22 Of The Best Collagen Supplements For 2025, As Recommended By Experts And Editors

It’s no wonder that collagen supplements suddenly seem like they’re everywhere. Although collagen is the single most prolific protein in the body, providing tissues with essential structure, elasticity and strength, our own natural supply of it starts to decline in our mid-twenties, so it’s harder to maintain supple skin, strong, shiny hair and flexible, mobile joints. Which means the best collagen supplements – tablets, drinks and powders – that claim to replenish our stores are hugely in demand.

“The quality and amount of collagen produced by the body reduces as we age,” says nutritionist and menopause specialist Dr Laura Wyness, adding that this loss is only accelerated during perimenopause. “The drop in oestrogen results in a more rapid decrease in the amount of collagen produced in the body,” which she explains can contribute to joint pain, brittle hair and nails and lax skin.

As well as helping to offset the symptoms of menopause, collagen supplements can also reduce wrinkles and support the body’s own processes of repair. But with so many options available and so many expert opinions weighing in, finding the best collagen supplements can be a daunting task. We spoke to doctors, pharmacists and nutritionists to learn how collagen works, and what to look for in an effective collagen supplement.

• Best collagen for longer and stronger nails: Gold Collagen Forte, £44 for 10 doses
• Best highly concentrated collagen: Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus, £79.98 for 14 doses
• Best collagen for your coffee: Dose & Co Pure Collagen Vanilla, £27 for 25 doses
• Best collagen shots: Rejuvenated Marine Collagen Shots With Acai Berry, £49 for 30 doses
• Best collagen with hyaluronic acid: Solgar Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Complex Tablets, £40 for 30 doses
• Best collagen supplement for men: Absolute Collagen Marine Collagen Protein Supplement For Men, £28 for 14 doses
• Best collagen for anti-ageing: Bare Biology Skinful Collagen Powder, £35 for 60 doses
• Best collagen with vitamin C: Beauty Pie Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Peptides, £29 for 30 doses

In this article:

• What is collagen and what does it do in the body?
• What to look for in the best collagen supplements
• Understanding the different types of collagen
• What should everyone know about collagen supplements?
• Which form of collagen is most effective?
• Are all collagen supplements the same?
• Is marine or bovine collagen considered the best?
• Can collagen help with menopause symptoms?
• Which collagen is best for anti-ageing?
• What’s the best vegan collagen?
• Which collagen is best for joint health?
• How do I choose a collagen supplement?
• Is it good to take collagen every day?
• How long does collagen take to start working?
• When should I take collagen, in the morning or at night?
• What collagen does Jennifer Aniston use?

Our experts say there are four factors worth considering when choosing a collagen supplement:

• Bioavailabilty: All of the doctors and nutritionists we consulted agree that it is best to look for hydrolysed collagen supplements. “The hydrolysis process makes collagen molecules smaller and easier to absorb, enhancing their bioavailability and efficacy in the body,” says Angiolini.
• Quality of collagen sources: It is also important to choose collagen from high-quality sources. For collagen from animal-based sources look for “grass-fed, pasture-raised or wild-caught” language on labels – according to Dr Bisma Hussain who specialises in genetics, biohacking and regenerative medicine at Geneviv Clinic, these are good signals that a product is free of harmful additives and contaminants, and so safer and more effective for long-term use.
• Ingredients: Be sure to check the ingredients to ensure you are using the collagen type best suited to your health goals. Since ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, biotin and vitamin C work in tandem with collagen to promote increased collagen production, it’s also worth considering supplements that contain a multi-ingredient blend. Angiolini advises looking out for allergens if you have dietary sensitivities and carefully studying the ingredients of any flavoured collagen blends. “Flavoured options often contain added sugars or artificial ingredients,” he warns.
• Testing: “Any good collagen supplement will have been third-party tested for purity and quality,” notes Angiolini. As a general rule, the best collagen brands are those whose supplements have been subjected to independent reviews.

Equipped with the facts, we then tested a range of collagen supplements that met our expert’s criteria, rating them on flavour, ease of use and results. Scroll on for our collagen recommendations, from the supplements worth trying to how to use them effectively for the best results.

