Are your wrinkly skin and poor gym results starting to make you feel your age? Yet, you don’t want to resort to cosmetic procedures or performance enhancers.
Collagen supplements claim to be a safe, effective alternative. But which ones really work?
Let’s take a look at the best collagen supplements for women and what makes them stand out. Our top pick overall is Organifi Collagen. But there’s more to discover on our list!
Best Collagen Supplements for Women in 2024
Organifi Collagen - Best collagen supplements for hair loss prevention
The best collagen supplements for women feature hydrolyzed peptides from quality beef, marine, or other animal sources. Some include nutrients with critical roles in connective tissue maintenance, too; all are available at fairly affordable prices. Organifii and Health Nutrition met our criteria the most, but all supplements in our list have their own perks.
1. Organifi Collagen - Best Collagen Supplements for Hair Loss Prevention
(credit: FitLiving design team)
Pros
Combines beef, chicken, egg, and fish-derived collagen
Marine collagen could help prevent hair loss
Egg membrane collagen may support bone health
10.2 grams of collagen per serving
Glyphosate residue-free
Cons
Not suitable if you’re allergic to fish or eggs
Why Organifi Collagen Stands Out
With a low-calorie content and a high degree of purity, Organifi packs a powerful punch with 5 collagen types; it’s one of the best collagen supplements for women’s hair maintenance and bone strength.
Ingredients
Organifi’s collagen powder combines the unique benefits of 4 collagen sources. For example, marine collagen is highly bioavailable and may even reverse hair loss from stress and male-pattern baldness [4].
What’s more, eggshell membrane collagen may be especially beneficial for bone health. Eggshells are similar to your bone tissue, thanks to their collagen type I content and other substances. Studies show that they could benefit people with poor bone density and osteoarthritis [5].
Dosage
Take a 10.2-gram scoop every day, mixed with water or other drinks and food.
Cost
One packet costs $54.95, but you can enjoy a 10% discount when you subscribe—meaning you only have to pay $49.46. You could also save more with a 3-pack for $131.57 or 6 packets for $247.41.
User Reviews
A Trustpilot reviewer recommends Organifi to folks searching for good quality drink powders with low sugar content [6]. In contrast, a different Trustpilot user claims she didn’t have a great experience with the company due to a return policy issue [7].
2. Health Nutrition Premium Collagen Complex - Most Convenient Collagen Supplement
(credit: FitLiving design team)
Pros
Handy capsule formulation
Less than $1 per daily dose
Contains multiple collagen types
Amino acids may improve joint health
Cons
Minimal product information on the official website
Why Health Nutrition Premium Collagen Complex Stands Out
Health Nutrition Premium Collagen Complex is probably the most convenient among the best collagen supplements for women. It not only costs less than $1 per day, but its pill form means you can take it with you and use it whenever you need to.
Ingredients
While the Health Nutrition website doesn’t list all its ingredients, the supplement’s name—Premium Collagen Complex—suggests that it contains a variety of collagen types, which may deliver different kinds of collagen peptides to enhance their production in your body [8].
Dosage
There are currently no dosage directions on the Health Nutrition website; it’s a good idea to seek advice from your doctor on what’s the best way to use this supplement.
Cost
While a one-time purchase costs $24.99 (or $0.83 per serving), you can save 20% with a subscription and get a bottle for just $19.99 (or just $0.66 for every serving!).
User Reviews
Since Health Nutrition’s Premium Collagen Complex is a newer formulation, there’s not many reviews about it online. Nevertheless, it has the potential to be one of the best collagen supplements for weight loss since it claims to help your body burn more fat.
3. Health Nutrition Collagen Gummies - Best Gummy Collagen Supplement
(credit: FitLiving design team)
Pros
Easy-to-take, delicious gummy form
May enhance skin health
Very budget-friendly
Third-party lab testing
Cons
Limited product information on the official website
Why Health Nutrition Collagen Gummies Stands Out
If you need convenience but can’t stand swallowing pills, these chewable gummies by Health Nutrition may be the solution for you among the best collagen supplements for women.
