Does collagen powder work?

"Collagen can improve skin elasticity , aid in wound healing, and lower inflammation," says Valdez. "[But] there isn't enough evidence to show it is superior to a balanced diet with adequate protein." According to Rifkin, collagen powder can be a great source of protein-building amino acids. "Because it aids in the structure of skin, it may possess some beauty benefits too," she adds, explaining that ingesting it could aid in "a more youthful look." The jury's still out on whether collagen powder does everything it claims to do, but in the end, it probably won't hurt.

What does collagen powder do?

The reported benefits of consuming collagen powder are wide-ranging, including weight loss, glowing skin, healthy hair, and joint support. However, more research needs to be done to support anecdotal claims.

How Is collagen powder made?

Collagen supplements are made by extracting the collagen from the connective tissues of animals such as cows, fish, and chickens. Collagen peptides are the broken-down elements of the longer protein chain and are more bioavailable and absorbable by humans in this form.

What can you mix with collagen powder?

Collagen powder can be blended into your daily smoothies , soups, and sauces or added to baked goods, dressings, and marinades. An unflavored collagen powder will be the most versatile in the kitchen.

The 13 Best Collagen Powders of 2023

Further Food Collagen Peptides Powder — Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Whether you're a fan of skincare, wellness supplements, or both, you've probably noticed the recent buzz surrounding collagen powder. Promising both nutritional and beauty benefits, it's easy to see why the stuff is so popular.

"Collagen is a protein naturally produced by your body that aids in the structure and integrity of connective tissues, bone, cartilage, and skin," explains registered dietician Melissa Rifkin. "Nutritionally, collagen powder contains amino acids that serve these functions, and more, within the body."

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides tops our list due to its adherence to animal welfare standards—plus, it packs a boost of vitamin C. For a more affordable pick, Great Lakes Gelatin Co. Collagen Hydrolysate is also made from grass-fed bovine and boasts a Consumer Labs stamp of approval.

It's unclear whether ingesting collagen will actually make your skin plumper, smoother, or more elastic. But at the very least, it's a solid source of protein. As far as what you can put it in, it's just as versatile (if not more) than traditional protein powder. Mix some into your daily smoothie or coffee, bake a batch of complexion-enhancing cookies, or whip up some protein-packed soup, sauce, or salad dressing.

Scroll down for the best collagen powders currently available.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Great Lakes Wellness Collagen Peptides Convenience Pack at Amazon

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Best Marine:

Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides at Amazon

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Best for Smoothies:

Further Food Collagen Peptides at Amazon

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Best Gluten-Free:

Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel at Amazon

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Best Flavored:

Thrive Market Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides at Thrive Market

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Best Capsule:

Reserveage Collagen Booster at Amazon

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Best for Joints:

Healthy Origins Undenatured Type II Collagen at Amazon

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Best For Skin:

Besha Natural Collagen Peptides at Amazon

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Best with MCT:

Garden of Life Collagen Coconut MCT Powder at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look for in Collagen Powders
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.9

Amazon

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What we like

Ranks high on animal welfare standards
Contains vitamin C

What we don't like

Does not dissolve well in iced drinks

Who else recommends it? Healthline and Forbes both picked the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.

What do buyers say? 88% of 167,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Vital Proteins puts extra care into the sourcing of its bovine collagen peptides. The cows used for the production of the collagen peptides are raised in alignment with the Global Animal Partnership 5-step animal welfare rating standards—an important quality to look for when purchasing protein powders sourced from animal ingredients. In addition to grass-fed bovine collagen, Vital Proteins adds vitamin C to its powder to increase collagen absorption. You can also consume vitamin C with collagen powder naturally by mixing it into a fruit or vegetable smoothie, but for those who prefer adding collagen powder to water or coffee, Vital Proteins makes vitamin C consumption extra easy.

Price at time of publish: $42

Key Ingredients: Collagen Peptides | Certified: Non-GMO, paleo-friendly, gluten-free | Dosage: 20 grams | Size: 284 grams | Type: Bovine

Great Lakes Gelatin, Collagen Hydrolysate

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What we like

Affordable
Glyphosate free

What we don't like

Less collagen per serving than others

Great Lakes Gelatin Company uses grass-fed and pasture-raised cows from Argentina and Brazil to make its collagen powder. This product is pareve, gluten-free, non-GMO, keto, paleo-friendly, glyphosate-free, USP/NF compliant, and contains no MSG. Consumer Labs, a third-party testing company, has also given this product its stamp of approval and has verified that the claims on the bottle match the actual ingredients. One 16-ounce container provides 38 servings of high-quality collagen and costs under $30, a true steal.

