I’m a dermatologist with a deep focus on skin health and science-backed beauty. After years of clinical practice and research, I’m here to cut through the hype and help you find products that actually support your skin from the inside out.
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Last updated: 05/03/2025
I’m a dermatologist with a deep focus on skin health and science-backed beauty. After years of clinical practice and research, I’m here to cut through the hype and help you find products that actually support your skin from the inside out.
Last updated: 05/07/2025
The 6 candidates!
I set out to find the best collagen powder for skin, hair, nails, and overall health. I tested top formulas and scored them across the factors that matter most: skin hydration, nail strength, taste, mixability, ingredients, and ease of use. Here's what stood out.
What I love:
The best tasting greens powder
Custom blend of 19 raw organic ingredients
All natural superfood ingredients
100% certified organic, vegan, gluten-free
Has probiotics and digestive enzymes for gut health
Easy to make
Supports immunity system
Made in California
No added sugars
30 day money back guarantee
What could be better:
Only available online (and runs out sometimes)
"Enso Supergreens checks all of the boxes for a super greens powder that is easy to use, tastes good, and has all of the organic superfoods needed to help aid with digestion, boost my energy levels and overall health, and promote immunity and longevity down the line"
— as reviewed by WiseGeek (2022)
The six collagen powders I chose to evaluate.
Collagen powders are made from hydrolyzed collagen peptides. These are small fragments of protein, usually sourced from bovine (cow), marine (fish), or sometimes chicken. They're broken down just enough to be absorbed by your digestive system, where they help signal your body to start producing more collagen naturally. There are a few different types of collagen, but the ones you’ll see most often are:
- Type I: Skin elasticity, bone strength.
- Type II: Cartilage and joint health.
- Type III: Skin firmness and cardiovascular support.
- Type V: Structural support to cell membranes and tissues.
- Type X: Bone formation and joint cartilage.
Some powders include just one type, while others combine several for full-body support. Some products also add supportive nutrients, like:
- Vitamin C: a critical nutrient necessary for collagen synthesis, specifically acting as a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen stabilization. A deficiency in Vitamin C can severely compromise collagen production, regardless of supplementation.
- Probiotics and Absorption: Emerging research indicates probiotics, especially soil-based organisms (SBOs), may support gut health, potentially enhancing nutrient absorption, including collagen peptides.
- Hyaluronic acid: Another key molecule naturally present in the skin, joints, and connective tissues. It binds to water molecules, helping maintain skin hydration, elasticity, and overall tissue lubrication.
Collagen helps support the structure beneath your skin, improving firmness and hydration from within.
Clinical Research Summary: Meta-analyses and randomized trials do suggest that collagen peptides, taken consistently for 8 to 12 weeks, may:
✅ Improve skin hydration
✅ Increase elasticity and firmness
✅ Reduce fine lines and wrinkle depth
✅ Support skin barrier repair
✅ Enhance dermal density and structure (i.e., thicker, stronger skin)
✅ Improve nail growth and reduce brittleness
✅ Strengthen hair and reduce shedding
✅ Support joint comfort and mobility
✅ Reduce signs of photoaging (sun-induced skin aging)
✅ Improve overall skin smoothness and texture
While some skeptics question whether ingested collagen can survive digestion and reach the skin, multiple studies have detected collagen peptides in the bloodstream after supplementation. More importantly, well-controlled trials have demonstrated visible improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle depth, results that cannot be explained by placebo alone. (See the studies below for reference.)
National Institute of Health (NIH): Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3.
In my experience, both in clinical practice and through personal testing, the benefits are real. For many, collagen supplementation can be a worthwhile addition to a long-term skin health routine.
The 6 candidates!
To research for this review, I didn't move forward with a blinded or clinical study. Instead I did a real-world test based on curiosity and personal interest. Here's how I approached it:
I focused on the brands people are actually using: bestsellers on Amazon, popular picks on TikTok and Instagram, and the ones my patients mention most. I prioritized formulas with hydrolyzed collagen peptides, transparent dosing, clean ingredients, and third-party testing. Some were premium, some more affordable, but all widely used and easy to find.
