Collagen Powder Reviews: Our Recommendations For The Best Collagen Peptides Powder For Different Use Cases

Best Collagen Peptides Powder At A Glance

Collagen – it’s basically the most talked-about supplement when it comes to beauty and anti-aging, but did you know that it possesses other incredible benefits for your long-term health as well?

Collagen is commonly advertised as a hair, skin, and nails product, but it also can be used towards improving bone density, increasing muscle mass, and reducing joint pain and stiffness. It’s a multi-faceted supplement that has extensive research to back its efficacy and there are few if any associated side effects with its use.

So, why not give it a try?

Here, I’ll explain exactly what collagen is and review the best collagen supplements available today. Whether you’re on the quest for eternal youth or just want to have a stronger and healthier body, collagen can most likely help.

What Is Collagen, Exactly? 

The short answer: protein. Accounting for about third of the structural protein in the animal bodies (yes, this includes humans!) collagen acts as super-glue holding our connective tissues (i.e. hair,  skin, nails, muscles, and blood vessels) together.

In fact, according to Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C., founder of Ancient Nutrition and author of the best-selling book COLLAGEN DIET, collagen is the second most common substance found in the body—second only to water. 

The Five Main Types of Collagen

Generally, when people talk about collagen they are referring specifically to Type 1 collagen, which is the type responsible for keeping our bones dense, skin healthy, and tendons, ligaments, and organs structurally sound. But, the body actually contains 27 other types, four of which are also common.  

Type III collagen works with Type I to keep our skin and blood vessels elastic. Type II collagen is found in our cartilage and joints. There are also lesser-abundant types like Type V and Type X which have more specialized roles such as keeping placentas strong (Type V) and assisting bone formation (Type X). 

Why We Need Collagen Supplements 

“When there’s enough collagen in the body, we can keep ourselves together and humming along,” says Dr. Axe. The problem? By our early to mid twenties, our body naturally begins to pump out less and less collagen. Meaning that by the time they reach age 50, people almost halved their collagen levels.

Don’t be too alarmed. Registered dietician Allie Lansman, RDN, LD, founder of The Freelance RD assures: “This decline is completely normal and a natural part of human aging.” But this dip is also one of the (if not THE) main reasons wrinkles, joint issues, and brittle bones set in as the number of birthday’s we’ve celebrated climbs. 

Knowing this, it’s easy to understand why collagen supplements have garnered so much attention. Luckily, health experts and research say they actually work.  

Wondering how? Well, like all kinds of protein, collagen protein is made up of itty-bitty building blocks called amino acids, explains Licensed Medical Acupuncturist and Holistic Health Expert Jamie Bacharach, Head of Practice, at Acupuncture Jerusalem. When we ingest collagen protein, the gastrointestinal tract breaks it down into amino acids which get absorbed into our bloodstream distributed throughout the body.  

It’s not “whole” collagen protein molecules that are getting used by the body, she says. “It’s protein’s building blocks—amino acids—that are giving us the benefit.” 

The Different Types Of Collagen Supplements 

In addition to types of collagen, there are sources of collagen: bovine collagen, marine collagen, chicken collagen, eggshell membrane collagen, or plant-based collagen. 

Most collagen supplement labels will include both the type of collagen and the source. But if not, your particular goal in supplementing should be your guiding factor. 

Dr. Axe explains: Bovine and marine collagen supplements are both packed with Type I and Type III collagen. So, if you’re looking to reap skin, bone, or muscle health benefits, you want a collagen supplement with both types. If however, you’re interested in improving your joint health, he recommends chicken collagen which is rich in Type II collagen, or egg membrane collagen, which is abundant in Type V.  

Collagen supplements are available in three forms: peptides (powder), gelatin, and raw. As of yet, there’s been limited research comparing the bioavailability of these forms in humans. Though, one small 2019 study published in Frontiers In Nutrition suggests that there’s no difference in bioavailability between peptides and gelatin. 

The 5 Main Benefits Of Collagen Supplements 

1. Decreased Wrinkle-Depth  

Sashay down the cosmetic aisle of your local CVS and you’ll notice a handful of topical products with collagen claiming to improve skin appearance. To paraphrase dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, founder of Specific Beauty, a skincare line formulated to brighten and correct dark spots in melanin-rich skin, these products are a hoax. 

“Topical collagen products may offer moisturization,” she says. “But the collagen in topical skincare products are too large to penetrate the skin’s top layer.” 

Where you might find success, however, is the supplement aisle. 

“There are a few published studies demonstrating skin benefits from oral collagen consumption,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. For instance, in one 2018 study published in the journal Nutrients, found that those who supplemented with 100 mg of collagen peptides once daily for 12 weeks showed improved skin hydration and elasticity, reduced wrinkling and elasticity compared to those who supplemented with the placebo. 

A second, larger study published in 2015 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology had similar findings, with researchers concluding that oral supplementation of collagen peptides “is efficacious to improve hallmarks of skin aging.”  

And so did a third, which studied a commercial available collagen product known as Verisol® (info on where to purchase this supplement below). 