Price at time of publish: $25

Key Ingredients: Collagen Hydrolysate | Certified: Kosher | Dosage: 12 grams | Size: 454 grams | Type: Bovine

Natural Force Clean Marine Collagen Powder

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What we like

Manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility
Recyclable packaging

What we don't like

Expensive

Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides is a pure marine collagen peptide powder that is sustainably sourced from wild-caught Alaskan cod, featuring type 1 hydrolyzed marine collagen. Natural Force guarantees that every bag is always free of unnecessary fillers, synthetic colors, or anything artificial. They test each bag for allergens like gluten and soy as well as the heavy metals mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Shoppers can go to their website to find the certificate of analysis which displays third-party testing results.

Price at time of publish: $33

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides from wild-caught cod | Certified: keto certified, certified b corporation, certified paleo | Dosage: 1 scoop, or 11.1 grams | Size: 333 grams | Type: Marine

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What we like

Paleo and keto-friendly
Zero taste
Dissolves well

What we don't like

Hard to find in store

Sourced from the highest quality grass-fed, pasture-raised hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen, Further Food’s collagen peptides are non-GMO, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, sugar-free, kosher, paleo, and keto-friendly. Further, Food’s collagen peptides are made in facilities that are NSF cGMP certified, and their product is paleo and keto-friendly. As a bonus, consumers can feel good about packaging as the collagen is packaged in 100 percent Post-Consumer Recycled jars.

Price at time of publish: $49

Key Ingredients: Bovine hide, hydrolyzed collagen peptides | Certified: Non-GMO, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, sugar-free, Kosher certified | Dosage: 1 scoop, or 8 grams | Size: 680 grams | Type: Bovine

Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides, Unflavored

Courtesy of Thrive Market

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What we like

10 grams of protein and collagen per serving
No fillers, preservatives or artificial ingredients

What we don't like

None

This product is sugar-free, Whole30 approved, and made without dairy, whey, or soy ingredients, and these peptides are keto and paleo-friendly. Primal Kitchen has sought out highly dissolvable collagen that meets its strict standards for sourcing and processing. One scoop provides ten grams of protein, collagen, and only 40 calories, making it a great addition to smoothies and shakes.

Price at time of publish: $29

Key Ingredients: Bovine collagen peptides | Certified: Gluten-free, whole 30 approved, keto certified | Dosage: 1 scoop, or 10 grams of collagen | Size: 550 grams | Type: Bovine

Courtesy of Thrive Market

View On Thrive Market

What we like

No added sugar
Gluten, dairy, and soy free

What we don't like

Membership needed to shop Thrive Market

Thrive Market prides itself on using quality ingredients and their chocolate-flavored collagen peptides are no exception. This supplement offers collagen from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows and uses organic cacao powder, organic vanilla flavor, and monk fruit extract to provide a rich, satisfying flavor. In addition to providing a dose of collagen, this powder is a great way to boost shakes and meals with 10 grams of protein.

Price at time of publish: $22

Key Ingredients: Bovine hide collagen, organic cocoa powder, organic vanilla flavor, Monk (Luo Han Guo) fruit extract | Certified: Non-GMO, hormone-free, sugar-free, B corporation, dairy-free, certified kosher | Dosage: 1 scoop | Size: 331 grams | Type: Bovine

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What we like

Contains hyaluronic acid
Easy to consume

What we don't like

Large capsules

Reserveage Ultra Collagen Booster uses BioCell Collagen as its main ingredient. BioCell Collagen is a patented hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract that contains a naturally-occurring matrix of hydrolyzed collagen type II, as well as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, both naturally occurring substances in the body that promote good tissue. In addition to BioCell Collagen, Reserveage adds a specific blend of fruit and vegetable extracts such as Acerola Cherry, Asparagus, and Pomegranate to each capsule, as these extracts have been researched for their ability to help retain skin elasticity.

Price at time of publish: $24

Key Ingredients: BioCell collagen, resveratrol | Certified: No corn, soy, wheat, yeast, lactose, citrus, milk, egg or fish products, sugar, salt, starch, artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives | Dosage: 2 capsules | Size: 60 capsules | Type: Chicken

Amazon

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What we like

Third party tested
Verified by consumerlabs.com
Easy to consume

What we don't like

None

Consumer Labs Research ranks Healthy Origins UC-II Collagen as the best for joint pain. UC-II contains a patented form of undenatured, type II collagen derived from chicken sternum. UC-II has been examined in multiple research studies for its efficacy in relieving joint pain. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study tested the use of UC-II in individuals reporting knee discomfort when exercising. Researchers examined the efficacy of the supplement based on participants’ ability to extend their knees. After 120 days of supplementation, subjects in the UC-II group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in average knee extension compared to the placebo.

