unflavored version is best mixed into coffee, tea, smoothies, or soups to mask the slightly unpleasant taste we noticed when mixed with just plain water. Alternatively, Vital Proteins has a lemon flavor that tastes great in plain water or mixed into herbal teas and smoothies. In fact, when mixed with plain cold or hot water, it tasted and smelled pleasant, similar to lemonade.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides provide you with 20 grams of collagen per two scoops, which contains 18 grams of protein. These collagen peptides are from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, and the product is certified kosher. It also contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to support your skin appearance. Vital Proteins is NSF Certified for Sport , meaning it does not contain substances prohibited by sports organizations and has the ingredient amounts listed on the label. It is also free from gluten, dairy, and sweeteners.

Where We Stand

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Powder is our top pick because it's versatile, contains quality ingredients, is third-party tested, and provides 18 grams of protein per serving. If you're looking for pescatarian-friendly collagen, try Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides, a quality product made from wild-caught cod.

Are Collagen Supplements Beneficial?

• Skin appearance: Studies suggest that certain types of collagen may modesty help improve the appearance of aging skin.
  Various placebo-controlled studies conducted using hydrolyzed pig or fish-derived type I and type III collagen have demonstrated reduced wrinkle appearance, particularly around the eyes, and improved skin elasticity.
   
• Hair and Nails:  Small studies support the claim that collagen supplements will lead to modestly increased hair density, while there are mixed results regarding the impact of collagen on nails. Some studies report increased nail growth and reduction in brittleness, while others show no change.
  Larger long-term studies are required.
• Joint pain: When it comes to joint pain, studies show supplementing with various forms of collagen, typically type II, for at least three to six months may modestly reduce joint stiffness or pain.
  However, some studies show no benefit.

• Postmenopausal people with reduced bone mineral density: If you experience age-related declines in bone mineral density, supplementing with collagen peptides for at least 12 months may support increased bone formation.

• Pregnant people: Collagen supplements may be beneficial if you are in the late stages of pregnancy when there is greater demand for the amino acid glycine. Certain collagen powders are also good sources of protein, which can help pregnant people meet their increased needs. It is best to consult your healthcare professional before using any supplements while pregnant.

Who May Not Benefit From Collagen Supplements

While collagen supplements may provide added benefits, keep in mind that your body makes its own collagen, so it's not necessary to consume collagen supplements. Since collagen is derived from animal tissues, it is not appropriate for vegans and vegetarians, though there are fish-derived sources suitable for pescatarians.

Collagen supplements are generally well tolerated. Some people report mild symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, lack of appetite, itchy skin, and canker sores.

• Those with a history of kidney stones: Though it has not been proven, it is theoretically possible that consuming collagen supplements in high doses may increase the risk of kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider before using collagen supplements.

• Those with certain dietary restrictions: Collagen supplements are derived from animal sources. If you are vegan or vegetarian or refrain from eating certain animals, you should avoid collagen supplements.
• Those with certain allergies: If you have allergies to fish, shellfish, or eggs, you should avoid collagen supplements derived from fish sources or eggshell membranes.

How We Select and Test Supplements

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. 

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products.

It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.

In addition to our research, we tested 20 of the top collagen powders in the Verywell Testing Lab to rate each product for taste, texture, smell, dissolubility, and value. We noted how long (or if) each powder took to dissolve and if there was any off-putting odors or flavors. We did this by mixing a serving of each powder into cold water and a hot beverage (tea or coffee). We then combined these ratings with a nutrition and third-party testing score from our nutrition editor to get an overall rating for each pick.

We Also Tested

While not a top pick for any category, we also tested these collagen powders and think they are still worth highlighting.

Great Lakes Wellness Quick Dissolve Collagen Peptides: We like that this collagen powder is just from grass-fed cows and dissolves quickly in both cold and hot drinks. But, we picked up a slightly earthy smell and taste in both hot and cold drinks.

Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen Powder: We love the strong third-party testing and nutrition profile from Nordic Naturals products, but we noticed a stronger, earthy flavor in particular when we mixed this in a hot drink.

