![Best Collagen Supplements](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/aXFdexDKwizDX9zg9uHK_de6MVw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-9-best-collagen-supplements-5080732-primary-2a6b40a0c77f4ea5ab3d21ab97c1f426.jpg)
Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
Collagen supplements have a lot of hype behind them—but also clinical research that indicates a slew of benefits for your skin. “Collagen is a structural protein known to support your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments,” says Breanna Woods, MS, RD, a dietitian based in Indianapolis. “As we age, our body naturally produces less collagen. Research supports that taking a collagen supplement may improve joint mobility, skin integrity, and muscle strength (when combined with resistance training).”Collagen supplements in powder form can also improve skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density—making them a skincare powerhouse as well.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder, which has hydrolyzed collagen that comes from grass-fed food sources to promote healthy skin and joints. For something more affordable, consider the Orgain Keto Collagen Protein Powder because it comes with 10 grams of collagen per serving and is a perfect addition to smoothies or lattes.
To get the scoop on the best collagen supplements out there, we asked nutrition experts for their top picks. We conducted hours of research to find the best on the market—evaluating all of our options based on their key ingredients and their health benefits. After considering dozens of formulas, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Best Overall
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Pure
![Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Pure](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/81GMpFq4KnsDlYsKTBA-gLUPtlI=/fit-in/1500x1500/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AncientNutritionMultiCollagenPeptidesProteinPowderPure-53f5d5fafe27496f94489df068fe6e87.jpg)
Amazon
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Nut-free
Contains probiotics
Not for vegetarians or pescatarians
Who else recommends it? Men's Journal also picked the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Pure.
What do buyers say? 87% of 22,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
Available in many flavors—unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, cold brew, strawberry lemonade, and cucumber lime—this supplement is made from beef, chicken, fish, and eggshell membrane. “It’s made with ingredients from non-GMO, grass-fed, and pasture-raised, cage-free, and cruelty-free sources,” says, Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CFT, and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CFT, the Nutrition Twins and creators of The 21-Day Body Reboot in New York City. “Plus, it uses hydrolyzed bovine collagen, which is easier for your body to absorb.”
The product is formulated to help improve the appearance of crow’s feet, as well as help reduce knee stiffness. It also supports gut health and healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Price at time of publish: $39
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides, fermented eggshell membrane collagen, chicken bone broth protein concentrate, bacillius coagulans, hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (10 grams) | Certified: Approved by ConsumerLab | Size: 16 oz
Best Budget
Orgain Keto Collagen Protein Powder
![Orgain Keto Collagen Protein Powder](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/nUSwUzAEzFmIlOh0kWbKsKPf-SY=/fit-in/1500x1500/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OrgainKetoCollagenProteinPowder-5ab5ac9b0ed04c34866863da7a8131be.jpg)
Gluten-free
No added sugars
Made without soy, dairy, or lactose
Nothing on website to explain 3rd party testing
“If I want something sweet, I am a fan of Orgain’s Keto Collagen Protein Powder,” says Kate Cline, RD, a functional medical nutrition practitioner in Dublin, OH. “It comes in vanilla and chocolate, and makes a nice enhancement to a post-workout protein shake.” The collagen contains MCT oil, as well as acacia, sea salt, and stevia. Per 20-gram scoop, you get 10 grams of fueling protein.
Price at time of publish: $28
Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides and coconut medium-chain triglycerides | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (20 grams) | Certified: None | Size: 14.1 oz
Best Value
Naturenetics Optimized Collagen
![Naturenetics Optimized Collagen](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/SIjyfVYqnzq9Nhf_sR2gUI9dacA=/fit-in/1500x990/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NatureneticsOptimizedCollagen-0fa72fa1a5cd4f3889a513251f95789c.jpg)
Contains Verisol
Made in facility with allergy-control plan
Doesn't mix as well in cold water
“I am obsessed with Naturenetics collagen,” says Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, a dietitian in Franklin, TN. “It uses special collagen called Verisol that is made specifically to target fibroblasts in the skin. The brand is also extremely diligent about third-party testing and the purity of the products.”
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Verisol | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (2.5 grams) | Certified: Manufactured in a GMP-certified, NSF-approved facility | Size: 5.3 oz
Best for Skin
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
![Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/1CCKfHNdjJl0hp8494wbcGChXO4=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Vital-Proteins-Collagen-Peptides-Powder-5e6e940dd8054d209b84ad7778b367a6.jpg)
Amazon
Minimal ingredient list
No added sugars
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Reviewers noted that flavor was strong when mixed with water
This product, another fan favorite of many registered dietitians, contains Type I and Type II collagen powder and is certified kosher and Whole30-approved. “This one is my favorite because it gives you not only 18 grams of protein but also vitamin C and hyaluronic acid—which both support collagen synthesis in the body,” says Woods. “Vital Proteins mixes well in pretty much anything and has little to no taste.”
