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Some of these may even help ease joint pain.
Collagen isn’t just the body’s most abundant protein—it’s one of the trendiest wellness ingredients in the wellness world. Slathered on in anti-aging creams, popped in capsule form and taken orally, and/or sprinkled into nutrition bars, it’s everywhere. And the best collagen powders, in particular, are an increasingly popular way to get your fill of the protein.
Think of collagen as a strong, flexible glue. It helps hold together tissues like skin, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and cornea, explains Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC. And with the help of protein-rich foods like fish, poultry, meat, soy, and legumes, the body produces it naturally. However, that production slows with age and can be compounded by habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and lack of sleep and exercise, according to Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.
In turn, research shows that collagen supplements (derived from animals including fish, chicken, and bovine) may keep levels optimal while also promoting skin elasticity, bone health, muscle strength, and joint flexibility. However, further research is needed to determine its bioavailability (a.k.a. how well it’s actually absorbed) in supplement form, adds Amy Lee M.D., chief medical officer of Lindora L.L.C. and head of nutrition at Nucific. Still, existing evidence shows enough promise to get most wellness enthusiasts on board—plus, scooping a flavorless, finely milled powder into a morning smoothie makes it pretty easy to try.
Below, experts and happy customers share their favorite collagen powders.
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing and be sure to consult your doctor before taking new supplements (or providing them to a family member) in any situation, as they can interfere with medication.
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BEST OVERALL
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
It’s not just Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC, who loves this powder—it’s a best-seller and Jennifer Aniston’s holy grail. Jones specifically likes stirring it into her morning coffee.
She also likes that it’s a collagen peptide formula, meaning the collagen has been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are microscopic bundles of amino acids. “From a scientific standpoint, I know the peptides are going to be absorbed better,” she adds. “It’s a win-win.”
2
BEST COLLAGEN POWDER FOR SKIN
Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder
If you’re not a fan of bulky canisters taking of cabinet or counter space, this bag of unflavored collagen peptides powder may be your best bet. One serving contains 10 grams of protein, and reviewers say it works wonders for their skin.
Hydrolyzed bovine collagen“I have been taking the Collagen Peptides for about a month and have seen a significant improvement of my complexion,” one Amazon shopper writes. “I am 68 and have tried a lot of face cream etc but my skin is much clearer and tighter after taking this product.”
3
BEST COLLAGEN POWDER FOR JOINT PAIN
Sports Research Collagen Peptides
Unflavored and effortlessly whisked into hot and cold beverages, this hydrolyzed bovine collagen powder is a simple addition to your wellness regimen that has complex benefits. 11 grams of protein make it more filling than other collagen powders, and reviewers say it improves everything from skin to nails to arthritic joint pain.
Review: “After about two weeks, using a scoop in the morning and one at night, almost all the pain in my hips were gone,” one reviewer writes. “A pulled muscle in my shoulder that I thought would never heal was feeling much better! My skin feels and looks the best it has in years and my hair is shiny and silky feeling.”
4
BEST COLLAGEN PEPTIDES POWDER
Physician’s CHOICE Collagen Peptides Powder
This grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen is beloved by shoppers, garnering a whopping 41,000-plus Amazon reviews and a 4.4-star rating. It’s unflavored and contains the brand’s patented DigeSEB digestive enzymes for superior absorption and benefits.
Review: “I absolutely love this product. My arthritis feels better in my knees. I have more energy. Nails are growing. My skin looks great. I recommend this 💯,” one happy customer writes.
5
BEST VALUE
NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides Powder
This affordable option is Dr. Lee’s top pick and we can see why. “It is made from hydrolyzed bovine collagen with a good portion of protein per serving,” she says. The hydrolyzed collagen comes from grass-fed bovine and promotes healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints.
6
BEST FLAVORED COLLAGEN POWDER
Vital Proteins Chocolate Collagen Powder
With the same perks as the best-selling Vital Proteins unflavored collagen powder, this one comes in a creamy chocolate taste. But don’t fret—it has zero sugar or dairy and is lightly sweetened with stevia. Reviewers say it tastes great in everything from coffee to smoothies to overnight oats.