Gnarly Collagen Pro: This powder has strong third-party testing, and we like that it has added vitamin C and zinc. However, we could detect a zinc flavor in both beverages, and it didn't dissolve well in cold water.

What to Look for in a Collagen Supplement

Third-Party Testing

Supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested for purity and potency to ensure they contain what they say they contain and do not contain any potential contaminants. Trusted third-party certifications include ConsumerLab.com, NSF, USP, and Informed Choice, among others. However, these certifications can be difficult to obtain and expensive for manufacturers, so many companies choose not to get their products tested. If you are selecting a supplement that does not have third-party testing, we recommend choosing a trusted brand that does rigorous internal testing.

While not common, collagen supplements may contain contaminants such as lead, arsenic, or cadmium. Kylie Ivanir, MS, RD, says, &#;You should always ask for a Certificate of Analysis. This report should be provided by the company. If they don&#;t, I wouldn&#;t use the product.&#; Athletes, in particular, may want to opt for NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport Certified to ensure they are free from banned substances for sport.

Form

Collagen supplements are sold as powders, tablets, capsules, chews, and liquids. Collagen supplements can usually be found in three forms: 

• Collagen peptides: Collagen peptides are the type of collagen you will see most often in supplements. These peptides are collagen that has been broken down for better absorption.

• Gelatin: Partially hydrolyzed collagen, or gelatin, dissolves in hot but not cold water. 
• Raw or undenatured collagen: Collagen can also come in raw or undenatured form, as in UC-II collagen, which is used for joint pain.

Collagen supplements typically contain either type I, II, III, or a combination. Type I and III are used for hair, skin, and nails, while type II is used for joint health. Certain supplements may also contain type V and type X, which are involved in muscle, lung, liver, placenta, and bone health.

If you are interested in giving it a try and it feels like a worthy investment, you can add collagen powder to smoothies, baked goods, yogurt, oatmeal, gummies, and even soups. 

Ingredients & Potential Interactions

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to your healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.

If you have allergies to fish or eggs you should avoid collagen supplements derived from marine sources or eggshell membranes, respectively. Marine-derived collagen supplements may also lower blood sugar. Thus, if you are taking blood-sugar-lowering medication, including insulin, metformin, glyburide, and others, you should be cautious. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider to review any potential interactions between supplements and medications you are taking.

How Much To Take

Contact us to discuss your requirements of hydrolyzed fish collagen manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take.

The recommended dose for collagen supplements varies. For wrinkles or joint pain, the typical recommended daily dosage of collagen peptides is 2.5 to 15 grams, though it is safe to consume more than this. You can take this once or in divided doses, with or without food. If you are using undenatured type II collagen for joint pain, the recommended dose is smaller at 40 milligrams per day. You should follow the recommended dose on your supplement of choice, as this will vary.

Collagen supplements are generally well tolerated. Some people report mild symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, lack of appetite, itchy skin, and canker sores.

Research has shown that as 36% of your daily protein intake can come from collagen peptides without sacrificing protein quality, so we do not recommend consuming more than 36% of your daily protein from a collagen supplement.

Our Experts

The following experts gave us their professional feedback for using collagen supplements, who they are best for, and having a hand in which products we recommend.

• Kylie Ivanir, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian and founder of Within Nutrition. She specializes in gut and hormone health.
• Anne Cook Carroll, MS, RD, CDN is a Registered Dietitian who works with a range of patients to meet their health goals. She also specializes in supplement research and analysis.
• Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD, CDN is a Registered Dietitian and nutrition writer with a passion for translating complicated health and nutrition research into easily digestible information. She developed the collagen supplement testing methodology used in our lab for this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take for collagen supplements to work?

  According to available studies, collagen supplements may take around eight weeks for wrinkle improvement. They may take three to six months to help alleviate joint pain. For other benefits such as increased bone strength, results may take up to 12 months. Results will vary based on the individual, as well as the type and dosage of collagen.

• What happens when you stop taking collagen supplements?

  You should not experience any side effects when you stop taking collagen supplements. The benefits experienced while using the supplements may gradually fade, although it may take a few weeks.

