8 best collagen supplements and powders for 2025, according to dermatologists and dietitians

You've likely heard the buzz about the best collagen supplements — the alleged elixir behind celebrities' radiant skin, long nails and glowing vitality. But what is collagen, and do these supplements hold the key to timeless beauty?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is the primary structural component of tissues, including skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. Clearly, collagen is kind of a big deal. But if the body makes collagen on its own, what's the purpose of supplements?

Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, explains that collagen powder provides the body with essential building blocks to synthesize more collagen and may signal the body to enhance its collagen production. She adds, "When it comes to the skin, collagen [supplements] are supposed to help with elasticity, reduce wrinkles, improve skin moisture, support wound healing and promote healthier hair and nails."

Still, expert opinions differ regarding collagen's efficacy and potential uses in supplement form.

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, board-certified dermatologist at DermOnDemand says that she recommends collagen powders to clients. "Studies within the past five years suggest hydrolyzed collagen can support skin elasticity, hydration and overall skin health. For example, a 2019 study showed that daily collagen supplementation improved skin elasticity and hydration after 12 weeks," she explains.

Bess Berger, RDN, a PCOS and menopause dietitian at Nutrition by Bess, is another supporter of collagen peptide supplements, saying she's found them helpful for women going through menopause. Jennifer Patricca, a sports dietitian and owner of Optimized Nutrition, also recommends collagen powders to some of the athletes she works with, particularly for those over age 40, to help improve joint mobility.

However, not everyone is convinced that these supplements are worth the money. Both Turegano and Dr. Gabriela Soza, a board-certified dermatologist at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, note that higher-quality studies are needed to confirm the benefits of taking collagen in a powder — or gummy — form. Still, Soza acknowledges that oral collagen supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated: "I support my patients who want to take collagen. It can't hurt!" she says.

Curious to try collagen for its fitness or beauty benefits? We've got you covered. We interviewed five health experts, including dietitians and dermatologists, to better understand what to look for in a collagen supplement. Using their expert advice, we put 13 products to the test to see which ones are worthy of a place in your wellness routine. Read on to see our picks of the eight best collagen supplements in 2025.

A note on supplements

The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Such supplements are regulated far less stringently by the FDA than medications, with little evaluation of safety or effectiveness before they go to market. Supplements may also interact with other medications and aren't appropriate for all populations or health conditions. While our health writers personally select and test products that are evidence-based, it's important to talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.

Best overall collagen supplement

More collagen supplements we like for 2025

Types of collagen powders and supplements

There are several types of collagen supplements on the market, making it easy to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle. While there are many factors to consider (more on that later), Bess Berger emphasizes the importance of selecting a form you'll enjoy taking. After all, consistency is key when it comes to reaping the benefits of collagen supplementation.

Here's a breakdown of the most popular types of collagen supplements:

• Collagen peptides powder: Sold in large tubs, resealable bags or individual serving packets, powders are highly versatile and can be added to drinks, smoothies or recipes. They often contain collagen sourced from either cows, fish, chicken or pigs, though some include multiple collagen sources.

• Collagen capsules and pills: Pill forms of collagen are convenient for those who prefer a quick, no-mess option, though you may need to take multiple pills to meet recommended dosages.

• Collagen creamers: Designed to mix seamlessly into coffee, tea or other hot beverages, creamers offer an easy way to incorporate collagen into your morning routine.

• Marine collagen: Sourced from fish, marine collagen supplements are ideal for pescatarians or those avoiding animal-based collagen. While some can be fishy, many offer a light, neutral flavor.

• Multi-collagen blends: These include a combination of collagen sources, such as bovine, porcine and marine, providing a broader range of collagen types.

• Collagen with added nutrients: For added beauty or fitness benefits, some formulations include additional nutrients or compounds, like vitamin C or creatine.

• Flavored collagen: Available in options like vanilla, chocolate or berry, flavored collagen is a good option for mixing into water or milk for a quick, tasty drink.

• Unflavored collagen: Designed to be virtually tasteless, unflavored collagen works well stirred into your morning coffee or added to recipes.

• Collagen liquids: Pre-mixed and ready-to-drink options are convenient but may have a higher price point than powders.

• Collagen foods and jellies: These products are often marketed towards athletes and fitness enthusiasts and come in a variety of forms, including gummies, snack bars and jellies. While portable and convenient, they may have lower collagen content per serving than powders or capsules.