2. Reduced Appearance Of Cellulite

It’s not just the skin on your face collagen supports. As it happens, collagen may also help reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

For example, in one 2015 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, 105 women were split into two groups: Those who received bioactive collagen peptides and those who received a placebo. These participants’ cellulite was measured at start, and then again after three and six months. 

The findings? Those who consumed collagen showed a statistically significant decrease in the degree of cellulite, reduced skin “waviness” on thighs, and improved dermal density compared to those on the placebo. 

3. Slashed Joint Pain And Stiffness

Yes and yes. At time of publication, there have only been a few studies published on the topic. But all have pointed towards a positive benefit. 

One study in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2013, for instance, found that people with joint pain or mobility who supplemented with Type II collagen—again, that’s the type found in (and good for) your joints—for 4 consecutive months significantly improved joint function. 

In fact, research published in the Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture in 2014 found that collagen supplementation can actually reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis—a condition that marked by the degeneration of joint cartilage that causes pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints—in as little as 13 weeks. 

Some good news for athletes: Other research published in 2008 in Current Medical Research and Opinion found that when college athletes consistently supplemented with collagen for 24 weeks, they saw a reduction in performance-limiting joint pain. In other words, you don’t have to celebrate a quarter-century on earth or already suffer from joint ailments to reap the joint perks of the buzzy ingredient. 

4. Bolstered Bone Density

Just as the claims that collagen supports joint health are supported, so too are those that saying collagen benefits bone density. 

Case and point: One study published in Nutrients in 2018 found that 12 months of daily collagen peptide supplementation increased the bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with primary, age-related reduction of bone density. 

Another study also found that collagen supplementation may improve bone density, though there was no consensus on dosage or time-frame. 

5. May Support Overall Muscle Mass

“Whenever we think about supporting muscle mass, protein is essential,” says Lansman. 

While there’s no research showing that collage protein powder is better than any kind of protein powder from a muscle-preservation standpoint, one small study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, did find that collagen supplementation preserved lean muscle in women over the age of 70. 

It’s worth noting, however, that unlike other popular protein powders like whey and hemp, collagen is not a complete protein. Meaning, it does not contain nine of the essential amino acids our body needs to build muscle-supporting protein. Missing tryptophan, it only includes eight. 

To reap collagen’s benefits and give your body all the aminos it needs to support muscle growth and recovery, many experts suggest opting for a collagen-whey protein mix. “You might also vary your protein throughout the day to guarantee that over the course of the day you’re getting all the aminos you need.”

How To Supplement With Collagen 

Collagen is not a shot of espresso or smear of concealer. You won’t be able to feel or see it’s benefits immediately. On the contrary, it’s generally going to take two to six months of consistent collagen ingestion for benefit. 

Though what your intention is may decrease or increase your expected timeline. For instance, improved skin appearance was documented in one study to appear in as little as four weeks, while improved bone density may take up to twelve months. 

Guidance on effective daily dosages varies by type of collagen. For instance, researchers have found that an effective daily dose for Types I and III is between 2.5g and 10g. For Type II collagen, you can go with a much smaller dose per day of 40mg. 

Many collagen protein supplements contain other ingredients. To know exactly how much collagen you’re getting, read the ingredient list carefully. 

What Is Verisol Collagen?

Verisol is a proprietary collagen that some collagen supplements use. We like Verisol-based collagen powders the most because it was used in the only placebo-controlled clinical trials that showed promising results for collagen. In fact, Health Canada—the department of Canada’s government responsible for its health policy—has issued Verisol with a Natural Product Number (NPN), which they only give to products they’ve tested and found to be “safe, effective, and high quality.”

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The Best Collagen Powder Supplements—Our Collagen Peptides Powder Reviews

With the case for collagen laid out, let’s answer the question that brought you here in the first place: What is the best collagen powder and supplement on the market? Additionally, what’s the best marine collagen peptides? Because everyone’s wellness wants and dietary needs differ, we’ve decided to recommend based on categories like “Best marine collagen”, “Best collagen powder for joints”, “Best collagen powder for women,” and so on in our collagen powder reviews.

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Collagen brand	Type	Grams collagen per serving	Price per gram
Promix Unflavored Collagen Peptides	I and III	20	$0.48
Vital Proteins Marine Collagen	I and III	12	$2.00
Organixx Clean Sourced Collagen	I, II, III, V, and X	8.5	$0.24
Besha Collagen Peptides	I and III	2.9	$0.16
Kalumi Beauty Collagen Bars	I and III	12	$0.55
Physician’s Choice Bioactive Collagen	I and III	2.5	$0.26

Our Favorite Collagen Powder

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Best Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides

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Best Collagen Protein Powder Using Verisol Collagen

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Best Bioactive Collagen Peptides Of All Types

Introducing the only collagen product on the list with all five types of collagen: Clean Sourced Collagens. By combining collagen sourced from four different sources (beef, fish, antibiotic-free chicken, and eggshell membranes), this powder provides more different types of collagen than any other product on this list. What makes this option especially noteworthy however is that it’s formulated with 140 grams per serving of tryptophan, making it a complete protein source. Meaning, it’s an A+ option post-workout. 

