The 15 Best Collagen Supplements For Skin, Joints & More*



In This Article
Quick List
What is collagen?
Collagen is a family of proteins that are the most abundant proteins in the animal kingdom.
There are at least 28 kinds of collagen that we know of that exist in vertebrates (including us), but types I, II, and III are the most common in the human body.
Collagen supplements have become a popular treatment in the realm of skin health, and rightfully so.
Research shows that results are promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing, skin again, and a variety of other full-body benefits.*
Thankfully, there is a flood of collagen supplements on the market. And with so many options available, you may be struck with a bout of decision fatigue—or be tempted to grab whatever reasonable-looking jar you find at your local health shop.
But not so fast: There is actually a method for determining your best collagen fit, and it comes down to your goals and needs.
See, collagen formulas vary quite a bit—be it due to collagen type or additional ingredients—and these factors play a role in how effective it will be toward an intended outcome.
Here, our best bets.
mbg's picks for the best collagen supplements of 2022
Best all-around collagen peptide powder: mindbodygreen beauty & gut collagen+

Pros
- 17.7 g collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised Brazilian cows
- Specialized complex: collagen plus 7 nutrients, botanicals, and bioactives
- Supports strong hair and nails, glowing skin, and a healthy gut*
- BPA-free packaging and built-in scoop
Cons
- Collagen is not vegan
Dietary
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Dairy-free
- Sugar-free
- GMO-free
- Keto-friendly
- Major food allergen-free
Form
- Powder
The one-step beauty routine for youthful skin, healthy hair & strong nails.* The innovative blend is rooted in its high-potency collagen foundation, delivering 17.7 grams of pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine collagen peptides (delivering types I and III collagen) but then it layers in several targeted ingredients, both nutrients and botanical bioactives, for holistic inside-out support.*
There are vitamins C and E for enhanced collagen production and antioxidant support, hyaluronic acid for skin hydration, the protein building block L-glutamine, biotin for your beauty needs, and curcumin from turmeric extract and sulforaphane from broccoli seed extract for supporting detoxification and combating oxidative stress and photoaging.*
Last but definitely not least: This collagen product is free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten and clearly breaks down the amino acid profile on its label. Did we mention it comes in unflavored and chocolate varieties?
Best marine collagen: Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides

Pros
- Suitable for pescatarians
- BPA-free
- Sustainably-sourced fish
- Promotes thicker hair, stronger nails, and brighter skin*
Cons
- Collagen is not vegan
- Contains fish (allergen)
Dietary
- Keto-friendly
- Paleo
- Grain-free
- Soy-free
Form
- Powder
While bovine collagen peptides tend to be the most effective, if you generally follow a pescatarian diet, marine collagen will be just right for you. Always look for peptides sourced from wild-caught sources, like this one, which comes from sustainably sourced cod and nothing else (there's more on sourcing parameters below). We also like how transparent this brand is: They break down the amino acid profile, are third-party tested, and a Certified B Corp.
Best vegan collagen: Zuma Collagen Precursor

Pros
- Vegan
- Supports skin, joint, and tissue health*
Cons
- Doesn't contain actual collagen
- Expensive
- Only available in monthly supplies
- 8 capsule serving size
Dietary
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Form
- Capsule
Well, we must start off by saying: There is no such thing as vegan collagen—cows, fish, and chicken are decidedly not vegan. What you can find are vegan supplements that bolster your natural, endogenous (within your body) collagen production with curated formulas.* This particular supplement pack features a healthy dose of vitamin C, an antioxidant that's essential in collagen synthesis, as well as a B complex and key amino acids. We should point out that this array involves 8 capsules in total.
Best flavor variety: Thrive Market Matcha Mint Grass-fed Collagen Peptides

