<h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>What is collagen?</strong> </h2><p>Collagen is the structural protein that adds density and plumpness to the skin, making it seem smoother and more taut. Our own internal collagen production starts slowing down from our mid-twenties, but if you’re keen to put the bounce back into your skin, and your twenties feel like a long time ago, hope is not lost. It’s time to try some of our best collagen supplements.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>What does collagen do for the body?</strong> </h2><p>Not only good for boosting skin elasticity, collagen can also improve joint, bone, gut, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g34905321/best-home-gel-nail-kits/” target=”_blank”>nail</a> and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/beauty-reviews/g37990270/best-hair-oils-for-curly-hair/” target=”_blank”>hair</a> health. This makes collagen supplements especially complementary to the symptoms of the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/a41621786/davina-mccall-menopause/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>menopause</a> and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/health/health-advice/a40769428/4-tips-for-perimenopause/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>perimenopause</a>, from aching joints to flaking nails.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How do we increase our collagen production?</strong> </h2><p>The good news is that there are many ways to boost your collagen production, from topical application of collagen-containing creams and serums, to drinking or eating it in the form of gummies, bars, liquid sachets or powdered drinks. </p><p>In theory, anyway. Experts don’t always agree on what’s possible (debate rages over the size of the collagen molecule and its ability to be absorbed into the skin, or to travel safely through the digestive system), but there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that says collagen supplements<em> do</em> contribute to stronger and faster hair and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g28856192/best-nail-growth-treatments/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>nail growth</a>, as well as noticeably dewier and more resilient skin. So, they’re probably worth a try. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How d</strong>o collagen supplements work? </h2><p>Most collagen drinks and supplements claim to increase collagen levels in the skin by hardwiring the protein, in the form of collagen peptides or ‘hydrolysed collagen’, to go straight to the stomach. Here, they are broken down into amino acids during digestion, absorbed into your system and used by your body to build collagen or other required proteins. </p><p>Collagen supplements stay in your body for around two weeks, meaning you’ll only feel the effects if you use them regularly. Our tip? Make remembering as easy for yourself as possible by incorporating your chosen supplements into your morning <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/beauty-reviews/g34158909/best-retinol-serums/” target=”_blank”>skincare</a> or breakfast routine.<br></p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Where does collagen come from?</h2><p>It’s worth noting that bovine collagen supplements have made the news recently for their contribution to biodiversity issues in tropical regions (from where the ingredients are sourced). If you’re keen to steer clear of these, we’d recommend opting for a marine collagen supplement instead. We’ve differentiated between them in our ‘key specifications’ to make your research that little bit more manageable.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How we test</strong> </h2><p>The Good Housekeeping Institute<em> </em>team recruited 195 panel members to trial 13 brands of collagen supplements over a period of three months. We asked them to assess taste, ease of use and performance such as improvements in skin, hair and nail condition, after taking each product as instructed. Testers noted how quickly they saw improvements and submitted feedback every four weeks. <br></p><p>The next stop was the GHI<em> </em>lab, where our in-house experts used the VISIA Skin Analysis machine to assess changes in fine lines, wrinkles, texture and browns spots, giving each of these skin goals a score out of five for each product. </p><p>Let’s look at the results of the best collagen supplements.</p>” />
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1
Joint best collagen supplement
KIKI Health Marine Collagen Beauty Blend (150 capsules)
1
Joint best collagen supplement
KIKI Health Marine Collagen Beauty Blend (150 capsules)
Now 15% Off
Score: 74/100
Although a new wave of vegan supplements is surprising scientists, none scored as highly as this marine collagen in our tests.
Until the vegan alternatives do overtake, Kiki Health is proud to be sourcing wild fish sustainably (and on a relatively small scale) off the coast of France, from a responsibly certified fishery. And the brand’s flavourless marine collagen made a great impression.
Most of our panel noticed their skin felt smoother after just four weeks, and tests in the GHI lab revealed a highly effective reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots after 12. Testers liked how easy the capsules were to take, without that nasty fishy aftertaste, and reported healthier hair and nails post-trial.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Hydrolysed marine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 870mg per serving (two capsules) |
| Recommended dose | Two to four capsules once or twice daily, up to 15 capsules daily |
2
Joint best collagen supplement and best for hair health
QMS Medicosmetics Collagen Intravital Plus (60 capsules)
2
Joint best collagen supplement and best for hair health
QMS Medicosmetics Collagen Intravital Plus (60 capsules)
Score: 74/100
If healthy hair is why you’re here, then this QMS supplement is for you. Enriched with vitamins E and C, it helps protect hair and skin cells (and thereby scalps) against oxidative stress, as well as providing a collagen boost.