Price at time of publish: $28

Key Ingredients: UC-II standardized chicken cartilage | Certified: Non-GMO, gluten-free, BPA Free, does not contain wheat, gluten, fish, shellfish, egg, soy, peanuts, or milk | Dosage: 1 capsule | Size: 120 caps | Type: Chicken

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What we like

Third-party tested
Verified by consumerlabs.com
Research grade form of collagen

What we don't like

Sourced from pigs

Collagen supports the elasticity and structure of the skin, and over time, as collagen levels naturally decrease, the skin’s propensity to wrinkle increases. Besha, a German-made product, is a top pick for skin by Consumer Labs. The collagen used in Besha is VERISOL, a form of bioactive collagen peptides that have been used in research studies examining collagen’s effect on skin elasticity. Of note, VERISOL is derived from pigs, so if you have dietary restrictions, you may want to pick collagen derived from fish or cow.

Price at time of publish: $26

Key Ingredients: Collagen powder verisol | Certified: N/A | Dosage: 2.9 grams | Size: 98.6 grams | Type: Pork

Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Coconut MCT Powder

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What we like

Blends collagen, MCTs, and probiotics
Grass fed collagen peptides

What we don't like

Includes stevia

Looking for a protein and energy boost that is also nourishing for the gut? Garden of Life offers clean, traceable, third-party certified Collagen with targeted ingredients to meet your needs. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of dietary fat thought to offer a range of benefits such as increased satiety, energy expenditures, and the ability to burn fat. One serving of this powder contains three grams of MCTs from organic coconuts, nine grams of protein, ten grams of collagen, and five milligrams of the probiotic Bacillus Subtilis.

Price at time of publish: $30

Key Ingredients: Collagen, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), bacillus subtilis (500 Million CFU), collagen peptides (Bovine) | Certified: Gluten-free, non-GMO, keto certified | Dosage: 1 scoop, or 10 grams | Size: 408 grams | Type: Bovine

Bulletproof’s Unflavored Collagen Protein

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What we like

Only 35 calories per scoop
Can be added to recipes

What we don't like

Unclear certifications

Bulletproof’s Unflavored Collagen Protein is a pantry must-have. You can add this unflavored collagen powder to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, or sauces for a nutrient boost without worrying about taste. One scoop provides 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen, 9 grams of protein, and only 35 calories. This product contains just one ingredient (hydrolyzed collagen powder) and comes from pasture-raised cows without added hormones.

Price at time of publish: $33

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen powder | Certified: N/A | Dosage: 2 scoops, or 20 grams | Size: 500 grams | Type: Bovine

Golde

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Golde’s New Vegan Collagen Powder Will Supercharge Your Morning Coffee

What We Like

Slightly sweet
Skin-loving ingredients

What We Don't Like

Inconvenient packaging

Our tester said this product made her a "collagen convert." The plant-based powder can be mixed into just about anything, from frothy homemade lattes and whisked teas to smoothies and baked goods. According to the brand, it's also great to pour over ice with your milk of choice.

Coconut Collagen Boost is made with skin-loving ingredients, like bamboo-derived silica and hyaluronic acid. "The coconut adds the perfect amount of sweetness without being overwhelming," our tester noted. The only downside is that the smaller size comes in a resealable bag, which isn't as convenient as a lidded tub.

Price at Time of Publish: $29

Key Ingredients: Coconut milk powder, hyaluronic acid, bamboo extract | Certified: Vegan, keto | Amount: 4–8 ounces | Dosage: 2 teaspoons | Type: Plant-based

Moon Juice

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If you're looking for something to mix into your morning coffee, Moon Juice might be your best bet. This plant-based collagen powder calls on hyaluronic acid and silver ear mushrooms to promote hydrated, healthier skin. The vegan formula isn't technically flavored, but the blend of natural ingredients lends to a slightly sweet taste reminiscent of vanilla shortbread. We just wish it was a little more affordable.

Price at Time of Publish: $32

Key Ingredients: Rice bran, silver ear mushroom, hyaluronic acid | Certified: Vegan | Amount: 4.5–8.5 ounces | Dosage: 2 tablespoons | Type: Plant-based

Final Verdict

Vital Proteins is our top choice for collagen. They put extra care into the sourcing of their bovine collagen peptides. In addition to grass-fed bovine collagen, Vital Proteins adds vitamin C to their powder to increase collagen absorption. Add this powder to your favorite liquid, a smoothie, oats, or soups, and dressings for a collagen and protein boost.

Meet the Expert

Melissa Rifkin, MS, RD, CDN, of Melissa Rifkin Nutrition, is a registered dietician specializing in nutritious eating and weight management.

Jonathan Valdez, MBA, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and the owner of Genki Nutrition, which offers telehealth-based disease prevention and weight-management programs.