Occasionally, I took photos in consistent lighting to help me track subtle shifts, not clinical scans, but helpful reference points. These were the pictures I took after taking Ancient Nutrition.
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What I love:
Full spectrum formula with Types I, II, III, V & X collagen
Multi-source: bovine, marine, chicken, and eggshell membrane
Built-in Vitamin C for enhanced collagen synthesis
SBO probiotics included for gut health and nutrient absorption
Noticeable results within 3–4 weeks of daily use
Supports skin elasticity, joint comfort, hair thickness, and nail strength
Neutral taste that’s easy to mix into any beverage
Sustainably sourced: grass-fed, pasture-raised, wild-caught marine
Transparent label with full amino acid profile
No stacking or extra supplements required
Trusted brand reputation with third-party certifications
What could be better:
Slight bone broth taste in plain water for some
Slightly higher price point than basic single-source collagens
Only available in unflavored version
★ Overall Rating ️
The most complete collagen I’ve tried. Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein delivers exactly what I was looking for: a full-spectrum formula that supports not only beauty outcomes (skin, hair, nails) but also joints, ligaments, and gut health, all in a single scoop.It’s simple, thoughtfully formulated, and backed by clinical research. No need for separate vitamin C, no need for probiotic stacking, no need to buy multiple collagen types. This is true “nutritional efficiency.”
★ What I love ️
(1) True full-body support: With Types I, II, III, V, and X, I feel like this powder covers every angle: skin elasticity, joints, bones, ligaments, and connective tissue integrity.
(2) Built-in cofactors for real results: I used to stack separate Vitamin C and probiotics for better collagen absorption, Ancient Nutrition includes both. I don’t have to think about it anymore.
(3) Clinical studies backing results: The formula is based on research showing improvements in skin elasticity, wrinkle depth, joint comfort, and hair strength after daily collagen use.
(4) Clean and responsibly sourced: Grass-fed bovine, wild-caught fish, cage-free chicken, and sustainably sourced eggshell membrane. No hormones, GMOs, or artificial ingredients.
(5) Easy to mix: It dissolves easily into coffee, smoothies, or warm water. Occasionally I notice a faint taste in plain water, but nothing off-putting — and completely disappears in flavored drinks.
(6) Visible improvements: Around 4 weeks in, I noticed my skin looking plumper and more hydrated, especially around my eyes. My nails started growing faster and feeling thicker. After 6 weeks, I also noticed better flexibility and less stiffness in my knees and hips.
★ What could be better
((1) Taste isn’t completely invisible: While it dissolves well, if you’re ultra-sensitive, you might catch a very mild “bone broth” note in plain water. In smoothies, coffee, or flavored drinks, I don’t notice it at all.
(2) Premium pricing: Compared to basic single-source bovine collagens, it’s slightly more expensive, but considering you’re getting a full-spectrum formula with built-in cofactors, the price per benefit feels justified.
One of the fastest and easiest differences to spot was in my nails. They felt much thicker and my gel manicure lasted much longer only about 2 weeks after starting Ancient Nutrition's collagen.
★ Ingredients
Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen uses hydrolyzed collagen peptides from a combination of grass-fed bovine, wild-caught marine fish, chicken cartilage, and eggshell membrane: providing Types I, II, III, V, and X collagen.
Unlike most powders that only include Type I and III (skin, nails, bones), Ancient Nutrition’s inclusion of Type II (joints/cartilage), and Type V/X (connective tissue matrix, arterial walls, placenta health) means you're getting full-body coverage. Plus, it includes Vitamin C (an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis) and SBO Probiotics to support gut health and potential collagen absorption.
★ Bottom Line
Out of every collagen powder I’ve tested, Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen quickly became the one I trust most. It checks every box: full spectrum collagen types, clean ingredients, and it actually includes the absorption cofactors I used to have to stack separately. Within a few weeks, I started noticing stronger nails, smoother skin, and a surprising difference in my joints. The fact that I get all 5 collagen types plus vitamin C and probiotics in one scoop means I don’t have to think about combining products. It’s the one I consistently come back to.