Most of our testers said their hair felt shinier, stronger, smoother and even longer after just four weeks.
Meanwhile, in the lab, our experts were impressed by how much these capsules firmed up skin and improved its texture after three months. Many panellists reported similar findings, saying their skin looked and felt plumper and more supple.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Hydrolysed bovine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 45.5% (mg per serving undisclosed) |
| Recommended dose | One capsule twice daily |
3
Joint best collagen supplement and best collagen gummies
Myvitamins Collagen Gummies (60 gummies)
3
Joint best collagen supplement and best collagen gummies
Myvitamins Collagen Gummies (60 gummies)
Score: 74/100
These pomegranate-flavoured gummies bring key nutrients (vitamins C and A) to your diet, while enjoying the self-proclaimed title of the “tastiest way to top up on collagen”. Most testers agreed that they were particularly yummy, but they did a lot more than satisfy a sweet craving.
Though not the star performer in our lab analysis for minimising fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, our joint top supplements still did a decent job over 12 weeks. Many testers enjoyed better skin complexions only four weeks in, with further improvements in firmness and smoothness reported later.
Hair growth and nail strength ramped up too, and some said they gave them an energy boost. The only complaint from our panel was that the jar needed a good shake to separate the sticky gummies.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Marine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 500mg per serving |
| Recommended dose | One gummy daily |
4
Best for skin texture
Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Premium Liquid Marine Collagen (14 sachets)
4
Best for skin texture
Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Premium Liquid Marine Collagen (14 sachets)
Score: 73/100
Our testers told us their dull, tired-looking or textured skin looked better and felt softer after drinking this tropical-flavoured supplement, with most also noting a smoothing of fine lines just four weeks into the trial. Our lab test backed up their comments, finding it successfully reduced wrinkles after three months.
Not only a hit in the skin department, panellists also found them “incredible” on hair and nails, leaving both noticeably stronger and healthier.
They’re on the pricier side at nearly £3 per daily dose, and they come in a single-use sachet, but most testers found them quick to dissolve, liked the fruity taste and found them convenient to pop into a handbag.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Hydrolysed marine Collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 10,000mg per serving |
| Recommended dose | One sachet daily |
5
Best for nail health
Gold Collagen Pure Skin, Hair & Nail Health Liquid Supplement (10 bottles)
5
Best for nail health
Gold Collagen Pure Skin, Hair & Nail Health Liquid Supplement (10 bottles)
Score: 73/100
Our panel raved about the health and growth of their nails after a course of this liquid marine collagen, with over half noticing a difference in nail strength after just four weeks (a third of the full trial period).
The peach and passionfruit flavour helps each ready-to-drink bottle go down (take one daily, straight) and the glass packaging is easily recyclable.
Most of our testers said they would continue to use it, especially as it also improved their skin’s firmness, smoothness and hydration and added shine to their hair.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Hydrolysed marine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 5,000mg per bottle |
| Recommended dose | One 50ml bottle daily |
6
Best for firming up skin
Vida Glow Original Natural Marine Collagen (30 sachets)
6
Best for firming up skin
Vida Glow Original Natural Marine Collagen (30 sachets)
Now 15% Off
Score: 71/100
Vida Glow has given extra thought to ensuring that these handy marine collagen (sourced from fish skin) sachets work efficiently for consumers. The collagen has been broken down to its lowest molecular weight, meaning it’s more easily absorbed by the body. So, in theory, you should get more glow per gram.
Happily, it seemed to live up to its claim. Testers noted their skin felt firmer, smoother and brighter, albeit only after the full three months, with most of the panel saying they felt more hydrated too (many after only four weeks). Hair became more resilient for almost everyone, as did nails.
Though unflavoured, some found the taste slightly bitter — “like dissolved paracetamol” said one tester — but this improved when mixed with tea or coffee.
Key specifications
| Type of collagen | Marine collagen |
|---|---|
| Volume of collagen | 3000mg per serving |
| Recommended dose | One to three sachets daily |
Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester
Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her bachelor’s degree in cosmetic science. Orla uses her years of product testing experience, market research and technical lab skills to put a wide variety of products to the test. In the past year Orla has tested more than 147 beauty products, including all the latest innovations to launch within the market.
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