11 best collagen supplements 2026, tried and tested by Glamour's wellness writer
Glowy skin that isn't the result of 11 products and 17 mins of my morning routine? A universal desire. So when I heard raving reviews about the best collagen supplements, I was hooked. Intrigued. Desperate to know if they actually do what the many, many people on my FYP claim.
FYI, those people include Hailey Bieber, who attributes her from-within radiance to a ‘Skin Glaze’ smoothie, and Jennifer Aniston, who shouts about collagen-infused coffee. But experts are keen too. “Collagen supplements can benefit individuals of different age groups,” says GP, aesthetic doctor and founder of G&M Healthcare, Dr Grace Hula. "Younger people may use them for skin enhancement and preventive measures, while older individuals may find relief from joint pain.”
But despite having the backing of a healthcare professional, I was still sceptical — hence why I set about trying a host of collagen supplements, including powders, liquid sachets and capsules, to see if A) they worked, and B) which I considered to be the very best.
So, read on for my findings, as well as answers to all common collagen-related FAQs, too.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that this article isn't a substitute for professional medical advice, and our recommendations won't replace a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein that consists of essential amino acids such as proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. “Collagen is found in connective tissues like skin, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, says Hula. "Since it provides structural support, it helps maintain the elasticity and strength of these tissues. It also contributes to the health of your gut lining, which is equally an important factor.”
“All three — and hydroxyproline in particular — are hard to come by from diet, unless you regularly eat natural sources of collagen such as organ meats or foods such as bone broth,” explains Kirsten Humphreys, nutritional therapist at Bare Biology.
“Twenty-nine different types of collagen have been identified, but the vast majority of collagen in the human body is type I, II, or III,” adds dermatologist and medical aesthetics expert, Dr Elif Benar. “Collagen type I is by far the most common and is largely responsible for the skin’s elasticity and strength.
"Collagen type II is primarily distributed in cartilage, and collagen type III is prevalent in skin, blood vessels, and internal organs,” she adds. In other words, although the type needed depends on the health goal, in the case of beauty, you’re likely best off prioritising intake of types I and III.
Available in all shapes in forms – from liquid sachets to powders and even gummies – each kind comes with its own set of ambitious claims. But where does this shoppable form of collagen come from?
While bovine collagen is extracted from cow hides, marine collagen is sourced from the skin of wild-caught fish. Derived from fish collagen peptides, marine collagen has superior bioavailability, meaning that it’s absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently into the body.
Ahead, the best collagen supplements for 2026, tested by Glamour editors:
Vida Glow Collagen Liquid Advance
Tester: Fiona Embleton, Glamour's Associate Beauty Director.
- Type: Marine collagen.
- Form: Liquid sachet.
- Recommended daily dose: 1 sachet.
- Concentration per serving: 4.8g of collagen.
- Key ingredients: Sustainably sourced natural collagen, vitamin C, and a blend of pomegranate, blackcurrant, goji berry and acerola cherry extracts for an added boost for your skin health.
Our Associate Beauty Director Fiona Embleton describes these liquid collagen sachets as her ‘go-to supplement,’ and deservedly so. She finds that it's super convenient to take on the go. After all, let's face it, the whole process of measuring a scoop, mixing it in, may not be the easiest of processes (especially on the days when we're in the office or running errands).
With this clever supplement, you won't have to worry about dosage, simply take one sachet in your purse, take it on the tube or in-between meetings and you're golden. But apart from its convenient form, the formula of the Vida Glow Collagen Liquid Advance is unmatched when it comes to its youth-boosting benefits. From firming up your skin, reducing signs of aging to maintaining optimal joint and bone health, this hero product is proven to be twice as effective as the original Vida Glow. Where do we sign up?
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Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Tester: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
- Type: Bovine collagen.
- Form: Powder.
- Recommended daily dose: 2 scoops (approx 20g).
- Concentration per serving: 20g of collagen.
- Key ingredients: Each recommended serving contains 20g of pure bovine collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed by your body.
This is the collagen supplement Jennifer Aniston credits for her youthful-looking skin and enviable glow. Whether you're after healthier hair, stronger nails or a lit-from-within complexion, the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides makes easy work of making the process of taking collagen supplements seamless due to its unflavoured nature.
Mix a couple of scoops in with your morning coffee or your protein smoothie, and you will forget that there's collagen powder in there in the first place. It's made with collagen peptides, which are soluble pieces of protein derived from bovine collagen or marine collagen, but what makes them unique is that they're bioavailable, which also helps them absorb faster. It's also available in 567g, sachets, capsules and even comes in a delicious vanilla flavour. A win.
