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Top 5 Hydrolyzed Collagen Brands of 2024: Best Picks for Every Wellness Routine
Collagen supplements are everywhere, but which one truly delivers the best results?
Last updated: Oct 24, 2024
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, playing a key role in maintaining the structure and strength of skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It acts as the glue that holds these tissues together, ensuring they function properly. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production slows down, leading to a decline in skin elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles, and the weakening of joints and connective tissues.
Collagen is particularly important for joint health, as it provides the cushioning and flexibility necessary for smooth movement. It is a major component of cartilage, the tissue that protects joints by absorbing shock and reducing friction. When collagen levels decrease with age, cartilage can weaken, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and conditions like osteoarthritis. Replenishing collagen through diet or supplements can help support joint integrity, reduce discomfort, and maintain mobility, making it essential for healthy aging and overall joint function.
Collagen is particularly important for joint health, as it provides the cushioning and flexibility necessary for smooth movement. It is a major component of cartilage, the tissue that protects joints by absorbing shock and reducing friction. When collagen levels decrease with age, cartilage can weaken, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and conditions like osteoarthritis. Replenishing collagen through diet or supplements can help support joint integrity, reduce discomfort, and maintain mobility, making it essential for healthy aging and overall joint function.
Why Should You Take Collagen Supplements?
Taking a collagen supplement can be a proactive way to support your body as it naturally ages. As we get older, our body's collagen production declines, leading to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and weaker joints. By incorporating a collagen supplement into your routine, you can help replenish the diminishing collagen levels, promoting firmer, more youthful skin and supporting joint health, which is essential for maintaining mobility and comfort as you age.
Collagen supplements are not just about aesthetics. They play a crucial role in overall wellness. Collagen is vital for maintaining the strength and structure of bones, muscles, and connective tissues. By supplementing with high-quality collagen peptides, you provide your body with the essential building blocks it needs to repair and regenerate these tissues, contributing to stronger bones, improved muscle mass, and healthier joints. This can be particularly beneficial for those who lead active lifestyles or are looking to maintain their physical health as they age.
With the right collagen supplement, you can take a comprehensive approach to your health, addressing multiple aspects of aging and wellness and ultimately supporting a vibrant, youthful appearance and a more active, fulfilling life.
Collagen supplements are not just about aesthetics. They play a crucial role in overall wellness. Collagen is vital for maintaining the strength and structure of bones, muscles, and connective tissues. By supplementing with high-quality collagen peptides, you provide your body with the essential building blocks it needs to repair and regenerate these tissues, contributing to stronger bones, improved muscle mass, and healthier joints. This can be particularly beneficial for those who lead active lifestyles or are looking to maintain their physical health as they age.
With the right collagen supplement, you can take a comprehensive approach to your health, addressing multiple aspects of aging and wellness and ultimately supporting a vibrant, youthful appearance and a more active, fulfilling life.
A Quality Collagen Supplement Can:
- Reduce Wrinkle Appearance
- Strengthen Hair & Nails
- Promote Joint Health
- Enhance Bone Strength
- Aid Muscle Recovery
- Supports Gut Health
- Support Skin Elasticity & Hydration
- Provide Essential Amino Acids
Why Are Some Collagen Supplements Combined with Other Vitamins & Minerals?
Although high-quality bioactive collagen supplements are effective on their own, some other products include added vitamins and nutrients to compensate for lower-quality collagen. This is often done to enhance absorption or effectiveness, but with top-tier collagen, such additions aren't necessary. When you choose a premium collagen supplement, you're getting the full benefits without the need for extra ingredients. Consistency in taking these high-quality collagen supplements is what truly delivers the best results over time.
How Much Collagen Should I Take?
The optimal amount of collagen a person should take depends on their specific health goals, lifestyle, and the type of collagen supplement being used. However, general guidelines suggest that:
- For general skin, hair, and nail health: A daily intake of 2.5 to 10 grams of collagen peptides is typically recommended. Studies have shown benefits within this range for improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
- For joint health and pain relief: Higher doses, usually around 10 to 15 grams per day, may be more effective in supporting joint function and reducing discomfort.
- For muscle mass and recovery: Those focusing on muscle repair or growth might consider taking 15 to 20 grams of collagen, especially if combined with resistance training.
It's important to note that collagen is generally considered safe, and taking it consistently is key to seeing benefits. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions.
What is the Best Way to Take Collagen?
