The Best Collagen Supplements of 2026 for Skin, Hair, and More

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Best Collagen Supplements of 2026

• Best Collagen Supplement Overall: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen 
• Best Collagen Powder Supplement: Nutricost Collagen Hydrolysate
• Best Collagen Supplement for Hair Growth: Wellah The Afterglow
• Best Collagen Supplement for Joint Health: Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen
• Best Collagen Supplement for Skin: Ora Organic Collagen Aloe Gorgeous
• Best Tasting Collagen Supplement: Promix Chocolate Collagen Powder

Best Collagen Supplements Comparison Table

Collagen	Collagen Per Serving	Flavors	Sweeteners Used	Third-Party Testing
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen	22 g	Unflavored, chocolate	Stevia extract	Yes
Nutricost Collagen Hydrolysate	11 g	Unflavored, chocolate, salted caramel, vanilla, chocolate peanut butter	Stevia	Yes
Wellah The Afterglow	12 g	Unflavored, milk chocolate, orange mango, cinnamon pear, dark chocolate, peanut butter chocolate	Stevia	Yes
Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen	40 mg	Unflavored	None	Yes
Ora Organic Collagen Aloe Gorgeous	0 g	Vanilla	Organic coconut sugar	Yes
Promix Chocolate Collagen Powder	Not clear from the label	Unflavored, chocolate, vanilla	Organic coconut sugar	Yes

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen
Collagen Per Serving	22 g
Flavors	Unflavored, chocolate
Sweeteners Used	Stevia extract
Third-Party Testing	Yes
Nutricost Collagen Hydrolysate
Collagen Per Serving	11 g
Flavors	Unflavored, chocolate, salted caramel, vanilla, chocolate peanut butter
Sweeteners Used	Stevia
Third-Party Testing	Yes
Wellah The Afterglow
Collagen Per Serving	12 g
Flavors	Unflavored, milk chocolate, orange mango, cinnamon pear, dark chocolate, peanut butter chocolate
Sweeteners Used	Stevia
Third-Party Testing	Yes
Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen
Collagen Per Serving	40 mg
Flavors	Unflavored
Sweeteners Used	None
Third-Party Testing	Yes
Ora Organic Collagen Aloe Gorgeous
Collagen Per Serving	0 g
Flavors	Vanilla
Sweeteners Used	Organic coconut sugar
Third-Party Testing	Yes
Promix Chocolate Collagen Powder
Collagen Per Serving	Not clear from the label
Flavors	Unflavored, chocolate, vanilla
Sweeteners Used	Organic coconut sugar
Third-Party Testing	Yes

Best Collagen Supplement Overall: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen

Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen is our pick for the best collagen supplement overall due to its  ingredient transparency, high single-dose collagen content, and certifications. It holds both Informed Sport and Informed Choice certifications, meaning that the product has been tested for banned substances and manufactured to high-quality standards. It includes only pure, grass-fed collagen peptides. It’s also hydrolyzed, making it easier for your body to absorb.

Carter tested this collagen, rating it a 5 out of 5 for his first impression. “The container is sleek and has the classic Transparent Labs large text and metallic labeling,” he said. “This is one of the bulkiest collagen containers I tested, but the extra space was really nice for storing the scoop.” Since collagen powder is thick, some of the smaller containers that Carter tested were difficult to wedge the scoop back into after use.

He found both the instructions and packing simple, and pointed towards the directions in easy-to-read text, rating it a 5 in this category. Carter also rated mixability a 5: “The collagen powder dissolved really well in water within the 60-second shaking time. The texture is very watery, not nearly as thick as Transparent Labs’ protein powder, for example. It was pleasant to drink and wasn’t too grainy at all,” he said.

Our tester rated the taste and sweetness both a 3. “The chocolate collagen has a nice, subtle sweetness that did not overwhelm my palette. It’s not creamy at all, and when fully mixed, it’s slightly translucent,” he said. “I typically prefer collagen to be unflavored, that way I can mix it with coffee or another supplement. This one had no issue dissolving quickly, and it’s not chalky at all. It goes down very smooth,” Carter said.

