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

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.”

Are all collagen supplements the same?

“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.”

Is marine collagen or bovine collagen considered the best?

“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.”

Can collagen help with menopause symptoms?

“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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Which collagen is best for anti-ageing?

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.

What’s the best vegan collagen?

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.

Which collagen is best for joint health?

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.

How do I choose a collagen supplement?

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.”