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Beauty Pie Collagen Super Powder
Tester: Samantha Reynolds, Glamour Contributor.
- Type: Marine collagen.
- Form: Powder.
- Recommended daily dose: 1 scoop (approx 11.3g).
- Concentration per serving: 10g of collagen.
- Key ingredients: Collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, biotin, tramella mushrooms for hydrating and plumping, and grape seed extract — which is a potent source of antioxidants.
One of the tastiest collagen supplements in this edit, Beauty Pie's Collagen Peptide contains a 100% natural berry infusion to help cover the taste of seaweed. Best taken with cold water or added to juice or a smoothie. When testing this particular powder, we noticed just how easily it mixed in with water without forming any unwanted weird texture or resulting in an artificial taste.
In fact, it actually ended up tasting like a nice berry lemonade on a hot summer day. Apart from collagen peptides, this collagen supplement is filled to the brim with skin-loving ingredients and antioxidants to help maximise the benefits for your skin's hydration levels. Think: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, tramella mushrooms and grape seed extract. One of the most effective beauty collagen supplements we've seen.
Save when you shop for the best collagen supplements with these Beauty Pie discount codes.
Tester: Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Type: Bovine collagen.
- Form: Powder.
- Recommended daily dose: 5 to 10g scoop.
- Concentration per serving: 4.8g of collagen.
- Key ingredients: 100% hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides.
With this being the brand behind my go-to creatine supplement, I had high hopes for Ancient & Brave's collagen. First up, I love the fact that I can opt in for a repeat delivery to my door every two, four, six or eight weeks, meaning I'm never without. But this also mixed effortlessly into both hot (I added it to my AM coffee) and cold drinks. In terms of flavour, it simply made everything a little creamier, and didn't leave behind any unpleasant aftertaste. When it comes to effectiveness, I also noticed some changes as early as two weeks after regular use. My nails seemed to grow twice as long (my nail tech even commented on their strength, and my skin seems a touch glowier, too.
- Type: Type 1 and 3 collagen.
- Form: Powder.
- Recommended daily dose: Measure out ¾ scoop (15g) of Clear Collagen 360, once a day.
- Concentration per serving: 15g of collagen.
- Key ingredients: Type 1 and 3 collagen, plus Vitamin C, Zinc, and Selenium to maximise collagen absorption.
Formulated to support healthy collagen formation – and help maintain the normal function of bones, cartilage, skin, gums, teeth, and blood vessels – Protein Works' collagen powder won our hearts for its taste. Because not only is it packed full of collagen types one and three – plus Vitamin C, Zinc, and Selenium to maximise its absorption – but it tastes better than so many collagen supplements we've tried. It comes in either Orange and Mango, Apple and Lemon, unflavoured or Summer Berry Burst. We tried Orange and Mango, which is so refreshing – and the reviews of the other flavours are pretty good, too. We loved that it is sugar-free and easy to take on the go (using the Protein Works protein shaker bottle).
Save when you shop for the best collagen supplements with these Protein Works discount codes.
Tester: Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Type: Bovine collagen.
- Form: Powder.
- Recommended daily dose: 1 scoop, or 5g.
- Key ingredients: 100% hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides type I & III.
DIRTEA might be best known for its mushroom-powered drinks, designed to supercharge your coffee and/or matcha with Lion's Mane and the like, but the brand has recently branched into collagen, too. If you're looking for a clean option (AKA nothing but collagen), this is a strong contender — and easy to fit into your daily routine, considering this flavourless powder can be mixed with any hot or cold drink, including coffee, matcha, into smoothies and with cacao to avoid your post-workout recovery. With 30 servings per pack, this isn't the most affordable option, but it did have its perks, mixing quickly and genuinely going unnoticed when added to my morning capp.
- Type: Marine collagen.
- Form: Powder.
- Recommended dosage: 1 scoop (approx 6.5g).
- Concentration per serving: 5g of collagen.
- Key ingredients: Peptan collagen peptides, wheatgrass, barley grass, organic broccoli, kale, and spinach.
If you're keen to try out a collagen supplement — and also up your greens intake for added fibre— this JS Health powder is well worth considering. Essentially a clinically-backed greens blend (think: wheatgrass, barley grass, organic broccoli, kale, and spinach), this unique formula is enhanced with marine collagen peptides.
Plus, it also comes enriched with a bunch of prebiotics, vitamins, phytonutrients and antioxidants, plus has a delicious pineapple mint flavour that's really refreshing when stirred into cold water, or mixed into juices and smoothies. Hands down, one of the best collagen hybrid products we've tried.