Best mixable collagen: Vida Glow Original Natural Marine Collagen Supplement

• Type: Type I collagen powder, which comes pre-portioned in handy, travel-friendly sachets.
• Key ingredients: Marine collagen, which has been activated through a hydrolysation process that means the resulting collagen peptides are small in weight and more bioavailable, absorbing quickly and easily into the body. The marine collagen is made from sustainably sourced fish skin.
• What experts say: “Fish collagen peptides have been shown to significantly reduce crow’s feet and periorbital winkles in women.” says Dr Amanda Wolkowski, a hair transplant surgeon and certified nutritionist, adding that because they reduce trans-epidermal water loss, skin moisture is also significantly improved. She advises that in this formula, “the key ingredient is delivered directly to the dermis which makes it a practical choice for the prevention of skin ageing.”
• Why Vogue loves it: As well as being ultra-effective (it’s clinically proven to improve fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the skin) Vida Glow’s collagen is also really easy to use. All you have to do is mix it into your drink or add on to your food, and you’re good to go. Plus, with the kind of formula that dissolves easily, it doesn’t get gloopy when mixed. It’s a big yes from us.
• Vogue-approved review: “I’ve taken to sprinkling the Vida Glow Collagen Original collagen into my soups and smoothies – it’s perfect for this given that it is completely flavourless. After eight weeks of use, I can swear it’s restored a comfortable strength to my brittle nails, which is something I specifically wanted to target. On the skin front, my face has felt considerably less dry and tight, especially after washing when I usually have to moisturise immediately. ” — tested by beauty writer Tracy Achonwa.

Best highly concentrated collagen: Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus

• Type: 14 x ready-made 22g sachets
• Key ingredients: 10,000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen as well as vitamin C.
• Why Vogue loves it: While you typically need around 5,000mg of collagen per serving to notice the benefits, each sachet contains 10,000mg of Type 1 marine collagen per serving making it one of the most potent forms of liquid marine collagen available. As well as improving skin and nail health, it contains added nutrients like B vitamins and hydrolysed keratin to help improve hair health and shine too.
• Vogue-approved review: “I’ve only been taking this for just over a month and I can already see a difference in the condition of my skin. While the texture just looks better – think more even and less patchy – I swear it has more bounce too. It also helps that the tropical flavour is genuinely delicious, I look forward to it every morning,” – tested by beauty contributor, Georgia Day

Best on-the-go collagen: Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen Drink

• Type: This formula comes as a ready-made drink in 10ml sachets.
• Key ingredients: 8000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen as well as vitamin C.
• Why Vogue loves it: Inside each one of Absolute Collagen’s travel-friendly sachets you’ll find 8000mg of marine collagen, which is the most concentrated dose available in the UK. Pre-mixed in each sachet, the addition of vitamin C works synergistically with the marine collagen to boost the skin’s natural collagen production and boost radiance. Free from lactose, gluten and dairy.

Best celebrity-endorsed collagen: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• Type: Powder
• Key ingredients: Bovine collagen peptides – 284g of them – which are easily absorbed by the body.
• What experts say: “Collagen peptides can stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid by dermal fibroblasts, enhancing skin moisture and reducing wrinkle formation. Because it uses collagen peptides, Vital Proteins Collagen is an incredible powerhouse for the skin.”
• Why Vogue loves it: For those frantically googling “which collagen does Jennifer Aniston use?” this is it. The flavourless formula is her ticket to a next-level glow and she adds it into her morning coffee or smoothie each day. And it really is as easy as that – with a mini scoop that accompanies the tub, it is soluble in both hot and cold liquids, easy to digest and doesn’t taste of anything at all. And if it leads to the skin like Aniston’s… well, add to basket, immediately.
• Vogue-approved review: “I have always been quite sceptical when it comes to beauty supplements – after all, there’s nothing that gives you a glow quite like a healthy diet and decent night’s sleep. However, the data around collagen was compelling, and so earlier this year I finally took the plunge with Vital Proteins’s Collagen Peptides. Coming in a flavourless powder, it’s perfect for adding to my morning coffee, without any gloopiness or weird after-taste. After a few months of use, my skin is definitely smoother and brighter, and a facialist commented on how tight my pores were, which is never a bad thing. Watch this space.” — tested by Shopping editor Joy Montgomery.