Price at time of publish: $25
Key Ingredients: Bovine hide collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 scoops (20 grams) | Certified: Kosher, whole30 approved, USDA certified, non-GMO, NSF certified cGMP facility, approved by ConsumerLab | Size: 9.33 oz
Best for Pescatarians
Indigo Marine Collagen Pure
![Indigo Marine Collagen Pure](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/40VqpVxIwGnhjxUYL8TyD6gVH3A=/fit-in/1500x640/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IndigoMarineCollagenPure-4e755960eee549bea65ff9176c262dc9.jpg)
Suitable for pescatarians
Gluten-free
Kosher
Not for vegetarians
Here’s the perfect product for a pescatarian who doesn’t want to consume bovine collagen. “There are many different types of collagen on the market, however, there is a huge difference between bovine and marine collagen,” says Cynthia Barrett, PT, DPT, founder of Wellness Couture in New York City. “Indigo Marine Collagen is fished in the wild and processed in the United States to ensure strict quality controls. It also consists of smaller peptides or smaller protein molecules than bovine collagen sources, which means it’s more efficient in the body.” The product contains Types I, II, III, and IV of collagen.
Price at time of publish: $35
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed fish collagen | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (10 grams) | Certified: Kosher | Size: 10.6 oz
Best Taste
Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel
![Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides, Unflavored](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/_2ipxga46lYE8yiUT1hPBISQ-Ls=/fit-in/1500x486/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2019-12-09at12.08.55PM-ff4a2787d0d64aa288f165800f29e2d8.png)
Courtesy of Thrive Market
Sugar-free
Comes in various flavors for various tastes
Versatile in use
Reviewers note that it doesn't dissolve in liquids easily
“I like the Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel because it provides 10 grams of collagen peptides per serving while still containing minimal amounts of refined sugars,” says Lacy Ngo, MS, RDN, a dietitian in Rock Hill, SC. “This powder also comes in several tasty flavors like vanilla, chocolate coconut, and peanut butter. The matcha flavor provides the added benefits of antioxidants.” Per 16-gram scoop, you get 11 grams of protein from this powder that contains Types I and III collagen.
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Bovine collagen peptides | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (16 grams) | Certified: Keto | Size: 19.2 oz
Best Sugar-Free
Pink Stork Total Collagen Protein Powder
![Pink Stork Collagen Powder](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/TQUjE4hnuUDZJbt4DC1Rc5gUs3w=/fit-in/1500x874/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/51uKrXAxkaL._AC_SL1000_-c83337be98624c9cb8c988cb9dc3b78e.jpg)
Amazon
Gluten-free
Organic
Travel-friendly
Reviewers note that the taste can be too sweet
“This product is made with hydrolyzed Type I and III bovine collagen,” says Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, author of 25 Anti-Aging Smoothies for Revitalizing, Glowing Skin. “Hydrolyzed Type I collagen peptides are the most abundant type found in the body, Hydrolyzed collagen means that it is broken down into smaller peptides, making it more easily absorbed." One serving contains 11 grams of collagen.
Price at time of publish: $23
Key Ingredients: Bovine hydrolyzed collagen | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 scoop (11 grams) | Certified: USDA-organic | Size: 11 oz
Best Travel-Friendly
LonoLife Grass Fed Beef Bone Broth Single Serve Cups
![Lonolife beef bone broth](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/wycevnzM1UWHTDhDmlTHyMAjIIw=/fit-in/1500x1019/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LonoLifeGrassFedBeefBoneBrothSingleServeCups-a502d6e167bf49e18ac762d9110cb76f.jpg)
Portable
Gluten-free
Made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle
Not for vegetarians or pescatarians
Mix these single-serve cups with hot water for a savory snack—the product is made with beef bone broth, vegetables, herbs, spices, and seasonings. “If going for savory, my favorite is LonoLife single-serve packets, which most people find taste good enough to drink on their own,” says Cline.
Price at time of publish: $22
Key Ingredients: Beef collagen | Age Range: All | Dosage: Single-serve cup (15 grams) | Certified: None | Size: 2.12 oz
Best Unflavored
NutraCollagen Collagen Maximizer
![NutraCollagen Collagen Maximizer](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/0XxkybHMgJTBSqyyz8ozT9UoU3Y=/fit-in/1500x886/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NutraCollagenCollagenMaximizer-740eb534d70c4cd58a0817fc8126e454.jpg)
Sugar-free
Only one ingredient
Easy to mix resulting in no clumping
Reviewers note that it has a strong smell
“NutraCollagen has more collagen peptides per serving than most of its competitors,” says Lakatos. “And unlike many collagen supplements, the brand manufactures all of its products in the United States, in its own Michigan facility—which means it can ensure quality. We like the smooth texture and consistency of NutraCollagen products, as they dissolve immediately with no clumping. So they’re super easy to add into drinks, smoothies, and other foods.”
