There are plenty of ingestible beauty buys promising, over time and with diligent consumption, to help improve everything from fine lines to loss of volume and lacklustre complexion – and most of these are classed as collagen supplements.
From pills and powders to gummies and liquids, you can find collagen in many forms these days. Plus, with vegan and non-vegan options to blend either marine collagen, bovine collagen or plant-based alternative ingredients in the forms of modified yeast or bacteria, you can find the perfect dietary addition to suit your tastes and your lifestyle choices.
Not sure how to choose? Shabir Daya, pharmacist and founder of Victoriahealth.com, explains: "Marine collagen is a popular choice for ingestible skin boosters for a reason: its anti-ageing benefits. Collagen peptides act as antioxidants to reduce damaging free radicals and inflammation – both of which are associated with ageing. Biotin is a second all-rounder ingredient you might want to look for as it’s recommended for strengthening hair and nails."
Shabir also recommends looking for a product with these added ingredients:
Vitamin C - “I’d recommend one with high-strength vitamin C (you can take around 1000mg) which will help with the growth and repair of tissues,” Shabir says.
Vitamin A - “This is also good as it aids healthy cell membrane production, which you need for a functioning skin barrier,” says Shabir.
Zinc - “This takes nutrients to the tissues that need it most,” he explains.
Omega-3 - “These can help boost hydration and condition by improving the skin’s natural barrier,” he says.
Shop our pick of collagen supplements
Best bovine powder
Dose & Co Coffee Creamer - Vanilla, £27.99 here
Using sustainably sourced type one and type three bovine collagen peptides, this powder – which contains no sweeteners or artificial flavours – is designed for optimal dissolvability and taste. In tests, 85% of users saw an improvement in skin elasticity, 91% said nails grew stronger and longer and 84% said hair grew faster.
One Holland & Barrett reviewer says: “I have been using this collagen creamer for several years until a friend told me about another one which she said was much better so I thought I would give it a try. After a couple of months, my nails were brittle, my skin was dryer and my hair was so awful I had to have loads cut off, so I went straight back on this Dose & Co creamer and after only 1 month of being back on it my nails are strong, my hair is getting back to its good condition and my skin is glowing."
Best marine powder
Beauty Pie Collagen Super Powder, from £29 here for members
Hydrolysed marine collagen peptides are blended with tremella fuciformis (mushroom), biotin and vitamin C to form this quick-to-dissolve, berry-flavoured powder that can be added to water or smoothies.
One Beauty Pie reviewer says: "I started taking this as, in my late 50s, my skin was really losing its elasticity and hoped it might help (though didn’t expect miracles!). To my great surprise, within a few weeks, my skin was looking firmer and less crepey. An additional bonus is that my nails seem to be much stronger and less prone to breaking. (NB, my stomach didn’t tolerate it well to start with, so I dropped to a half measure for the first week or so and then built up to the full daily dose without issue)."
Best vegan gummies
Nutriburst Collagen Revive Gummies, £22.99 here for 60
A brand new launch, these delicious blueberry-flavoured gummies are formulated with six essential micronutrients including biotin, hyaluronic acid and grape seed oil, as well as boosted with vitamin C and copper, to help improve collagen production and support skin, bones, and teeth.
Amazon reviewer says: "I bought a 3-month supply and after 2 months of use I can assure you it works. Hair grows faster which in a way expensive because I'm going to the barber way more frequently. The fascinating bit is the nails. They grow faster too but I had a very painful toenail from football and now I can squeeze it as hard as I can with no pain at all. I’m not sure if it’s doing anything to my skin, I have good skin anyway. I’m giving it 4 stars because they all had 59 gummies and not 60. "
Best marine gummies
SkinSense Collagen Gummies, £36 here for 60
These are high in readily absorbed marine collagen, vitamin C and vitamin A (retinol - and now a reduced amount for those going through menopause) to support and replenish the healthy formation of skin, hair and nails. They also have a delicious fruity pomegranate flavour.
One QVC reviewer says: "I was so pleased to get the amended formula as I’m over 70 and could only take 1 a day of the old formula because of the high vitamin A content. These are fine and after 3 weeks can’t believe how much my nails have grown. Even my hair seems thicker. They taste great too."
Best liquid
Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen Drink, £33.99 for 14 here
8000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen is added to these sachets, which is clinically proven to improve skin quality. In tests conducted by the brand, 90% reported that their skin feels replenished and restored after 12 weeks, while 83% reported that their skin feels soft and smoother.
Trustpilot reviewer says: "I have been taking this product for 13 weeks so far and I've noticed a difference in new baby hairs growing back at my temples, my nails are growing stronger and I think the general completion of my skin is much better. Age 50, doing something for myself this year and chose this product."