Save when you shop for the best collagen supplements with these JSHealth discount codes.
Vida Glow Pro Collagen+ Powder
- Type: Natural marine collagen.
- Form: Powder sachets.
- Recommended daily dose: 1 sachet daily.
- Concentration per serving: Not specified.
- Key ingredients: Natural marine collagen tripeptide, inulin, sodium hyaluronate, kiwi fruit powder, bromelains.
Looking for a collagen supplement that packs a punch and delivers faster results? Say less. The Vida Glow Pro Collagen+ Powder is one of the most innovative formulas on the market. Formulated with natural marine collagen as the hero ingredient, these supplements come in the form of pre-dosed powder sachets and are also infused with a clever blend of tripeptide collagen, hyaluronic acid and digestive enzymes.
Better yet, it also uses advanced hydrolysation technology to help it work more effectively and faster. Just make sure not to exceed the daily dosage of one sachet a day (mix it in any liquid that tickles your fancy most). Sure, it may not be the most affordable option out there, but trust us when we tell you that it's well worth the long-term investment.
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Bare Biology Skinful Pure Marine Collagen Powder
- Type: Marine collagen.
- Form: Powder.
- Recommended daily dose: Approx 5g.
- Concentration per serving: 5g of collagen.
- Key ingredients: 5g of type one marine collagen peptides that are made from sustainably-caught hydrolysed wild codfish skin in Norway.
Utilising collagen from ethically-sourced hydrolysed wild cod skin – and available in both original and natural strawberry flavours – Bare Biology's Skinful collagen supplement is fast absorbing, and isn't damaged by heat. This means it can be added to soups, muffins, cookies, stews… this list goes on. It's definitely one of the best collagen supplements to mix in with your hot meals or drinks (and yes, there's no aftertaste whatsoever).
When testing this particular formula, we noticed that it is fast-dissolving and doesn't require mixing for what seems like forever to get it to completely disappear into whatever it is that you're drinking or eating. The best bit? It genuinely delivers. Within a few weeks of testing, our Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet noted the improvement to her skin's firmness and radiance, as well as the quality of her once-damaged nails.
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Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen Supplement Drink
- Type: Marine collagen.
- Form: Liquid sachet.
- Recommended daily dose: 1 sachet a day.
- Concentration per serving: 8g of collagen.
- Key ingredients: High-grade hydrolysed marine collagen and vitamin C.
Since it's the best-selling collagen brand in the UK, Absolute Collagen's liquid sachets are a natural addition to this expertly curated round-up. Best known for its hard-working and powerful ingredients list that's won them multiple beauty awards, these supplements are formulated with high-grade hydrolysed marine collagen as well as vitamin C for the added hydration and antioxidant benefits.
It's also been repeatedly backed by leading skincare and haircare experts, having been clinically proven to deliver visible results on the skin, hair, and nails — and it can be consumed straight from the easy-rip sachet, or mixed into food and drinks.
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Dermatica Collagen Complex Powder
- Type: Marine collagen.
- Form: Powder.
- Recommended daily dose: 2 scoops in cold liquids.
- Concentration per serving: 5g of collagen.
- Key ingredients: Marine collagen peptides, vitamin C, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, vitamins B2 and B3.
If you're after a high-quality marine collagen supplement that also won't break the bank, look no further than the Dermatica Collagen Complex Powder – a powerhouse gluten- and dairy-free formula that's packed with science-backed antioxidants. The hero ingredient is, of course, the hydrolysed marine collagen, which supports the skin's elasticity and promotes hair strength, nail growth and joint health.
It also comes enriched with the likes of vitamin C, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, vitamins B2 and B3 – all of which are potent antioxidants that work towards protecting your skin against free radical damage. Simply mix it with your cold liquid of choice to make your collagen drink (just remember that it has a subtle sweet flavour) and enjoy.
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Collagen supplements FAQs, answered:
“Collagen production depletes as we age, leading to weaker hair and nails as well as the occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles," says Hula. However, one of the biggest misconceptions about collagen is that it's only meant for people above a certain age.
A reminder that the efficacy of your collagen supplement depends on “the type of collagen, the amount, and your individual health needs,” reminds Dr Emma Cunningham, GP, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Emma Clinics. But it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially for children and pregnant or nursing women.
Generally, collagen supplements are safe and well-tolerated. But minor side effects can include digestive issues like mild diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, gas, or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. In very rare cases, allergic reactions are possible — as well as a higher chance of developing kidney stones if you're particularly prone to them. As always, be sure to consult a doctor beforehand if you're after more specialist medical guidance.