Pros
- Promotes healthy hair, skin, nails*
- Easily dissolves in water
- Natural flavor
- Certified B corporation
Cons
- Contains caffeine
- Collagen is not vegan
Dietary
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Certified kosher
- Non-GMO
Form
- Powder
As far as taste varieties go, chocolate and unflavored reign supreme. That's why we were pleasantly surprised by this refreshing matcha mint option. The base is 10 grams of pasture-raised, ethically sourced bovine collagen (they, too, list the amino acid profile), and the sweetener used is extracted from monk fruit. And thanks to the matcha, it even contains six milligrams of caffeine per serving for a little morning boost.*
Pros
- Unflavored
- Supports hair, skin, nails, and joints*
- Sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows
- Only one ingredient
Cons
- Collagen in not vegan
Dietary
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Non-GMO
- Paleo
Form
- Powder
If you're looking for a less expensive option, this Orgain powder packs 20 grams of bovine sourced collagen peptides per serving for a more affordable price. (Also of note: You're just getting collagen in this—no additional ingredients to support your health.) If you don't like the unflavored variety, that can be remedied by mixing it into a flavored beverage of choice.
Best collagen creamer: Dose & Co. Dairy-free Collagen Creamer

Pros
- Unique functional creamer
- Supports hair, skin, and nails*
- Easy to dissolve
Cons
- Collagen is not vegan
- Contains coconuts (tree nut allergen)
- Contains sugar
Dietary
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Keto-friendly
Form
- Powder
Since one of the more popular ways to take collagen is to blend it with your morning coffee, many people opt for a rich creamer. This dairy-free powder option offers 10 grams of bovine collagen (a bit on the low side but suitable for a creamer), and then is blended with coconut milk powder for a dose of healthy fats, and a splash of natural vanilla flavor for a smooth taste.
Best for on-the-go: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement travel packs

Pros
- Supports skin, hair, and nails*
- Easy for on-the-go use
- Easy to dissolve
Cons
- Not eco-friendly packaging
- Collagen is not vegan
Dietary
- Gluten-free
- Paleo-friendly
- Dairy-free
- Sugar-free
- Whole 30 Approved
Form
- Powder
Lugging around a huge jar of collagen powder isn't always the easiest route. But if you're looking to blend your collagen powder while out and about (perhaps in your morning coffee order while en route to work), you can opt for travel packets, like these. (However, we must note individually packed items of any kind aren't the most environmentally responsible options.) The individually portioned containers house Vital's classic blend of 10 grams of collagen (bovine) that contains 18 amino acids.
Best splurge: Shore Magic Premium Marine Collagen Powder

Pros
- Strengthens skin, hair, and nails from within*
- Suitable for pescatarians
Cons
- Collagen is not vegan
- Expensive
Dietary
- Contains fish (allergen)
- Certified Halal and Kosher
Form
- Powder
This marine collagen supplement (nine grams of collagen via two scoops) is sourced from wild-caught cod, and along with being GMO-free, this product is Halal and certified Kosher. It's also third-party tested for purity, certified as hypoallergenic, and free of additives and synthetic ingredients. So you're getting just what's advertised and nothing else.
Best for muscles: Vital Proteins Performance protein powder

Pros
- Contains all 9 essential amino acids
- 4 g branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
- NSF Certified For Sport
Cons
- Contains 5 g of added sugars
- Not suitable for those who are dairy-free
- Long list of "other ingredients"
Dietary
- Lactose-free
- Collagen nor milk protein are vegan
Form
- Powder
This is a good blend for athletes: The whey and collagen combo bumps the protein up to 25 grams (so about 10 grams of collagen and 15 grams of whey protein). Both whey and collagen contribute key amino acids critical for muscle mass, but whey has all nine of the essential amino acids, while collagen is missing one (making it incomplete by definition).* Just make sure you (and your skin) can tolerate whey.
Best for hair: Garden of Life Grass-fed Collagen Beauty Powder