Best collagen for convenience: Rejuvenated Acai Berry Collagen Shots

• Type: powder, type I collagen
• Key ingredients: 10,000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen, vitamins B5 and B6, vitamin C, antioxidant acai berry extract, niacinamide, zinc and copper.
• Why Vogue loves it: Via an energising acai berry shot, Rejuvenated’s one-a-day supplement packs a hefty helping of peptides, vitamins and antioxidants to revitalise senescent cells all over the body. A tablespoon of the powder dissolves easily in water to make a refreshing daily beverage, which strengthens nails, thickens hair and improves skin suppleness and glow. What’s more, its benefits extend to joints and muscles too – when we tried a 30 day course, we were impressed with how it eased muscle soreness and recovery after especially strenuous workouts.
• Vogue-approved review: “I started adding Rejuvenated’s collagen shots into my pre-workout to streamline my morning routine, and after two months, the results have been pretty impressive. Unlike some collagen supplements which can be difficult and gloopy when mixed in water, the powder dissolves completely in a shaker and has a subtle berry flavour with no piscine tinge. The biggest benefits I’ve seen have been on my skin, which feels smooth, comfortable and moisturised before applying any topical creams – and the benefits to my body during my HIIT training. Where I usually get delayed onset muscle soreness after pushing myself, this simple addition seems to diminish those aches and shortens my downtime immensely.”

Best halal collagen supplement: Bare Biology Skinful Collagen Powder

• Type: Powder
• Key ingredients: Three teaspoons of Bare Biology’s powder contains 5g of type one marine collagen peptides that are made from wild, sustainably-caught cod skin from Norway.
• Why Vogue loves it: Low carbohydrate, halal-certified, high protein and gluten-free, Bare Biology’s collagen powder works just as well in stews, cookies and other hot food as it does in your drinks – so load up. One 300g pot lasts two months if you use it every day, so it’s also a good price per use, plus the packaging is also 100 per cent recyclable.

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Best multipurpose collagen: Vida Glow Liquid Collagen Advance

• Type: liquid sachets
• Key ingredients: 5g of hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, ascorbic acid to enhance their absorption and Vida Glow’s proprietary B-Blend⁴ antioxidant complex.
• Why Vogue loves it: A “leading authority” on collagen supplements – according to Vogue’s Jessica Diner – Vida Glow formulates collagen worth taking. “Their liquid collagen shots are so good, I’m constantly running out.” Their appeal? A fast-absorbing, portable cocktail of collagen peptides and vitamin C, full of flavour and benefits for hair, nails and skin. Finished with goji berries, pomegranate, acerola cherries and manuka honey, it’s rich in antioxidants too, and gets you 5000mg of collagen peptides in a single serve. Its low molecular weight ensures that it is readily absorbed throughout the body, supporting healthier nails, hair and skin from the inside out.
• What experts say: Dr Wolkowski approves of pairing collagen with vitamin C for accelerated results. “As I’ve seen in clinic, collagen peptides significantly enhance collagen synthesis in the body when they are combined with vitamin C,” she explains.

Best collagen for sugar-free flavour: Aime Collagen Glow

• Type: powder, formed of type 1 collagen peptides
• Key ingredients: 10g of hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, reinforced with vitamin C for better absorption. For a health boost, natural actives like ginseng, guarana, turmeric and horsetail extract are also included depending on the flavour blend you choose.
• Why Vogue loves it: With Mocha, Matcha and Cacao blends, Aime’s collagen makes taking your daily dose an enjoyable treat. You can swap out your morning coffee for the soluble sachets, which promise improvements to fine lines, damaged hair, and brittle nails in as little as eight weeks. If you’re not sure which flavour takes your fancy, the discovery set includes sachets from the entire range – including a flavourless option that is easily mixed into salads and soups.

