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The word collagen has become almost synonymous with long hair, strong nails, and plump skin, making it easy to understand why collagen supplements have amassed so much buzz. But do they actually work? Below are top-rated options for women, recommended by dermatologists and nutritionists, and tested by us (because in order for them to work, you’ll have to actually want to take them and, in the case of powders, enjoy their taste). Here’s what the pros have to say about their effectiveness and which ones you can trust to add to your routine.
Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz prepares Vital Proteins’ collagen supplement.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Original image courtesy of Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
Used by the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Vital Proteins holds up to the hype—and many of the derms and RDNs we surveyed recommend this top-rated powder. This particular product contains collagen peptides, which are easier for the body to absorb than other forms of the protein. What’s more, “it’s easy to find, good quality, and blends well,” says registered dietician Jessica Cording, MS, RD, a health coach based in NYC. Plus, it contains protective vitamin C and skin-hydrating hyaluronic acid, which can “suppress wrinkles” and improve dry skin when ingested, per a 2021 study.
Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz is a fan of this pick. “The taste is inoffensive. It’s a bit creamy—almost like a light milk. I’ve put in my iced coffee, but that adds a bit of an after taste. So I prefer to just slug it down with water. It does require a lot of stirring to get the clumps to dissipate, though, and I’ll note that it gets really sticky on your fingers once it’s mixed with liquid, but that’s an easy solve. Overall, it’s easy to get down, which I can’t say for a lot of the other supplements I’ve tried. Also, if you’re looking for something that helps the GI, like a fiber supplement, several friends have noted that this does the trick quickly.”
Collagen per serving: 20g / Collagen source: Bovine / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
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Original image courtesy of Kristen Reed, RN, a board-certified nurse and health coach
“This powder contains 10 types of collagen from four different sources, including a proprietary fermented eggshell membrane collagen to support skin, joint, and gut health,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology in NYC and highly recommends this high-quality pick. It’s also formulated with SBO probiotics and vitamin C, she notes, which support digestion and provide antioxidant properties, respectively.
Kristen Reed, RN, a board-certified registered nurse and certified health coach, uses this collagen every day. “I love that it’s tasteless and odorless. I typically add two scoops to my morning smoothie, and I also mix it into soups, chili, tea, or warm water with lemon to kickstart my morning,” she says. “I’ve noticed (and my clients have too) stronger hair (especially postpartum), clearer skin, and less hip and back pain.”
Collagen per serving: 20g / Collagen source: Bovine, avian, marine / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Fermented eggshell membrane collagen, SBO probiotics, vitamin C
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Dr. King also recommends this collagen capsule. It’s meant to support various important proteins in the body: “It’s formulated with choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid [ch-OSA] to stimulate collagen, elastin, and keratin production,” she says. “It also prevents existing collagen from degradation. There have been numerous clinical trials published in peer-reviewed medical journals that have shown significant results when taken, and noted improvements in skin elasticity, wrinkles, and fine lines.”
Collagen per serving: None / Collagen source: NA / Form: Capsule / Key ingredients: ch-OSA
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Another derm- and nutritionist-favorite brand, Garden of Life’s unique collagen powder also contains astaxanthin, which studies suggest may support skin health and repair. The brand’s blend, which includes type I and type III collagens, is also third-party tested to be non-GMO. Plus, it’s gluten-free and keto- and paleo-certified. Overall, reviewers like the blueberry-acai flavor, which mixes well into shakes and smoothies.
Collagen per serving: 10g / Collagen source: Bovine / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Collagen peptides, French melon, astaxanthin, acai, probiotics
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Add a scoop of this unflavored powder to your coffee or smoothie, and sip down 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen. Dr. King loves that this product contains hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, as well as biotin and vitamin C. If you’re looking for a straightforward powder that’s easy to incorporate into your diet without blowing a hole in your budget, this is a great option.
Collagen per serving: 20g / Collagen source: Bovine / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Bovine collagen peptides, biotin, vitamin C
A straightforward, no-nonsense collagen product, this powder contains 10 grams of collagen (hydrolyzed bovine collagen, to be exact) and nothing else. Maggie Moon, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian, is a big fan of Now Foods collagen products, calling them a “reputable brand with a long track record for high quality standards and testing.” Moon says this formulation, which features type I and type III collagen, is another effective, research-backed collagen for joint health, along with bone and skin health—and she often recommends it to her clients. What’s more, since it’s unflavored, this powder is easy to blend into smoothies, soups, hot beverages, and more.