• Can collagen supplements cause joint pain?

  Small studies demonstrate collagen supplements may help alleviate joint pain. There are no current large-scale studies backing the claim that collagen supplements cause joint pain.

• What does hydrolyzed mean?

  Collagen supplements are often hydrolyzed. This means the protein is broken down via heat or enzymes into amino acids or chains of amino acids, known as peptides. This makes it easier for our bodies to absorb and allows it to easily mix into liquids.

• Why does my collagen powder include vitamin C and hyaluronic acid?

  Collagen powder may include vitamin C due to the role of vitamin C in collagen production in our bodies, namely by adding a hydroxyl group to proline to form the amino acid hydroxyproline, a component of collagen. However, most people are not deficient in vitamin C, so this addition does not necessarily provide extra benefit. Furthermore, supplements meant for skin often combine collagen with hyaluronic acid, a component of skin, joints, and eyes that helps maintain hydration and lubrication.

• How much do collagen supplements cost?

  The cost of collagen supplements will vary based on the form of the supplement, ingredients used and size of the container. Collagen tablets usually have a low price point at less than $1 per recommended daily serving. Collagen protein powders can range between $1 to $3 per recommended daily serving. For example, our best overall pick Vital Proteins collagen peptides is around $1.77 per serving. Liquid collagen, while convenient, can be most expensive at closer to $4 per serving.

Because collagen protein powders are considered supplements, they aren't closely regulated by the government. There are third-party verifying companies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), that test dietary supplement quality. Products that pass their standards are allowed to display that fact on their packaging. When it comes to collagen, though, we found that NSF seems to do the most testing. USP didn't have any collagen products listed as tested by them on their website.

So, which collagen powder should you take if you want to add a collagen supplement to your regimen? Here, we've compiled a list of the best collagen powders. We started by rounding up a list of top sellers and then whittled the list down to collagen powders that are also third-party verified for quality. Then&#;to finalize our list&#;we asked a dietitian to weigh in.

Collagen is the "it" ingredient these days. After all, it's now a regular add-in to items like smoothies and smoothie bowls at home, your gym café or your neighborhood smoothie shop&#;and for good reason because taking collagen regularly (even every day ) may help your skin appear younger and less wrinkly, speed up wound healing, help with recovery from a hard weight-lifting session, strengthen your hair and bones and ease joint pain.

Just stir it into hot or cold beverages, such as juice, smoothies or tea, or sprinkle it into foods such as yogurt, oatmeal and more. And remember, Vital Proteins' products are NSF-certified.

It comes in three flavors&#;Lavender Lemon, Tropical Hibiscus and Strawberry Lemon&#;in a canister or single-serve sticks. We tasted the Strawberry Lemon flavor and found it had a pleasant strawberry flavor first and a mild lemon flavor. We couldn't detect any collagen flavor. The powder also dissolved nicely in cold water; only a few stubborn clumps didn't fully dissolve.

If healthier skin, nails, hair and/or joints is your goal, the Beauty Collagen from Vital Proteins is a great choice. Not only do you get collagen peptides, but hyaluronic acid and probiotics are also added to the powder (note that there is no evidence that probiotics support the potential effect of collagen protein).

Available size: 9.6 ounces | Item form: Powder | Servings: 14 | Third-party tested: Yes What we like: This Vital Proteins offering is intended to support skin, hair and nail health. It's available in a canister or single-serve sticks.

Momentous Collagen Peptides Powder is also NSF-certified&#;as are the others on this list&#;and is third-party verified by Informed Sport.

When we taste-tested Momentous Collagen Peptides, we detected a slight scent but an incredibly mild flavor (in plain water). Thanks to the ultra-fine powder, the collagen dissolved easily in cold and hot liquids.

Calling athletes and weekend warriors alike &#; Momentous is a brand designed for athletes and other highly active individuals. Their collagen peptides powder specifically delivers two types of proprietary collagen&#;one targets your joints and cartilage (Fortigel, a patented form of collagen hydrolysate), and the other is a grass-fed bovine collagen peptide that's good for hair, skin and nails. This collagen peptides powder includes 50 mg of vitamin C, which is a plus because C is involved in collagen production in the body.

