The 5 Best Collagen Supplements For Every Concern, Tried And Tested (2025)

'Collagen' has long been one of beauty's biggest buzzwords, from the way its natural levels deplete as we age (causing fine lines and loss of elasticity in skin), to ways to replenish it via diet, in-clinic treatments and, most famously, supplements.

Collagen supplements have maintained an unwavering level of popularity in the beauty and wellness world, but they're often matched with a similar scale of scepticism. While independent research is still ongoing, anecdotally the evidence in favour of collagen supplements appears strong. 'The appeal of collagen supplements has grown rapidly in recent years,' says registered nutritionist and author Rhiannon Lambert. 'In the UK, collagen products are often marketed as dietary supplements, promising benefits such as enhanced skin elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and improved joint health.' The question is, do they actually work?

'Clinically, I do see collagen supplements working for many of my clients, particularly those with higher needs such as vegans or vegetarians who may not get enough protein, people over 35 when natural collagen production declines, those recovering from injury or surgery,' says registered nutritional therapy practitioner and registered nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr. 'However, the best results occur when collagen supplementation is combined with other nutritional and lifestyle interventions, such as ensuring adequate intake of vitamin C, zinc, and other collagen-supporting nutrients, prioritising good sleep, regular movement, and effective stress management.'

The effects are often subtle and gradual, she notes. 'Research suggests that collagen supplementation may provide benefits for skin health, joint support, and bone density. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that collagen supplementation can improve skin hydration and elasticity. However, more robust, large-scale, gold-standard trials are needed to fully validate these effects and prove efficacy.'

As a part of the ELLE UK team's continuous beauty testing regime, we've become familiar with some of the wellness industry's most popular collagen beauty powders, putting them to the test against our skin health, gut balance and sleep.

Here, we rounded up the five best collagen supplements for every concern and asked expert dieticians and nutritionists to give us their verdict on these famous skin health savours.

Meet The Experts

• Rhiannon Lambert, Registered Nutritionist and Author of The Unprocessed Plate (www.rhitrition.com)
• Clarissa Lenherr BA HONS, DIP NT, mCNHC, mBANT, Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (RNTP) and Registered Nutritionist (www.clarissalenherr.com)
• Eli Brecher, Registered Associate Nutritionist (www.elibrecher.co.uk)
• Milena Kaler MSc, DipNT, RSM, MBANT, RCNHC, Registered Nutritionist (www.milenakaler.co.uk)

What Are Collagen Supplements?

In short, collagen is the body's most abundant protein; it provides structural support to the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. 'Think of collagen as the scaffolding that keeps skin firm, joints supple, and connective tissues strong,' says Registered Nutritionist Milena Kaler.

As we age, the level of collagen in our body depletes, causing signifiers of aging such as fine lines. Unfortunately, replenishing your collagen levels is a little more complicated than just applying them topically or taking them in their natural form.

'In its natural state, collagen is a large molecule that is too big to be effectively absorbed through the gut,' explains Lenherr. 'Instead, supplements use hydrolysed collagen peptides, as during the hydrolysation process, the collagen strands are broken down into smaller peptide chains, allowing them to be readily absorbed. Collagen supplements typically contain hydrolysed collagen peptides derived from animal sources such as bovine, marine, or chicken.'

For vegans, you can also find alternative collagens or collagen booster supplements. 'These supplements typically contain ingredients like amino acids, silica, zinc, copper and vitamin C, which are added to support the body’s own collagen production, but don’t actually contain collagen itself.'

How Do Collagen Supplements Work?

'When you take collagen supplements, you’re essentially providing your body with the amino acid building blocks it needs to produce more of its own collagen,' explains Registered Associate Nutritionist Eli Brecher. 'These peptides signal to your body that it’s time to ramp up its own production.'

As previously mentioned, collagen supplements are too often marketed as a 'daily dose of edible skincare' - unfortunately, they're by no means a miracle fix, and more research is certainly needed, according to Brecher. 'Some studies show that daily collagen supplementation may help improve skin hydration and elasticity when taken consistently over time, while other anecdotal studies report benefits for nails, hair and joint health.'