While budgets and preferences differ, having tested dozens of different collagen supplements first-hand, the Glamour team's top pick has to be the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder, and with good reason. True to its name, it's formulated from collagen peptides, which are essentially soluble pieces of protein derived from bovine collagen or marine collagen. They're also bioavailable, which makes them easier to digest and absorb by your body. The best part? Since they're unflavoured, you can easily enjoy them in whichever way suits you best – be it in a coffee, mixed in with your soup or blended into your smoothies. Our testers noted that there wasn't any artificial aftertaste and that the powder didn't mess with the consistency of the food or drink that they were consuming it with. As a bonus, it also happens to be Jennifer Aniston's favourite. You're welcome.
When reviewing it for five weeks, our Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett noted that her skin started looking more radiant, plump and healthy-looking, plus her hair seemed slightly shinier too. It's also worth mentioning that since she was also taking probiotics at the time, it was trickier to determine whether the improvement to her gut health could be attributed to either one of the supplements. One thing to note is that it's not plant-based since it contains traces of milk, making it unsuitable for vegans.
“Collagen supplements usually contain hydrolysed collagen peptides, which are small pieces of collagen,” shares Cunningham. “When these peptides are ingested, they are absorbed into the bloodstream and sent through the body. These peptides act as signals, stimulating the body's cells to produce more collagen."
While research is still limited, there is more than enough evidence that backs the benefits of collagen supplements. According to a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, which had over 1,000 participants, those who used collagen supplements reported an ‘increased firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin, with wrinkles appearing less noticeable.’
“Collagen supplements are available as powder, collagen tablets, pills and liquid. Choosing between collagen supplement types is a matter of personal choice. There is no significant difference between them regarding efficacy,” Benar adds.
Instead, the form you choose should be based on what works for your lifestyle. “Hydrolysed collagen is considered one of the best forms as it's broken down into smaller peptides, which are easier for your body to absorb,” shares Hula. “Most collagen supplements have undergone the process of hydrolysis, which means the manufacturer has broken the collagen down into peptides so the body can absorb and use it."
“Noticing skin results from collagen supplements can vary depending on individual factors,” says a medical writer at Dermatica, Dr Zoë Lees. “Most people start to notice a positive effect after about six weeks. Early improvements can include improved skin moisture and a smoother texture.
“More pronounced benefits, including reduced appearance of wrinkles, may start to appear with a longer duration of supplementation,” she continues. "Consistency in supplementation is key to achieving and maintaining results.”
“There’s no specific age you need to be to start taking collagen supplements,, but since your natural collagen production starts to decrease in your 20s so this is a great time to start,” says Lees.
Humphreys explains that if you're not after the youth-boosting effect, you can start taking collagen supplements for other reasons from your late teens: “Some people take it for scarring, gut health, joint recovery, so it’s all down to the reason you take it.”
Meet our experts:
| Dr Elif Benar | Dermatologist and medical aesthetics expert. |
| Dr Grace Hula | GP, aesthetic doctor and founder of G&M Healthcare. |
| Dr Emma Cunningham | Aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Emma Clinics. |
| Kirsten Humphreys | Nutritional therapist at Bare Biology. |
| Dr Zoë Lees | Medical Writer at Dermatica. |
How I test collagen supplements:
The Glamour team are a high-performing bunch, moonlighting as athletes, mothers and side-hustlers at weekends. As a result, they had no complaints when asked to road-test a selection of supplements — sleep supplements, electrolytes, green powders — to see which would help them meet their fitness, focus and health goals.
Each willing volunteer was asked to try one collagen supplement for a minimum of four weeks. At the end of their trial period, they were asked to consider the ease of use, efficacy — how long until they noticed a difference, if any at all — taste and value for money. Unsurprisingly, only our favourites made it into our edit below.
At the end of the trial period, they were asked to rate it against the following criteria:
- Ease of use — Were the capsules easy to swallow? Did the powder mix well with water?
- Efficacy — How long into the four weeks did they notice a difference, if any?
- Taste — On a scale of one to five, how pleasurable was the taste?
- Value for money — Would they be happy to commit to the weekly, monthly or bi-monthly spend?
Why you can trust me:
As a shopping writer, it's been my job to test a host of wellness products for the last two years — that's 14 months at Glamour and a year elsewhere. From sexual wellness products to running trainers and menstrual products such as period pants and reusable sanitary pads, I've tried thousands of products across hundreds of brands to publicly declare the best. But, over the last year, I've also attended countless press days, spoken to various nutritionists, plus regularly read up on the latest research on collagen supplements. Essentially, you can trust me.