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Best Marine Collagen Peptides

Marine collagen is rich in type I and type III collagen and comes from the scales, skin and bones of fish and other sea creatures. Unlike other collagen sources, marine collagen is particularly sustainable as it’s extracted from the leftover parts of the fish. Marine collagen also has an especially high collagen content so you can absorb it quickly.

Compared to mammalian collagen, marine collagen is low-risk, safe to extract and has low production costs. These features have made marine collagen an attractive candidate for biomedical applications, such as wound healing and hypertension. Cosmetically, you can use marine collagen for your skin and general health due to its anti-aging properties and antioxidant activity.

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Made from wild-caught cod from the North Atlantic Ocean, Vital Proteins collagen peptide powder is a great way for those who avoid red meat to get a dose of skin-boosting, joint-supporting Type I and Type III collagen.

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Always on the go? Don’t want to bother making your own collagen-rich baked goods? The Kalumi beauty bar is for you. With 12 grams of Marine collagen protein per bar, as well as filling, nutrient-rich  ingredients like almond butter and sweet potato. Thanks to the sweet potato, the bar also contains 7 out of the 25 grams of fiber people need each day for optimal digestion as well as a bit of Vitamin C. 

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The Best Verisol Collagen

What is Verisol? Verisol collagen is an engineered bioactive collagen peptide used in some supplements to counteract collagen loss and restore normal dermal metabolism. Verisol consists of either marine, porcine or bovine collagen. Since its production, Verisol collagen peptides has been a source of great excitement for both the cosmetic and biotherapeutic industries.

Studies have suggested that Verisol collagen supplements promote higher skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and improves skin structure. Similarly, Verisol may be able to reverse cellulite, which affects roughly 80% of women over 20 years old, by restoring skin structure. A study also found that daily ingestion of Verisol for 24 weeks strengthened nails and boosted nail growth. Check out below for our Verisol collagen powder reviews.

Its jar might be wack, but don’t bulldoze over Besha. This high quality collagen peptide supplement also contains the science-backed formulation for beauty benefits: Verisol. Made to promote nail, hair, and skin health, Besha’s a great pick for anyone looking to combat brittle hair and nails or thinning hair. Best part? It costs less than 47 cents per serving. 

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The Best Collagen Powder For Women

Collagen is especially beneficial for women. Post-menopause, collagen levels drop and consequently, bone, skin and hair health deteriorate. This is why older women tend to develop osteoporosis as their mineral bone density has decreased. This may seem worrying but studies show that collagen supplementation improves mineral bone density, reducing bone degradation.

During menopause, women lose skin collagen at a rapid rate, though mild collagen loss can begin much earlier at 25 years of age. Skin without collagen develops more wrinkles and loses elasticity. Similarly, due to an associated drop in estrogen levels postmenopause, one can lose a significant amount of hair. Therefore, with advancing age, collagen supplementation is vital for rejuvenation—check out our reviews here for best collagen for women.

Prefer to swallow, rather than gulp, your supplements? Trust science? Check out Physicians Choice Collagen capsules. Made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, this option contains a type of Verisol Peptide collagen which has been shown time and time again to reduce wrinkle depth by twenty percent and increase nail durability. 

Important: The marketing may suggest that it’s only for women. But really, anyone of any gender and sex can enjoy and reap the benefits of this collagen supplement. 

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The Best Collagen For Joints

Joints, especially joints containing articular cartilage, are largely dependent on type II collagen to provide tensile strength to the cartilage. There are other types of collagen that you may see in the supplements purpose-made for joints. As we age, the collagen fibers within the cartilage become stiffer and damaged. This results in painful joints and explains why older people often suffer from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Collagen type II is the best collagen for joints. Studies indicate that supplementing with this collagen is an effective way to both prevent and reduce joint pain symptoms. One study in particular found reduced joint deterioration in high-risk athletes while supplementing with 10g of collagen. You might also see collagen supplements for joints containing hyaluronic acid, which will promote cartilage development and lubricate the joint. Read more below to find out which collagen is best for joints.

Quit those creaky knees and hips with Now Supplements collagen offering. Known as the gold standard for joint health, UC-II has been scientifically shown to promote joint comfort, as well as healthy joint function and flexibility. In fact, if you scroll back up to the section on joint health and check out the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition study, you’ll see that UC-II was actually the supplement used. 

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The Best Collagen For Skin

Skin is made by a network of collagen, predominantly consisting of a balance between type I and type III collagen. Environmental factors like aging and UV exposure can damage the collagen network, resulting in wrinkle formation and elasticity loss. Hyaluronic acid levels in the skin also drop as you get older, causing dry skin.

A growing body of evidence continues to show that taking both collagen and hyaluronic acid rejuvenates skin health. After 8 weeks, marine and porcine collagen (type I and III collagen) significantly increased collagen density and skin hydration. Because these effects are so transparent, oral collagen supplementation is now used medically for treating skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.

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Editor’s note: we are regularly updating this review. If you see any problems, weird interpretations of the data, or just want to say hi, please reach out to hello@the-unwinder.com.