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Instantized bovine collagen peptides | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 scoops (22 grams) | Certified: None | Size: 15.5 oz
Best Plant-Based
Golde Coconut Collagen Boost
![Collagen powder](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/yo8QjRHomz6Yq72Q_bNl7AoBP9o=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/850021358020_1_1_21-e3d0bdc409244df9a5156571242247a2.jpg)
Golde
Great taste
Gluten-free
Vegan
Reviewers note it doesn't dissolve easily in cold drinks
Technically this doesn't contain any collagen, but it is a great alternative for vegans or vegetarians who want the benefits of using a collagen supplement without having to consume animal products. Made with superfood ingredients like bamboo extract and monk fruit extract—as well as beauty powerhouses biotin and hyaluronic acid—this creamer is able to support the body's natural collagen production and improve the condition of your hair, skin, and nails. Reviewers love that the taste is amazing and goes perfectly in their morning latte or smoothie.
Price at time of publish: $18
Key Ingredients: Bamboo extract, hyaluronic acid, biotin | Age Range: N/A | Dosage: 2 teaspoons | Certified: None | Size: 3.9 oz or 7.9 oz
Best Capsule
Hum Collagen Love
![Hum Collagen Love](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/e5LOwK_kRsmC0_CURWyiIFhYh4A=/fit-in/1500x1400/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/s1735786-main-zoom-bd86bc18cb984651b553583e856efab7.jpeg)
Sephora
Supports skin elasticity
Contains two types of collagen peptides
Clinically tested
Have to take three a day
If you want to take a collagen supplement but powders aren't your thing, try out these capsules instead. They not only contain a collagen blend, but also hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to improve the skin's appearance and fight free radicals that can lead to signs of aging. Their collagen is grass-fed bovine sourced, and it's gluten-free and non-GMO.
Price at time of publish: $40
Key Ingredients: Collagen peptide hydro-matrix blend | Age Range: All | Dosage: 3 capsules | Certified: Non-GMO | Size: 90 capsules
Final Verdict
There are many collagen supplements on the market right now, but our favorite is Ancient Nutrition's Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder Pure for its non-GMO and grass-fed natural ingredients. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Orgain Keto Collagen Protein Powder because it has a great taste and 10 grams of collagen per serving.
Meet the Expert
- Breanna Woods, MS, RD, is a dietitian in Indianapolis.
- Tamar Samuels, RD, NBC-HWC, is a registered dietitian and national board-certified health and wellness coach. She’s also the co-founder of Culina Health.
- Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CFT and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CFT, are the Nutrition Twins and creators of The 21-Day Body Reboot in New York City.
- Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, is a dietitian in Franklin, TN.
- Kate Cline, RD, is a functional medical nutrition practitioner in Dublin, OH.
- Cynthia Barrett, PT, DPT, is the founder of Wellness Couture in New York City.
- Lacy Ngo, MS, RDN, is a dietitian in Rock Hill, SC.
- Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is the author of 25 Anti-Aging Smoothies for Revitalizing, Glowing Skin.
- Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, is a nutrition professor at Boston University and host of the podcast Spot On!
What to Look For in a Collagen Supplement
Hydrolyzed collagen
Samuels recommends looking for supplements that are formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, which indicates that it’s easier to digest and is more quickly absorbed after ingestion.
“It’s also high in the amino acids glycine and proline which are essential for building new collagen in your muscles, bones, and gut,” she adds.
Grass-fed, pasture-raised, and antibiotic free
When shopping for a collagen supplement, Samuels also stresses the importance of choosing a product that’s made from grass-fed, pasture-raised, and antibiotic-free animals to ensure you’re ingesting the healthiest collagen possible. “The collagen shouldn’t contain any additives or fillers,” she says. “Dietary products are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to be mindful of the source of your ingredients to avoid excessive exposure to antibiotics, pesticides, and other potentially harmful substances."
Third-party verification
Samuels also recommends looking for products with third-party verification to ensure that the product lives up to its claims and contains the ingredients it says it does. “These companies also ensure there aren’t any additional ingredients in the product that aren’t listed on the label,” she says. She suggests looking for verifications by the following credible groups: NSF International, UL, and US Pharmacopeia.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Amy Gorin, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist and has over a decade of experience in the nutrition industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She specializes in plant-based nutrition and is one of the most recognized nutrition experts in America. For this story, she interviewed nine additional nutrition experts to weigh in on their favorite collagen supplements.