Specs

• Serving Size: 1 scoop
• Price Per Serving: $1.66
• Collagen Source: Grass-fed bovine collagen
• Supplement Form: Powder
• Other Key Ingredients: N/A
• Sweeteners Used: Stevia

Best Collagen Powder Supplement: Nutricost Collagen Hydrolysate

Our Thoughts on Nutricost Collagen Supplement

Nutricost Collagen Hydrolysate is our pick for the best collagen powder supplement because it is not only versatile and affordable but it is also third-party tested and comes in a convenient powder form. The unflavored version contains only collagen powder, making it suitable for a wide variety of diets and preferences. The powder mixes well, and the brand’s commitment to third-party testing adds an extra layer of trust for quality and safety. 

Our tester Carter gave this product a try, finding the instructions “simple and easy” to read and follow, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category. Carter also rated mixability as a 5: “The collagen dissolved well within the 60-second window and did not leave any chalky or grainy consistency behind. It was very smooth, albeit quite watery,” he said. He thinks this supplement would be best mixed with a milk or coffee beverage for ideal thickness and texture.

However, the product did earn a 3 out of 5 for first impression due to the slightly underwhelming packaging. “The packaging is functional, but the branding is a little bit drab,” he said. “Similarly to other collagen supplements that find themselves in small containers, the scoop had to be wedged back in after use. It took quite a bit of work to get back inside the tub enough to screw the lid back on,” Carter said.

Despite the packaging, the product inside had a great taste, our team thought. Carter said the chocolate flavor was “nice and pretty subtle.” He did note that there was more of a stevia taste than he typically prefers. He didn’t experience any side effects after taking Nutricost’s Collagen. Overall, Carter thinks this is a “top shelf budget collagen,” and recommends trying the unflavored version to mix with milk or coffee.

Specs

• Serving Size: 1 scoop
• Price Per Serving: $.65
• Collagen Source: Bovine collagen
• Supplement Form: Powder
• Other Key Ingredients: N/A
• Sweeteners Used: Stevia

Best Collagen Supplement for Hair Growth: Wellah The Afterglow

Our Thoughts on Wellah The Afterglow

Wellah The Afterglow is our top pick for the best collagen for hair growth because it contains a blend of five collagen types and biotin, both shown to help support healthier, thicker hair. There are also multiple flavor options, including unflavored, allowing you to choose a flavor that will be consistently pleasant to sip. This collagen supplement is formulated for women (and would be well-complemented with a daily multivitamin), but keep in mind that collagen is not gender-specific, so anyone can take it. 

Carter tested this collagen supplement, rating it a 3 out of 5 for first impressions. “I love the Wellah branding,” he said. “It’s sleek and fun, and the container is easy to use.” The only negative he mentioned is that the scoop is too large for the size of the container, and you have to “really work to wedge it back in after use, and given the thickness of the collagen, it’s no small feat.”

He rated mixability as a 5 out of 5: “The Wellah collagen dissolved really quickly and left no precipitate. It was smooth but a bit watery,” he said. “I typically prefer unflavored collagen for this reason, because it’s easier to mix in with another supplement since it doesn’t produce the same creamy consistency as protein powder.”

Carter liked the flavor of this collagen. “The chocolate taste was really nice,” he said, rating it a 3 out of 5 for taste and sweetness. “It is subtly sweet and doesn’t leave a weird aftertaste. I really like the lightness of this product,” he said. Though it is a bit watery, Carter found the flavor palatable and felt that it went down smoothly.

After trying out the chocolate flavor of Wellah’s The Afterglow, Carter thinks it would be best enjoyed with milk, or unflavored and then mixed with a protein powder or coffee for better thickness.

Specs

• Serving Size: 1 scoop
• Price Per Serving: $.93
• Collagen Source: Bovine collagen, chicken collagen, marine collagen
• Supplement Form: Powder
• Other Key Ingredients: apple cider vinegar, biotin, hyaluronic acid, egg shell membrane, vitamin C
• Sweeteners Used: Stevia

Best Collagen Supplement for Joint Health: Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen

Our Thoughts on Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen

Our pick for the best collagen for joint health is Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen. It includes types II and III collagen in a convenient, flavorless format. The inclusion of UC-II undenatured collagen and Fortigel may help support cartilage protection and connective tissue strengthening. We like that it includes these ingredients for folks prioritizing joint health and comfort, such as athletes or anyone managing joint stiffness.

Aaron tested Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen, rating it a 4 out of 5 for his first impression. “It has clean packaging and a sturdy bag. The scoop is easy to use, but the bag is small, which makes it tricky to get to the powder without getting it on your fingers and the back of your hands,” he said. “The powder is very sticky when wet, which happens with collagen powders.” 