Orgain label + mixed in 8oz of water
Update 09/2022: I became such a believer in – and unofficial ambassador of – Enso Supergreens that I decided to purchase the company and its formulas to further expand its mission to make it easy for everyone to live a healthy life! Bestgreenpowder.com is now an affiliate of Enso Superfoods!
What I love:
Includes 2.5B CFU Bacillus coagulans probiotic
Transparent amino acid profile
Clean, grass-fed bovine sourcing
Flavorless and blends easily in hot drinks
Non-GMO and B Corp certified
Gut-friendly and easy to digest
Available in many health-focused retailers
What could be better:
No added vitamin C or hyaluronic acid
Can have a slightly savory scent in plain water
Texture is clear but not ultra-silky
Pricier than other single-ingredient powders
No flavored versions
Packaging is bulky and not travel-friendly
Not ideal if you're looking for a multi-collagen blend
Does not offer free shipping
Lacks third-party certification stamp on front
★ Overall Rating
Garden of Life’s Collagen Peptides landed firmly in my daily lineup. It delivers a hefty 20 g of peptide-packed collagen per scoop, mixed cleanly in warm water, and even throws in probiotic support, a combo that supports both skin vitality and gut health. It hits nearly all my must-have boxes, but does have a few drawbacks.
★ What I love ️
1) High-Strength Dose: Each scoop delivers a full 20 g of collagen peptides, aligning well with clinical recommendations for skin and joint support. No second scoop needed—just one convenient dose a day.
2) Clear, Clean Mixability: I often stir this into warm water or coffee—never a clump in sight. Even after sitting, it remains crystal clear. That consistency makes it ideal for busy mornings.
3) Probiotic Boost with Bacillus coagulans: I appreciate the bonus of 2.5B CFU Bacillus coagulans. While not essential for collagen synthesis, it complements gut health, which in turn supports nutrient absorption and skin-gut balance.
4) Minimalist, Transparent Label: The label reads like a purity manifesto—bovine-sourced, grass-fed, no fillers, flavors, or artificial nonsense. I trust the big, bold “20 g collagen + probiotic” callout.
★ What could be better
1) Distinct Aftertaste for Some Palates: There’s a mild protein scent—almost "beefy"—that lingers when I sip slowly. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable for anyone sensitive to collagen flavors.
2) Doesn’t Include Vitamin C or Skin Cofactors: While easy to stack with a vitamin C-rich beverage, it would be even more effective if cofactors like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid were already included.
3) Slightly Higher Cost per Gram: Its premium positioning and certifications come at a price. If you're budget-conscious, it’s a bit steeper than unadorned collagen brands.
★ Description
The 20 g peptide strength is clinically relevant, the probiotic addition feels thoughtful (especially since I track gut-skin interaction), and the clear dissolution won me over—no weird grit or residue. Over several weeks, I noticed smoother skin and more nail resilience, which is always rewarding. The only trade-offs are the slight savory scent and marginally higher price.
Garden of Life label + mixed in 8oz of water
What I love:
Clean, pasture-raised sourcing
Full amino acid breakdown on label
Smooth, easy mixability in warm drinks
No stevia, sugar, or flavors
Dissolves with no foam or grit
Sourced from grass-fed bovine
Gluten and dairy-free
Works well with coffee
What could be better:
Only 15 g of collagen per full scoop
No added vitamin C or cofactors
Not the most budget-friendly
Slight protein scent in plain water
Processing method unclear
Limited clinical dose unless doubled
★ Overall Rating
Live Conscious has all the makings of a great collagen powder on paper—clean ingredients, pasture-raised sourcing, and a full amino acid profile—but in practice, it felt a little underwhelming. It’s not bad, but it’s also not the one I find myself reaching for consistently.
★ What I love
1. Clean label and sourcing: It’s pasture-raised, non-GMO, and gluten-free, which I appreciate. I like knowing the collagen comes from reputable sources, and there’s nothing artificial added.
2. Full amino acid breakdown: This is a nice touch. You get to see the glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and other aminos listed out with actual amounts. It makes the formulation feel more intentional, even if the dose itself is a little light.
