On the beauty market there’s a wealth of products that, when consumed regularly, claim to improve everything from fine lines to dull complexions – and many of these are categorised as collagen supplements.
They come in various forms, including pills, powders, gummies, and liquids, and there are options for everyone, whether you prefer marine collagen, bovine collagen or plant-based alternatives made from modified yeast or bacteria.
If you’re unsure which one to choose, Shabir Daya, a pharmacist and founder of Victoriahealth.com, explains: “Marine collagen is a popular choice for ingestible skin boosters for a reason: its anti-ageing benefits. Collagen peptides act as antioxidants to reduce damaging free radicals and inflammation – both of which are associated with ageing. Biotin is a second all-rounder ingredient you might want to look for as it’s recommended for strengthening hair and nails.”, reports OK!
He also recommends looking out for the inclusion of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Zinc. Omega-3 is another recommended ingredient which he says “can help boost hydration and condition by improving the skin’s natural barrier”.
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Best bovine powder
Dose & Co Coffee Creamer – Vanilla
(Image: Dose & Co)
Dose and Co Coffee Creamer – Vanilla, £27.99 here.
Crafted with responsibly sourced type one and type three bovine collagen peptides, this flavourful powder doesn’t contain any sweeteners or artificial flavours and dissolves seamlessly for an optimal experience.
Clinical trials have shown that 85% of users experienced improved skin elasticity, while a striking 91% reported stronger and longer nails, and 84% noted faster hair growth.
A Holland and Barrett customer shares their experience: “I have been using this collagen creamer for several years until a friend told me about another one which she said was much better so I thought I would give it a try.
“After a couple of months, my nails were brittle, my skin was dryer and my hair was so awful I had to have loads cut off, so I went straight back on this Dose and Co creamer and after only one month of being back on it my nails are strong, my hair is getting back to its good condition and my skin is glowing.”
Best marine powder
Beauty Pie Collagen Super Powder
(Image: Beauty Pie)
Beauty Pie Collagen Super Powder, starts from £29 here for members.
This berry-flavoured, easy-to-dissolve powder is a fusion of hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, tremella fuciformis (mushroom), biotin, and vitamin C, ideal for adding to water or blending into smoothies.
One Beauty Pie customer raves: “I started taking this as, in my late 50s, my skin was really losing its elasticity and hoped it might help (though didn’t expect miracles!) To my great surprise, within a few weeks, my skin was looking firmer and less crepey. An additional bonus is that my nails seem to be much stronger and less prone to breaking. (NB, my stomach didn’t tolerate it well to start with, so I dropped to a half measure for the first week or so and then built up to the full daily dose without issue).”
Best vegan gummies
Nutriburst Collagen Revive Gummies
(Image: Nutriburst)
Nutriburst Collagen Revive Gummies, £22.99 for 60
A brand new launch, these gummies offer a tasty blueberry flavour and combine six essential micronutrients, including biotin, hyaluronic acid, and grape seed oil, as well as added vitamin C and copper to aid collagen production and support skin, bones, and teeth health.
An Amazon reviewer enthuses: “I bought a 3-month supply and after 2 months of use I can assure you it works. Hair grows faster which in a way expensive because I’m going to the barber way more frequently.
“The fascinating bit is the nails. They grow faster too but I had a very painful toenail from football and now I can squeeze it as hard as I can with no pain at all. I’m not sure if it’s doing anything to my skin, I have good skin anyway. I’m giving it 4 stars because they all had 59 gummies and not 60. “
Best marine gummies
SkinSense Collagen Gummies
(Image: SkinSense)
SkinSense Collagen Gummies, £36 for 60
These products are loaded with easily absorbed marine collagen, vitamin C and vitamin A (retinol – now adjusted for those experiencing menopause) to help invigorate the formation of healthy skin, hair, and nails, plus they come with a refreshing fruity pomegranate taste.
One satisfied customer on QVC noted: “I was so pleased to get the amended formula as I’m over 70 and could only take 1 a day of the old formula because of the high vitamin A content. These are fine and after 3 weeks can’t believe how much my nails have grown. Even my hair seems thicker. They taste great too.”
Best liquid option
Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen Drink
(Image: Absolute Collagen)
The Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen Drink retails at £33.99 for 14 sachets
This collagen drink features an impressive 8000mg dose of hydrolysed marine collagen which has been shown in clinical trials to enhance skin quality. Following 12 weeks of use, the brand states that 90% of users felt their skin was rejuvenated, with 83% finding their skin softer and more supple.
A Trustpilot user shared their results from the collagen drink: “I have been taking this product for 13 weeks so far and I’ve noticed a difference in new baby hairs growing back at my temples, my nails are growing stronger and I think the general completion of my skin is much better. Age 50, doing something for myself this year and chose this product.”