He found the instructions easy to read and follow, giving a 5 out of 5 in this category. All you do is mix one scoop of powder with water or another liquid of choice. While prepping the drink, though, Aaron rated mixability a 3 out of 5. “I used cold water. It might also be worth testing with a hot liquid, such as coffee,” he said. “There were no visible chunks, only extremely fine particles that remained visible but did not have a grainy texture.” He had to shake the drink again before each sip, but said that it didn’t bother him, as it mixed easily once the powder had settled. If you’re someone who wants a more ideal mixability, we recommend Nutricost Collagen Hydrolysate. 

“It’s an unflavored product, but there is a clear, faint taste that reminds me of a very watered-down chocolate-flavored collagen powder,” he said, giving the flavor a 3 out of 5. “This same flavor persisted throughout, and I would recommend mixing this product with a stronger flavored drink, like coffee.” He didn’t experience any side effects after drinking this collagen.

Specs

• Serving Size: 1 scoop
• Price Per Serving: $2.08
• Collagen Source: Chicken collagen
• Supplement Form: Powder
• Other Key Ingredients: Gelatin hydrolysate
• Sweeteners Used: N/A

Best Collagen Supplement for Skin: Ora Organic Aloe Gorgeous

Our Thoughts on Ora Organic Aloe Gorgeous

Ora Organic Aloe Gorgeous is our pick for skin support because it has a plant-powered blend formulated for those who avoid animal products, while nurturing their skin’s health. Each serving includes aloe vera, vitamin C, and amino acids that work together to potentially help stimulate natural collagen creation, improve elasticity, and boost hydration. The ingredients are also ethically sourced and third-party tested.

Pete tested this product, rating it a 5 out of 5 for first impressions. “The label is white with black lettering that’s easy to read,” he said. The dark blue, clear container has a black screw top lid that opens and closes easily. It comes with a scoop, and the container is small enough to be travel-friendly.

He also found the directions easy to read and follow, rating it a 5 out of 5 in that category. It says to “mix one scoop with four ounces of water, plant-based milk, or add to a smoothie.” 

Unfortunately, the product did not mix very well, and Pete rated it a 1 out of 5 for mixability. “After 60 seconds of shaking, there were small chunks of powder visible at the top of the shake,” he said. “After another 60 seconds of shaking, the chunks were still visible, and the product wasn’t fully dissolved.” Pete recommends using a blender to fully mix this supplement. 

Our tester was definitely more satisfied with the taste, though. “It had a light, natural vanilla taste with a very subtle amount of sweetness from the organic coconut sugar,” he said. “I like that this product uses only natural ingredients and avoids artificial flavors and sweeteners.”

As this is a vegan collagen support supplement, “it’s important to note that this product doesn’t contain any collagen,” Pete explained. “It does provide some amino acids through the pea protein, but it’s only three grams per serving, as well as 90 milligrams of vitamin C, an essential

cofactor for collagen production. If you follow a vegan or plant-based diet and want potential collagen support without any animal sourced ingredients, this could be a good option.” That said, we always recommend getting your daily vitamins and nutrients through whole foods.

Specs

• Serving Size: 1 scoop
• Price Per Serving: $1.99
• Collagen Source: Vegan collagen
• Supplement Form: Powder
• Other Key Ingredients: Organic pea protein, organic acerola cherry extract, organic aloe vera gel powder, organic bamboo, sunflower vitamin E
• Sweeteners Used: Organic coconut sugar

Best Tasting Collagen Supplement: Promix Chocolate Collagen

Our Thoughts on Promix Chocolate Collagen

Promix Chocolate Collagen is our pick for the best tasting collagen, thanks to its satisfying chocolate flavor, which is comprised of organic cocoa and coconut sugar for sweetness without being overwhelming. Our tester loved adding this collagen to their morning coffee.

Kayla tested this collagen, rating it a 3 out of 5 for her first impression. “The branding leans clean and minimal, using a bold color block with straightforward labeling,” she said. “It gives off a ‘serious wellness’ or athletic-nutrition vibe. It’s more functional than flashy, and feels like a product designed for performance rather than luxury,” she continued. This collagen comes in a soft resealable pouch or a large plastic tub. “The pouch option is more travel-friendly, flattening easily when not full,” she said. “Expect a press-to-seal zip closure. It usually seals well, but like most pouches, if powder gets in the seal, it can be tricky to close cleanly,” Kayla said.

