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Whether you’re looking to improve joint pain or add a boost of hydration to your skin, a collagen supplement may be worth exploring. Popular in powder form, some collagen powders even feature added nutrients—like amino acids—as well as delicious flavors, like chocolate and hazelnut.
But, with a wide range of powders available on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge.
The Forbes Health editorial team asked a panel of three accredited nutrition experts to provide their recommendations for the best collagen powders of 2024, helping reduce the burden of your search. Star ratings are determined solely by the editorial team, looking at factors like cost, added protein and flavors available. Read on to discover the best collagen powders of 2024
Note: All product prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.
Why You Can Trust Forbes Health
The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes integrity in all of our vitamin and supplement rankings. Our rankings are based on expertise and professional recommendations from medical and nutrition experts and are free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured on our rankings and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about dietary supplements that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our supplement methodology for the rankings below.
This collagen powder comes recommended by all three panelists. “This company is one of the leaders in collagen powders,” says Melina Jampolis, M.D., board-certified nutrition specialist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “This product in particular contains 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen protein from cows and is unflavored, so it can easily be mixed into smoothies and hot beverages.”
“The product also contains 90 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 100% of the RDA [recommended dietary allowance] and 80 milligrams of hyaluronic acid, which some research suggests may help with joint pain, osteoarthritis and skin moisture,” she adds.
After trying Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides for one year, our reviewer noticed brighter skin and improved knee pain—although it did take some time to notice results. Read our full review here.
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
Keri Gans, a registered dietitian and Forbes Health Advisory Board member, recommends this product, saying, “hydrolyzed collagen is easier to absorb and digest than regular collagen.” Since this variety is unflavored, it can easily be mixed in with hot or cold beverages, she says, adding that it may reduce signs of aging and support joint health.
The collagen is derived from pasture-raised cows with no added hormones, and this product is gluten-free and non-GMO.
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
This brand has an “impressive” dose of grass-fed collagen per serving, according to Dr. Jampolis, as well as vitamin C to support collagen production and amla fruit extract, which is a phytonutrient that supports skin elasticity and may help decrease the appearance of wrinkles, she continues. Additionally, NeoCell protein powder is “keto certified,” according to the company, which makes it an easy purchase for those following a keto diet.
In addition to powder, NeoCell also offers collagen capsules, chewables, liquid and tablets.
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
“This product is less expensive, and also contains the clinically proven ingredient for skin—Verisol—which decreases ‘crow’s feet’ [wrinkles around the eyes] by up to 20% in eight weeks [according to a 2014 study funded by the company][1]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 Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-119. , and may also modestly reduce thigh cellulite and improve skin elasticity,” says Dr. Jampolis, who recommends this supplement.
Besha collagen peptides are gluten-free and non-GMO. The company also offers a money-back guarantee after eight weeks if you don’t see a noticeable difference.
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
Although not a powder, “BioCell Collagen is made from chicken sternal cartilage, which closely mimics human cartilage,” says Taylor Wallace, Ph.D., principal and CEO of the food science and nutrition research firm Think Healthy Group and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. BioCell Collagen is not a product itself, but a trademarked dietary ingredient. Collagen supplements that contain BioCell have its logo on their labels—including this popular pick from Health Logics.
“The type II collagen (along with chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid) present in the product works best for musculoskeletal joint pain associated with many types of arthritis, most notably osteoarthritis,” says Dr. Wallace.
BioCell contains naturally-occurring hydrolyzed collagen type II peptides and comes in a capsule form.
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
Dr. Jampolis recommends this product as an alternative to bovine collagen, noting the protein is sourced from sustainably-sourced, wild-caught cod. “This product also contains a healthy dose of vitamin C (45 milligrams—50% of the RDA), which may help with collagen production, especially if you aren’t getting enough vitamin C daily,” she adds.
This marine collagen is available in strawberry flavor, and is gluten-free and non-GMO
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
This supplement from Vital Proteins comes recommended by Dr. Jampolis. “This is more expensive, but contains three clinically proven forms of collagen—including Verisol and Fortigel—for both skin and joint health,” she says. “Take as directed and it will likely take eight to 12 weeks to notice results in terms of skin improvement and joint pain.”
Vital Proteins Bioactive Collagen Complex Daily Foundational Support is gluten-free, non-GMO and unflavored.
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
“This [product] provides the consumer with efficacious amounts of type I, II, III, V and X collagen,” says Dr. Wallace, continuing: “This product does the trick for skin, joint and bone health due to the larger dose and array of collagens present. It’s also easy to add to water or other beverages like coffee.”
With mild taste and very little texture, our reviewer found this collagen powder easy to incorporate into a variety of beverages, and appreciated the added probiotics and vitamin C. Read our full review here.
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
Dr. Jampolis stirs this collagen into her morning coffee, noting it tastes good, dissolves well and contains type I and type III collagen protein to aid in both skin and joint support. “It also contains reishi mushrooms, which support healthy immune function, and cocoa powder, which is an antioxidant,” she says.
