11 Best Collagen Supplements, According to Dermatologists

By Kristine Thomason

Smoothies at Erewhon, luxury facials, collagen-packed creams—it seems like everywhere you look, brands are touting the best collagen supplements, to be taken on their own or infused in some kind of product providing dreamy benefits. In fact, the word collagen itself has become almost synonymous with long hair, strong nails, and plump skin, making it easy to understand why these supplements have amassed so much buzz. But are they worth the hype?

Let’s first get one thing clear: Collagen is crucial to your overall health and well-being. As the most abundant protein in your body, it provides structure to your skin, hair, nails, joints, cartilage, muscles, and bones. So far experts have identified 28 various types of collagen, the most common of which are types one to three, with the former 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,” says Anna Chon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami.

Much of the research on collagen supplements is promising. One 2019 review of current research found that collagen consumption may help with short- and long-term benefits for things like wound healing, skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. Other small studies suggest that collagen supplementation may help alleviate joint pain and support nail strength.

Still, collagen supplements have garnered some healthy skepticism among skin care experts and doctors. “It is still undecided whether collagen is actually effective when we consume it,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. That’s because some experts believe it may get degraded during the process of digestion in the GI tract. 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 also to determine optimal dosing regimens.”

If you are interested in trying collagen supplements, here are some clear criteria from Dr. Chon—in consensus with multiple other dermatologists Glamour surveyed—to consider before buying:

Dr. King also recommends seeking out collagen products sourced from organically raised animals whenever possible. “Look for labels that are certified by the American Grassfed Association (AGA) to ensure the supplement is antibiotic- and growth-hormone-free. I recommend opting for Food & Drug Administration–approved products with proven science-backed efficacy,” she says.

Even with these standards, some experts—like Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC—don’t recommend collagen supplements to patients. “I feel the jury is still out as to whether or not they truly have any benefits, and there is 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.

Other experts, however, say the supplements may be a helpful addition to your health and skin care regimen. “I would 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.

Regardless, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking any new supplements. A health care practitioner can offer personalized advice, based on your individual dietary needs and preferences. “While collagen supplements may offer potential benefits, they should not be a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Chon. “It’s also important to remember that individual responses to supplements can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.”

With all of this in mind, here are some of the top-rated options to check out—based on recommendations from dermatologists and editors, alike.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Powder: Vital Protein Collagen Peptides

Amazon

Popularized by the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Vital Proteins holds up to the hype—and many of the derms we surveyed recommend this prolific powder. This particular product contains collagen peptides, which are easier for the body to absorb than other forms. Plus, it contains skin-hydrating hyaluronic acid and protective vitamin C.

Best for Hair: BioSil Collagen Generator

BioSil

Target

Dr. King’s personal pick, this collagen capsule is meant to support various important proteins in the body: “It’s formulated with choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid 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.”

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Best Multiformat: Neocell Super Collagen

Amazon

These easy-to-take tablets contain two forms of collagen, along with vitamin C (an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage) and biotin (which is an important building block for keratin). Since the collagen is hydrolyzed, it’s easier for the body to absorb, according to Dr. Chon. Plus, in over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, many buyers anecdotally rave about its efficacy.

Best for Skin: Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Super Beauty Blueberry Acai

Garden of Life

Amazon

Another derm-favorite brand, this unique collagen powder also contains astaxanthin, which studies suggest may support skin health and repair. Their multisourced collagen is also third-party tested to be non-GMO, certified paleo, certified keto, and more.

Best Unique Collagen Source: Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein

Ancient Nutrition

Amazon

This collagen protein powder comes highly recommended by Dr. King. “It contains 10 types of collagen from 4 different sources, including a proprietary fermented eggshell membrane collagen to support skin, joint, and gut health,” she says. “It’s also formulated with SBO probiotics and vitamin C,” which support digestion and provide antioxidant properties, respectively.

Best Capsule: Hum Nutrition Collagen Love

Dermstore

Free People

Anthropologie

Featuring a number of clinically tested ingredients, Hum Nutrition collagen capsules come widely recommended. They combine easier-to-absorb collagen peptides and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid. In addition to the antioxidant vitamin C, there’s a blend of polyphenol-rich extracts (red wine and grape seed) intended to support the body’s natural defenses from oxidative stress, which damages cells, proteins, and DNA, contributing to aging.

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Best Marine Collagen: Vida Glow Marine Collagen

Bloomigdale's

Revolve

Amazon

For anyone who follows a pescatarian diet (or just wants an alternative to bovine collagen), this could be a viable option. The original product solely contains marine collagen peptide powder (sourced from discarded skin of responsibly farmed fish), but there are a few other flavors to choose from (including blueberry, peach, mango, and pineapple). We love that it comes in individual serving sachets, which are ideal for bringing on the go.

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Best With Greens: 8Greens Skin + Marine Collagen for Beautiful Skin

Amazon

This double-duty tablet checks a lot of boxes. In addition to its signature greens formula (green tea, broccoli, aloe vera, kale, collard greens, spinach, peppermint, alfalfa), it contains skin-supporting vitamin C and biotin, along with marine collagen. Among the thousand-plus five-star reviews on Amazon, one buyer wrote: “They are quick, easy, and I love the taste. Also, I saw a visible improvement in my skin when I started using them.”

Best Budget: Orgain Collagen Peptides

Orgain

Orgain

Add a scoop of this unflavored powder to any hot or cold drink, and sip down 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen (types I and III, to be exact). Bovine-derived collagen peptides are the one and only ingredient present in this Orgain product, so if you’re looking for a truly simple powder that’s easy to incorporate into your diet (at a solid value, no less), this could be a great option.

Best Gummies: Goli Nutrition Superfruits Gummies

Amazon

Goli’s Superfruits beauty gummies support collagen production 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. This could be a good option for anyone who follows a vegetarian or vegan diet.

On Amazon, this product has earned over 8,000 five-star reviews, including one who shared: “[After] about three weeks, my nails got stronger, my hair was stronger to me, my face was brighter.” Just keep in mind that some experts aren’t fans of gummies due to the added sugar.

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Best Creamer: Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer

Vital Proteins

Amazon

Yes, collagen coffee is a thing—and you can use this Vital Proteins dairy-free creamer to make it happen. It has 10 grams of collagen per serving and comes in three different flavors (vanilla, mocha, and coconut) to add to your daily brew.

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