\n\tBut, like some other high-profile supplement categories, collagen\u2019s efficacy is actually backed by real science. A major review<\/a> published earlier this year pulled together data from 113 clinical trials and found that collagen can provide meaningful improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and joint comfort. Plus, new research suggests that collagen could have positive effects on muscle recovery and bone density, meaning the supplement\u2019s applications could very well extend beyond the beauty space.<\/p>\n \n\tIf you\u2019ve been hearing the buzz and want to know if collagen is worth adding to your routine, read on. Below is everything you need to know, including how it works, who it\u2019s for, and the best collagen supplements<\/a> to try right now.<\/p>\n \t\tWhat Is Collagen and How Do Collagen Supplements Work?\t<\/p>\n \n\tCollagen is the most abundant structural protein in the human body. It\u2019s essentially the glue that holds everything together \u2014 skin, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues \u2014 and keeps it resilient. Scientists have identified at least 28 types of collagen, but the most relevant for supplementation are Type I (found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments), Type II (the primary component of cartilage), and Type III (muscles, organs, and arteries). These three types comprise almost all of the collagen in our bodies, making them the most common variants in dietary supplements.<\/p>\n \n\tAlthough our bodies make collagen naturally, production starts to decline in our mid to late twenties. Besides age, sun exposure, smoking, high sugar intake, and other lifestyle choices can further slow collagen production.<\/p>\n \n\tCollagen reduction leads to many of the classic \u201cI\u2019m getting old moments,\u201d like stiff joints in the morning, sagging skin, and cracking nails. Collagen supplements, which usually come in the form of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, work by supplying your body with the amino acids it needs to rebuild its own collagen fibers. These hydrolyzed peptides are small and easy for the body to absorb.<\/p>\n \n\tNumerous studies are finding that, once the body absorbs these peptides, users see improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, joint comfort, and muscle health<\/a>. However, it\u2019s worth noting that these potential positive outcomes are gradual, happening over weeks or months of continued use.<\/p>\n \t\tWho Should Be Taking Collagen Supplements?\t<\/p>\n \n\tFor years, collagen supplements were only used by older people seeking cosmetic anti-aging effects, but that\u2019s no longer the case. Younger people are finding the peptides beneficial, and those of us more interested in physical vitality \u2014 not just beauty \u2014 are also becoming customers.<\/p>\n \n\tPeople over 35 are the most obvious candidates for collagen supplements, since the decline in collagen production typically becomes noticeable around this age. However, younger adults (25-35) who put strain on their joints with high-intensity exercise and sports may also see benefits.<\/p>\n \n\tWomen going through perimenopause and menopause represent one of the fastest-growing groups taking collagen. Estrogen decline accelerates collagen decline, which is why changes in skin texture and joint mobility often intensify during this stage of life.<\/p>\n \n\tOn the flip side, some of us should not be taking collagen supplements, or at least be more wary. As with all supplements, people who are pregnant, nursing, or managing a chronic condition should avoid collagen supplements or speak with a doctor before taking them. Also, although collagen supplements are plant-based, most are derived from bovine, porcine, or marine sources, so vegans and vegetarians will want to be careful when shopping.<\/p>\n \t\tThe Best Collagen Supplements of 2026\t<\/p>\n \n\tHere are some of the best collagen supplements you can buy online right now.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Overall\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tCalifornia Gold Nutrition CollagenUP\u00ae\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\tPros: Top-tier quality control, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, mixes easily, free of many allergens, very affordable \n\tCollagenUP from California Gold Nutrition ticks all the right boxes without breaking the bank. In fact, it\u2019s the most affordable pick on our list at just 36 cents per serving. But, despite its comparatively low price point, CollagenUP delivers a very high-quality product. The main ingredient is hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides, which are combined with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for better absorption and added skin and joint benefits.<\/p>\n \n\tIt\u2019s undergone extensive third-party testing from an independent lab called Swift, and it\u2019s produced in a cGMP-registered (certified) facility. That means you\u2019re getting a high-quality product and that the labelling is correct and transparent. The fine, unflavored powder mixes easily, although some users report a very slight fishy flavor when mixed alone with only water.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRunner-Up\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tVital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\tPros: Widely trusted, premium collagen, dissolves easily, unflavored \n\tVital Proteins (where Jennifer Aniston serves as Chief Creative Officer) is the industry leader for a reason. The brand sources its premium Type I and III collagen peptides from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides, and the recipe includes vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for better skin health and absorption. Each serving contains a hefty 20 grams of collagen.<\/p>\n \n\tVital Proteins also has one of the best collagen powders in terms of usability. The brand offers a few flavors to choose from, and also an excellent collagen plus creatine mix. The powder dissolves easily without any clumping, even if you\u2019re just mixing water. Because it\u2019s so popular, you can also buy assured that literally thousands of users have tried it, loved it, and seen real results from better joints to younger-feeling skin.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest High Dosage\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tTransparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\tPros: 22g per serving, extensive testing\/certification, flavored or unflavored \n\tFor those who want a large dosage of collagen in each scoop and no ambiguity about what\u2019s in it, Transparent Labs\u2019 Grass-Fed Collagen is a great pick. Each serving contains 22 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, making it the highest-dosage pick on our list.<\/p>\n \n\tAs the brand name suggests, every product comes with clear and extensive third-party testing. On the site, you can view a third-party certificate of analysis, and the unflavored version contains exactly one ingredient: collagen hydrolysate. It holds certifications from Informed Sport and Informed Choice, which means it\u2019s been tested for hundreds of substances banned by major sports organizations.<\/p>\n![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/wp-content\/themes\/vip\/pmc-rollingstone-2022\/assets\/public\/lazyload-fallback.gif\")
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Cons: Very slight fishy taste\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Cons: Bovine only (no Type II)\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Cons: Pricey\t<\/p>\n