Collagen can be taken in various forms, each offering its own set of benefits and conveniences depending on personal preferences and health goals.
Collagen Powder
Collagen powder is one of the most popular forms, as it can be easily mixed into a variety of foods and beverages. You can add it to your morning coffee, smoothies, soups, or even baked goods without altering the taste or texture significantly.
Collagen Capsules
Capsules and tablets offer a convenient way to take collagen, especially for those who are always on the go or prefer a quick and easy option. They provide a pre-measured dose, eliminating the need for preparation.
Liquid Collagen
Liquid collagen supplements, often available as ready-to-drink bottles or shots, are designed for rapid absorption, allowing the body to utilize the collagen more quickly.
Collagen-Infused Snacks
Some foods and snacks are infused with collagen, such as protein bars, gummies, and even collagen-enriched coffee creamers. These options are great for those who prefer to incorporate collagen into their diet naturally.
Topical Collagen
While collagen is most effective when ingested, some skincare products are formulated with collagen to support skin hydration and elasticity when applied topically. These products can complement oral collagen supplements, enhancing overall skin health.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a traditional, natural source of collagen, rich in gelatin and other nutrients. Consuming bone broth regularly can provide a whole-food approach to increasing collagen intake.
5 Essential Things to Avoid
No Third-Party Verification:
Ensure that your supplements are verified by an independent lab for quality and strength.
Not Hydrolyzed:
Choose hydrolyzed collagen, as it is broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, often referred to as collagen peptides.
Contains Artificial Flavorings or Sweeteners:
Avoid supplements with artificial flavorings and sweeteners, which can add unnecessary calories, introduce chemicals, and reduce the natural benefits of collagen.
Includes Synthetic Additives and Fillers:
Some brands use synthetic additives and fillers that can lower the quality and effectiveness of the collagen. Look for products that are pure and free from these unnecessary ingredients.
Poor Solubility:
Inferior collagen supplements may not dissolve well, leaving lumps of powder behind.
Top Collagen Supplements for Joints 2024
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Types I & III Collagen
Highly-Bioavailable
Bioactive
No Added Sweeteners
No More Than 40mg of Sodium
Thrid-Party Tested
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you're searching for the best unflavored collagen powder on the market, your search ends here. We tested the 5 most popular unflavored products available. We’ll uncover the biggest mistakes people make when choosing collagen supplements and reveal which brand offers the top-rated unflavored collagen powder of the year.
Recommended
#1 Mobility Collagen Peptides
By Fernes [1]
Effectiveness
Mixability
Taste
Value for Money
Pros
Tasteless & odorless
Mixes easily without clumping
Features science-backed Peptan® collagen
Highly bioavailable & bioactive
Third-party tested & made in the USA
Hydrolyzed types I and III
Collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine sourced from Brazil
100% pure collagen with no artificial additives or ingredients
Packed with 18 essential amino acids to support overall health
Cons
Not the cheapest option
Sells out a lot
Only available online
The Takeaway
- Fernes Collagen Peptides deliver 10g of bioactive hydrolyzed collagen peptides, a broad range of amino acids, 9g of protein, and only 40mg of sodium per serving (1 scoop).
- The formula is free from fillers and artificial ingredients. It’s also highly bioavailable & bioactive, ensuring that the peptides are efficiently absorbed to replenish & support the natural production of collagen in the body.
- It dissolves quickly and easily with no taste, making it simple to mix into any liquid, from coffee to smoothies, or even incorporate into foods like scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and baked goods.
- Features hydrolyzed collagen peptides (Types I and III), formulated with Peptan®, leading collagen peptides backed by scientific studies.
- Fernes also provides a 365-day satisfaction guarantee and offers a subscription program.
#2. Collagen Peptides
By Great Lakes Wellness
Effectiveness
Mixability
Taste
Value for Money
Pros
Neutral taste & odor
Grass-fed collagen from bovine sources
Mixes easily
Hydrolyzed types I and III
100% pure collagen with no artificial additives or ingredients
Contains essential amino acids to support overall health
Cons
2 scoop serving
Unknown ingredient origins
Contains 100mg of sodium per serving
The Takeaway
- Great Lakes Wellness Collagen Peptides deliver 20g of bovine collagen peptides per serving (2 scoops). The larger serving size could imply that the collagen concentration is lower compared to science-backed products that provide effective results with less.