She found the instructions easy to understand, rating them a 5 out of 5 in this category. ”Promix offers a wide array of instructions, giving several different options like adding into your baking, smoothie, snack, coffee, and more. I really love how they went that extra step to help people have options,” Kayla said.

Kayla rated the mixability a 3. She added the Promix collagen into her coffee, which is her preferred method of incorporating collagen into her daily routine. “Overall, it mixes more easily into liquids when they are hot, but even then I still had to stir aggressively. I think this would be best if stirred and then a frother is also used to really mix it in well,” she said. “Two scoops is a lot to put into a coffee, so you would most likely need two cups of coffee (around 16 ounces) to have enough liquid to dissolve it in.”

She rated the taste of this collagen a 5 out of 5 after mixing it into her coffee. It added a hint of creaminess to her morning drink, with a hint of chocolate. “The flavor wasn’t overwhelming or too bitter,” she said. “I added a little extra cream and this was the perfect addition to my morning,” Kayla said.

Specs

• Serving Size: 2 scoops
• Price Per Serving: $1.88
• Collagen Source: Bovine collagen
• Supplement Form: Powder
• Other Key Ingredients: Organic fair trade cocoa, organic coconut sugar
• Sweeteners Used: Organic coconut sugar

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It’s the building block for skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Its structure provides strength, elasticity, and structure throughout the body, holding cells and tissues together. Collagen naturally declines with age, which may lead to signs of aging such as wrinkles, joint discomfort, and weakened connective tissues. This is why some people may choose to take a collagen supplement.

There are 28 types of collagen, but five main types are used in supplements and are most important for human health: 

• Type I: Most abundant; found in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cornea. Provides tensile strength and structure to these tissues
• Type II: Primarily in cartilage; offers joint support and elasticity in cartilage and in the vitreous of the eye
• Type III: Often found alongside Type I; present in skin, muscle, organs, and blood vessels, providing elasticity and flexibility
• Type IV: Supports cells and helps to filter substances in kidneys and other tissues
• Type V: In cell surfaces, hair, cornea, and placenta; helps with forming and maintaining the structure of some tissues

What are Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides are smaller fragments of the main structural protein collagen. Collagen peptides are more bioavailable and easier for your body to absorb than whole collagen.

How We Tested and Selected the Top Collagen Supplements

We tested and evaluated collagen supplements and then scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as first impressions, easy-to-follow directions, taste, mixability, side effects, and value. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.

Formula

When selecting and testing collagen formulas, we worked closely with a certified nutrition coach to ensure that each option is not only effective but also safe. We focused on formulas with clinically-tested amounts of collagen peptides and supporting ingredients, prioritizing those that offer well-researched doses for joint, skin, and connective tissue health. When possible, we also selected products that avoid artificial sweeteners, colors, and unnecessary fillers. Instead, we chose collagen products that held certifications, have been third-party tested, and include whole-food based sources.

Taste and Texture

Flavor is a big part of our testing process. We ask our testers to provide feedback on the taste, texture, and pleasantness of the flavor for each collagen supplement. We rate sweetness on a scale of 1 to 5, based on how strong the sweetness is. For taste, a score of 5 is best-tasting, 1 is not drinkable. We also consider texture, and ask our tester to record any grittiness, clumps, frothiness, or conversely, smoothness and creaminess, when tasting the collagen drink.

Mixability 

When mixing a collagen powder into liquid, we prepare the product exactly as advised by the brand. We then pay close attention to how well the powder dissolves, wanting to avoid grittiness in the taste and odd textures, like chunks.

Third-Party Testing

We selected collagen supplements that have been third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures independent verification of safety, purity, as well as nutrition label accuracy. This helps to reduce the risk of mislabeling or underdosing. Third-party testing also checks for harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and more for safety. 

For athletes, third-party testing is paramount to knowing that the collagen supplements they’ve chosen does not contain any banned substances. They should look for products that are certified for sport. Independent testing and certifications help to build consumer trust. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate supplements, so it’s vital to have independent testing done to ensure safety, accuracy, and quality.

Value

When considering value, we place a higher value on brands that source their ingredients in America and have certifications, such as Informed Choice or USDA-certified organic.