After all, many adults without any swallowing difficulties have trouble taking pills—whether due to their size, shape, or unpleasant childhood experiences [9].
Ingredients
At present, the product page for Collagen Gummies doesn’t list the exact ingredients of this supplement.
Dosage
For now, Health Nutrition doesn’t provide dosage instructions for these gummies, but you may ask a healthcare professional for advice on how to take them.
Cost
One bottle costs $24.99 for 60 gummies. Alternatively, you can save 20% with a subscription since you only have to shell out $19.99.
User Reviews
Although Health Nutrition’s Collagen Gummies are a newer product with no available feedback yet, reviews of other gummy supplements suggest they are easy to take.
4. Earth Echo Multi-Collagen Peptides - Best Collagen Supplements for Skin Hydration
(credit: FitLiving design team)
Pros
Includes beef, chicken, fish, and eggshell collagen
Contains hyaluronic acid for extra skin moisturization
Keto-friendly formula
Unflavored, so it’s compatible with all smoothie recipes
Cons
Not ideal if you have fish or egg allergies
Why Earth Echo Multi-Collagen Peptides Stands Out
With 5 collagen types and hyaluronic acid, Earth Echo offers one of the best collagen supplements for preventing skin dryness.
Ingredients
Earth Echo adds hyaluronic acid to the quartet of collagen sources. Hyaluronic acid holds onto water, provides volume, and promotes collagen production in your connective tissue. While it declines with age, oral supplementation can restore hydration and elasticity while making skin wrinkles less deep [10].
Dosage
Take 1 rounded teaspoon every day for a dose of 10 grams.
Cost
While a one-time purchase costs $59.99, you only need to pay $49.99 if you subscribe. There’s even more savings when you get 3 packs delivered as a subscription every 90 days—which is priced at $137.49 and includes free shipping.
User Reviews
One Amazon verified purchaser describes Earth Echo’s Multi-Collagen Peptides as very good; she always gets compliments on her skin after using it [11]. On the other hand, another Amazon reviewer thinks it’s a little pricey—but admits she loves the product anyway [12].
5. MindBodyGreen Beauty & Gut Collagen+ - Best Collagen Supplement for Sagging Skin
(credit: FitLiving design team)
Pros
Grass-fed beef collagen could promote skin elasticity
Turmeric may fight inflammation
Vitamin C and biotin for connective tissue support
Delicious chocolate flavor
Cons
Only 20 servings per bag
Why Beauty & Gut Collagen+ Powder Stands Out
MindBodyGreen offers the best collagen supplements for women over 60 who wish their skin was firmer and tighter.
Ingredients
This powder combines both beef collagen and hyaluronic acid to smooth wrinkles and support skin volume from two angles [10].
What’s more, anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric may protect skin volume and thickness against skin aging caused by sun damage [13].
Dosage
Take one scoop of 24.8 grams each day in water or a smoothie.
Cost
A one-time purchase costs $70 for 20 days of doses, while you just have to shell out $59 if you get a 20-day subscription. A bi-monthly subscription of three bags delivered every 60 days, however, costs $50 per bag.
User Reviews
In the MindBodyGreen official website, a verified customer shares that she noticed a big difference in the health of her skin after finishing her first jar of collagen [14]. Another verified buyer says she wishes the product came in travel pouches, but she still describes it as great tasting, smooth, and nutritious [14].
Collagen is the number one protein type in the human body. There are over 20 different types of collagen, but type I is the most abundant, followed by types II to IV. Others—such as collagen type V—provide essential supportive roles despite their smaller amounts.
Collagen (which is sometimes misspelled as “collegen”) is also called “colageno” in Spanish.
Benefits of Collagen for Women
Taking the best collagen supplement for women like you may support your skin, joints, muscles, and more.
Skin, Hair, and Nail Health
Collagen supplements are growing more popular since they help fight the visible signs of aging. One study on women over 35 found that skin elasticity rose from 0.69 to 0.81 (or by around 17%) over 12 weeks [13].
