The word collagen comes from the Greek word “kolla” which translates to the word glue. Collagen is often referred to as the glue that holds the body together. It is an important structural component of skin, tendons, bones, cartilage and all other connective tissues [*].

There are various types of collagen found in the human body, but the most abundant types are type I, II, III, IV, and V [***].

  • Type I is present in skin, cornea, bone, teeth, tendon, ligaments, vascular ligature, and organs. 
  • Type II is found in cartilage of joints and intervertebral discs. 
  • Type III is found in skin, muscles, and blood vessels.
  • Type IV is present in basement membranes and basal lamina, and are important components of the kidneys, inner ear, and eye lens. 
  • Type V is often found with type I collagen, and particularly abundant in the cornea.

Collagen is a major structural component of the human body, and it is also vital for healing and repairing tissue damages all throughout the body [*].

Collagen production is negatively affected by several factors including age. Individuals start to lose collagen as young as 18 years of age, and by age 40, the body can lose approximately 1% per year [*]. 

Symptoms of collagen loss are most noticeable in the skin. Loss of collagen in the skin contributes to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging [*]. Collagen loss also negatively impacts bone and joint health [**].

There are dietary supplements that contain hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen hydrolysate or collagen peptides) has low molecular weight and has higher absorbability (bioavailability). It can be extracted from bovine, porcine, chicken, egg, and marine sources [*]. 

Research suggest that hydrolyzed collagen may have positive impact on skin, bone, muscle, and joint health [*****]. 

There are a variety of hydrolyzed collagen dietary supplements in the market that contain varying forms of collagen including type I, II, III, V, and X. These products claim to boost hair, skin, nail, bone, and joint health. 

The popularity of collagen has led to hundreds of brands flooding the marketplace; however not all supplements are created equal! Unfortunately, more than 90% of collagen supplements in the market simply DON’T WORK!

We understand the challenges in finding the right supplement for your health needs. That’s why we gathered years of research and made this guide to help you find the top-rated formulas that work for you.

What to Look For

– Contains all five types of collagen I, II, III, V and X (Bovine, Hydrolyzed Chicken, Pure Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen, Eggshell Membrance and Avian Sternum Collagen).

– Made from non-GMO, grass fed, hormone free, and cruelty free sources

– Must be Hydrolyzed for Absorption –  collagens are hard to absorb, hydrolyzed collagens have already been partially broken down for easier and faster absorbtion.

– Capsules vs Powder – although choosing between collagen capsule or powder is a matter lifestyle but many consumers have reported collagen in capsule form is more effective and convenient.

Collagen Benefits

– Improves skin elasticity
– Helps relieve joint pain
– Helps strengthen hair & nails
– Prevent bone loss
– Support gut health
– Promotes heart health

Side effects – there haven’t been any reports of negative side effects from the top rated collagen supplements.

Things to Be Cautious About 

Has your brand been third-party tested? You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency.

Does your supplement contain cheap synthetic fillers? Some brands add artificial fillers to cut cost to offer cheap products. Some of these cheap fillers we found were additives and artificial coloring. You should never purchase cheap products when it comes to supplements.

Avoid Subscription Auto-Billing Offers – unfortunately many brands use this trick to charge your card without your authorization, even if a customer returns the product. It’s often better to make a one time purchase. If you’re happy with the service, then proceed with a subscription offer.

No return policy or customer service – a reputable supplement company will offer 100% money-back guarantee policy and provide customer support through phone number and email. We noticed many formulas out there are just copies of the top-rated brands. They don’t offer an easy refund policy or don’t even have a phone number to prove they are real.

Top 5 Collagen Supplements

The result: we reviewed over 100+ brands of Collagen Supplements in the market and complied a list of top 5 formulas based on effectiveness, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.

1. PureNature Collagen Ultra

  • Shipping & Return Policy 100% 100%
  • Customer Service 98% 98%
  • Essential Ingredients 100% 100%
  • Effectiveness 99% 99%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

PureNature has been in the market for a long time and is one of the most reputable companies. One of the few companies that offer 24/7 customer support through phone and email; they also offer a 1-year full refund policy which is unmatched in the market.

PureNature Collagen features 5 types of collagen; type I, II, III, V and X
– From non-GMO, grass fed, hormone free, and cruelty free sources*

PureNature Collagen:
– Non-GMO and hormone-free
– Features 5 types of collagen
– Cruelty-free sources and grass-fed
– Multiple bottle discount up to 50% off
– Manufactured in the USA
– 3rd party lab tested for potency and label accuracy

How to use: Each bottle contains 90 capsules and it’s recommended to take 3 capsules per day.

Return Policy: PureNature offers 1-year full refund policy for both used or unused products. This level of flexibility shows the confidence this company has for their products backed by many happy customers.
Contact 24/7: 1-888-457-6441 or contact@purenatureplus.com

The quality of this formula has been confirmed using a third-party independent laboratory that ensures its label accuracy, high quality and consistency of each batch.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

2. Gives Nutrition Collagen

  • Shipping & Return Policy 97% 97%
  • Customer Service 98% 98%
  • Essential Ingredients 100% 100%
  • Effectiveness 98% 98%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

Gives Nutrition offers many premium quality formulas. Their collagen formula is no exception, and it’s one of the top rated supplements out there. Gives Nutrition Collagen contains five types of collagen.