What to Look for in Collagen Powders

Type and Collagen Source

When buying collagen powder, pay attention to the type and source. Registered dietitian nutritionist Jonathan Valdez explains that there are three main types found in supplements: type I provides bone and skin health, type II supports joints and cartilage, and type III promotes healthy skin and muscle function.

Collagen powder often comes from animal sources, like bovine, pork, or fish. "Bovine, most commonly used, contains type I and II, while fish is primarily type I," says Valdez. "However, fish is better absorbed." There are also vegan options made with marine collagen peptides, rice bran, and coconut milk powder.

Other Ingredients

According to Rifkin and Valdez, collagen powder should ideally also contain vitamin C. "This nutrient aids in collagen synthesis within the body," Rifkin explains. Some are blended with biotin, which Valdez says supports "healthy skin and hair," as well as glucosamine to "help with bone health."

You'll also find collagen powder containing MCT (medium-chain triglycerides). Derived from coconut oil, the soluble fat is thought to give you an energy boost and improve athletic performance.

Third-Party Testing

Since the FDA doesn't regulate collagen powder, Valdez says to "make sure the supplements are third-party tested." If the product has a stamp of approval from organizations like Informed Choice, USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com, he says you can have peace of mind about the safety of the ingredients.

FAQ

Does collagen powder work?

"Collagen can improve skin elasticity, aid in wound healing, and lower inflammation," says Valdez. "[But] there isn't enough evidence to show it is superior to a balanced diet with adequate protein."
According to Rifkin, collagen powder can be a great source of protein-building amino acids. "Because it aids in the structure of skin, it may possess some beauty benefits too," she adds, explaining that ingesting it could aid in "a more youthful look." The jury's still out on whether collagen powder does everything it claims to do, but in the end, it probably won't hurt.
What does collagen powder do?

The reported benefits of consuming collagen powder are wide-ranging, including weight loss, glowing skin, healthy hair, and joint support. However, more research needs to be done to support anecdotal claims.
How Is collagen powder made?

Collagen supplements are made by extracting the collagen from the connective tissues of animals such as cows, fish, and chickens. Collagen peptides are the broken-down elements of the longer protein chain and are more bioavailable and absorbable by humans in this form.
What can you mix with collagen powder?

Collagen powder can be blended into your daily smoothies, soups, and sauces or added to baked goods, dressings, and marinades. An unflavored collagen powder will be the most versatile in the kitchen.

Why Trust Byrdie

Christina Heiser is a beauty and wellness writer with bylines in Women's Health and Everyday Health. Her work regularly appears on websites, including NBC News and A Sweat Life.

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and regular Byrdie contributor specializing in skincare, wellness, and workout essentials. She interviewed two registered dietitians for this story. With their expert insight in mind, she compiled the best collagen powders for every use and concern. You can find more of her articles on Travel + Leisure and People.

11 Beauty and Health Supplements Actually Worth Taking

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Murakami, Hitoshi et al. Importance of amino acid composition to improve skin collagen protein synthesis rates in UV-irradiated mice. Amino acids vol. 42,6 (2012): 2481-9. doi:10.1007/s00726-011-1059-z
The 11 Best Collagen Supplements for Better Skin in 2022. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-collagen-for-skin
Best Collagen Powders Of 2022, According To Experts. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/best-collagen-powders/
Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lau FC, et al. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) for joint support: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10(1):48. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-48
Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-119. doi:10.1159/000355523
Miriam E. Clegg (2010) Medium-chain triglycerides are advantageous in promoting weight loss although not beneficial to exercise performance, International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 61:7, 653-679, DOI: 10.3109/09637481003702114
Cleveland Clinic. Collagen. Health Essentials. Updated May 22, 2022.
Wang Y, et al. Medium Chain Triglycerides enhances exercise endurance through the increased mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism. PLoS One. 2018 Feb 8;13(2):e0191182. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191182. PMID: 29420554; PMCID: PMC5805166.

Best Overall

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Best Budget

Great Lakes Wellness Quick Dissolve Collagen Peptides Convenience Pack - Unflavored

Best Marine

Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides

Best for Smoothies

Further Food Collagen Peptides

Best Gluten-Free

Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel

Best Flavored

Thrive Market Chocolate Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides

Best Capsule

Reserveage Collagen Booster

Best for Joints

Healthy Origins UC-II with Undenatured Type II Collagen

Best For Skin

Besha Natural Collagen Peptides

Best with MCT

Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Coconut MCT Powder

Best Tasteless

Bulletproof Unflavored Collagen Protein Powder

Best for Mixing

Golde Coconut Collagen Boost

Best Coffee Creamer

Moon Juice Collagen Protect Creamer

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