3. Good mixability: It dissolves smoothly in warm water or coffee. No texture issues, no foam. One of the easier ones to stir in and forget about.
★What could be better
1. Lower protein per scoop: A full scoop only gives you 13 grams of collagen protein, which means it’s not quite hitting the clinical range unless you double up. If you’re trying to get real results, you’ll likely run through the tub quickly.
2. No added support nutrients: There’s no vitamin C, no hyaluronic acid, no probiotics. That’s fine if you’re stacking your own supplements, but on its own, it doesn’t feel like a complete solution.
3. Doesn’t stand out: It’s kind of forgettable. The taste is neutral, the label is clean, but there’s nothing about it that really won me over. It’s a perfectly fine option, but not one I felt excited about using.
Live Conscious is the kind of collagen powder I’d recommend to someone who wants to keep things simple and clean, but isn’t necessarily looking for fast or dramatic results. It checks the basic boxes, but I personally didn’t notice much change in my skin or nails while using it, and I found myself skipping days more often than not. It’s not a bad product, it’s just not the one I’d repurchase first.
Live Conscious label + mixed in 8oz of water
What I love:
Easy to travel with pouch format
Transparent amino acid profile
Great mixability in tea or coffee
Easy to mix
No artificial additives or sweeteners
Ideal for stacking with your own stack
Feels lightweight and simple
What could be better:
Only 9 g collagen per scoop
Needs double scooping for full benefit
Not as cost-efficient long term
No third-party testing mentioned
★ Overall Rating
This pouch-based collagen gives 9 g collagen per scoop with a transparent amino profile and high mixability. It’s great for layering into routines, just expect to double dose for full-strength results
★ What I love
1. Amino Profile is Solid: Even at 9 g, the profile shows glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and histidine, a thoughtful breakdown.
2. Silky Smooth Texture: Stirred into hot tea, it dissolves cleanly, no clumps or texture issues. I can't emphasize enough how silky it is.
3. Minimal Ingredient List: Simple bovine collagen only, no fillers or sneaky extras.
4. Pouch Convenience: The resealable, lightweight pouch is travel-friendly, ideal for weekend trips or gym bags.
★ What could be better
1. Lower Collagen Per Scoop: You’ll need two scoops to reach 18–20 g, doubling both cost and prep volume.
2. No Additional Skin or Gut Support: If I want cofactors, I stack separately, and the pouch doesn’t include any extras.
★ Description
This one's my go-to for simplicity: uniform dosing, clean mixing, and honest labeling. But if I’m after full wearables results (like skin firmness or joint mobility), I double dose to reach clinical levels. It’s a fine high-quality powder, but demands planning for full therapeutic effect.
Primal Harvent Label
What I love:
Mixes easily in hot or cold drinks
Flavorless and easy to pair with thicker drinks
NSF certified
Readily available in most stores
Sourced from pasture-raised bovine
Great entry-level option
What could be better:
Occasional off smell in some batches
No added vitamin C or probiotics
Packaging can be bulky
Doesn’t stand out from similar brands
Some cloudiness in cold drinks
Higher cost per serving at retail
★ Overall Rating
Vital Proteins is everywhere, and I get why people trust it. It’s widely available, mixes decently, and delivers a full 20 grams of collagen. But I didn’t find it lived up to its reputation. It’s fine. Just not quite as flawless as it’s often made out to be.
★What I love:
1. Strong dose per scoop: You do get a full 20 grams of collagen peptides per 4 tablespoons, which is great if you want to hit that clinically studied range without having to double up.
2. Neutral taste: For the most part, it blends in without changing the flavor of what I’m drinking. Coffee, broth, smoothies, it disappears pretty easily.
3. Widely trusted: The brand is NSF Certified and one of the most recognizable names in the category. It feels safe and familiar.
★ What could be better:
1. Inconsistent batches: I’ve noticed that sometimes it smells totally neutral, and other times there’s a weird sour or slightly fishy scent when I open the container. It’s not enough to stop me from using it, but it’s definitely noticeable.
