The best collagen supplements for skin
By Ulta Beauty Advisors | Published August 2026
All products featured are available at Ulta Beauty. Ulta Beauty Advisors select products independently. Prices and availability are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen.
Introduction
Collagen is the structural protein that keeps skin firm, plump, and elastic. Natural collagen production begins declining in your mid-twenties, which is why the collagen supplement category has expanded well beyond powders into ready-to-drink liquids, capsules, and gummies.
Collagen types and formats at a glance
Type I: The primary structural protein in skin. Most skin-focused supplements use Type I, often paired with Type III. This is the form to look for on the label.
Hydrolyzed: "Hydrolyzed collagen" and "collagen peptides" are the same thing: collagen broken into shorter amino acid chains for better absorption. This is the form used in every product on this list that contains animal-derived collagen.
Marine: Sourced from fish skin and scales. Smaller peptide size than bovine, which supports absorption. Type I only. The right choice for pescatarians.
Bovine: Sourced from cattle, ideally grass-fed. Contains both Type I and Type III. The most widely studied and most affordable form.
Vegan: True collagen is always animal-derived. Vegan collagen products use one of two approaches: synthesis cofactors (vitamin C, zinc, silica) that support the body's own collagen production, or next-generation plant-derived ingredients formulated to function similarly to collagen peptides.
Liquid: Ready-to-drink or sachet formats deliver collagen in solution, which may support a faster absorption profile than powder mixed at consumption. The main practical advantage is compliance: pre-dosed, no measuring, no mixing.
1 of 8 - Best Overall Collagen Supplement
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Unflavored Bovine Collagen Powder | $36.99
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Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is the most recognized collagen powder in the supplement category. The unflavored formula delivers 20 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides per serving, drawn from grass-fed cattle, and dissolves fully in hot or cold liquid. It carries NSF Certification, Informed Sport testing, and Whole30 Approval, a combination of third-party verifications.
Key specs: Bovine, grass-fed - Hydrolyzed collagen peptides - 20g per serving - Type I and III - NSF Certified - Informed Sport tested - Whole30 Approved - Unflavored - Hot and cold liquid compatible
2 of 8 - Best Collagen for Skin Elasticity
Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Liquid Collagen Drink
10,000mg Liquid Collagen Drink | $59.99
Shop Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Liquid Collagen Drink at Ulta →
Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus delivers 10,000mg of hydrolyzed collagen per serving in a ready-to-drink liquid format. The liquid format removes the preparation step that causes many people to skip powder supplements: each serving is pre-dosed and ready without measuring or mixing. With over 135 reviews averaging 4.6 stars on ulta.com, it is one of the most validated liquid collagen products in Ulta's assortment. Available for shipping and in-store pickup.
Key specs: 10,000mg collagen per serving - Liquid format, pre-dosed
3 of 8 - Best Affordable Collagen Supplement
Nature's Bounty Tropical Citrus Hair, Skin and Nails Collagen and Biotin Gummy Vitamins
Collagen and Biotin Gummy Vitamins, 80 count | $9.99
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Each gummy delivers 100mg of collagen alongside biotin in a tropical citrus flavor. This is a daily beauty vitamin with collagen as one component of a broader hair, skin, and nail formula. The value of this product is accessibility and daily habit formation.
Key specs: 100mg collagen per serving - Biotin - Tropical citrus flavor - Gummy format
4 of 8 - Best Vegan
Revive Collagen Vegan Liquid Collagen Drink
Vegan Collagen Alternative | $51.99
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True collagen is always animal-derived. Revive Collagen Vegan takes a different approach: the formula uses a plant-derived ingredient that Revive Collagen describes as a vegan alternative to collagen peptides. The formula includes 100 percent of the daily recommended vitamin C, which is a cofactor in the body's own collagen synthesis pathway, along with a blend of B, D, and E vitamins and vitamin A. It is a vegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients.