Factors to consider when purchasing collagen powders and supplements

When shopping for collagen, here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Source of collagen: Collagen is typically derived from bovine, poultry, pig or fish sources, or a combination of these. Which source to choose depends on your dietary preferences and allergies. For instance, if you’re allergic to fish, read labels carefully to avoid marine collagen.

• Collagen type: Research is still emerging on which types of collagen — type I, II or III — are most effective for specific outcomes. Patricca explains, "Research isn't clear about the benefits of one type of collagen over the other, but it couldn't hurt to take the different types." Meanwhile, Dr. Turegano notes that she’s been "more impressed by the data for the collagen called VERISOL, a patented collagen peptide sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine" for skin elasticity.

• Additional ingredients: To boost the potential benefits of a product, some formulations include additional nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants or compounds, like creatine. For example, "Vitamin C may be beneficial to add to a collagen supplement since the body needs vitamin C to make collagen," explains Patricca. If you're interested in skin health, Kopelman recommends considering products containing hyaluronic acid or biotin. "Hyaluronic acid enhances skin hydration, and biotin supports healthy hair, skin and nails," she says.

• Flavor options: For drinking on its own with water or milk, flavored collagen powders are a tasty choice, though they may include sweeteners that aren't to everyone's taste. Unflavored options are more versatile, blending seamlessly into smoothies, coffee or baked goods.

• Taste: If a supplement doesn't taste good, you're unlikely to keep drinking it. Collagen products can have a strong initial flavor or aftertaste, and some people are particularly sensitive to artificial or natural sweeteners. Read labels carefully to ensure the product aligns with your flavor preferences.

• Blendability: While collagen powders tend to mix easily in hot liquids, some are more prone to clumping when added to cold beverages. For adding collagen to water or milk after a workout, a blender or shaker bottle will likely resolve the issue. Thicker products can also be harder to stir and may require a frothing wand or small whisk.

• Serving size: Some powders require multiple scoops or tablespoons for an effective dose, so it's important to pay attention to the serving size and amount of collagen per serving listed on the label.

• Dose: How much collagen to take depends on your diet and health goals. That said, Kopelman recommends taking 5–10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides daily for skin health, while Patricca says that 10-20 grams daily is ideal for mobility and joint health. When in doubt, start with a smaller amount and work up."You don't want to hit over 20 grams of collagen since it can have digestive effects," warns Berger.

• Value: Collagen supplements vary greatly in price. Taking into account factors like price per serving, collagen amount and ingredient quality can help you determine whether a product is worth its price tag. If you find a product you like, you could save money by seeing if the brand offers subscription discounts.

• Third-party testing: To ensure purity and potency, look for collagen supplements certified by reputable third-party organizations like the NSF or Informed Choice.

It's worth noting that collagen supplements are generally safe for most healthy adults. Still, it's important to talk with your doctor before taking any new supplement. This is especially important if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a chronic condition or taking medications.

How we chose the best collagen powders and supplements

Identifying the best collagen powders and supplements was no small feat. To start, we spoke with three dermatologists and two registered dietitians to better understand the benefits of collagen supplements, key ingredients to consider, optimal supplement forms and recommended doses.

As a registered dietitian myself, I further evaluated products by reviewing scientific research, assessing ingredient lists and nutrient profiles and scanning hundreds of online reviews. From there, I tested 13 supplements from 11 different brands, paying close attention to their taste, smell, ease of mixing and overall user experience.

Though I considered the nutrition benefits of several of the best collagen pills or capsules, I opted not to test them as they have a far lower collagen content than powders.

Other products we tested

In our quest to identify the top products, we encountered several that, while not making our final list, could be a good fit for you. Here's a look at the other contenders:

LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir

The Rewind Collagen Elixir is a collagen supplement in shot form. The elixir shot contains the collagen peptides FORTIGEL and VERISOL, both of which have some clinically studied benefits — FORTIGEL for joint health and VERISOL for skin, hair and nail health.

The shot also contains additional beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lutein, zeaxanthin and antioxidants. However, while the tart and sweet berry flavor was delightful, its practicality for regular use is questionable, given that it costs $54.44 for just 15 servings. This price point may not be sustainable for many individuals seeking a long-term addition to their wellness routine.

