<h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>What is collagen?</strong> </h2><p>Collagen is the structural protein that adds density and plumpness to the skin, making it look smoother and feel more taut. Our own internal collagen production starts slowing down from our mid-twenties, but if you’re keen to put the bounce back into your skin, and your twenties feel like a long time ago, hope is not lost. That’s where some of our best collagen supplements come in.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>What does collagen do for the body?</strong> </h2><p>Not only good for boosting skin elasticity, collagen can also help improve joint, bone, gut, <a href=” target=”_blank”>nail</a> and <a href=” target=”_blank”>hair</a> health. This means collagen supplements could be particularly beneficial for tackling symptoms of the <a href=” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>menopause</a> and <a href=” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>perimenopause</a>, from aching joints to flaking nails.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How do we increase our collagen production?</strong> </h2><p>The good news is that there are many ways to boost your collagen production, from topical application of <a href=” target=”_blank”>collagen-containing creams</a> and serums, to drinking or eating it in the form of gummies, bars, liquid sachets or powdered drinks. </p><p>In theory, anyway. Experts don’t always agree on what’s possible – debate rages over the ideal size of collagen molecules, as well as their ability to be absorbed into the skin or to travel safely through the digestive system. However, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that says collagen supplements<em> do</em> contribute to stronger and faster hair and <a href=” target=”_blank”>nail growth</a>, as well as noticeably plumper-looking and more resilient skin.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How d</strong>o collagen supplements work? </h2><p>Most drinks and supplements claim to increase collagen levels in the skin by hardwiring the protein – in the form of collagen peptides or hydrolysed collage – to go straight to the stomach. They’re then broken down during digestion into amino acids, absorbed into your system and used by your body to build collagen or other required proteins. </p><p>Collagen supplements stay in your body for around two weeks, meaning you’ll only feel the effects if you use them regularly. Our tip? Make remembering as easy for yourself as possible by incorporating your chosen supplements into your morning <a href=” target=”_blank”>skincare</a> or breakfast routine.<br></p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Where does collagen come from?</h2><p>It’s worth noting that bovine collagen supplements have made the news for their contribution to biodiversity issues in tropical regions (from where the ingredients are sourced). If you’re keen to steer clear of these, we’d recommend opting for a marine collagen supplement instead. We’ve distinguished between them in our ‘key specifications’ boxes to make your research that little bit more manageable.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How we test</strong> </h2><p>The <a href=” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a> experts recruited 195 panel members to trial 13 brands of collagen supplements over a period of three months. We asked them to assess taste, ease of use and efficacy, highlighting any improvements in skin, hair and nail condition after taking each product as instructed. Testers also noted how quickly they saw improvements and submitted feedback every four weeks. <br></p><p>The next stop was the GHI<em> </em>lab, where our in-house experts used the VISIA Skin Analysis machine to assess any changes in users’ fine lines, wrinkles, texture and browns spots, giving each product a score out of five for performance. </p><p>Let’s take a look at the results. </p>”/>
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1
Joint best collagen supplement
KIKI Health Marine Collagen Beauty Blend (150 capsules)
1
Joint best collagen supplement
KIKI Health Marine Collagen Beauty Blend (150 capsules)
Now 20% Off
Score: 74/100
Although the rise of vegan supplements is currently making waves in the market, none scored as highly as this marine collagen in our tests.
Kiki Health sources its wild fish sustainably (and on a relatively small scale) off the coast of France, from a responsibly-certified fishery. And the brand’s flavourless marine collagen made a great impression on our testers.
Most of our panel noticed their skin felt smoother after just four weeks, and tests in the GHI lab revealed they effectively reduced fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots after 12 weeks. Testers liked how easy the capsules were to take, without any nasty fishy aftertaste, and reported healthier hair and nails post-trial.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Hydrolysed marine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 870mg per serving (two capsules) |
| Recommended dose | Two to four capsules once or twice daily, up to 15 capsules daily |
2
Joint best collagen supplement and best for hair health
QMS Medicosmetics Collagen Intravital Plus (60 capsules)
2
Joint best collagen supplement and best for hair health
QMS Medicosmetics Collagen Intravital Plus (60 capsules)
Score: 74/100
If healthy hair is why you’re here, then this QMS supplement is for you. Enriched with vitamins E and C, it helps protect hair and skin cells (and thereby scalps) against oxidative stress, as well as providing a collagen boost.
Most of our testers said their hair felt shinier, stronger, smoother and even longer after just four weeks.