Best collagen with multivitamins: Beauty Pie Collagen Super Powder

• Type: Powder of type 1 hydrolysed collagen peptides
• Key ingredients: This supplement utilises a low molecular weight collagen sourced from easily digestible wild fish, alongside 250mg of vitamin C for good collagen formation, and 100 mcg of biotin for healthy skin and hair.
• Why Vogue loves it: With a naturally occurring flavour from berries in its blend, this is a brilliant collagen powder if you’re looking for something that packs a punch – it will add a little sparkle to a bog-standard glass of water. One scoop offers 11.3g of collagen, plus the addition of vitamin C and biotin mean that you’re also boosting hair and nails while you’re at it.
• What experts say: All of our experts agree that the inclusion of ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in a collagen powder yields better results than taking collagen alone. Infused with both of the above, plus biotin and tremella mushroom, this supplement is a sound choice for supercharging your body’s own collagen synthesis.

Best collagen gummy: Nourished Collagen Gummy Stacks

• Type: 3D printed gummy
• Key ingredients: Ovomet^® (a naturally-occurring matrix of three types of collagen, elastin, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid derived from eggshell membranes) vitamins C & B12, ferrous citrate and maca powder
• Why Vogue loves it: Nourished made its name printing bespoke multivitamins for your exact deficiencies, and its new range of collagen supplements takes that same tailor-made approach. There are stacks clinically proven to support an Age Rewind, Hair Skin & Nails, Sleep, Joint Health, and Energy, so you can choose collagen personalised for your goals. The gummies come in purse-friendly packets which are vegetarian and sugar-free, and full of flavour, they make your daily dose a treat you’ll look forward to.
• Vogue-approved review: “Those with very busy schedules will know that preparing (and remembering to take) collagen supplements can feel like a chore. Determined to stay consistent, I stashed a few of the Nourished Collagen Energy stacks in my desk at work, handbag and kitchen drawer, and they quickly became my go-to during the morning rush. Highly snackable, they taste great and actually help offset fatigue – so much so I’d find myself forgoing coffee to chew on these instead. Looking up their ingredients, I’m certain that was the work of maca root powder, iron and vitamin B12 which science backs for a sustained energy boost. By the end of the course, I also noticed a reduction in my usual eyebags – the entire eye contour felt much more plump. I love the idea of taking a collagen supplement that can improve more than just skin. I’ll be putting in a subscription order for these and the Sleep support stacks next.”

Best collagen drink: Skinade Collagen Drink 30 Day Course

• Type: pre-mixed drink
• Key ingredients: There’s a cocktail of do-good ingredients in this supplement. Each beverage includes an optimal dose of vitamin C, biotin, folate, omegas 3 & 6, MSM and L-lysine as well as the all-important marine collagen peptides.
• Why Vogue loves it: Skinade’s supplement is made with type 1 collagen from freshwater fish, which comes as a surprise on your first sip. Flavoured with peach and mangosteen, it goes down a treat and has no piscine aftertaste. Thanks to the liquid format (which boosts bioavailability) it’s also readily absorbed by the body, and packaged in convenient daily drinks, it’s a fuss-free way to get your collagen fix.
• Vogue-approved review: “Store these in the fridge and you won’t soon forget to take them, because they’re as simple as having a chilled juice. Ideal for those who are always on the go, the resealable bottle makes it easy to sip throughout the day (which I took to doing after lunch and dinner) and as well as smoother digestion, I found my skin feeling and looking more deeply hydrated.”

Best collagen capsules: Artah Skin Clinic

• Type: Capsules
• Key ingredients: Collagen peptides plus a proprietary blend of collagen-stimulating. factors, including glycine, hyaluronic acid lysine and vitamin C.
• Why Vogue loves it: Boasting a synergistic duo of collagen and hyaluronic acid, Artah’s capsules promise skin that’s thoroughly plumped and nourished from within. Three capsules a day will set you on the path to longer hair and stronger nails, too, given the healthy dose of zinc and biotin also in this supplement‘s blend.

