Many of us begin noticing a decrease in our collagen production around the age of 30 when our skin begins to lose elasticity, we start developing fine lines, and signs of aging begin to appear. That's why collagen is quickly becoming one of the most popular supplements on the market.
One of the best ways to make sure you're getting enough collagen in your diet is through a high-quality, scientifically-formulated collagen peptide supplement. In fact, preliminary studies suggest this can promote your health and well-being — better than diet alone. A quality collagen powder can also support healthy weight management because it's low in calories and high in protein.
However, with so many collagen products currently available, it can be hard to distinguish which brands can restore your youthful appearance...and which are just trying to take your money.
That's why Great Life Tips has compiled months of research about this emerging category and narrowed them down to the top 5.
Collagen Loss Over Time
Before we dive into what makes a supplement effective and worth your hard-earned money, it’s important to understand what exactly collagen can do for your overall health.
Why Do We Need Collagen?
Did you know that collagen is the most abundant protein in your body? It's not only responsible for keeping your bones & joints healthy, but it also improves the appearance of your skin, and helps you build muscle mass, which in turn promotes metabolism and healthy weight management.
A Quality Collagen Supplement Can:
- Support healthy weight management
- Promote skin elasticity
- Helps strengthen hair & nails
- Help support bone & joint health
- Help encourage muscle mass
Hot Tip: Add Collagen To Your Favorite Drink
A quality collagen powder dissolves easily into your beverage of choice. Many people enjoy mixing collagen with their morning coffee, tea, or smoothie. The best brands make their collagen flavorless so there's little to no impact on the taste of the beverage.
This simple ritual helps customers stay consistent with their collagen intake, producing the best results.
But, not all supplements are created equally and when it comes to choosing a great collagen product, there are several things to consider.
What To Look For In A Collagen Supplement:
Diverse Amino Acid Profile
Our bodies require approximately 20 different amino acids in order to function properly. Therefore, when looking for a collagen supplement, we recommend finding one with a diverse amino acid profile — the more amino acids, the better.
Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen
Though collagen can come from many different sources, bovine has been found to be the most potent and effective. Furthermore, when collagen is hydrolyzed it essentially means the amino acids within it have been broken down, so they're easier for your body to absorb.
Types I & III
We recommend finding a supplement that contains collagen types I & III -- as these support the primary areas of concern and are the most potent. However, be wary of any product that contains more than 3 types, as it likely means the supplement is "watered down" and less effective.
What Ingredients To Avoid:
Marine Collagen
A problem with marine collagen is that you never know what you're getting. "Marine" is a blanket term for any aquatic creature whether it be a jellyfish, shellfish, or shark — these sources are not easy for the body to absorb.
Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners
Some brands add a sweetener or artificial flavors that could upset your GI tract or add unnecessary calories. We recommend adding your own sweetener to an unflavored version or mixing it into a flavorful beverage.
How Much Collagen Should You Take?
If you're concerned you lost too much collagen and want to restore your levels quickly, you may benefit from "collagen loading."
Simply double your collagen intake for the first 30 days so that your body can return to the baseline level of collagen production.
After this level has been established, you'll likely start feeling and seeing the difference with just a single serving.
Your Definitive Collagen Checklist:
Now that you know what ingredients to look for and what to avoid, it’s also important to keep these additional tips in mind when shopping for a collagen supplement.
Clinically Recommended Dosages
Some brands will use quality ingredients, but skimp out on dosages in order to save money. So even if you’re getting the right ingredients, if they’re not in their recommended dosages, you won’t experience the full benefits. We recommend looking for a supplement that lists at least 9 different amino acids in their profile and is comprised of at least 90% protein.
Prioritize Quality
It's vital to prioritize quality when searching for a collagen supplement, even if that means paying a little more for a high-quality, safe, and clinically recommended formula. Your health is far too valuable to take such a gamble.
Money-Back Guarantee
It’s always a good idea to invest in a supplement that offers a 100% money-back guarantee that shows the company's faith in its product. Look for brands that offer at least a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Top 5 Collagen Peptides of 2025
Based on our own extensive research, the metrics provided by our Great Life Tips Ranking System, and consideration of thousands of reviews by Shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category, on the market today.
Collagen Peptides Powder
Total Ranking
419 votes
9.7/10
A+
Overall GradePROS
- Boosts Hair, Skin, and Nail Growth
- Improves Joint Mobility
- Dissolves Easily
- Grass-fed & Non-GMO
- Keto & Paleo Compatible
- Types I & III Peptides Blend
- Excellent US-based customer service
CONS
- Only available online
The Bottom Line
Pattern Wellness’ Collagen Peptides Powder offers an incredible value featuring a high amino acid profile and Types I & III hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are packed with many healthful benefits including hair, skin, nail, and joint support.