Available size: 17.92 ounces | Item form: Powder | Servings: 30 | Third-party tested: Yes What we like: It contains Fortigel, a type of collagen that supports cartilage and joint health, making it an excellent option for athletes.

This company believes in giving back, and 10% of all profits go to the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation, which provides educational and recreational support to soldiers and their families. They also offer military and first responders a discount when purchasing their products.

In our tests, we found Bub's collagen dissolved the best of the group in cold liquids and had almost no sediment left over. The flavor was barely noticeable in plain water, and in flavored drinks, it was undetectable.

Ideal for on-the-go living or travel, each of Bubs' single-serve stick packs delivers 20 g of collagen protein. There's just one ingredient&#;bovine collagen&#;and nothing more added. Keto, paleo, and Whole30-approved, this collagen protein is undetectable and has no odor or taste. It's also hydrolyzed (so it dissolves easily!) and is third-party verified by NSF.

What to know: It's quite pricey if you follow their recommendation to take two stick packs a day.

Available size: 7 ounces | Item form: Powder | Servings: 20 | Third-party tested: Yes What we like: The stick packs are very convenient when you're on the go.

According to NSF's website, only one other collagen product in Garden of Life's line is certified&#;the Wild Caught & Grass Fed Collagen Hyaluronic Acid powder ( view on Amazon ). Both are unflavored and can be stirred into hot or cold beverages or mixed or sprinkled onto other foods.

This collagen powder has a lot going for it, which may explain why it's so highly rated on Amazon. First, it delivers two types of collagen (Type I and III), which means it supports healthy skin, hair and joints. A single serving also delivers 1.5 billion CFU probiotics. And this particular product from Garden of Life is NSF-certified.

What to know: The entire line of collagen powders made by Garden of Life has not been third-party tested.

Available size: 19.75 ounces | Item form: Powder | Servings: 28 | Third-party tested: Yes What we like: This collagen powder contains two types of collagen, so it's formulated to support skin, hair and joint health. A serving also provides a healthy dose of probiotics.

Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides contains no artificial additives or sweeteners. Need more convincing? This product is also third-party certified by NSF.

Vital Proteins is made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, paleo-friendly, and Whole30-approved. It is also soluble in hot or cold liquids&#;though when we put it to the test, we found it took a little longer to dissolve in cold water, and there was some leftover sediment (and more than the other collagen powders we tested). When we drank it plain in water, we noticed a slight taste. Throw it in your coffee or smoothie in the morning, though, and it's odorless and tasteless, you won't even know it's there.

Vital Proteins is the leader in the collagen powder market, and rightfully so, with such a diverse product line. But their OG&#;Original Collagen Peptides&#;is their bestseller for a reason: One scoop gives you 20 grams of collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and vitamin C. According to a study, consuming 120 milligrams of HA for 12 weeks improved wrinkle control in men and women ages 35 to 64.

What to know: The canisters are filled by weight and might look like they're not full.

Available sizes: 9.33 ounces | Item form: Powder | Servings: 13 or 28 | Third-party tested: Yes What we like: It only takes one scoop and mixes well with hot or cold liquids.

The Bottom Line: The Best Collagen Powder

Overall, we like the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (view at Amazon) the best, not only for its taste and the addition of vitamin C but also because it is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. If you're looking for convenience, the Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides (view at Amazon) are the way to go.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen brings strength, structure and elasticity to our connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, bones and skin. But as we age, our body becomes less efficient at producing collagen. According to recent research, by age 40, we lose about 1% of our collagen every year, and by around age 80, we have 75% less collagen than a young adult.

While a total of 28 types of collagen have been discovered, five are the most common. Type I is the most abundant in our body, making up over 90% of the collagen in the human body. This form of collagen is in the skin, bone, teeth, tendons, ligaments and organs. Type II is in cartilage, and type III is mainly in the skin, muscle and blood vessels. Type IV is in the epithelial tissue layers, which cover body surfaces and line body cavities. And then type V is one of the main elements of cell surfaces and the placenta. But from a supplement standpoint, you'll mostly find Types I, II and III.

