Best Collagen Supplements for Skin, Hair, and Nails: Our Top Picks
Confused about collagen supplements? We break down the options and help you find the top collagen supplements that truly work for your skin, hair, and nails.
Fact Checked
Finding the right collagen supplement isn’t as easy as it sounds. With so many choices, you might wonder what are the best collagen supplements to buy.
In trying to gain clarity, many other things can keep you confused. For example, what form of collagen should you go for? Should you get collagen powder or liquid collagen?
This guide will break things down so you don’t waste time on products that don’t deliver. We’ll cover different types of collagen, how to pick the best one, and the top collagen options available today.
So, whether you’re after the best collagen peptides for skin or the best hydrolyzed collagen for better absorption, you’ll get clear answers here. No fluff. Just facts.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which collagen supplement works best for your skin, hair, and nails—and which ones aren’t worth considering. Keep reading to find the one that fits your needs.
Types of Collagen
There are five main types of collagen, each of which has a different effect on the body. Knowing what they do can help you choose the best collagen supplements.
Type I collagen is the most common and the one found in the best collagen for skin. It helps keep skin firm, smooth, and wrinkle-free and strengthens hair and nails.
Type II collagen is mostly found in joints and cartilage supplements. If you have joint pain, the best hydrolyzed collagen with Type II might help.
Type III collagen works with Type I to keep skin elastic and soft. It also supports muscles and blood vessels. Many collagen supplements include Type III for better skin health.
Type V collagen helps form hair, eyes, and skin layers. It’s usually found in the best liquid collagen formulas.
Type X collagen is found in bones and joints. Some top collagen powder brands include it to support bone strength.
Choosing the best collagen supplement with the right mix can make a big difference.
We've selected the top three dietary collagen supplements and thoroughly evaluated them to help you find the best one with ease. Check out our detailed reviews of these collagen boosters to make an informed choice!
Our Top Picks
- Best for Skin, Hair, and Nails: Super Derm Complex Collagen
- Best Overall: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced
- Best Multi-Collagen Blend: Ageless Multi-Collagen + Turmeric
How We Chose the Best Collagen Supplements
Not all collagen supplements work the same. Some dissolve better, others absorb faster, and a few don’t do much. Here’s what we looked at before making our picks.
- Effectiveness – A good collagen supplement should help. We focused on products that support skin, hair, and joint health and contain effective ingredients.
- Ingredients & Source – The best collagen powder comes from bovine, marine, or plant-based collagen sources. We made sure the ones we chose were high-quality and safe.
- Dietary Suitability – Many people need gluten-free, non-GMO, and allergen-free options. The best collagen supplement should fit different diets without unnecessary additives.
- Form & Convenience – The best liquid collagen is easy to drink; the best collagen powder mixes well; and the best collagen capsules are made such that you don’t have to deal with taste. We looked at how easy each product is to use.
- Value for Money – No one wants to waste money. So, we made sure to choose the top collagen supplements that give real results at a fair price.
These factors helped us find the best collagen peptides so you can pick one that works.
Three Best Collagen Supplements in the U.S (In-Depth Product Reviews)
Our Score Breakdown
Effectiveness
Website Experience
Convenience
Cost
Availability
Product Name & Brand
Super Derm Complex by Flawless Bloom is a premium multi-collagen formula designed for skin, hair, nail, joint, and muscle support.
Type of Collagen & Source
Includes 5 Types of Collagen: Type I, II, III, V, and X
Sourced from:
- Bovine collagen peptides
- Hydrolyzed chicken collagen peptides
- Marine collagen peptides (cod fish)
- Eggshell membrane collagen peptides
- Avian sternum collagen peptides
Additional Beneficial Ingredients
- Magnesium Stearate – Helps with capsule absorption.
- Gelatin Capsules – Used for easy digestion.
- No artificial fillers or unnecessary additives.
How to Use & Taste
- Dosage: Take three capsules per day with a meal and water (or your favorite drink).
- Taste: Since it's one of the best collagen capsules, there is no taste or mixability issue like with powders.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Supports skin, hair, and nail health
- Helps with joint mobility and muscle strength
- Includes five types of collagen for full-body benefits
- Easy-to-take capsules (no mixing required)
- Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not suitable for vegans (contains bovine, fish, and chicken collagen)
- Requires daily use for best results
Ratings
It has a rating of 4.7 stars and 97 percent of people recommend the product.
- Highly rated for effectiveness in skin, hair, and joint health
- Positive reviews for ease of use (capsule form vs. powder)
- Some users mention price as a drawback but note visible improvements in their skin and joints.
Price & Where to Buy
Price:
- $65.00 for one bottle (30-day supply)
- $46.00 per bottle for a 3-bottle pack (90-day supply)
- $35.00 per bottle for a 6-bottle pack (180-day supply)
Where to Buy:
- Available on the Flawless Bloom website.
