How to Choose the Best Collagen Supplements for Skin

In recent years, there has been a shift away from the term “anti-aging” and the negative connotations associated with getting older. Instead, we’re moving more toward embracing aging, and celebrating mature beauty. We love that! We are all about aging gracefully, whatever that looks like for you. For some, this means gentle tweaks using lasers, Botox, or fillers, and for others, the idea of taking a pill that promises to improve wrinkles is a much more palatable option (literally). Enter collagen supplements.

Collagen is one of those ingredients that promises to give us a crutch to stand on, to not change us drastically, but to help us look our best as we get older. Because of this, collagen supplements have exploded in popularity. For the past few years, retailers have been lining their shelves with a variety of collagen options – from powders and pills to gummies and drinks – making it confusing to pick what to buy. And to further complicate things, they’re not just offering collagen alone, but collagen combined with a variety of other beauty-enhancing nutrients, all of which claim to be the best.

So, how do you know which product to choose? This article will dive into what you should look for in a collagen supplement, as well as provide you with an easy guide for choosing the best product for your needs and goals.

Four Key Ingredients for Skin

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re interested in collagen supplements for your skin. But as mentioned in the outset, there are so many collagen products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here’s a breakdown of four key skin-healthy ingredients to look for in a collagen supplement.

1. Bioactive hydrolyzed collagen peptides:

When you take collagen supplements, always look for collagen that has been broken down or hydrolyzed into peptides, or short chains of amino acids. These peptides are more readily recognized by your body’s collagen factories, namely fibroblast cells, and serve to stimulate natural collagen production. However, not all hydrolyzed collagen is created equal.

Research shows that specially formulated collagen can provide significant skin improvements in a short period of time. So, what kind of collagen fits the bill? Several studies show that a specialized bioactive hydrolyzed collagen peptide formula, named Verisol®, can improve eye wrinkles and skin elasticity (your skin’s ability to stretch and snap back into shape) in fewer than 30 days. [1,2]

Along with Verisol, research studies show that another form of collagen, namely marine bioactive hydrolyzed collagen peptides (Collactive^TM,has also been proven to reduce deep skin wrinkles in fewer than 30 days. [3]

Both Verisol and Collactive (found in Collagen30® formulas) contain high amounts of glycine, lysine, and proline, which increase collagen production deep within the skin. Compared to generic hydrolyzed collagen, these forms offer superior absorption, and are therefore recommended at a lower dosage compared to most other brands. Specifically, 2–2.5 g per day is all that’s needed to see clinical benefits, compared to 10 g or more per day of the other leading brands (hello cost savings)!

2. Biotin:

This essential B vitamin is required for a variety of biochemical processes that help break down food into usable energy. It helps form healthy skin cell membranes and the keratin structure in hair and nails. [4] As biotin functions by strengthening hair and nails, it’s the perfect complement to collagen.

3. Hyaluronic acid (HA):

This popular skincare nutrient can be seen in almost every topical skincare product on the shelves. But what about taking it in supplement form? Studies show that taking oral HA for 12 weeks may improve the skin’s condition by positively impacting wrinkles and skin moisturization. [5] Additionally, HA not only helps retain moisture in the skin, but it also retains moisture in connective tissue throughout the body, therefore acting as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joints. [6]

4. Ceramides:

Found naturally in the uppermost layer of the skin, ceramides are known to lock in moisture between skin cells to help maintain hydration. These plant-sourced oils have been clinically proven to improve skin hydration and help prevent moisture loss. [7]

Choosing the Best Collagen Product for You 

Collagen30 is a trustworthy name that is always made with clinically researched bioactive hydrolyzed collagen peptides such as Verisol and/or Collactive. As there are a handful of products within the Collagen30 lineup, here is a simple guide on how to choose the best collagen based on your needs and goals.

Product	Best for…	Available in…
Collagen30	Improving eye wrinkles, deep wrinkles, and skin elasticity	Tablets Unflavoured powder Elderberry-flavoured gummies
Collagen30 with Biotin	Improving eye wrinkles, deep wrinkles, and skin elasticity Supporting stronger, thicker, healthier hair Strengthening nails	Tablets
Collagen30 with Hyaluronic Acid	Improving eye wrinkles, deep wrinkles, and skin elasticity Improving skin hydration Supporting bone and joint health	Tablets
Collagen30 with Ceramides	Improving eye wrinkles, deep wrinkles, and skin elasticity Preventing moisture loss and improving skin hydration	Tablets
Marine Collagen30	Improving eye wrinkles, deep wrinkles, and skin elasticity for people who follow a pescatarian diet	Vegetarian Capsules Unflavoured powder

Thankfully, whether you choose tablets, capsules, powder, or gummies, there is no difference in terms of effectiveness; it really comes down to personal preference.

In summary, how do you choose the best collagen supplements for skin? First and foremost, look for clinically researched bioactive hydrolyzed collagen peptides (such as Verisol or Collactive, found in the Collagen30 lineup). This will ensure a top-quality product that works to reduce eye wrinkles and deep wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity in fewer than 30 days.

And if you’re interested in additional, complementary skin or joint support, look for a collagen supplement that contains biotin, hyaluronic acid, and/or ceramides.