Better yet, a 12-week trial of marine collagen suggests it may help prevent stress-induced and male-pattern hair loss [4].
Joint Health
The best collagen supplements may also improve joint health. Studies show that eggshell membrane products can greatly relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis [5].
Bone Health
We consider the best collagen supplements for women over 60 to be the ones you want to take every day. One paper on a daily dose of collagen over 4 years reveals that it increased bone density in the spine by 5.79-8.16% [14].
Boost Muscle Mass
Collagen may help protect muscles and bolster connective tissue. Another paper shows that hydroxyproline and glycine can “speak” to muscle tissue, telling it to grow and strengthen [15].
Promote Heart Health
Finally, high-quality collagen powders can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Beef collagen peptides could even lower blood pressure, a major cause of heart and blood vessel damage [16].
How to Choose the Best Collagen Supplements for Women
The type of collagen, its source, and other factors—such as taste and third-party testing—are all vital factors you should consider if you’re looking for the best collagen supplements for skin, muscle growth, and more.
Collagen Form
In general, hydrolyzed collagen is usually considered ideal in terms of amino acid content and useability. On the other hand, bone broth is much harder to standardize and does not stimulate collagen production [17].
Collagen Source
The best collagen source for you depends on whether you want specific benefits—such as if you need the best collagen for belly fat—and if you have any dietary requirements. For example, while marine collagen is highly bioavailable, it’s not advisable if you’re allergic to fish.On the other hand, beef collagen includes peptides that may reduce blood pressure.
Ingredient Quality
We recommend organic sources of collagen that are low in fillers and contain only natural ingredients. Some of the best collagen supplements for women contain additional ingredients, such as vitamin C and zinc, that also support connective tissue health.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party lab testing assures you of brand integrity, as independent labs do not have a major financial interest in any one brand. This applies not just to collagen products but to all supplements formulated for ladies.
Cost and Taste
Collagen supplements are typically meant to be taken indefinitely. Consider whether the cost per daily dose is sustainable in the long run. Additionally, think about if the flavor (or lack thereof) is something you want to take every day. Finally, don’t forget to ask how much of collagen you should take to see if the dosage instructions fit your lifestyle and schedule.
What Are the Alternatives to Animal-Based Collagen?
If you are vegan, a viable alternative to animal-based collagen is an amino acid supplement rich in proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine, alongside vitamin C and zinc. Vegan protein powders may also help to some extent.
Collagen Peptides vs. Hydrolyzed Collagen
Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into very short chains of amino acids to enhance absorption. Although it is essentially the same thing as collagen peptides, we still recommend choosing products with “hydrolyzed collagen” on the label.
Are There Any Side Effects to Taking Collagen Supplements?
Some people may find that collagen supplements cause them mild digestive discomfort. Otherwise, they are generally considered safe for most healthy adults as long as you are not allergic to any of the protein sources.
FAQs About the Best Collagen Supplements for Women
Our top-rated collagen supplement is Organifii Collagen. It features 5 collagen types hailing from 4 food sources. Plus, it’s powered up by vitamin C-rich fruit and zinc, which provide critical support. You can also read other user reviews on r/Supplements, Trustpilot, Amazon, or Wirecutter to find out what other folks recommend.
Which Collagen Supplement Is Good for Women?
In general, high-quality collagen supplements with hydrolyzed proteins from beef, fish, chicken, egg, or a blend of sources work well for women.
Which Form of Collagen Is Most Effective?
Hydrolyzed collagen is best because it is the most easily absorbed and used by the body. Most of the supplements we reviewed here are in oral form, but there are also topical forms you can apply directly to your skin (such as serums).
What Kind of Collagen Should a Woman Take?
The best collagen supplements for women are those with a blend of sources. While beef peptides may reduce blood pressure, egg membrane collagen could support bone and joint health.
What Type of Collagen Is Best for Older Women?
The best collagen supplements for women over 60 often include added antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients that can support their overall health during this later stage in life.
Who Should Not Take Collagen?
