12 Best Collagen Supplements in 2024, According to Dermatologists

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12 Best Collagen Supplements in 2024, According to Dermatologists | Glamour

By Kristine Thomason and Jake Smith

Smoothies at exclusive grocery store Erewhon, luxury facials, an entire aisle filled with powders—it seems that everywhere you look, brands are touting the best collagen supplements, either to be taken on their own or mixed into products for dreamy benefits. (Case in point: the recent explosion of collagen creams from buzzy skin care brands.) In fact, the word collagen itself has become almost synonymous with long hair, strong nails, and plump skin, making it easy to understand why these dietary supplements have amassed so much buzz. But are they worth the hype? We spoke with dermatologists to learn more about the science behind collagen supplements

Let’s get one thing clear: Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It provides structure to your skin, hair, nails, joints, cartilage, muscles, and bones. So far experts have identified 28 various types of collagen, according to research published by the National Institutes of Health. The most common are types I, II, and III, with the former making up 90% of collagen in the human body.

Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but production decreases due to a number of factors (age, sun damage, smoking, etc.) That’s where a supplement may be enticing: “Individuals experiencing signs of aging such as wrinkles and joint pain, or those with a collagen deficiency, may find them beneficial,” Anna Chon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami tells Glamour.

“It’s still undecided whether collagen is actually effective when we consume it,” Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology in NYC, tells Glamour. Collagen supplements have garnered some healthy skepticism among skin care experts and doctors because some experts believe it may get degraded during the process of digestion in the GI tract. Still, there is recent research on collagen supplements that is promising.

One 2019 review of current research found that collagen consumption may offer short- and long-term benefits for skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkling—the foundation of antiaging skin care. Other small studies suggest that collagen supplementation may help alleviate joint pain and support nail strength. Beyond those suggested cosmetic benefits, a 2021 review also highlighted that collagen products had a “significant” impact on skin regeneration, wound healing, dental therapy, joint health, and osteoarthritis. So while she is optimistic about the research and anecdotal evidence, Dr. King says, “We still need to conduct further studies to confirm these findings and to determine optimal dosing regimens.”

If you’re interested in trying collagen supplements for beauty and health benefits, here are some clear criteria from Dr. Chon—in consensus with multiple other dermatologists Glamour surveyed—to consider before buying:

Again, there are 28 types of collagen, but the ones most frequently used in supplements are types I to III—mimicking the most common forms of collagen found in the human body. Types I and III are good for skin, hair, and nails; type II collagen is ideal for joints and cartilage. Collagen types I can help support overall skin health and help with complexion concerns such as sagging skin.

Collagen is typically derived from bovine (cow) or marine (fish) sources. Dr. King recommends seeking out collagen products sourced from organically raised animals whenever possible. Collagen is not vegan; per a 2020 review, the protein “originate[s] from animal sources” and therefore cannot be plant-based; if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, this is an important factor to consider. However, you can find vegan formulas that help stimulate your body’s own collagen production. (Researchers have used genetically engineered microorganisms to create what is essentially vegan collagen, according to a 2005 review, but no product using this technology is available to consumers.)

Collagen supplements come in various forms, including powders you can stir into water or coffee, capsules, and liquids. Hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides have been broken down into smaller molecules, which are easier for your body to absorb.

Try to avoid products with added sugars or artificial flavors and colors. Do keep an eye out for health- and skin-supporting ingredients, like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

Look for products that have been tested for purity and safety by a trusted third party. This third-party certification ensures that the supplement contains exactly what it claims to offer, with no filler or harmful contaminants. It’s also beneficial to seek out brands that conduct clinical trials on their products, offering data on each one’s potential efficacy. “Look for labels that are certified by the American Grassfed Association (AGA) to ensure the supplement is antibiotic- and growth-hormone-free,” says Dr. King. And on top of that, do some research on each brand, prioritizing ones that are well-established, transparent about their sourcing and production processes, and liked by customers.

Even with these standards, some experts—like Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC—don’t recommend collagen supplements to patients. “The jury is still out as to whether or not they truly have any benefits, and there’s a lack of consistency in quality and efficacy among the product and manufacturers,” she says. It’s also important to note that while collagen is a protein, it’s not complete (meaning it doesn’t contain all essential amino acids) and therefore can’t fully replace a protein powder.

Other experts, however, say the supplements may be a helpful addition to your health and skin care regimen. “I recommend collagen supplements to individuals with noticeable signs of skin aging, those with joint pain related to osteoarthritis, and those who are unable to get sufficient collagen from their diet,” says Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Regardless, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking any new supplements. A health care practitioner can offer personalized advice, based on your individual dietary needs and preferences. “While collagen supplements may offer potential benefits, they should not be a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Chon. “It’s also important to remember that individual responses to supplements can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.”

With all of this in mind, here are some of the top-rated options to check out—based on recommendations from dermatologists and editors alike.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Used by the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Vital Proteins holds up to the hype—and many of the derms we surveyed recommend this top-rated powder. This particular product contains collagen peptides, which are easier for the body to absorb than other forms of the protein. Plus, it contains protective vitamin C and skin-hydrating hyaluronic acid, which can “suppress wrinkles” and improve dry skin when ingested, per a 2021 study.

Collagen per serving: 20g / Collagen source: Bovine / Form: Powder / Key ingredients: Collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C