Which is more effective collagen powder or collagen capsules? (2023)

Which is better for you collagen powder or capsules?

Collagen powders are the most effective format as they can offer significantly more collagen per serving than capsules or pills. In addition, powders are also highly versatile and can contain additional good-for-you ingredients.

Type I or type 1 collagen is the strongest type of collagen. If you're looking for a collagen for supporting skin health, type 1 is a top choice since it's literally a building block of the skin.

The difference between collagen powders and pills has less to do with the collagen and more to do with how you get it. Powder is loose and can be added to foods and drinks. Capsules, on the other hand, are typically filled with collagen powder and need to be swallowed like any other pill.

Benefits of collagen supplements

One study on 72 women aged 35 years and older, saw significant improvement in skin hydration, elasticity, roughness and density after taking collagen peptides, together with vitamin C and zinc, after 12 weeks compared to a placebo group.

If you're taking collagen for the anti-aging benefits, look for type I, or a combo of type I and type III. Both are found in the skin and support skin health (think: improved skin hydration, firmness and texture, as well as fewer wrinkles, per a review study in 2019 in the journal Molecules).

Best Overall: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

89% of 177,600+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides provide you with 20 grams of collagen per two scoops. These collagen peptides are from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, and the product is certified kosher.

Best Overall: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

89% of 178,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is our top choice because it is NSF certified for sport and gives you 18 g of protein with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Best Overall: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

From grocery stores to gas stations, you can find this brand in many retailers including online. It's odorless, flavorless and easily dissolving, and contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. The brand offers a performance line with NSF certification.

What is the best time to take collagen? If you're having digestive or gut issues then the best time to take collagen is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or with your meals. For restful sleep, the best time to take collagen is before bed for improved sleep quality.

Is collagen powder actually worth it?

Does collagen work? Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.

As such, no matter your goal for using collagen, it will take at least 8 weeks to experience noticeable results ( 6 ). Most studies use a minimum of 8 weeks to assess collagen's effects on skin health and joint pain relief, but other studies use longer periods, such as 12 months, for bone health ( 9 , 14 , 22 ).

Many of the studies available suggest that you'd be able to noticeably see improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and density anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks of regular collagen supplementation.

Improvements in skin, nails, muscle and joint health may become noticeable after three to six months of regular collagen supplementation, but results varied across scientific studies. Results may take longer depending on personal factors including age, nutritional status and overall health.

A further 2021 meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials concluded that ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 3 months is effective at reducing skin ageing, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration (4).

Studies have shown that supplementing with collagen peptides — broken down collagen that's easier for your body to absorb — may be beneficial for older people and promote skin and bone health during aging.

Are collagen supplements a good option for tightening loose skin? A: Collagen supplements aren't the best option if you want to improve the appearance of your skin. That's mainly because there's no evidence-based science to prove they work ― or that they're safe.

The recommended supplement intake of hydrolyzed collagen is 10g a day. The recommended intake of undenatured type II collagen is 40mg a day.

Can collagen improve eyesight?

Taking care of your eyes proactively can help you reap a lot of benefits such as reduced medical expenses, better vision, and others. When it comes to eye-care, Collagen is a compound that has shown significant promise and applications in alleviating most eye-related issues.

Laser resurfacing This is the most effective procedure for tightening loose skin.

Aloe Vera

The gel found in an aloe vera leaf tightens the skin by improving its elasticity. It also stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid production, thus preventing wrinkles.

The evidence from the reviewed studies suggested that both collagen supplements improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when orally administered. Additionally, collagen reduces the wrinkling and roughness of the skin, and existing studies have not found any side effects of its oral supplements.

Additionally, some people may be allergic to collagen supplements. If you experience any itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after taking collagen supplements, it's important to stop taking them and see a doctor immediately.