Lambert adds that while current studies examining collagen’s impact on skin health have been promising, a balance diet is equally integral. 'While some small-scale trials have suggested improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and fine lines, these effects tend to be modest. Emerging research shows that eating a balanced diet rich in plant-based whole foods, especially those high in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids, can play an equally, if not more, effective role in supporting skin health. These nutrients support collagen synthesis naturally and protect skin from oxidative damage.'

How To Find The Best Collagen Supplement For You

As Lenherr explains, the body contains 28 different types of collagen, but the most prevalent are Types I, II, III each serving distinct roles:

• Type I: Accounting for around 90% of the body’s collagen, it primarily provides strength to skin, tendons, and bones.
• Type II: This type is essential for joint health
• Type III: Similar to Type I, supports skin elasticity and firmness

'When choosing a collagen supplement, it’s key to choose one that aligns with your specific health goals. For instance, if you’re aiming to enhance skin health, look for a product high in Type I and III collagen, whereas those targeting joint support may find greater benefit from Type II collagen,' she says.

5 Of The Best Collagen Supplements To Try Now, Tried And Tested By The ELLE UK Beauty Team

Best Collagen Supplement For Skin: Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen Sachets

'Vida Glow is one of the best brands to kickstart your daily collagen habit if it’s juicy skin you’re after,' says Group Beauty Director, Katy Young. 'These (palatable) sachets contain 3000mg of ethically sourced natural marine collagen - a bio-available Type 1 collagen that will boost levels in the body for plumper skin, stronger hair and faster-growing nails. A reliably good brand, with off-shoots collagen-based products for better sleep, gut health, and stress management.'

Best Collagen Supplement For Sleep And Energy: Ancient + Brave True Collagen

'For collagen converts happy to take bovine-sourced versions (which is considered by some as the most effective type) there is no better source than this,' says Young. 'A British company steeped in sustainability and ethically sourced ingredients, these Type 1 hydrolysed collagen peptides are derived from grass-fed herds in the EU, whilst clinicals went beyond skin plumping and radiance to show improved energy, hair growth and sleep.'

Best Collagen Supplement For Hair And Nails: Dose & Co Pure Collagen

'I often steer clear of supplement powders of any kind as I refuse to tolerate anything that doesn't taste pleasant in my diet, but Dose & Co's unflavoured collagen powder is really and truly undetectable,' says Beauty Editor, Medina Azaldin. 'I add them to my morning tea or coffee, or I'll mix them into warm porridges; it doesn't add any undesirable taste nor does it alter the taste of the food. This makes it really easy to stay consistent (and with all things beauty, gadget, fitness or supplementation, consistency is key). I can't say I've seen any improvements in my skin yet, but my brittle, thin nails are noticeably stronger and less prone to breakage.'

Best Collagen Supplement For Menopause: Revive Collagen Menopause Max

'This is a tried-and-tested favourite of mine,' says Young. 'Not just for the palatable taste (listen up brands, it matters), but for the way it blends good quality marine collagen to recondition skin, hair, nails, and joints, with reishi mushroom, folic acid, selenium, and a wealth of vitamins to relieve perimenopausal symptoms. A good habit I’ll be sticking having witnessed a noticeable change to both my energy and complexion.'

Best Collagen Supplement For Gut Health: The Nue Co. Collagen Gut Barrier+

'All impressive skin and hair benefits aside, as somewhat of a collagen novice I was instantly attracted to the Nue Co's promise of an appealing vanilla taste. Spoiler alert, it did not disappoint,' says Beauty Writer Katie Withington. 'This sensitive stomach-friendly powder blends effortlessly with any morning smoothie, using hydrolysed collagen peptides (alongside L-glutamine, prebiotics, rosehip and hyaluronic acid) to strengthen gut microbiome and plump the appearance of skin. At 25, my results have been admittedly subtle but a smoother complexion can be seen nonetheless.'

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