- The formula is free from fillers, artificial ingredients, & sweeteners, making it a clean and additive-free option. However, the exact source of where the collagen comes from and where it is made is unknown.
- Each serving of Great Lakes Wellness Collagen Peptides contains 100mg of sodium. Which is something to consider for individuals watching their sodium intake.
- It dissolves easily with no taste, making it simple to mix into any liquid, from coffee to smoothies, or even incorporate into your favorite foods.
- The brand also provides a 60-day satisfaction guarantee and offers a subscription program.
#3. Collagen Peptides
By Orgain
Effectiveness
Mixability
Taste
Value for Money
Pros
Grass-fed & pasture-raised collagen from bovine sources
Mixes easily in hot liquids but not so well in cold
Hydrolyzed types I and III
100% pure collagen with no artificial additives or ingredients
Contains essential amino acids to support overall health
Cons
2 scoop serving
Unknown ingredient origins
Has somewhat of a taste
Contains 100mg of sodium per serving
The Takeaway
- Orgain Collagen Peptides provide 20g of bovine collagen per serving (2 scoops). The larger serving size could indicate a lower collagen concentration, compared to other science-backed products that are able to deliver effective benefits with smaller doses.
- The formula contains no fillers, artificial ingredients, or sweeteners, making it a clean option. However, the specific source of the collagen and where it is made remain unclear.
- Each serving of Orgain Collagen Peptides contains 100mg of sodium. Which is something to consider for those watching their sodium intake.
- It dissolves easily in hot water but doesn’t mix as well in cold liquids. We recommend using it in warm beverages for better results. We also noticed a slight aftertaste, which isn't particularly pleasant.
- The brand also offers a subscription program.
#4. Collagen Peptides
By Native Path
Effectiveness
Mixability
Taste
Value for Money
Pros
Collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine sourced from South America
Hydrolyzed types I and III
100% pure collagen with no artificial additives or ingredients
Third-party tested & made in the USA
Packed with 18 essential amino acids to support overall health
Cons
Unknown country of collagen origin
Contains 50mg of sodium per serving
Has trouble dissolving in room-temperature and cold liquids
The Takeaway
- Native Path Collagen Peptides provide 10g of hydrolyzed bovine collagen per serving (1 scoop).
- The formula is free from fillers, artificial ingredients, and sweeteners, making it a clean choice. However, the origin country of the collagen is not specified.
- Each serving of Native Path Collagen Peptides contains 50mg of sodium.
- It mixes easily in hot liquids but doesn’t blend as smoothly in cold or room temperature beverages. For the best results, we recommend using it in warm or hot drinks.
- The brand also provides a 365-day satisfaction guarantee and offers a subscription program.
#5. Collagen Peptides
By Live Conscious
Effectiveness
Mixability
Taste
Value for Money
Pros
Collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine sources
Hydrolyzed types I and III
Third-party tested & made in the USA
100% pure collagen with no artificial additives or ingredients
Contains 19 amino acids to support overall health
Cons
Unknown ingredient origins
Unclear dosage amount
Unpleasant Taste
Contains 55mg of sodium in a 15g serving
Has trouble dissolving in room-temperature and cold liquids
The Takeaway
- Live Conscious Collagen Peptides deliver 2 serving size options, 11g of collagen in half a scoop and 15g of collagen in a full scoop. We found these dosage options to be quite confusing.
- This formula does not contain fillers, artificial ingredients, or sweeteners, offering a clean, additive-free option. However, details about the origin of the collagen remain unspecified.
- The 15g serving of Live Conscious Collagen Peptides contains 55mg of sodium.
- While it dissolves easily in hot liquids, it doesn’t incorporate as well in cold and room-temperature drinks. We recommend using it in hot liquids.
- The brand does caution that it may have a mild taste. We did detect an obvious flavor when mixed in water.
- The brand also provides a 365-day satisfaction guarantee and offers a subscription program.
#1. Mobility Collagen Peptides
By Fernes [1]
Fernes Mobility Collagen Peptides offer exceptional value, quality, and effectiveness. This product delivers exactly what you need to support joint comfort, improve flexibility, and promote overall mobility for an active lifestyle.
✓ Best formula for joints & mobility
✓ Features Science-Backed Peptan® Collagen
✓ 100% Pure Bioactive Collagen Peptides
✓ Made in the USA in FDA Approved Facility
✓ 365-Day Money Back Guarantee