This particular brand contains no additives, stevia or fillers. It’s sugar-free as well as keto and paleo-friendly.
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
While this marine collagen protein may be a bit on the pricier side, Dr. Wallace recommends it—especially blended into a protein shake. Containing additional ingredients including amla fruit powder, pomegranate juice powder, strawberry fruit juice powder and mangosteen fruit powder, INBLOOM’s Beauty Aura would be a great pick for someone who’s looking for a protein powder with an added dose of fruits.
This product features 96% collagen and 4% elastin peptides—which the company says is the same ratio found in human skin.
Have you considered SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides?
SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen Peptides revolutionary formula is designed to nourish your skin from within, promoting a radiant complexion, stronger hair, and healthier nails. Here’s why we chose it:
Smooth out wrinkles & cellulite, and minimize uncomfortable stretch marks & scars
Helps you lose weight and curbs cravings all day long
Help alleviate joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and ingredients and their amounts may vary. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
To determine the best collagen powders of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of three accredited nutrition experts who provided their product recommendations. Star ratings were then determined solely by the editorial team, factoring in data points such as cost, quality of ingredients, amount of protein per serving and added ingredients.
Read more about our vitamins and supplements review methodology.
Discover Visible Reductions In Skin Wrinkles And Sagging
Hydrolyzed collagen supplementation has been found to deliver bio-active peptides to the skin and connective tissues. This can be found to help approve skin health by helping to minimize the visibility of aging skin. Transparent Labs can help!
Our Best Collagen Powders of [year] ranking is determined by a Forbes Health panel of experts. They provided their product recommendations, along with the reasons those products stood out.
Collagen is a protein that aids in strengthening skin, bone and other tissues. There are at least 16 different types of collagen, and 80% to 90% of collagen in the body is types I, II or III[2]Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. Section 22.3, Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix. .
While collagen is plentiful within the bodies of mammals, research shows natural collagen production decreases with age and lifestyle factors ranging from excessive sun exposure to smoking to lack of sleep. Research shows declining collagen production can result in changes like loss of skin firmness and elasticity, as well as bone loss.
As a result, many people use collagen supplements in an effort to offset natural collagen loss. Collagen supplements often come in powder form, which can be mixed with water or coffee, or as a pill, tablet, gummy or liquid.
The collagen used in supplements is extracted from two primary sources: Animals and plants. Animal-based collagen typically comes from fish scales, pork or chicken skin, bone broth or egg whites. Plant-based collagen supplements are often manufactured using modified yeast and bacteria.
Collagen supplements are typically available in the following forms:
Discover Reversing Your Signs of Aging
Skinnyfit Super Youth's gluten-free collagen consists of apple cider vinegar, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C that promotes youthful skin, joints, hair & nails, boosts immunity and help you lose stubborn weight.
While more research is warranted, existing studies show collagen supplementation may offer the following benefits:
Collagen supplementation might provide additional benefits for athletes specifically. Shannon O’Grady, who holds a doctorate in nutritional physiology and works as the chief operating officer at Gnarly Nutrition in Salt Lake City, says athletes are especially at risk for complications of collagen loss. “Taking collagen peptides in the 30 to 60 minutes prior to training kickstarts collagen synthesis and may make tendons, ligaments and joints healthier, stronger and more resilient,” she says.
Simply put, collagen helps make connective tissue in the body, which means it’s essential for the production and health of bones, muscles, skin, tendons and cartilage.
Collagen supplements have been shown in some research to improve joint mobility and decrease joint pain, as well as improve skin elasticity. However, more high quality studies are needed to verify these initial results, especially because many of these studies are sponsored by collagen supplement companies (or other conflicts of interest) themselves, according to experts at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
While there’s limited data to prove the safety of collagen, its side effects are relatively mild (and are often limited to diarrhea, a feeling of fullness and skin rashes). In most adults, a collagen supplement shouldn’t pose a significant health risk.
For her clients, Schroeder recommends adding 10 grams of collagen hydrolysate to their diets by mixing the powder into a hot or cold beverage.
While more research is needed, especially independent studies done without the sponsorship of collagen supplement companies, preliminary research shows that collagen may help boost skin health as well as ease joint pain.
One small 2019 study examining the effects of drinkable collagen peptides found that consuming collagen improved skin hydration, roughness and elasticity over 16 weeks[6]Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. . However, it’s important to note that this study, like many others when it comes to collagen powder, was funded by a collagen supplement manufacturer.
Meanwhile, a 2021 review of clinical studies on the effects of collagen treatment observed that taking collagen supplements may help to improve pain associated with arthritis[7]Wang H. A Review of the Effects of Collagen Treatment in Clinical Studies. Polymers (Basel). 2021;13(22):3868. .