There are foods that are naturally rich in collagen. And there are other forms of collagen supplements, like capsules and liquid. There are also so-called vegan collagen supplements on the market, and they don't actually contain collagen (collagen is inherently not vegan). Instead, these products comprise other ingredients that stimulate collagen production.

But arguably, the most popular way to up your collagen intake is with a collagen powder. Collagen powders can be extracted from a few different sources, with the most common being bovine (cattle), porcine (pigs), ovine (sheep), chicken and fish (usually labeled "marine" collagen).

Choosing a Collagen Powder

Look for 'Collagen Peptides' or 'Hydrolyzed Collagen'

Often, you'll see collagen powders labeled as such, and these terms are pretty much synonyms. Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed collagen, which means the collagen has been broken down into smaller units to be more easily digestible. Another easy way to tell what you're getting is to see if the instructions say you can dissolve the powder in hot or cold water. If the powder is easy to mix in either temperature, it's been fully hydrolyzed.

Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to have anti-aging benefits when it comes to skin. A study found that drinking a beverage with 2.5 g of hydrolyzed collagen improved skin hydration, elasticity and smoothness compared to a drink without collagen.

Check the Collagen Type

What's most common are types I, II and III&#;sometimes they're found together in a powder supplement, while other times they're solo or the product has a combo of two of them.

If you're taking collagen for its anti-aging benefits, look for type I or a combo of types I and III. Both are found in the skin and support skin health (think improved skin hydration, firmness and texture, and fewer wrinkles).

If you're interested in collagen for its joint health benefits and some pain relief, look for type II. Remember, this is the collagen found in cartilage. A review concluded that studies show type II collagen and hydrolyzed collagen are safe and effective in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but further research is needed.

Common Questions

What does collagen powder do for you, and is it good to take it every day?

"It can have a positive impact on skin health and elasticity, as well as bone and joint health," says Raeanne Sarazen, M.A., RDN, author of &#;The Complete Recipe Writing Guide.&#; Many collagen supplement manufacturers recommend that people take collagen every day&#;and there's research that shows this could be helpful. While the U.S. doesn't have recommendations on how much or how little collagen you should aim for each day, "the European Food Safety Authority recommends 10 g hydrolyzed collagen as the maximum daily dose," says Sarazen.

What's the best type of collagen?

The most common supplements available are types I, II and III or a blend of these. Since type I makes up nearly 90% of the collagen in our bodies, this is the most commonly recommended supplement. Also, the practical use of any supplement is to replace what is lost naturally through aging, and the vast majority of the collagen we lose is type I. While there is no disadvantage to a blended or combination product, any version you take should have a much higher percentage of type I for maximum benefit in replenishing that type of collagen in your body.

Who shouldn't take collagen?

"People who have allergies (e.g., fish, eggs and shellfish) should be careful and aware of collagen sources and ingredients before using these supplements," says Sarazen.

Also, as with any supplement, you should consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and to ensure that adding a collagen regimen is appropriate for your needs and isn't contraindicated with your current medications or any health conditions you may have.

Are there any side effects to taking collagen supplements?

Collagen supplements are generally considered safe for most people, but like any supplement, they can have potential side effects. Some people may experience digestive issues like bloating or heartburn. Also, as Sarazen noted above, folks with allergies to fish, shellfish or eggs should exercise extra caution before taking a collagen supplement. It's important to follow the recommended dosage on the product label and consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. As with any supplement, you'll want to ensure you buy a product from a reputable brand that conducts third-party testing.

Our Trusted Expertise

Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, is a senior commerce editor with over 15 years of experience writing about nutrition, health and food. She regularly stirs collagen into her coffee, smoothies and matcha lattes. To write this article, she first compiled a list of top-selling collagen powders and then cut the list down to powders that are also third-party verified for quality. To finalize her list, she relied on her personal experience testing collagen powders.

Stacey Ballis researched and wrote the common questions after interviewing Raeanne Sarazen, M.A., RDN, author of &#;The Complete Recipe Writing Guide.&#;

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