Avoid taking collagen if you have digestive problems that might be triggered by these supplements. Steer clear of collagen supplements as well if you’re allergic to any of the food sources.
What Results Can I See From Taking Collagen Supplements?
You can expect anything from subtle to big changes when it comes to reducing the effects of skin aging. For example, one study shows that skin elasticity could improve by 17% over 12 weeks [13]. Of course, the exact results and time frame may vary from person to person.
Final Thoughts on Best Collagen Supplements for Women
Collagen supplements claim to help you feel, move, and look younger even as you age. Yet, not all products are created equal.
The best collagen supplements for women must contain hydrolyzed collagen from quality sources—such as beef, fish, eggs, and chicken.
Overall, Organifii Collagen won our roundup review. It contains 5 of the most bioavailable, effective types of collagen from 4 food sources, plus added vitamin C.
Still, all the collagen supplements we featured here have advantages; it’s up to you to choose what works best for you.
León-López, Arely et al. “Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 24,22 4031. 7 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/molecules24224031
Shaw, Gregory et al. “Vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis.” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 105,1 (2017): 136-143. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.138594
Milani, Massimo et al. “Efficacy and tolerability of an oral supplement containing amino acids, iron, selenium, and marine hydrolyzed collagen in subjects with hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, AGA or FAGA or telogen effluvium). A prospective, randomized, 3-month, controlled, assessor-blinded study.” Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) vol. 29,6 (2023): e13381. doi:10.1111/srt.13381
Fladerer, Johannes-Paul, and Selina Grollitsch. “Eggshell membrane as promising supplement to maintain bone health: A systematic review.” Bone reports vol. 21 101776. 24 May. 2024, doi:10.1016/j.bonr.2024.101776
Mike Ashton W gave Organifi 5 stars. Check out the full review... (2023, July 27). Trustpilot. https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/64c2c64646be5a7989435c04
Fiona gave Organifi 2 stars. Check out the full review... (2020, January 28). Trustpilot. https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/5e301a483c93ae0b249883fd
Wang, Hsiuying. “A Review of the Effects of Collagen Treatment in Clinical Studies.” Polymers vol. 13,22 3868. 9 Nov. 2021, doi:10.3390/polym13223868
Forough, Aida Sefidani et al. “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down? A review of strategies for making pills easier to swallow.” Patient preference and adherence vol. 12 1337-1346. 26 Jul. 2018, doi:10.2147/PPA.S164406
Hsu, Tzu-Fang et al. “Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Nutrients vol. 13,7 2220. 28 Jun. 2021, doi:10.3390/nu13072220
Check out this Amazon review of Earth Echo Organic Collagen Peptides Powder Premium Unflavored Hydrolyzed Collagen Grass Fed Protein - Soy, Dairy, Gluten, and Corn-Free Formula. (2024). Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3M27XRZORJ74D/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B086DWXF9R
Check out this Amazon review of Earth Echo Organic Collagen Peptides Powder Premium Unflavored Hydrolyzed Collagen Grass Fed Protein - Soy, Dairy, Gluten, and Corn-Free Formula. (2024). Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2PVLR3KLPVETU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B086DWXF9R
Bolke, Liane et al. “A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study.” Nutrients vol. 11,10 2494. 17 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11102494
Zdzieblik, Denise et al. “Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides in Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: Long-Term Observation in Postmenopausal Women.” Journal of bone metabolism vol. 28,3 (2021): 207-213. doi:10.11005/jbm.2021.28.3.207
Jendricke, Patrick et al. “Specific Collagen Peptides in Combination with Resistance Training Improve Body Composition and Regional Muscle Strength in Premenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Nutrients vol. 11,4 892. 20 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11040892
León-López, Arely et al. “Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 24,22 4031. 7 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/molecules24224031
Alcock, Rebekah D et al. “Bone Broth Unlikely to Provide Reliable Concentrations of Collagen Precursors Compared With Supplemental Sources of Collagen Used in Collagen Research.” International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism vol. 29,3 (2019): 265-272. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0139