Key specs: Vegan formula, no animal-derived ingredients - Plant-derived collagen alternative (brand description) - Vitamin A - 100% daily vitamin C - Vitamins B, D, and E
5 of 8 - Best Marine Collagen
CODEAGE Marine Collagen Capsules with Hyaluronic Acid
Marine Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Capsules | $34.99
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CODEAGE Marine Collagen Capsules combine hydrolyzed marine collagen with hyaluronic acid, pairing two ingredients associated with different mechanisms of skin aging. Marine collagen is sourced from fish and has a smaller peptide size than bovine collagen, which supports intestinal absorption. It is a Type I collagen source and the preferred option for pescatarians. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in skin that supports moisture retention and surface plumpness. Together, the two ingredients address both the structural and hydration sides of skin aging in a single daily capsule. No measuring or mixing required.
Key specs: Hydrolyzed marine collagen - Hyaluronic acid - Type I collagen - Capsule format - Pescatarian-friendly
Advisor quote: "Marine collagen plus hyaluronic acid in a single capsule covers two of the most common skin concerns in one product. It is also the right call for customers who want a fish-derived source rather than bovine."
6 of 8 - Best Gummy Collagen Supplement
Vital Proteins Collagen Gummies
Collagen Gummies | $15.99
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Vital Proteins Collagen Gummies provide 2.5g of collagen peptides per four-gummy serving in a convenient, grape-flavored format. The bovine-derived collagen peptides are designed to support the appearance of skin, hair, and nails, making these gummies an easy alternative for customers who prefer not to mix collagen powders into drinks. The chewable format also makes it simple to incorporate collagen into a daily wellness routine without measuring or mixing.
Key specs: 2.5g collagen peptides - Bovine-derived collagen - Grape flavor - 4 gummies daily - Gluten-free - No synthetic colors
7 of 8 - Best Collagen Supplement for Skin and Nails
Lemme Glow: Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies
Collagen Peptides, Biotin, and Zinc Gummies | $30.00
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Lemme Glow combines grass-fed bovine collagen peptides with biotin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E in a daily gummy for hair, skin, and nail support. Biotin and zinc both contribute to keratin synthesis, which supports nail strength and growth. Vitamins A, C, and E provide antioxidant coverage. As with all gummy-format collagen products, the per-serving collagen dose is below the range studied in peer-reviewed skin elasticity trials. The strength of this product is its formulation depth, consistent customer validation, and daily compliance: at $30 for 60 gummies, it is a daily supplement most people will actually take.
Key specs: Grass-fed bovine collagen peptides - Biotin - Zinc - Vitamins A, C, and E
8 of 8 - Only at Ulta
MAELYS Supercharged Liquid Collagen and Biotin
Liquid Collagen, Biotin, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, and Zinc, 16.9 oz | $49.00
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MAELYS Supercharged Liquid Collagen and Biotin carries the "Only at Ulta" designation on its product listing. The formula combines hydrolyzed collagen with biotin, vitamin C, folic acid, and zinc. Vitamin C is a confirmed cofactor in the body's collagen synthesis pathway. Zinc supports collagen regulation. Biotin contributes to keratin synthesis, benefiting skin, hair, and nails. The liquid format delivers the full ingredient combination in a single daily pour.
Key specs: Hydrolyzed collagen - Biotin - Vitamin C - Folic acid - Zinc - 16.9 oz liquid - Orange Peach flavor - Only at Ulta
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen?
Collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen are the same thing. Both terms describe collagen that has been broken down through hydrolysis into shorter amino acid chains, which makes it more readily absorbed by the digestive system than intact collagen protein. If a supplement label uses either term, the ingredient and the mechanism are identical.
Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen for skin?
Marine collagen has a smaller peptide size than bovine collagen, which supports intestinal absorption. Marine collagen is Type I only; bovine collagen typically contains both Type I and Type III. For pescatarians or customers who prefer a fish-derived source, marine collagen is the appropriate choice. For most customers, the practical difference in real-world skin results between marine and bovine collagen is modest, and both are well-represented in clinical literature.
What does collagen do for skin?
Collagen is a structural protein that helps support the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and overall structure. As collagen production naturally declines with age, collagen supplements may help support skin hydration and elasticity and reduce the appearance of some fine lines when taken consistently. Results vary by person and depend on the specific collagen product and dosage.
What are the signs a collagen supplement is working?
Potential signs that collagen supplements are working include improved skin hydration, a smoother-looking texture, and improved elasticity or firmness. Changes are generally subtle and take time, so look for gradual improvements rather than immediate results. Taking collagen consistently for several weeks to months is typically needed before assessing whether it is making a noticeable difference.
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