This certified hormone-free, 100% non-GMO supplement is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised Grade A bovine, making it a formula you can trust.
You can easily add it into your daily wellness routine thanks to its quick dissolve and flavorless formula. It is also a fantastic price per ounce.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn About Our Top Pick2. Collagen Peptides Powder
Total Ranking
297 votes
9.1/10
A-
Overall GradePROS
- 100% Pure Bovine
- No Fillers
- Contains Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C
- Gluten & Dairy Free
CONS
- Expensive
- Difficult Dissolving in Cold Liquids
- Unpleasant Smell
- 30-Day Return Policy
The Bottom Line
The Collagen Peptides Powder from Vital Proteins is a popular choice for those looking to add collagen to their wellness routine. This 100% Pure Bovine formula does not include any filler ingredients, and is unflavored, making it easy to incorporate into your routine.
The formula also contains Hyaluronic Acid, something the body makes naturally that adds to the promotion of collagen, and Vitamin C, which they say increases collagen absorption. It is also gluten and dairy-free, making it easy for anyone to experience the benefits.
However, there are some cons to address. This collagen peptides powder is fairly expensive in terms of servings per container compared to others. Additionally, while it is unflavored, there is a slight smell to the powder and reviewers have stated that it doesn’t dissolve easily in cold liquids.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Super Collagen Peptides
Total Ranking
263 votes
8.7/10
B+
Overall GradePROS
- Types I & III
- No Artificial Additives
- 100% Non-GMO
- Grass-fed Bovine
CONS
- Minimal Collagen Per Serving
- Doesn’t Mix Easily
- Mild Taste
- Only 30-Day Return Policy
The Bottom Line
Neocell’s Super Collagen Peptides is made with bovine collagen types I and III, which are great for hair, skin, nail, and bone health. There are no additional additives and it is also unflavored, so you can add the powder to just about anything.
This Super Collagen is Paleo and Keto-friendly, gluten and soy-free, and low in calories.
Unfortunately, their affordably-priced collagen comes with some cons. This collagen is not designed with exercisers in mind, but rather more for the beauty industry. So if you’re looking for drastic improvement of joint support, there might be better options out there. Additionally, the powder has a mild taste and tends to become thick and gummy if not dissolved quickly enough.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Multi-Collagen Peptide Powder
Total Ranking
244 votes
8.1/10
B-
Overall GradePROS
- 5 Types of Collagen
- Sustainably Sourced
- Gluten-Free & Non-GMO
CONS
- Expensive
- Slow Results
- Possible Allergy Issue
- 30-Day Return Policy
The Bottom Line
With five types of collagen — I, II, III, V, & X — SkinnyFit Super Youth’s Multi-Collagen Peptide Powder claims to have many health benefits in regard to skin, weight, hair, nails, gut health, and joints. This collagen powder is sustainably sourced, using cage-free chickens, wild-caught fish, and grass-friend and pasture-raised bovine. Like the others, this collagen powder is gluten-free and non-GMO, as well.
There are a couple of cons to be aware of. With 58 servings per container, this is the most expensive collagen powder on our list. However, many reviewers stated that it takes a long time to see any results and the powder tends to clump when trying to dissolve it.
Additionally, there may be possible allergy issues when buying this product. While this collagen powder does not contain shellfish, it is processed at a facility that may also process shellfish ingredients.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Collagen Hydrolysate
Total Ranking
174 votes
7.9/10
C+
Overall GradePROS
- Pure Bovine Hydrolyzed Collagen
- Health & Beauty Benefits
- Keto & Paleo-Friendly
CONS
- Mild Taste in Water
- Gut Irritation
- Skin Breakouts
- No Returns
The Bottom Line
Great Lakes Gelatin Company’s Collagen Hydrolysate Powder uses grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine to create their collagen. It is keto and paleo-friendly, as well as gluten-free. High in essential amino acids, this collagen powder not only promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails, but they also claim it supports joint health and helps with post-workout recovery.
Unfortunately, their no-return policy may deter many away from trying their product. Some reviewers state the powder, regardless of being unflavored, does not have a great taste when mixed with water. Additionally, others reported that their recommended dosage does not work for them and they experienced acne breakouts and, in some cases, upset stomach.
*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
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