Gainful Grass-Fed Collagen

Gainful's Grass-Fed Collagen provides 10 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen and 50 mg of calcium and vitamin C per scoop.

In my experience, the unflavored powder dissolved readily in both cool and warm water and was virtually tasteless. However, compared to other collagen supplements, it didn't particularly distinguish itself during testing. Additionally, the product's packaging contains only 14 servings, necessitating frequent reorders for daily users.

Bloom Nutrition Colostrum & Collagen Peptides

I tested Bloom Nutrition's Colostrum & Collagen Peptides supplement in the Orange Cream flavor. The taste was great, reminiscent of an orange creamsicle, offering a refreshing contrast to the often bland profiles of other collagen supplements. However, each scoop contains only 2.6 grams of collagen, which is on the low end.

Despite the lower collagen content, the supplement includes additional ingredients like probiotics, vitamin B12 and bovine colostrum, which may provide other health advantages. So, while it may not be the top choice for collagen supplementation alone, it could align well with your broader health goals.

Now Foods Collagen Jelly Beauty Complex

I sampled NOW Foods' Collagen Jelly Beauty Complex in Sweet Plum flavor and was surprised by how much I liked the taste and texture, which reminded me of a chilled gelatin jiggler from childhood. Each serving provides 2.5 grams of VERISOL Bioactive Collagen Peptides, which have been shown to enhance skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles after four weeks of daily intake.

However, compared to other collagen supplements I've tried, this product offers a lower collagen content per serving, making it less ideal for those seeking higher doses. While enjoyable, I don't foresee incorporating it into my daily regimen.

Belly Brand Foods Collagen Banana Bread Baking Mix

I baked banana bread from the Belly Brand Foods Collagen baking mix and found it tasty and enjoyable with a nice texture. The mix is non-GMO, free from gluten, grain and soy and contains 3 grams of grass-fed collagen peptides per serving. It had too few collagen peptides per serving to be one of the best collagen products on the market, but the mix made a healthy and delicious snack.

FAQs

How long does it take to see results from collagen supplements?

How soon you'll notice benefits varies by person and their specific health goals. Research suggests that consistent daily intake can lead to noticeable improvements within a few weeks to several months. For example, one review found significant enhancements in skin hydration and elasticity after 90 days of daily collagen peptide consumption. Another study focusing on joint health found that participants experienced reduced joint pain after 180 days of supplementation.

Maintaining a consistent daily intake per the product's recommended dosage is crucial to achieving desired outcomes. Remember, good things come to those who wait and who take their supplements daily.

Are there any side effects of taking collagen supplements?

Collagen supplements are generally considered safe for most individuals. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as digestive discomfort, particularly when consuming high doses.

Because collagen is often sourced from animals like fish, cattle, pigs or chicken, individuals with food allergies or restrictions should read labels carefully to avoid potential allergens. It's best to talk with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you're taking prescription medications or have specific health concerns.

How much collagen should I take daily?

The optimal daily dose of collagen depends on the intended health benefit. For skin health, studies suggest that taking as little as 2.5 grams per day can improve skin hydration and elasticity. For joint health, larger doses of up to 15 grams per day are associated with positive outcomes for joint pain relief.

Always follow the dosing instructions on a supplement's label unless recommended otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Is there a difference between animal-based and marine collagen?

Yes, animal-based collagen is typically derived from cow or pig hides, while marine collagen comes from fish skin and scales. They also differ in the types of collagen they contain. For example, bovine collagen primarily contains type I and III collagen, which are abundant in skin, bones and tendons, and marine collagen predominantly consists of just type I collagen, known for its role in skin health. It also has smaller peptide molecules, which may lead to higher absorption rates than bovine collagen.

Both types offer potential health benefits, and the choice between them depends on dietary preferences, allergen considerations and specific health goals.

Meet our experts

• Bess Berger, RDN, PCOS and menopause dietitian at Nutrition by Bess

• Hannah Kopelman, MD and board-certified dermatologist at DermonDemand

• Jennifer Patricca, MS, RDN, LDN, sports dietitian and owner of Optimized Nutrition, LLC

• Gabriela Soza, MD and board-certified dermatologist at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank

• Mamina Turegano, MD, FAAD, triple Board-certified dermatologist

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.