Some of its benefits include:
– Manufactured in the USA
– Non-GMO and hormone free
– Offer 90 days refund policy

All the ingredients in Gives Nutrition Collagen have been listed on the bottle, ingredients potency and label accuracy has been confirmed by 3rd party lab results.

How to use: Each bottle contains 90 capsules and it’s recommended to take 3 capsules per day.
Return Policy: Gives Nutrition offers a 90-day full refund policy for purchases made directly from them.
Pricing Options: Gives Nutrition offers a great discount on bundles. Please follow the link below for the most updated pricing offers.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

3. NatureMade Collagen

  • Shipping & Return Policy 95% 95%
  • Customer Service 94% 94%
  • Essential Ingredients 97% 97%
  • Effectiveness 96% 96%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

NatureMade is a reputable company with a wide variety of supplements. Their collagen formula is a top rated supplement popular among consumers. NatureMade Collagen is in gummy form. It also contains vitamin c and zinc.

Some of its benefits include:
– Contains one type of collagen
– Also contains vitamin c and zinc for skin
– Manufactured in the USA

How to use: Each bottle contains 60 gummies and it’s recommended to take 1 capsule per day.

Return Policy: Return and refund policy depends on where you purchase this brand; typically this brand offers a 30 days return policy for products directly purchased from them.

Pricing Options: Pricing varies by the retailers offering this supplement, we have noticed prices ranging between $14-18 per bottle. Please follow the link below to see the most updated price.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

4. Puritan’s Pride Collagen

  • Shipping & Return Policy 92% 92%
  • Customer Service 94% 94%
  • Essential Ingredients 97% 97%
  • Effectiveness 94% 94%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

Puritan’s Pride is a top-rated company with years of track record. They offer a wide variety of dietary supplements and more. Puritan’s Pride Collagen contains 1000mg of collagen type I and III per capsule.

Some of its benefits include:
– Contains type I and III collagen
– Also contains vitamin c
– Manufactured in the USA

How to use: Each bottle contains 180 capsules and it’s recommended to take 4 capsules per day.

Return Policy: Return and refund policy depends on where you purchase this brand; typically this brand offers a 90 days return policy for products directly purchased from them.

Pricing Options: Pricing varies by the retailers offering this supplement, we have noticed prices ranging between $24-25 per bottle. Please follow the link below to see the most updated price.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

5. Doctor’s Best Collagen

  • Shipping & Return Policy 92% 92%
  • Customer Service 93% 93%
  • Essential Ingredients 95% 95%
  • Effectiveness 92% 92%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

Doctor’s Best is a reputable company with a wide variety of supplements. Their collagen formula is a top-rated supplement popular among consumers. Doctor’s Best Collagen contains type I and III plus Peptan and vitamin c in tablet form.

Some of its benefits include:
– Contains type I and III collagen
– Also contains vitamin c
– Manufactured in the USA

How to use: Each bottle contains 180 tablets and its recommended serving is 3 tablets.

Return Policy: Return and refund policy depends on where you purchase this brand.

Pricing Options: Pricing varies by the retailers offering this supplement, we have noticed prices ranging between $19-20 per bottle. Please follow the link below to see the most updated price.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

Ranking Factors

Shipping & Return Policy: we check the shipping and return policy of each recommended product to make sure these brands stand behind their products.

Customer Service: we contact the top rated brands through email, chat or phone to make sure they are responsive and can answer potential questions customers might have.

Essential Ingredients: we verify the ingredients in every top rated brands, their safety and dosage amount in comparison with the latest scientific studies.

Overall Effectiveness: we check with real customers through their reviews and testimonials to make sure the top brands are as effective as they claim to be. We recommend the top 5 formulas based on their average score.

We highly recommend our reader to do their own research, read real reviews and contact any brands directly to make sure they can provide the products and services based on their needs.

1. PureNature Collagen Ultra

  • Shipping & Return Policy 100% 100%
  • Customer Service 98% 98%
  • Essential Ingredients 100% 100%
  • Effectiveness 99% 99%

*This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our independent research and customer feedback. Results may vary based on individual.

Disclosure of Material Connection: we only recommend products and services which we believe will add value to the users. However, you should assume the owner of this website and/or blog has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection, to any suppliers of goods and services that may be discussed here and may be compensated for showing ads or recommending products or services or linking to the supplier’s website.

Sources and citations:

1. Enigmatic insight into collagen https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4989561/
2. Hydrolyzed Collagen—Sources and Applications https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/
3. Marine Origin Collagens and Its Potential Applications https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278207/
4. Physiology, Connective Tissue https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542226/
5. Hydrolyzed collagen improves bone status and… https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21927918/