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Best collagen supplements – based on reviews and expert insight
Written byJodi M Johnson
Reviewed byAlex Thompson
Stuck on where to start with collagen? Get inspiration from our customer favourites. Versatile powder, sweet snack or vegan collagen – we’ve got it all, including thoughts from a nutritionist
Summary
For healthy skin
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett Bovine Collagen Tablet 30 Tablets
3 for 2 Mix & Match
€10.49
With Vitamin C
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett Marine Collagen Tropical Flavoured Powder 5000mg 210g
3 for 2 Mix & Match
€43.99
Orange flavour
H&B Expert
H&B Expert Marine Collagen Orange Liquid 10 Sachets
3 for 2 Mix & Match
€31.99
Heard of collagen but wondering how you use it? If you’ve already started to look around, you may be overwhelmed by different options. But unwrinkle that brow – we're here to help guide you through.
We’ve pulled together our favourites, along with customer reviews and collagen knowledge from our senior nutritionist – Alex Thompson.
When should I start supplementing collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body;¹it’s found everywhere, from our intestines to our skin, muscles, and ligaments.²
However, the older we get, the less collagen our bodies produce naturally – while everyone loses around 1% of their collagen from their mid-20s,³ research⁴ has found that "women can lose as much as 30% during the first five years after menopause, and around 2% per postmenopausal year after,” says Alex.
In recent years, collagen supplementation has become increasingly sought after and there’s been lots of new ways to support your collagen intake. You’ll find collagen supplements in tablets, gels, powders, gummies…you name it.
Our favourite collagen products
Top-rated collagen products as chosen by you! Featuring comments from our customers.
The subjective customer reviews below should not be regarded as medical or health advice; no reliance should therefore be placed on them; and they are not endorsed by Holland & Barrett. If you have any health problems or questions regarding the suitability of any product please contact a health professional. Products are not medicinal unless otherwise stated.
H&B Collagen 1000mg tablets contain vitamin C, which contributes to collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
What our customers say: “Fabulous. This is a really fantastic product that has worked exactly as I hoped. really good all round” – imo321
Take three tablets per day, preferably with a meal. Do not exceed the stated dose.
Collagen powders
If you’re not a fan of taking tablets, powdered collagen is a super versatile choice, as you can sprinkle some into your smoothies, juices, or even in your baking.
Choose from a flavoured or unflavoured powder – it’s up to you.
Easy and convenient, this marine collagen powder with vitamin C can slot simply into your daily routine, making supplementing with collagen a doddle.
Simply add it to a glass of water and enjoy a tasty, tropical flavour drink. Each 7g serving provides 5000mg of premium marine collagen. Adding it to water also helps to count towards your daily water intake, ticking off two of your nutrition goals.
What our customers say: “Great product. I’ve been using this for almost a year now. Tastes great and added to fruit smoothies for a fab way to get my Vit C too!” – J Dean
Take Powder Serving Size (7g) per day, preferably with a meal. Do not exceed the stated dose.
Marine collagen
Marine collagen is sourced from fish skin, bones, and scales.
It’s thought to be one of the best ways to consume collagen and is composed of almost entirely type I collagen – the most common collagen found in the human body.¹
Holland & Barrett Expert Marine Collagen Liquid Sachets feature our most advanced and clinically studied liquid, Verisol collagen, which has been found in a clinical study to support the appearance of wrinkles and skin’s elasticity.⁶
Get your daily dose of high strength collagen in this quick and easy liquid collagen drink.
As well as high quality, clinically studied marine collagen, Holland & Barrett Expert Marine Collagen Liquid Sachets also contain skin-supporting nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc.
What our customers say: “These sachets are perfect to stick in your bag to take to work. The orange flavour is pleasant.” – Stephanie H
Take Liquid Serving Size (30ml) per day, preferably with a meal. Do not exceed the stated dose.
Collagen peptides
Hydrolyzed collagen (also called collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate) is a type of collagen that’s easier for your body to absorb and use.⁷ They’re made up of shorter amino acid chains, meaning they’re more bioavailable (easy to absorb into the bloodstream) than other forms of collagen.⁸
The most versatile product in the Dose & Co range, this unflavoured collagen peptide formula can fit seamlessly into your busy routine. As this pure collagen comes unflavoured, you can blend into coffee, smoothies, tea, milk and other recipes easily. Just add four heaped teaspoons of powder to get 21g of quality bovine collagen.
What our customers say: “Great product. Love this – so easy to mix and have in my tea so feels like no extra effort” – Rav S
Fancy learning about all the potential collagen benefits you could stir into your coffee? We spoke to Dose & Co Founder and “collagen guru” Libby Matthews to find out more.
Enjoy four heaped teaspoons (21g) of powder in 200ml of water, milk, coffee, tea or smoothie. Mix well. Take once a day.
Vegan collagen supporting supplement
With most collagen sources and supplements being from animal sources, vegan collagen supporting supplements can seem a little confusing… but they do exist. And they’re also known as ‘collagen boosters’.