In general, prolonged use of collagen supplements appears safe—even at higher doses (60 grams a day) according to a a 2021 review in Amino Acids[8]Khatri M, Naughton RJ, Clifford T, et al. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids. 2021;53(10):1493-1506. . However, because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements as it does medication, it’s important to make sure you understand the ingredients in your collagen powder, and are using a trusted brand.
Talking to your doctor or a nutritionist before deciding on a powder can help narrow your choices down to reputable brands.
Always take collagen powder as directed, and talk with your doctor or a nutritionist if you feel confused about the correct dosage. If you are unsure how the specific collagen powder will agree with you, try to avoid ingesting it on an empty stomach, to avoid any unforeseen mild digestive side effects.
It’s common to mix collagen powder into cold liquids like smoothies or shakes, or even in hot beverages like coffee. The brand of collagen powder you choose will likely include suggested ways to ingest it on the container.
As a rule of thumb, it’s always best to take a supplement as indicated on the product label. Generally, the best time to take collagen is whenever you can fit it into your routine.
There is currently no set dosage for the amount of collagen supplements or powder one should consume daily.
According to a 2019 review on hydrolyzed collagen, one of the more common types of collagen, 2.5 to 15 grams can be safely ingested per day[9]Paul C, Leser S, Oesser S. Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1079. .
Many collagen powders advise a dosage of one to two scoops per serving, but recommendations will change depending on the brand.
In general, collagen powder is considered a safe supplement to take daily, but because there is no set amount that is recommended by doctors or nutrition experts, it’s possible that taking an overabundance of collagen may cause side effects, such as mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues.
Those who are looking to ease joint pain or want an extra boost for their skin health may want to consider adding collagen powder into their routine. However, experts agree that taking collagen supplements can’t replace a healthy lifestyle. To protect your body’s natural collagen, experts recommend sticking to the following habits:
Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to sulfites or certain animal-based foods (like fish or shellfish) should avoid collagen powders that contain those ingredients. Additionally, those who are pregnant or lactating may want to avoid taking collagen powder due to lack of research on how collagen supplementation affects these populations.
Most collagen powders, as well as gelatin, are derived from animal sources such as bones, the skin of pigs or the skin of fish, so they are not considered vegan. While there are collagen powders that market themselves as vegan, collagen in its true form is not vegan.
The best form of collagen depends on factors like personal preference, convenience and side effects. In general, the best form of collagen fits into your personal diet and budget and causes little or no side effects.
As with most supplements, the form of collagen that is better for you is the one you feel comfortable consistently taking that results in minimal side effects.
Collagen powder can vary in cost depending on brand, size of container and ingredients. For instance, the products on our list range anywhere from $22 per to almost $75 per canister.
Discover Reversing Your Signs of Aging
Skinnyfit Super Youth's gluten-free collagen consists of apple cider vinegar, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C that promotes youthful skin, joints, hair & nails, boosts immunity and help you lose stubborn weight.
When shopping for a collagen supplement, it’s important to remember that collagen is not a complete protein, says Zoe Schroeder, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Tucson, Arizona. Therefore, she recommends combining a collagen supplement with other protein sources like foods or protein powder.
Schroeder advises consumers to also look for products that are third-party tested—doing so will lower the risk of heavy metal contaminants being present in the product.
Additionally, she recommends reading the ingredient list carefully. The key, she says, is finding a supplement with a short ingredient list. “There really should just be collagen,” she notes, adding that some brands may also include vitamin C, which is fine, too. Schroeder looks for unflavored varieties to allow for greater versatility.
There are flavored products as well, though she reminds consumers that choosing a flavor might also mean the inclusion of more ingredients and additives.
Discover Looking and Feeling Younger With SkinnyFit Multi-Collagen Peptides
SkinnyFit's delicious collagen powder includes five collagen types from four natural sources plus apple cider vinegar, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to help restore youthfulness from the inside out promoting joint & bone health.
Because of the wide variety of collagen powders out there, the best collagen powder is one that fits your personal needs.
Collagen is a protein that aids in the strengthening of skin, bone and other tissues. Collagen supplements have been shown to decrease joint pain and improve joint mobility, as well as help with skin elasticity. However, more high-quality studies need to be done to verify these initial results.
If you are on a keto diet, it’s important to look for a collagen supplement that does not include added sugar and is lower in carbs. Keto-specific collagen powder is available on Amazon and other online retailers.
Adults can supplement with collagen at any age.
Collagen is found in the flesh, cartilage and bone of animals.
Research indicates that it may take as long as six to 12 weeks of taking collagen supplements to notice an improvement in skin health.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
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Lizzie Duszynski-Goodman is a journalist living in the Midwest with her husband and two young children. Her work explores the intersection of mental health, wellness and parenting. She is the former managing editor of Pregnancy Magazine. When not behind her computer, you can find her on a yoga mat or with her nose in a good book.
Argy Wormwood Leaf Extract Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.