14 best collagen supplements, tested by 350 panellists

The Good Housekeeping Institute experts recruited 350 panel members to trial 31 brands of collagen supplements over a period of three months. Panellists were then asked to submit feedback on the key areas below every four weeks and noted how quickly they saw any changes.

Ease of use: Real results depend on consistency, and to be consistent, a supplement should be straightforward to integrate into your routine. This is why we asked testers their opinions on things such as how easy the supplements were to take and how portable the packaging was.

Taste: We also asked about flavour, as collagen has a bit of a bad rep when it comes to taste, as some are derived from marine sources. Many supplements are flavoured to mask this “fishy” taste, so we wanted to know how successful they were.

Performance: Most importantly, we asked testers if they noticed any differences to skin, hair and nails over the trial period. Did their hair feel stronger and longer? Did their skin feel plumper and healthier?

Back in the lab, our in-house experts used the VISIA Skin Analysis machine before, during and after testing to assess any changes in users’ fine lines, wrinkles, texture and browns spots. We then analysed all the data and feedback to award each product a score out of 100.

Score: 86/100

Free Soul has made waves in the supplement space for its viral greens powders, and now it’s applying all that practical knowledge to the collagen category. Testers rated these little pouches on flavour and convenience. “The flavour wasn’t too sweet like other supplements and the individual sachets (that you don’t have to mix with water) are a joy to travel with,” one told us.

The results were indisputable, too, with one panellist telling us: “The biggest change I noticed was the texture and thickness of my hair – no other product has ever come close to improving my hair to this extent!”

Everyone who tried Free Soul said the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles was improved, as was skin plumpness and hair thickness, with a few even noticing a boost to their energy levels perk up over the trial period. Some said they had to open the sachets with scissors, as they weren’t strong enough to tear the tops off, but that was the only (very minor) complaint.

Key specifications

Score: 80/100

Key specifications

Score: 77/100

Ingenious indeed. These clever capsules are a low-maintenance way of ensuring you’re consuming enough collagen for skin, hair and nails when you're not getting enough from your diet. One of our expert testers at the Good Housekeeping Institute tried them as part of the panel and told us: “These took two whole years off of my real skin age after just three months, according to our VISIA machine.” We like those maths.

The tablets were easy to swallow, and most agreed there was no bad aftertaste or digestion issues. One tester did grumble about the “fishy” flavour, but we think a hold-your-nose-while-you-swallow situation is a small price to pay for a healthier-looking complexion.

One tester gave these tablets “10 out of 10” due to noticeable improvements in their skin, hair and nails, with comments from others including: “My hair stopped breaking and I had fewer split ends”; and “I’ve got the healthiest fingernails I’ve ever had, and I’m 61!” Another, who usually wouldn't dream of going out bare-faced, told us they felt comfortable leaving the house without makeup on after the trial period.

Key specifications

Score: 77/100

This supplement really lived up to its ‘liquid gold’ claims. All our panellists said their skin felt smoother and their complexion was improved after the 12-week testing period. “I’ve received positive comments about my skin from friends since using this, and the crepey skin on my upper arms has improved,” one told us. “People keep telling me that I look young for my age, and a couple have asked if I’ve been on holiday, I presume because of my brighter, fresher-looking complexion,” added another.

Most noticed significant hair growth, too. One tester praised the “outstanding” results on their lengths, while another said, “My hair feels thicker and healthier, with less breakage, and my nails are growing faster and stronger than they used to.”

The only niggle was that the bottle is quite heavy, which isn’t ideal for people who travel a lot, but there’s no mixing required, and you don’t have to store the bottles in the fridge, which makes them more convenient. One person said she kept them on her nightstand to make sure she remembered to drink one every day.

Key specifications

Score: 75/100

There’s no faffing with rubs or scoops here – instead, this supplement comes in the form of neat sachets you can slip into your bag, making it easy to stay consistent and consume on the go. Simply add to water and thoroughly stir.

The secret of these sachets is a blend of marine collagen tripeptides and hydrating hyaluronic acid to support moisture retention, along with digestive enzymes, which help enhance collagen absorption.

Our panellists said they noticed changes in their complexion after about six weeks with this one – several reported a newfound radiance to their skin, with friends and family commenting on their glow. “I have already bought my next three boxes and will continue to use the product,” said one convinced tester.

Key specifications

Score: 74/100

Kiki Health sources its 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 on our testers.

Most of our panel noticed their skin felt smoother after just four weeks, and tests in the lab revealed the supplements effectively reduced fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots after 12 weeks. Testers liked how easy the capsules were to take, without any nasty fishy aftertaste, and reported healthier hair and nails post-trial, too.

Key specifications

Score: 74/100

If healthy hair is why you’re here, then this is the supplement 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 looked and felt shinier, stronger, smoother and even longer after just four weeks.

Meanwhile, in the lab, our experts were impressed by how much these capsules helped firm up skin and improve its texture after three months. Many panellists reported similar findings, saying their skin looked and felt plumper and more supple.

Key specifications

Score: 74/100

Key specifications

Score: 74/100

Hair growth and nail strength ramped up, too, and some also 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

Score: 73/100

Key specifications

Score: 73/100

Our panel raved about the overall 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.

The peach and passionfruit flavour helped each ready-to-drink bottle go down easily (you take one daily) and the glass packaging is recyclable.

Most of our testers said they would continue to use this one after the trial, especially as it also improved their skin's firmness, smoothness and hydration and added shine to their hair.

Key specifications

Score: 72/100

Key specifications

Score: 72/100

The collagen here is derived from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows, which means these collagen peptides (in powder form) are completely flavourless and not at all “fishy” tasting. This makes them versatile enough to add to coffee, water, smoothies or even sprinkle on to your dinner – and the tub even comes with a scoop so you can get the dosage right.