Pros
- Contains nutrients, botanicals, and probiotic
- Certified B corporation
Cons
- Long list of "other ingredients"
- Collagen is not vegan
Dietary
- Soy-free
- Dairy-free
- Paleo-friendly
- Keto-friendly
Form
- Powder
While the base contains a decent dose of types I and III collagen (12 grams of protein), the stars for the hair are biotin, silica, and vitamin C. Biotin is a main component of keratin production, or the primary protein of hair. (In one small study, women with thinning hair reported significant regrowth when supplementing with biotin as compared to those given a placebo.*) It's then layered with vitamin C to help neutralize free radicals (which can lead to aging hair) and silica (which may help strengthen hair and minimize thinning).*
Pros
- Features botanicals and berry blend
- Promotes skin hydration, elasticity, and moisture retention*
Cons
- Collagen is not vegan
- Long list of "other ingredients"
- May contain: wheat, dairy, peanuts, soy, nuts and eggs as product is made on equipment that also processes products containing these ingredients.
Dietary
- Contains fish (allergen)
- Non-GMO
Form
- Powder
This blend uses three grams of marine collagen, which is on the light end, but is bolstered with additional actives to support your skin.* There's hyaluronic acid and aloe vera for hydration, astaxanthin for photodamage protection, and a proprietary super wild berry antioxidant complex to help with oxidative stress.*
Pros
- Promotes joint health, comfort, and mobility*
- Type II collagen plus calcium and other sea minerals
Cons
- Collagen is not vegan
Dietary
- Dairy-free
- Egg-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Non-GMO
Form
- Capsule
Your joints primarily contain collagen type II, so if you're looking for joint support, consider incorporating type II.* This supplement is sourced from chicken cartilage and delivers 10 milligrams of collagen, along with seaweed-derived minerals. And while 40 milligrams of the type II collagen ingredient (sourced from chicken cartilage) may sound quite small, this dose has joint-support clinical studies to back it up.*
Pros
- Supports skin firmness and elasticity*
- Phytonutrient + bioactive skin protection blend*
Cons
- Small collagen dose
- Collagen is not vegan
- Serving size is 3 capsules
Dietary
- Wheat-free
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
Form
- Capsule
While we believe that powder is the best way to ingest a meaningful amount of collagen, some people love the ease of a capsule. If that's you, go for this blend of bovine collagen (600 milligrams), vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and phytonutrient antioxidants from red wine and grapeseed extracts.
Best for keto: Great Lakes Gelatin Co. Keto Collagen + MCT