Collagen supplement	Collagen per serving	Cost per serving
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen	22 g	$1.67
Nutricost Collagen Hydrolysate	11 g	$1.10
Wellah The Afterglow	12 g	$1.33
Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen	40 mg	$1.67
Ora Organic Collagen Aloe Gorgeous	0 g	$2.00
Promix Chocolate Collagen Powder	Not clear from label	$1.70

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen
Collagen per serving	22 g
Cost per serving	$1.67
Nutricost Collagen Hydrolysate
Collagen per serving	11 g
Cost per serving	$1.10
Wellah The Afterglow
Collagen per serving	12 g
Cost per serving	$1.33
Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen
Collagen per serving	40 mg
Cost per serving	$1.67
Ora Organic Collagen Aloe Gorgeous
Collagen per serving	0 g
Cost per serving	$2.00
Promix Chocolate Collagen Powder
Collagen per serving	Not clear from label
Cost per serving	$1.70

How to Find the Best Collagen Supplements for You

Selecting the best collagen supplement depends on your preferences related to your age, lifestyle, skin and joint health goals, dietary restrictions, and overall wellness priorities. Consider taking a form of collagen, whether powder, capsule, or gummy, that works best for you and is easiest to add to your daily routine.

Your Body’s Needs

Your body’s needs will help you to choose the right collagen supplement, as everyone’s goals and priorities are different. You may want to focus on improving skin elasticity and hydration, while others may aim to support joint health, bone strength, or muscle recovery. Understanding whether you need specific collagen types or added nutrients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid can help narrow your search and ensure you find the supplement that best supports your unique goals.

That being said, it’s important to manage your expectations. While collagen may modestly help improve skin elasticity and joint comfort, they’re not magic, according to Jillian Robillard, MS, RD, LDN. These products may help but they’re not essential, especially if you eat enough protein and maintain overall good nutrition. Make sure to

Flavors

It’s important to choose a collagen supplement flavor that you genuinely enjoy, because sipping it regularly makes it easier to meet your daily goals and stick to your routine. You may also prefer to mix the collagen supplement into a drink that you already sip everyday, like coffee, in which case unflavored or chocolate flavor might work best for you.

Formula

Formula matters when choosing a collagen supplement, since everyone’s dietary needs and preferences differ. Some formulas include added protein, vitamins, or sweeteners that may align better with certain lifestyles or nutritional goals. We recommend that you review the ingredient list ahead of making your purchase to ensure it includes everything you are looking for in a collagen supplement.

Cost

Collagen supplements can be expensive, so you may want to consider your budget when selecting a product for everyday use. Cleaner formulations, meaning those without artificial sweeteners or additives, may cost more because of their higher quality and ingredient sourcing.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing independently verifies the safety, purity, and label accuracy of collagen supplements since the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements. This process helps protect you from mislabeling, contamination, and banned substances, building trust and ensuring you can use products with confidence. Independent testing is essential for confirming product quality and safeguarding your health.

Chat With a Professional

Not every supplement works will for every person. If you’re experiencing joint concerns or something similar, we always recommend talking to a medical professional before using a supplement. Your doctor can help find the best, most effective products for your needs.

Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements have gained popularity for their potential to help sustain natural collagen levels and deliver a range of health benefits.

• May improve skin elasticity and hydration
• May help alleviate joint pain and stiffness
• May support digestive health

How to Take Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements are typically mixed into with liquids to drink easily, dissolving quickly in beverages like water, juice, smoothies, or coffee. Collagen powder is versatile and can also be stirred into foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, or even added to baked goods. 

There is no standard recommendation for how much collagen you should take per day, but research from 2019 notes that 2.5 to 15 grams per day of hydrolyzed collagen (also known as collagen peptides) is safe to take.

What to Avoid in Collagen Supplements 

When adding a collagen supplement to your routine, there are a few things to avoid:

• Artificial flavors, colors, or fillers
• Supplements lacking third-party testing 
• If you have allergies to any animal proteins, double check the ingredients

Frequently asked questions

Which form of collagen supplement is best?

There is no particular form of collagen supplementation that’s better than another, though many come in powder forms that are mixed with a liquid before consuming. The best form for you is one that you’ll look forward to sipping or taking every day, and that you’re able to build a routine around.

How long does it take for collagen supplements to start working?

A 2023 study noted that it takes about six to 12 weeks to start seeing effects from taking a collagen supplement.