2. Thick but with no added support ingredients: There’s no vitamin C, no probiotic, no extras. And considering the price point and thickness, I expected more than just a one-note formula. I can't simply mix this powder into my coffee or with water as it's too thick.
3. Overhyped: For something with so much brand power, it was kind of a letdown. I didn’t notice meaningful results in my skin or joints during the month I used it, even though I was consistent. It just didn’t deliver the way I hoped.
Vital Proteins is a decent middle-of-the-road collagen powder. It’s not the worst by any means, but it’s not the best either. If I’m at a store and need something convenient, I might grab it, but it wouldn’t be my first choice. The dose is good, but the experience feels a little flat, and I didn’t see the changes I usually look for with collagen.
Vital Proteins Label
Mixing Vital Proteins into my smoothie (it was a bit too thick to drink on it's own or with coffee).
What I love:
High in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline (collagen-building aminos)
Grass-fed, pasture-raised sourcing
Flavorless in most beverages
Nice if you want a one-scoop solution
Shelf-stable and long-lasting
Comes in different flavors if needed
What could be better:
No added Vitamin C or probiotics to support absorption
Mixes cloudy and can feel thick
Only contains Types I & III (missing Types II, V, X)
More expensive than other options
Not ideal for minimal routines
★ Overall Rating
Only contains Types I & III (missing Types II, V, X)This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I loved the idea of a multi-type collagen with added vitamin C and probiotics, but the experience didn’t match the formulation. It’s cloudy, it has a flavor, and I had to work to fit it in. In theory, it’s powerful. In practice, it’s kind of a pain.
★ What I love
(1) High in key amino acids: Glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline support collagen production.
(2) Clean, single-ingredient formula: No fillers, sweeteners, or additives.
(3) Grass-fed sourcing: Pasture-raised bovine hide ensures clean sourcing.
(4) Dissolves smoothly: mplex mixing or stacking needed.
★ What could be better:
(1) Missing key collagen types: Only Types I & III included — no support for joints, tendons, or connective tissue.
(2) No built-in absorption support: Lacks Vitamin C and probiotics to optimize collagen synthesis and gut uptake.
(3) Limited full-body benefits: Great for skin and nails but doesn’t cover joints, ligaments, or cartilage.
(4) Feels basic versus newer blends: Simpler formula starts to feel underpowered compared to full-spectrum options.
(5) Underfilled appearance: Tub looks emptier than expected on arrival (though total weight is correct).
I really wanted to love this one. But using it daily was a struggle. The taste lingered, the drink looked unappetizing, and I didn’t feel the same glow or nail improvements I’ve noticed with other powders. For most people, I think there are easier and more pleasant ways to get your collagen in.
Orgain Nutrition Label
I started testing collagen powders to find something truly comprehensive. I wanted a formula that supported not just skin and nails but also joints, tendons, ligaments, and overall connective tissue health. Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen quickly stood out because it offers full-spectrum collagen coverage with built-in absorption support.
First, the formulation is complete. It includes five types of collagen (Types I, II, III, V, and X) from multiple clean sources like grass-fed bovine, wild-caught marine fish, chicken cartilage, and eggshell membrane. I don’t have to combine multiple products to get full-body benefits.
Second, it includes Vitamin C and probiotics, which are both directly tied to better collagen synthesis and absorption. I feel confident that what I’m taking is actually being absorbed and put to use.What I noticed most was how well-rounded and effective it felt. After a few weeks, my skin looked plumper, my nails grew faster, and my joints felt more flexible. It mixes easily into my morning coffee or smoothie with no clumps or texture issues.
Ancient Nutrition is free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, or fillers, and uses clean, grass-fed, pasture-raised, and sustainably sourced ingredients. It gives me everything I want in a daily collagen supplement without anything unnecessary. If you want one collagen powder that covers skin, hair, nails, joints, and gut health, this is the one I’d recommend.
I’m a dermatologist with a deep focus on skin health and science-backed beauty. After years of clinical practice and research, I’m here to cut through the hype and help you find products that actually support your skin from the inside out.