Pros
- Supports ketogenic diets
- Provides brain and body fuel*
Cons
- Collagen is not vegan
- Contains coconut (tree nut allergen)
- Long list of “other ingredients”
Dietary
- Dairy-free
- Keto-friendly
- Paleo-friendly
Form
- Powder
If you follow a keto diet, this has what you'll need to start your day off right. The creamer contains nine grams of bovine collagen, 100% organic MCT oil from coconut (medium-chain triglycerides, which can be converted into ketones), and lightly sweetened with organic vanilla and monk fruit.* Just blend with coffee and you're ready to go.
Pros
- Supports healthy skin, bones, and joints*
- Contains only one active ingredient
Cons
- Collagen is not vegan
Dietary
- Keto-friendly
- Sugar-free
- Gluten-free
Form
- Powder
Nothing but collagen here. This is made with bovine hydrolyzed collagen sourced from pasture-raised cows with no added hormones—and there are 20 grams of it per serving, which makes this a solid source of collagen.
Benefits of collagen
Here, some of the top health areas you can expect high-quality collagen supplementation will help support:*
- Skin and hair: Studies have shown that taking collagen peptides will support skin elasticity and hydration levels and promote youthful texture.* Collagen supplements also provide many of the amino acids and nutrients needed for hair growth. *
- Gut: Research shows that collagen can help support your gut health.* As gut health specialist Vincent Pedre, M.D., told mbg, "For the same reasons collagen helps repair and grow muscle tissue, it serves as an excellent nutrient source for supporting the rapidly dividing cells that line the interior of the gut."*
- Joints: Based on growing research, collagen has also been found to help support joint health and comfort.* Collagen is found in all connective tissues that make up our joints (including ligaments and tendons), and collagen supplements provide almost 20 unique essential and nonessential amino acids to support natural levels throughout the body.* Healthy connective tissue structure helps support joint health and function.*
- Muscles: Parts of our muscles are made up of...you guessed it, collagen. A clinical study demonstrated that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation supports muscle strength and body composition.* In fact, according to Nour Zibdeh, M.S., RDN, CLT, "Collagen can also support lean muscle and help improve body composition."* While this is an emerging area of research, science has shown that collagen supplements can support skeletal muscle mass and strength.*
What to look for
While we've vetted the above products and can recommend them wholeheartedly, we also want to give you the tools to look for your own collagen supplements—or at least help you understand our process.
Dose
There is no official daily recommendation for collagen supplementation. For healthy adults, the recommendation for overall protein needs is about one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
If you're physically active, your needs may be higher. Collagen is a protein made of peptides, but it's not a complete protein—it doesn't have all nine of the essential amino acids (it's missing tryptophan and is on the lower side on a few others)—but can absolutely contribute to your overall daily protein goals and needs.*
For a collagen supplement, we recommend looking in the 10- to 20-gram range (per serving).
Source
Look for brands that describe in detail where their collagen is sourced from (i.e., the animal, region, etc.), be it on the packaging or website.
Look for keywords like "grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen from Brazilian cows," or "sustainably-sourced, wild-caught cod." Ideally, they'll note what collagen types are provided (e.g., types I, II, or III) as well.
Bonus points if they list the amino acid profile. If your diet allows, we prefer grass-fed bovine collagen, which you can learn more about here.
Form
Powders are the best, as they are able to deliver the most potent amount of collagen.
Powders are also a convenient way to add a meaningful dose of collagen to your nutrition routine, whether blending into a sweet smoothie with colorful fruits or mixed into your morning coffee or latte.
If you prefer other delivery methods—drinks, tonics, capsules, gummies—that's fine; just know that you're not getting as much collagen in these products.
Additional ingredients
If there are additional, beneficial ingredients—such as vitamins and minerals or botanical bioactives—they can help create a more holistic product to achieve your desired effects (or if you want just collagen, that's great too!).*
Look for research backing up why the ingredients were added and thoughtful explanations of the overall formulas.
On the other end, make sure the formula is clean. Less is more here: Skip artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, gluten, GMOs, soy, gluten, and known allergens. If your collagen product has flavors, look for natural varieties (such as organic cocoa, organic vanilla).
If there's a sweetener, we recommend natural plant-derived sources like organic monk fruit extract or organic coconut sugar.
Transparency
This is less about decoding an ingredient label and more about finding brands that are open and honest about their product. It shouldn't be hard to find their Supplement Facts panel and other ingredient list.
The type and source of collagen should be apparent. If they make any benefit claims, there should be science to support them. They should be open about where the ingredients come from, and they should explain the packaging it comes in (i.e., is it environmentally friendly?).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to consume beauty & gut collagen+?
Blend it in a smoothie, add it to baked goods, or mix it into your coffee or latte. Our collagen powder is also a perfect addition to healthy treats like baked goods, energy balls, granola, and more, so get creative! Our collagen dissolves easily in hot and cold liquids and is stable at high temperatures. We recommend 1 scoop daily. Mix 1 scoop in 8-10 fluid ounces of water or preferred beverage daily or as recommended by your health care practitioner. Use only if bag is sealed. Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.
Can I take beauty & gut collagen+ every day?
Yes! It is a great way to ensure you are consuming key macro- and micronutrients, antioxidants, and plant bioactives every day. You’ll get a hearty 17.7 grams of grass-fed collagen peptides (16 grams of protein) per serving.
Can I mix beauty & gut collagen+ with water?
Yes, you can mix our collagen powder with any hot or cold beverage, including water.
Is this product in a capsule or powder form?
beauty & gut collagen+ comes in a powder form. This makes it easy to mix into smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, coffee… there are so many possibilities!
The takeaway
Finding your perfect collagen fit really boils down to figuring out what your goals and priorities are.
Once you narrow down the why, then you can start looking into the what. But we went ahead and made the latter part easy for you—these 16 options are the best out there.

Alexandra Engler is the Beauty Director at mindbodygreen. She received her journalism degree from Marquette University, graduating first in the department. She has worked at many top publications and brands including Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com. In her current role, she covers all the latest trends and updates in the clean and natural beauty space, as well as travel, financial wellness, and parenting. She has reported on the intricacies of product formulations, the diversification of the beauty industry, and and in-depth look on how to treat acne from the inside, out (after a decade-long struggle with the skin condition herself). She lives in Brooklyn, New York.