Maggie Moon, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian, is a big fan of Now Foods collagen products, calling them a “reputable brand with a long track record for high quality standards and testing.” She often recommends their BioCell Collagen to anyone who prefers a capsule over a powder. She loves how accommodating this product is to so many dietary needs. “It’s dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, halal, and non-GMO, for anyone who prefers or needs to be aware of these characteristics,” she says. What’s more, it contains hyaluronic acid, which may support skin health and hydration.
TruSkin Collagen Boosting Skin Supplement
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TruSkin Collagen Boosting Skin Supplement
- Pros: Vegetarian; no artificial sweeteners; contains superfoods
- Cons: Only contains vegetarian collagen types
This vegetarian option is another favorite of Dr. King’s. She particularly loves that it contains a spectrum of good-for-you components, including eggshell membrane vitamins C, E, and B7 (biotin); plus a superfood blend of asparagus, okra, pomegranate extract, mangosteen, acai, camu camu, quercetin, acerola, and coffee fruit extract. What’s more, “in their study, after 50 days, 100% of participants reported improvement in facial wrinkles,” says Dr. King
Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein
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Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein
- Pros: Minimal ingredients; safe for preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond; non-GMO
- Cons: Available only via subscription
For Irena Kutza, MS, RD, CDN, a clinical administrative dietitian at Montefiore Health System, Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein powder ticks all the right boxes: It’s third-party tested, and made using grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine collagen. Plus, it’s a safe option for pregnancy, nursing, and even afterward—you don’t have to be pregnant to take it. It simply assists with meeting your protein quota and supporting healthy fetal-cell growth. When it comes to fighting postpartum hair loss, this collagen supplement can be a solution, and can also keep up your protein intake if you’re nursing. On top of all that, the taste is good, according to Kutza: “Not only does it meet all my requirements, but it also dissolves very easily in warm and cold beverages without gelatinizing, making it easy to add to any beverage.”
Besha Inc Verisol Collagen Bioactive Peptides
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Besha Inc Verisol Collagen Bioactive Peptides
- Pros: Minimal ingredients; research-backed form
- Cons: No additional beneficial ingredients
This collagen product from German company Besha comes highly recommended by Moon. “I like that its collagen has the best research-backed evidence to help with aging skin issues, like crow’s feet, skin elasticity, and thigh cellulite,” she says. “Plus it’s versatile since it’s tasteless and stirs into cold and hot drinks well, thanks to its low molecular weight.”
Spoiled Child E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen
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Spoiled Child E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen
- Pros: Good flavor without an aftertaste; easy to absorb
- Cons: Contains artificial sweeteners
If you’re looking for a little help with visible signs of aging, consider Spoiled Child’s liquid collagen. This formula boasts a higher dose of vitamin C than competitors (with 89% of your daily value), which is great news for the skin’s elasticity and firmness. “Vitamin C supports your skin’s natural collagen matrix by helping with the stabilization and cross-linking of collagen fibers,” Callins says, adding that this process is necessary for skin to look healthy and firm.
We also like that Spoiled Child’s liquid collagen is made with hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which is an easier form of collagen for the body to absorb. What’s more, the liquid formula is super easy and tasty to take, reviewers note. You can add it to sparkling water, smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal for a light mango or pineapple flavor and a collagen boost.
Thorne Collagen Plus
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- Pros: Third-party-tested; contains longevity-supporting ingredients
- Cons: Contains stevia (which may have an aftertaste)
Collagen isn’t the primary type of protein that comes to mind when weight loss is the goal, but that doesn’t mean it can’t help. A 2023 study shows taking collagen may help support lean muscle retention during weight loss. Thorne is a very reputable supplement line, and their Collagen Plus delivers a clinically supportive dose of collagen peptides at 13g per serving, which is close to the dose in the referenced study (15g), Callins says. Plus, it contains nicotinamide riboside (NR), which has been shown to increase levels of NAD in the body, helping support longevity and energy levels, 2023 research shows.