- Comes with free U.S. shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee
Our Score Breakdown
Effectiveness
Website Experience
Convenience
Cost
Availability
Product Name & Brand
Collagen Peptides Advanced by Vital Proteins.
Type of Collagen & Source
- Collagen Type: Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides
- Source: Bovine (Grass-fed, pasture-raised)
Additional Beneficial Ingredients
- Vitamin C (90 mg per serving, 100% Daily Value) – supports collagen production.
- Hyaluronic Acid (120 mg per serving) – Helps with skin hydration and elasticity.
How to Use & Taste
- Usage: Mix 3 level tablespoons with 8 fl oz of liquid and stir well.
- Best with: Coffee, smoothies, oatmeal, or other beverages.
- Taste: Unflavored, dissolves easily in hot or cold liquids.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- 20g of collagen peptides per serving.
- Includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for additional skin benefits.
- Grass-fed and pasture-raised.
- Free from artificial sweeteners, dairy, and gluten.
- Easily dissolves in beverages.
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with bovine allergies.
- Not a complete protein (lacks some essential amino acids).
- Can be pricey compared to other collagen supplements.
Ratings
It has a rating of 4.4 stars from almost 10,000 reviewers. It is a popular choice among collagen supplements based on ingredients and benefits.
Price & Where to Buy
- Price: $29.99 (One-time purchase)
- Subscription Price: $25.49 (with a 15% discount)
- Available at: Vital Proteins Website & on Amazon
Our Score Breakdown
Effectiveness
Website Experience
Convenience
Cost
Availability
Product Name & Brand
Ageless Multi-Collagen + Turmeric by BioTRUST
Type of Collagen & Source
- Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen Peptides
- Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides
- Chicken Bone Broth Collagen Concentrate
- Eggshell Membrane Collagen
- Organic Golden Milk Blend
Additional Beneficial Ingredients
- Turmeric Root Extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Organic Ginger Root – Supports digestion and immune function.
- Organic Black Pepper Extract – Enhances turmeric absorption.
- L-Tryptophan – An essential amino acid that supports mood and relaxation.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Five types of collagen for comprehensive support.
- Enhanced absorption with black pepper extract.
- No artificial sweeteners, hormones, or antibiotics.
- Supports skin, hair, joints, and digestion.
- Golden milk blend adds extra health benefits.
Cons
- Higher price compared to standard collagen powders.
- Not suitable for those with egg, fish, or nut allergies.
- May not dissolve as quickly as unflavored collagen powders.
Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.7/5. Customer reviews are generally positive, with users praising the taste and joint health benefits.
Price & Where to Buy
- 1 Bag: $49
- 3 Bags: $44 per bag (Save 10%)
- 6 Bags: $39 per bag (Save 20%)
Expert Insights & Scientific Backing
Collagen supplements must be broken down in the gut before they can be absorbed. Large collagen proteins cannot be absorbed in their whole form, so they are hydrolyzed into smaller peptides or amino acids for better uptake. Research confirms that these collagen peptides do enter the bloodstream.
For example, multiple studies have shown that oral administration of collagen hydrolysate (CH) leads to di- and tri-peptides absorption.
A human trial further demonstrated that after taking collagen hydrolysate, volunteers had substantial levels of collagen-derived dipeptides and tripeptides in their plasma, indicating effective absorption and utilization by the body.
Also, Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, explains how collagen is processed once ingested: "When you ingest collagen, it's broken down into amino acids, and then your body uses those building blocks wherever they're needed."
Do Collagen Supplements Work?
The body can absorb collagen supplements, but they don’t work instantly or target specific areas. Once consumed, the body breaks them down into amino acids and peptides, which are then used as needed.
Studies show that collagen peptides reach the bloodstream, but the body decides how to use them. Some may support skin, joints, or hair, while others may go toward general protein needs. Results take time and depend on diet, age, and health.
FAQs on Collagen Supplements
References
- EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM STEARATE CONCENTRATION ON DISSOLUTION PROPERTIES OF RANITIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE COATED TABLETS: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5736124/
- Gelatin tannate reduces the proinflammatory effects of lipopolysaccharide in human intestinal epithelial cells: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3358810/
- Vitamin C: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C
- Turmeric Benefits: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/turmeric-benefits
- Ginger Benefits: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits
- The effect of turmeric and black pepper powder incorporated in breakfast on postprandial glycemia, appetite, palatability, and gastrointestinal well‐being in normal‐weight adults: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11016436/
- Influence of Tryptophan and Serotonin on Mood and Cognition with a Possible Role of the Gut-Brain Axis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4728667/