Best collagen for stronger hair and nails: Gold Collagen Forte

• Type: Hydrolysed collagen drink
• Key ingredients: hydrolysed collagen, vitamins C & D, folate and Evening Primrose oil
• Why Vogue loves it: Formulated with 5,000mg of hydrolysed collagen per bottle, this is a supplement that packs a punch. The doses are designed to provide full spectrum support for skin hair nails and joints with added Evening Primrose for hormonal balance.
• Vogue-approved review: “When I started taking these Gold collagen supplements, I only really cared about fortifying my nails under a new set of gel nail extensions. Within just two weeks, a manicure that would have normally lasted me four had grown far past the cuticle – bad news for my mani, but a good problem to have. They come with rave reviews for rapid nail growth, so I was pleased, but considered that par for the course. What surprised me was the energy boost I had after each daily dose and the rejuvenated feel to my skin. My face felt bouncier and a month in I noticed some stubborn blemishes I had seemed to be brightening. It’s powerful stuff.”

Best collagen for an A-list glow: Neocell Super Collagen Peptides

• Type: powder
• Key ingredients: 6,600 mg of types 1 & 3 bovine collagen, biotin and vitamin C. Vegan and flavoured variations are available.
• Why Vogue loves it: If the name Neocell rings a bell, that’s because you’ll have heard it before: the brand’s hyaluronic booster is the star of Hailey Bieber’s infamous Erewhon Skin Glaze smoothie. What makes this one a cut above the rest is the significantly low molecular weight of its collagen peptides, which have been used in the formula for their fast absorption and high bioavailability. What’s more, it’s rich in collagen factors including vitamin C to give your body a helping hand in replenishing its natural collagen stores. Coming with rave reviews and clinical studies supporting its effects on skin and hair growth, scoop the Vanilla flavour into a blender with strawberries, sea moss, dates and nut milk to try your hand at Hailey’s recipe.

Best affordable collagen supplement: Dose & Co Pure Collagen

• Type: Powder
• Key ingredients: Sustainably sourced bovine collagen – each serving offers 10g.
• Why Vogue loves it: More affordable than some other collagen powders, Dose & Co’s offering is also free from gluten, dairy, sugar and preservatives. Two teaspoons of the unflavoured, all-natural powder is all it takes to get your daily fix – like the aforementioned formulas, you can add it to drinks or food.

Best for collagen banking: Stella McCartney Alter Care Supplement

• Type: capsules
• Key ingredients: Ceramosides™, vitamin E, evening primrose oil and micro algae-derived omega 3. While there are no collagen peptides in this blend, it‘s designed to help you preserve the collagen you already have.
• Why Vogue loves it: If you’re into sustainable skincare, you’ll love Stella McCartney’s new skin supplement, which has been made with low-impact and high-efficacy natural ingredients from the packaging through to the pills themselves. Encased in a GMO-free corn shell, each capsule delivers a blend of actives chosen for their ability to prevent collagen degradation, including antioxidants and omegas 3, 6 and 9 to support smoother, stronger skin. Chief of these is Ceramoside™: a patented complex of barrier-building ceramides which stop collagen in your body from being destroyed. You get a two-month supply in the chic recyclable bottle, and the one-a-day dose makes it incredibly easy to commit to good habits for a glowing complexion.

Best collagen for men: Absolute Collagen Marine Collagen Protein Supplement For Men

• Type: type 1 collagen in liquid form
• Key ingredients: 8,000mg marine collagen, vitamin C and 7.7g of protein per serving. Lactose, dairy, soy and gluten-free.
• Why Vogue loves it: While collagen’s age-defying benefits are not gender specific, the blend of ingredients in this supplement has been selected to cater nutritionally to men. As well as a unique sequence of amino acids and plenty of protein to help you maintain hard-won muscle gains, it’s enriched with vitamin C and natural extracts to nourish skin and hair – both on the head and beard. Users experiencing male pattern baldness note its transformative effects on a thinning crop, praising it for its ability to restore hair fullness and length.

Best collagen with hyaluronic acid: Solgar Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Complex Tablets

• Type: Capsule
• Key ingredients: These capsules contain a patented ingredient called BioCell Collagen II that is clinically shown to boost skin’s collagen stores and soften fine lines and wrinkles. The formula also contains vitamin C for antioxidant protection and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate.
• Why Vogue loves it: An excellent all-rounder, especially if you love a capsule-based supplement, Solgar’s Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Complex Tablets combine collagen with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to quickly supercharge skin health. Gluten and dairy-free, consistent use will help cells to retain water for a plump appearance, while also strengthening collagen stores.