Our panel liked how easily this supplement slotted into their everyday routines, and how quickly they achieved results. Many noticed a boost in skin hydration and smoothness after a month, as well as a reduction in breakouts. Our lab test gave it the thumbs up for tackling unwanted lines, and one tester told us her friends had started to comment on the difference it had made to her skin.

Hair got stronger and shinier after 12 weeks, and nail growth accelerated, making this a great-value buy. Our only moan is that the container is big and bulky, so it’s not ideal for travelling.

Key specifications

Score: 70/100

This cocoa-flavoured collagen powder transforms an everyday coffee into a mocha (with added skincare benefits). Extremely versatile, you can also enjoy it in an iced coffee, whisked into hot chocolate, or blended into smoothies or protein balls. A few of our panellists found the flavour a touch too sweet, so it may come down to personal taste.

Where this supplement truly shone was in its hydrating benefits. Panellists with dry skin noticed a softer, more comfortable feel to their complexion. “A couple of times when I’ve forgotten moisturiser, I noticed that my skin doesn’t feel as tight,” said one. Others noticed a reduction in hair breakage, especially after brushing.

Key specifications

• Vida Glow Marine Collagen, £39 for 30 sachets, Score: 71/100 – This marine collagen from Australian brand, Vida Glow, left skin more hydrated and healthy-looking (after only four weeks for some). Hair also became more resilient for almost everyone, and nails were stronger.
• Ancient & Brave True Collagen Powder, £25.60 for 40 servings, Score: 71/100 – Don’t just take brand ambassador Davina McCall’s word for it – this powder helped improve hair and nail strength for our testers. It’s tasteless, too, so great for adding to meals or coffee.
• Shreddy Peach Iced Tea Superskin, £40 for 30 servings, Score: 70/100 – Those who love sweet drinks couldn’t get enough of the flavour of this collagen, swapping it for a daily sweet treat on occasion. Some (but not all) panellists saw an improvement in their skin, hair and nails and many noted having more energy, too.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing products – from the best cleansing balms and best retinol serums to the best supplements – for over 100 years so we have a lot of experience and learnings to fall back on.

Our beauty testers use their vast industry knowledge and our specialist lab machines to analyse and scrutinise products against their claims. We also work with our reader panel to get detailed feedback on everything from ease of use to efficacy.

Our writers are also experts in their fields. Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White, has years of experience researching and writing about the latest skincare launches and the most effective health-enhancing ingredients in haircare.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the structural protein that adds density and plumpness to our skin, making it look smoother and feel more taut.

“It's a crucial protein found in the body, particularly in the skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments,” explains medical consultant and founder of Adonia Medical clinic, Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme. “It provides structure, elasticity and strength to various tissues, making it essential for maintaining healthy skin, joints and overall body function.”

Our natural collagen production starts slowing down from our mid-20s, but if you’re keen to put the bounce back into your skin and your 20s feel like a long time ago, hope is not lost. That’s where some the best collagen supplements can help.

What do collagen supplements do?

Not only good for boosting skin elasticity, collagen can also help improve joint, bone, gut, nail and hair health. This means collagen supplements can be beneficial for tackling symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause, from aching joints to flaking nails.

The good news is that there are many ways to boost your collagen production, from topical application of collagen-promoting creams and serums, to drinking or eating the protein in the form of gummies, bars, liquid sachets or powdered drinks.

In theory, anyway. Experts don’t always agree on what’s possible – debate rages over the ideal size of collagen molecules, as well as their ability to be absorbed into the skin or to travel safely through the digestive system.

However, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that says collagen supplements can contribute to stronger and faster hair and nail growth, as well as noticeably plumper-looking and more resilient skin.

How do collagen supplements work?

Most drinks and supplements claim to increase collagen levels in the skin by hardwiring the protein – in the form of collagen peptides or hydrolysed collage – to go straight to the stomach. They’re then broken down during digestion into amino acids, absorbed into your system and used by your body to build collagen or other required proteins.

Collagen supplements stay in your body for around two weeks, which means 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 skincare or breakfast routine.

Types of collagen

Bovine

The collagen in supplements is usually derived from bovine (cows) or marine sources (found in the skin and scales of fish). It’s worth noting that bovine collagen supplements have made the news for their contribution to biodiversity issues in tropical regions (from where the ingredients are sourced). If that's a concern, you may want to consider a marine collagen.

Marine

If you’re keen to steer clear of bovine collagen, we recommend opting for a marine collagen supplement instead. We’ve distinguished between them in our ‘key specifications’ boxes below to make your research that little bit more manageable.

Vegan

The rise of vegan collagen is also making waves in the market. These supplements don’t actually contain collagen as it isn’t vegan, but some claim to replicate the amino acid profile of type 1 human collagen, or they contain ingredients such as vitamin C, which help promote collagen production. We don’t have any vegan supplements on our tried and tested list currently, as they’re still fairly new.

How long does it take for collagen supplements to work?

We tested collagen supplements for three months (12 weeks), as most brands claim this is how long it takes to see real, tangible results.

Are collagen supplements safe?

“Collagen supplements are generally safe for most people when taken as directed,” says Dr Ejikeme. “However, some individuals may experience mild side-effects, such as digestive discomfort, bloating or mild allergic reactions.”

She adds: “It’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.”

What age should you start taking collagen?

You can benefit from topping up your natural collagen supplies from your mid-20s onwards, when collagen levels naturally start to fall, but it's particularly helpful during pre- and post-menopause.

What is the best form of collagen to take?

The best form of collagen to take depends on a few things. It's important to consider the flavouring and format (powder or capsule) as this will likely relate to how consistent you are with taking them.

It’s also important to consider your dietary needs, as marine or bovine collagen wouldn’t be suitable to those on a plant-based diet.