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BEST COLLAGEN POWDER FOR HAIR
Orgain Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Powder
Packed with 20 grams of collagen per serving, this powder is sure to give you a bang for your buck. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, it simultaneously supports hair, skin, nails, joints, and digestion and is a great addition to overnight oats and smoothies.
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BEST MULTI-SOURCED COLLAGEN POWDER
CB Supplements Multi Collagen Protein Powder
Grass-fed beef, wild-caught tilapia, and cage free chicken (both chicken and egg shell membrane) are incorporated into this formula to make it as effective as possible. The recommended dosage is one scoop per 50 lbs of bodyweight, maxing out at four to five daily scoops, so that’s something to keep in mind before purchasing. Reviewers say it dissolves well and tastes great in coffee.
Review: “Really great product! I love making a fruit and veg smoothie for lunch and this collagen works perfectly in it. The main issue I typically have with protein supplements is the gastrointestinal affect; I’ll either get some bloating or just general discomfort. But not with this!” one customer writes.
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BEST VEGAN COLLAGEN BOOSTER
Rae Vegan Collagen Boost Powder
First things first: This is technically not a collagen powder, but rather, a vegan-friendly supplement that may help boost natural collagen production. Ingredients include a healthy dose of vitamin C and plant-based collagen support from bamboo-derived silica. It’s flavorless, which makes it a great addition to any drink or meal.
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BEST DISSOLVING COLLAGEN POWDER
Primal Harvest Primal Collagen
White gives this “easy-to-dissolve” collagen powder an “A+ rating” for its “globally sourced ingredients and premium quality hydrolyzed bovine collagen from grass-fed cows.” It also contains essential amino acids, ample protein, and 20 mg of calcium.
11
BEST MARINE COLLAGEN POWDER
AMANDEAN Marine Collagen Powder
Most collagen powders on the market are made with bovine, which doesn’t bode well for those who don’t eat beef. Pescatarians or those who are looking for a bovine alternative will enjoy this top-rated marine collagen powder sourced from wild-caught white fish. It’s unflavored and has no fishy odor.
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PureNature Collagen Ultra Complex
Made with all five types of collagen, this pick from PureNature also earns White’s seal of approval. The formula uses cruelty-free and grass-fed ingredients, and is “third-party lab tested for potency and label accuracy,” White says.
How to choose the best collagen powders
✔️Consider collagen source: Some packaging disclaims the type of collagen within, for example, type I or type II. “There are a few different types of collagen, but the primary ones are known as types I, II, and III,” explains Jones. “Some research suggests the benefits of type I and type III collagen supplements are mainly related to muscle growth and support, weight management, beauty, and skin, while type II is best for supporting healthy joints.”
✔️ Look for the words “collagen peptides” or “hydrolyzed collagen”: “Not all collagen is created equal,” says Jones. “This means the collagen is put through a special production process that hydrolyzes the collagen protein into smaller components, called peptides. Peptides are microscopic bundles of amino acids that are easier for the body to absorb–which means you get the most benefits!”
✔️ Know that collagen powders are not plant-based: Collagen powders are derived from animals, and there are currently no vegan or vegetarian-friendly supplements on the market. However, there are plant-based supplements that may help boost the body’s natural collagen production.
Benefits of collagen powders
With age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, explains White, who notes that you may notice a number of health benefits by adding collagen supplements to your diet, including:
Improvement of the skin, hair, and nails
Stronger bones
A healthier heart
Healthier joints
Increase in muscle mass
Reduced bloating and digestive issues
Faster injury recovery
However, more research is warranted to determine the supplements’ bioavailability and effectiveness, experts explain. So as with any supplement, be sure to consult your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.
How we chose the best collagen powders
We consulted Rachel Jones, M.S., R.D.N., chief nutrition officer at GNC, Amy Lee M.D., chief medical officer of Lindora L.L.C. and head of nutrition at Nucific, and Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, the owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to narrow down the best collagen powders for various needs and preferences.