Collagen per serving: NA / Collagen source: Verisol Collagen / Form: Capsule / Key ingredients: Verisol Bioactive Collagen Peptides
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This collagen peptides powder contains two forms of collagen (types I and III)—but it gets even better. The hydrolyzed collagen peptides in this product come from the highest quality grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine. “When the animals are pasture-raised and eat an ancestral diet, the collagen is more nutrient dense and has more skin, hair, and joint benefits for humans,” says Celeste Thomas, RN, a holistic skin care expert based in Los Angeles. She’s been taking this powder for years and has noticed significant improvements. “The most striking change was how fast my nails and hair grow, and how thick my nails are!” she says. “Based on my visible nail and hair results, I believe that the amino acids from the collagen powder are supporting the collagen production mechanism of my skin.”
Collagen per serving: 20g / Collagen source: Bovine / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides
For anyone who follows a pescatarian diet or just wants an alternative to bovine collagen, this option comes highly recommended by Ruvini Wijetilaka, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and provider at Parsley Health. She loves that this product has a decent amount of protein (9 grams, to be exact), along with hydrolyzed marine fish collagen peptides (which she says are beneficial for skin, hair, gut, and overall health).
Collagen per serving: 10g / Collagen source: Marine / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Collagen peptides (hydrolyzed marine fish)
As mentioned, Moon is a big fan of Now Foods for their high quality standards and testing. She often recommends their BioCell Collagen to anyone who prefers a capsule over a powder. What’s more, she loves how accommodating this product is to so many dietary needs. “It’s dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, halal, and non-GMO, for anyone who prefers or needs to be aware of these characteristics,” she says. What’s more, it contains hyaluronic acid, which may support skin health and hydration.
Collagen per serving: 1 g / Collagen source: Hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract / Form: Capsule / Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed type II collagen, hyaluronic acid
Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Neha Tandon
Glamour contributor Neha Tandon loves Copina’s plant-based collagen blends—specifically, the vanilla flavor for her chai beverages and the cacao for coffee. “It adds this nice nutty flavor,” she says. “I’ve also been using it every day for about three months, and I notice my skin looking a lot more glossy and plump. I don’t think it’s a coincidence! I’ve even been getting compliments from friends asking how I’ve switched up my skin care routine.” This plant-based formula features ingredients like biotin, bamboo leaf extract, organic tremella mushroom fruiting body extract, gotu kola whole-plant extract, and amla berry—formulated to help support collagen production.
Collagen per serving: 405mg / Collagen source: NA / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Biotin, bamboo leaf extract, organic tremella mushroom fruiting body extract
This vegetarian option is another favorite of Dr. King’s. She particularly loves that it contains a spectrum of good-for-you components, including eggshell membrane vitamins C, E, and B7 (biotin); plus a superfood blend of asparagus, okra, pomegranate extract, mangosteen, acai, camu camu, quercetin, acerola, and coffee fruit extract. What’s more, “in their study, after 50 days, 100% of participants reported improvement in facial wrinkles,” says Dr. King
Collagen per serving: None / Collagen source: Ovoderm collagen types I, V and X/ Form: Capsule / Key ingredients: Eggshells, pomegranate extract, coffee fruit extract, biotin
Goli’s vegan beauty gummies promote your body’s collagen without actually containing the protein itself. That’s because the formula includes bamboo extract and vitamin C, which are both believed to support collagen production. On Amazon, this product has earned more than 8,000 five-star reviews: “[After] about three weeks, my nails got stronger, my hair was stronger to me, my face was brighter,” one review reads. Keep in mind that some experts aren’t fans of gummies due to the added sugar.
Collagen per serving: None / Collagen source: NA / Form: Gummy / Key ingredients: Superfruit blend, organic bamboo shoot extract, cane sugar, beta carotene for color
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Hate the taste of traditional collagen powders? This vanilla-coconut creamer from Black-owned brand Golde is here to help, whether you add it to your coffee or tea, or blend it in a smoothie. Unlike other collagen creamers, this one doesn’t actually contain the protein; it’s meant to help boost your body’s collagen production with bamboo extract. (Added hyaluronic acid and biotin help moisturize skin and strengthen hair and nails, respectively.)