Best marine collagen: Ancient + Brave True Collagen

• Type: Powder
• Ingredients: If you don’t eat meat or simply prefer the idea of a marine-based source of collagen, this is a great option. A meticulously clean and effective formula, it contains gold standard marine collagen peptides.
• Why Vogue loves it: some supplements can be tricky to incorporate into your daily routine, but this tasteless powder couldn’t be easier. Mix it with ease into your favourite hot or cold drink for an undetectable hit of glow-boosting goodness.

FAQs

“Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and makes up 80 per cent of the skin and its distribution in the body also varies by type. Taking a collagen supplement daily can help to replenish natural collagen levels in the body, which naturally decline by approximately 1.5 per cent per year after your mid-twenties which impacts the health and appearance of our skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones,” says Jen Mackinder, resident nutritionist at Revive Collagen. “Plus, collagen supplements have higher efficiency if combined with ingredients like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.”

“Hydrolysed collagen is broken down into smaller peptides, making it easier for the body to absorb,” says Hussain. “This increases its effectiveness in delivering benefits to the skin, hair, nails, and joints.” While collagen can be obtained from various sources, (including marine, bovine and porcine) all of our experts agree that the collagen is most effective in hydrolysed form. According to Pupinder Ghatora, an award-winning pharmacist and CEO of Ingenious., the process of hydrolysation “severs any link between the source and the resultant peptide,” which means it shouldn’t matter what type of collagen you use. “The overriding issue in choosing a collagen supplement is its ability to deliver the collagen peptide into the bloodstream without it being converted into amino acids. This means that the collagen peptide has to be protected from the natural processes of the intestinal tract, including the stomach, until it reaches the small intestine which is the site of absorption. It must then be of a sufficiently low molecular weight to ensure almost immediate absorption; as digestion continues in the small intestine. All other considerations, such as source or collagen type, are marketing hype and have absolutely no impact on the effectiveness of the supplement.”

Meanwhile, Jenny Logan, a certified nutrition expert recommends opting for type 1. “Type 1 collagen makes up 90 per cent of the collagen in the body, so it is certainly the one we should try and focus on the most – especially when looking to support the skin. Type 1 collagen is concentrated around the skin, bones, tendons and ligaments, helping to provide structure and strength.”

“No, not all collagen supplements are equal,” says Mackinder. “There are various factors to consider including the format of the collagen supplement [such as] liquid, powder, gummies, and tablets. Hydrolysed liquid collagen is the most bio way to ingest collagen, due to the fact collagen peptides are broken down in the hydrolysis process which allow for better absorption. The type of collagen is also key. Type 1 marine collagen is considered superior for benefits to the skin, hair, and nails due to the fact it has the most similar amino acid profile to human 1 type collagen in the body and makes up 80-90 per cent of the collagen in the skin, hair and nails.”

“Marine collagen has higher bioavailability as it has a smaller molecular size compared to other forms like bovine collagen,” advises Mackinder. “This makes it easier for the body to absorb and utilise. Marine collagen is also plentiful in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are the amino acids that form key building blocks for skin elasticity, hydration, and strength. Collagen supplements also differ due to their potency and dosage per serving. You typically need around 5,000mg per serving to notice the benefits.”

“Evidence suggests that as much as 30 per cent of skin collagen may be lost in the first five years after menopause,” says Dr Laura Wyness, explaining that this is why menopausal women may notice increased signs of skin ageing (think: wrinkles and sagging skin.) “In addition, the average woman loses up to 10 per cent of their bone density in the first five years after menopause.” These factors, combined with depleting collagen stores and the senescence of collagen-producing cells (the term given to cells when they stop dividing but don’t die), can result in common menopause symptoms such as joint stiffness and pain.