Collagen boosters are designed to support the body’s production of collagen, rather than providing a direct supply of it.
Many collagen boosters are made with ingredients like vitamin C that can contribute to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, and gums.
This gummy offering by Starpowa has been formulated to support your body’s natural collagen formation and skin health with vitamin C.
It also includes other ingredients such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), bamboo, hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E.
What our customers say: “I have used the collagen gummies a couple of times and just ordered some more, well recommended.” – Coops
Take two cloudy lemonade-flavoured gummies a day.
Collagen creams
As well as collagen pills and collagen powder, there’s also collagen cream for your skin. And even that comes with different choices…
Will you go for a day cream, night cream or eye cream? Whatever your choice, they’ll blend seamlessly into your skincare routine.
However, while collagen tablets work from the inside out, collagen creams topically target one specific area.
This cream contains an active derived from seaweed, which helps to support hydration.
Assisted by magnesium PCA and lactic acid, this formula helps protect the skin from the effects of free radicals⁹ whilst supporting the peptide technology.
What our customers think: “Perfect for dry skin. I have dry skin that gets worse in winter and was recommended this to try. I'm so glad I did, it's beautifully moisturising and worked wonders over winter - no dry red patches at all. Brilliant for dry/maturing skin.” – Julia123
Apply evenly to clean skin. Can be used as a day or night cream.
This hydrating, collagen-boosting night cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It contains high levels of vitamin C and omega oils that recharge skin overnight for a youthful and healthy glow.
What our customers say: “More than just a night cream for me... I've been using this for a few years now. I love the smell and it leaves my skin bright and moisturised. I use this during the day under my tinted serum also.” – Hester
Apply as the final step in your skincare routine. For best results combine with the full Vitaskin Vitamin C range.
Rheal Superfoods Plant Collagen 150g – in store only
Support your ‘daily glow’ with this Rheal superfoods plant collagen, expertly blended with Astrion® – to increase collagen production – pink pitaya, acerola and bamboo silica. Each serving provides 142mg of vitamin C.
Astrion® is a highly purified extract containing Astragalus Root and Centella Asiatica, which have been clinically shown to support firm, smooth and hydrated skin.⁵
What are the side effects of collagen supplements?
Collagen is considered to be safe, due to the fact it naturally exists in our bodies and is therefore well tolerated by the human body. However, while there are no known side effects, more research on collagen supplements is needed.¹⁰
It's also important to remember that collagen supplements often contain other ingredients, like added vitamins and minerals.
We recommend speaking to your GP or healthcare provider before introducing a new supplement, as they’ll be able to give you personalised advice.
Are collagen supplements suitable for everyone?
While collagen is safe for most people, it’s important to check the ingredients. Some collagen is derived from shellfish and thus needs to be avoided for those with shellfish allergies or will contain products not suitable for those who follow certain diets.
Do not take supplements that list any ingredients that you are allergic to.
The final say
There are many types of collagen, but there are three that are found most commonly in the body. Type I and type III are generally found in skin and muscles. On the other hand, you’ll find type II in cartilage.¹¹
Our collagen levels begin to decrease as we age,³ and we might see and feel signs of this.
Whether you choose to supplement with collagen orally, or apply it topically… The choice is yours. And if you still need a bit of help deciding, we’ve spoken to a nutritionist who has shared their expert advice on all things collagen.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
1. Ricard-Blum S. The Collagen Family. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology [Internet]. 2010 Dec 15;3(1):a004978–8. Available from: https://cshperspectives.cshlp.org/content/3/1/a004978.long
2. Bielajew BJ, Hu JC, Athanasiou KA. Collagen: quantification, biomechanics and role of minor subtypes in cartilage. Nature Reviews Materials [Internet]. 2020 Oct 1;5(10):730–47. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41578-020-0213-1
3. Reilly DM, Lozano J. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty. Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 2021 Jan 8;8(2).
4. Thornton MJ. Estrogens and aging skin. Dermato-endocrinology [Internet]. 2013 Apr 1 [cited 2020 Mar 17];5(2):264–70. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772914/
5. Biochemistry and Biotechnology Journal | Peer Reviewed Journal [Internet]. www.alliedacademies.org. Available from: https://www.alliedacademies.org/journal-biochemistry-biotechnology/
6. 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 Pharmacology and Physiology. 2014;27(3):113–9.
7. Are Collagen Supplements Helpful for Arthritis? | Arthritis Foundation [Internet]. www.arthritis.org. Available from: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/can-collagen-supplements-help-arthritis
8. León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G. Hydrolyzed Collagen—Sources and Applications. Molecules. 2019 Nov 7;24(22):4031.
9. Greive K, Tran D, Townley J, Barnes T. An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2014 Dec;8:9.
10. Collagen [Internet]. Versus Arthritis. Available from: https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/collagen/
11. Are Collagen Supplements Helpful for Arthritis? | Arthritis Foundation [Internet]. www.arthritis.org. Available from: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/can-collagen-supplements-help-arthritis
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