Collagen per serving: None / Collagen source: NA / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Coconut milk powder, bamboo extract, hyaluronic acid, biotin
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This collagen product from German company Besha comes highly recommended by Moon. “I like that its collagen has the best research-backed evidence to help with aging skin issues, like crow’s feet, skin elasticity, and thigh cellulite,” she says. “Plus it’s versatile since it’s tasteless and stirs into cold and hot drinks well, thanks to its low molecular weight.” This is a great option if you’re interested in trying Verisol collagen but prefer a powder over a capsule.
Collagen per serving: N/A / Collagen source: Verisol collagen / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Pure natural collagen powder Verisol
Let’s get one thing clear: Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It provides structure to your skin, hair, nails, joints, ligaments, connective tissue, muscles, and bones. So far experts have identified 28 various types of collagen, according to research published by the National Institutes of Health. The most common are types I, II, and III, with type I making up 90% of collagen in the human body.
Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but production decreases due to a number of factors (age, sun damage, smoking, etc.) That’s where a supplement may be enticing: “Individuals experiencing signs of aging such as wrinkles and joint pain, or those with a collagen deficiency, may find them beneficial,” Anna Chon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, tells Glamour.
“It’s still undecided whether collagen is actually effective when we consume it,” Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology in NYC, tells Glamour. Collagen supplements have garnered some healthy skepticism among skin care experts and doctors because some experts believe it may get degraded during the process of digestion in the GI tract. Still, there is recent research on collagen supplements that is promising.
One 2019 review of current research found that collagen consumption may offer short- and long-term benefits for skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkling—the foundation of antiaging skin care. Other small studies suggest that collagen supplementation may help alleviate joint pain and support nail strength. Beyond those suggested cosmetic benefits, a 2021 review also highlighted that collagen products had a “significant” impact on skin regeneration, wound healing, dental therapy, joint health, and osteoarthritis. So while she is optimistic about the research and anecdotal evidence, Dr. King says, “We still need to conduct further studies to confirm these findings and to determine optimal dosing regimens.”
If you’re interested in trying collagen supplements for beauty and health benefits, here are some clear criteria from Dr. Chon—in consensus with multiple other dermatologists Glamour surveyed—to consider before buying:
Again, there are 28 types of collagen, but the ones most frequently used in supplements are types I to III—mimicking the most common forms of collagen found in the human body. Types I and III are good for supporting healthy skin, hair, and nails; type II collagen is ideal for joints and cartilage. Collagen type I can help support overall skin health and help with complexion concerns such as sagging skin.
Collagen is typically derived from bovine (cow) or marine (fish) sources. Dr. King recommends seeking out collagen products sourced from organically raised animals whenever possible. Collagen is not vegan; per a 2020 review, the protein “originate[s] from animal sources” and therefore cannot be plant-based; if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, this is an important factor to consider. However, you can find vegan formulas that help stimulate your body’s own collagen production. (Researchers have used genetically engineered microorganisms to create what is essentially vegan collagen, according to a 2005 review, but no product using this technology is available to consumers.)
Collagen supplements come in various forms, including powders you can stir into water or coffee, capsules, and liquids. Hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides have been broken down into smaller molecules, which are easier for your body to absorb.
Try to avoid products with added sugars or artificial flavors and colors. Do keep an eye out for health- and skin-supporting ingredients, like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
Look for products that have been tested for purity and safety by a trusted third party. This third-party certification ensures that the supplement contains exactly what it claims to offer, with no filler or harmful contaminants. It’s also beneficial to seek out brands that conduct clinical trials on their products, offering data on each one’s potential efficacy. “Look for labels that are certified by the American Grassfed Association (AGA) to ensure the supplement is antibiotic- and growth-hormone-free,” says Dr. King. And on top of that, do some research on each brand, prioritizing ones that are well-established, transparent about their sourcing and production processes, and liked by customers.
Even with these standards, some experts—like Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC—don’t recommend collagen supplements to patients. “The jury is still out as to whether or not they truly have any benefits, and there’s a lack of consistency in quality and efficacy among the product and manufacturers,” she says. It’s also important to note that while collagen is a protein, it’s not complete (meaning it doesn’t contain all essential amino acids) and therefore can’t fully replace a protein powder.
Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Other experts, however, say the supplements may be a helpful addition to your health and skin care regimen. “I recommend collagen supplements to individuals with noticeable signs of skin aging, those with joint pain related to osteoarthritis, and those who are unable to get sufficient collagen from their diet,” says Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.