Meanwhile, in the lab, our experts were impressed by how much these capsules firmed up skin and improved its texture after three months. Many panellists reported similar findings, saying their skin looked and felt plumper and more supple.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Hydrolysed bovine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 45.5% (mg per serving undisclosed) |
| Recommended dose | One capsule twice daily |
3
Joint best collagen supplement and best collagen gummies
Myvitamins Collagen Gummies (60 gummies)
3
Joint best collagen supplement and best collagen gummies
Myvitamins Collagen Gummies (60 gummies)
Now 60% Off
Score: 74/100
These pomegranate-flavoured gummies add key nutrients (vitamins C and A) to your diet, while enjoying the self-proclaimed title of the “tastiest way to top up on collagen”. Most testers agreed they were particularly yummy, but they did a lot more than satisfy a sweet craving.
Though not the star performer in our lab analysis for minimising fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, our joint top supplements still did a decent job over 12 weeks. Many testers enjoyed better complexions only four weeks in, with further improvements in firmness and smoothness reported later.
Hair growth and nail strength ramped up too, and some also said they gave them an energy boost. The only complaint from our panel was that the jar needed a good shake to separate the sticky gummies.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Marine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 500mg per serving |
| Recommended dose | One gummy daily |
4
Best for skin texture
Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Premium Liquid Marine Collagen (28 sachets)
4
Best for skin texture
Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Premium Liquid Marine Collagen (28 sachets)
Now 40% Off
Score: 73/100
Our testers said that any dull, tired-looking or textured skin looked better and felt softer after drinking this tropical-flavoured supplement, with most also noting a smoothing of fine lines just four weeks into the trial. Our lab test backed up their comments, finding it successfully reduced wrinkles after three months.
Not only a hit in the skin department, panellists also found the supplements “incredible” for hair and nails, leaving both noticeably stronger and healthier.
They’re on the pricier side at nearly £3 per daily dose, and they come in a single-use sachet, but most testers said they were quick to dissolve, liked the fruity taste and found them convenient to pop into a handbag.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Hydrolysed marine Collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 10,000mg per serving |
| Recommended dose | One sachet daily |
5
Best for nail health
Gold Collagen Pure Skin, Hair & Nail Health Liquid Supplement (10 bottles)
5
Best for nail health
Gold Collagen Pure Skin, Hair & Nail Health Liquid Supplement (10 bottles)
Now 20% Off
Score: 73/100
Our panel raved about the overall health and growth of their nails after a course of this liquid marine collagen, with over half noticing a difference in nail strength after just four weeks (a third of the full trial period).
The peach and passionfruit flavour helps each ready-to-drink bottle go down (take one daily, straight) and the glass packaging is easily recyclable.
Most of our testers said they would continue to use it after the trial, especially as it also improved their skin’s firmness, smoothness and hydration and added shine to their hair.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Hydrolysed marine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 5,000mg per bottle |
| Recommended dose | One 50ml bottle daily |
6
Best for versatility
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (56 scoops)
6
Best for versatility
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (56 scoops)
Now 39% Off
Score: 72/100
The collagen here is derived from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows, meaning these collagen peptides (in powder form) are completely flavourless and not at all “fishy” tasting. This makes them versatile enough to add to coffee, water, smoothies or even sprinkle onto your dinner — and the tub even comes with a scoop so you can get the dosage right.
Our panel liked how easily this supplement slotted into their everyday routines, and how quickly they achieved results. Many noticed a boost in skin hydration and smoothness after a month, as well as a reduction in breakouts. Our lab test gave it the thumbs up for tackling unwanted lines, and one tester told us her friends had started to comment on the difference it had made to her skin.
Hair got stronger and shinier after 12 weeks, and nail growth accelerated, making this a great value buy. Our only moan is that the container is big and bulky, so it’s not ideal for travelling.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Bovine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 20,000mg per serving |
| Recommended dose | One to two scoops daily |
7
Best for firming up skin
Vida Glow Original Natural Marine Collagen (30 sachets)
7
Best for firming up skin
Vida Glow Original Natural Marine Collagen (30 sachets)
Now 25% Off
Score: 71/100
Vida Glow has given extra thought to ensuring these handy marine collagen sachets (sourced from fish skin) work efficiently for consumers. The collagen has been broken down to its lowest molecular weight, meaning it’s more easily absorbed by the body. So, in theory, you should get more glow per gram.
Happily, it seemed to live up to its claim. Testers noted their skin felt firmer and smoother, and looked brighter, albeit only after the full three months. Most of the panellists said they felt more hydrated too (many after only four weeks). Hair also became more resilient for almost everyone, as did nails.
Though unflavoured, some found the taste slightly bitter — “like dissolved paracetamol” said one tester — but this improved when mixed with tea or coffee.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Marine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 3000mg per serving |
| Recommended dose | One to three sachets daily |
Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor’s degree in cosmetic science from the Universy of the Arts London. She also spent time as a Formulation Chemist intern at Amelia Knight Cosmetics.
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