According to Hussain, taking collagen could help to counter these symptoms, because “the presence of ingested collagen peptides can activate fibroblasts in the skin and chondrocytes in cartilage. These cells are responsible for synthesising new collagen and elastin, as well as other key proteins which aid in tissue repair, improving overall skin elasticity and joint health,” she explains. Wyness thinks more research is needed on the benefits of collagen supplements, but agrees there is evidence to suggest supplements can alleviate menopause symptoms. “It’s thought that collagen supplements may help promote cartilage repair and increase osteoblast activity (the cells responsible for bone mineralisation).” she says, “and the evidence shows some promising results in relation to collagen supplements benefiting bone and joint health.”

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No matter the source, all types of collagen target the effects of ageing. As a general rule, Logan suggests opting for a well-researched hydrolysed, marine-sourced, Type 1 collagen. “Type 1 collagen provides the main support for the skin, helping to provide structure,” she says. “As it breaks down, we start to lose that structure, which can lead to the signs of ageing. Research has indicated that keeping collagen levels high in the body, by using absorbable collagen peptides, can help to slow the down the development of lines and wrinkles.” Experts often extol the benefits of marine collagen over bovine or porcine, simply because it has smaller particles and can be absorbed easier and more efficiently than any other.

Although most of the collagen products you’ll find use bovine or marine collagen sources, there are some that are plant powered and work by mimicking the structure of human collagen, while at the same time stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. These alternatives are usually made up of a blend of plant-based ingredients, such as amino acids from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Collagen is found in bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments so it stands to reason that it’s an excellent supplement to try if you suffer from sore, stiff or aching joints. As well as repairing cartilage and maintaining its stability and elasticity of which cushions bones and prevents friction, it reduces inflammation that contributes to pain.

The key things to consider when choosing a collagen supplement are whether it is protected from the processes of the intestinal tract and is of low molecular weight. The molecular weight is important as it is made up of smaller particles that can be transported faster to where it needs to go. “Also, you need an independently clinically proven product, not one that uses active ingredient supplier data or consumer trials,” says Ghatora. “This will not indicate the true efficacy of any supplement.  Another key consideration is that collagen peptide supplementation alone may not be enough: hyaluronic acid as a moisture-binding active and as well as a powerful antioxidant such as astaxanthin will help to ensure the new cells being produced are of the highest quality.  These factors all contribute to cellular regeneration that can help increase health and longevity in skin cells.”

Vitamin C is another nutrient to look out for on your collagen supplement labels as it works well with collagen. “If the collagen is also combined with nutrients like vitamin C, this could help to increase efficacy,” says Logan. “This is because vitamin C is required by the body for the formation of healthy collagen, to support healthy skin and bones.” She also suggests ensuring you are taking the right amount. “Most studies indicate that we need to supplement 5-10g per day for optimal benefits.” Which is why powders and high-strength liquid-filled sachets or bottles are often recommended over capsules and tablets.

As with any other health supplement, consistency and compliance are key, so collagen supplements need to be taken daily for good results. If you find yourself skipping your daily dose, it might be worth looking at other options that taste better or fit more conveniently into your existing daily routine. If you are unsure of how much you should be taking just make sure to follow the instructions on your collagen product.

“Results typically appear within 6 to 8 weeks, though this varies by individual and many of our customers report noticing benefits a lot sooner, from 2 to 4 weeks,” says Mackinder. “Those with micronutrient deficiencies may experience results sooner, especially if the supplement contains high doses of vitamin C, which also helps to supports natural collagen production.”

“Evening is the ideal time as your body goes through a cell rejuvenation and regeneration process while you sleep,” says Ghatora. “Consistency is key with this type of supplement,” adds Logan. “So if you find it easiest to take it in your smoothie in the morning, that’s the best time. Conversely, if you find it easiest to remember to take it in the evening, in your hot chocolate, then that’s the best time. The best results are seen with consistent long-term use.

When she spoke to Vogue, Jennifer Anniston revealed Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides as the supplement behind her signature glowing skin. The star swears by mixing a scoop of the collagen peptides into her morning coffee to maintain a healthy, plump complexion. Following her endorsement, it’s no surprise that the Vital Proteins collagen supplement has become a popular choice, and several users (Vogue editors included) have attested to its effectiveness in their own rave reviews.