Collagen has become a buzzword in the beauty and wellness world - and for good reason.
Known as the body’s most abundant protein, collagen plays a key role in maintaining skin elasticity, strengthening hair and supporting joint health. While natural production declines as we age, collagen supplements, including gummies, offer an easy, tasty way to replenish those stores.
What are the primary health and beauty benefits of taking collagen gummies?
Melissa Snover, qualified nutritionist and CEO and founder of Nourished, says: "Collagen gummies are an excellent way to help support healthier skin, hair, nails, and joints. As we age, particularly after the age of 30, our body’s natural collagen production begins to decline significantly, so supplementation becomes essential. Collagen can improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and boost hydration, resulting in a brighter and more youthful appearance”.
She continues, “For hair and nails, it can promote strength and growth, while for joints, it helps maintain cartilage, reduces discomfort, and enhances mobility. Incorporating collagen into your daily routine is an effective way to counteract this natural decline and can prioritise long-term health and wellness."
How does collagen supplementation work in the body to improve skin, hair, nails, or joints?
"When collagen is consumed as a supplement, it is broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids during digestion, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream”, Snover explains. “These components act as building blocks for fibroblast cells in the skin, joints, and connective tissues, helping to stimulate the production of new collagen. This is far more effective than applying collagen topically, as collagen molecules in creams or serums tend to be too large to penetrate the skin barrier and primarily provide surface-level hydration.
By supporting the body from the inside out, collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness, as well as reduce wrinkles over time. For hair and nails, collagen can provide essential proteins for strength and growth, while for joints, it helps maintain cartilage, can reduce discomfort, and enhances mobility."
Do hydrolysed collagen and regular collagen differ significantly in effectiveness?
According to Snover, "Yes, hydrolysed collagen is more effective because it has been broken down into smaller peptides, making it easier for the body to absorb. This allows it to be used more efficiently to stimulate collagen production and repair tissues. Regular collagen has larger molecules that are less bioavailable, meaning it is not absorbed or utilised as effectively as hydrolysed collagen.”
Many collagen gummies include additional ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. How do these enhance the effectiveness of collagen?
"Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, helping the body convert amino acids into collagen more effectively. Hyaluronic acid complements collagen by improving skin hydration and elasticity, boosting its plumping and firming effects. When combined, these ingredients amplify the overall benefits of collagen, making it more impactful for skin, joint, and connective tissue health."
We’ve rounded up all of the best collagen gummies.
Unfabled Collagen Gummies
Offering a thoughtful, hormone-conscious approach to beauty, the Unfabled Collagen Gummies are formulated specifically to support collagen production, and include hydrolysed collagen, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, creating a powerhouse blend for plumper, more hydrated skin.
The gummies are naturally flavoured, making them a delicious treat that also fits Unfabled's ethos of clean, effective self-care products. With a focus on sustainability, these gummies are perfect for those who care about their skin and the planet.
Buy now £13.99, Boots
Novomins Collagen Gummies
The Novomins Collagen Gummies are a deliciously convenient way to boost your beauty routine. Packed with hydrolysed collagen, these gummies aim to support skin elasticity, healthy hair and strong nails.
The fruity flavour makes them easy to include in your daily routine, while the carefully balanced formulation is designed for maximum absorption.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
Starpowa vegan collagen support gummies
Starpowa’s Vegan Collagen Support Gummies offer plant-based collagen support, combining scientifically backed ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to enhance natural collagen production.
These berry-flavoured gummies are entirely vegan, making them ideal for those who avoid animal products. They’re designed to promote plumper skin, shinier hair and improve nail health.
Buy now £39.99, Holland & Barrett
MyVitamins Collagen Gummies
Budget-friendly yet effective, the MyVitamins Collagen Gummies are a smart addition to your skincare routine. The light, fruity flavour, infused with hydrolysed collagen, ensures you’ll look forward to your daily dose, while the compact packaging makes them perfect for travel or busy lifestyles.
They're a great option for those looking to improve their beauty routine without breaking the bank.
Buy now £9.99, MyVitamins
Free Soul Collagen Gummies
Free Soul's Collagen Gummies offer a simple, no-fuss approach to beauty supplementation. The formulation includes added vitamins to enhance absorption, ensuring you get the most out of every serving.
Affordable and fuss-free, these are ideal for those just starting their collagen journey or looking for an easy-to-use supplement to fit into a busy schedule.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Holland & Barrett Bovine Collagen Strawberry Gummies
Holland & Barrett’s Bovine Collagen Strawberry Gummies deliver 500mg of hydrolysed collagen per serving in a deliciously sweet strawberry flavour. Free from artificial colours and flavours, they cater to those who prioritise clean ingredients in their supplements.
Overall, they’re an excellent option for maintaining your beauty routine with minimal effort.
Buy now £19.99, Holland & Barrett
Boots Marine Collagen Gummies
Boots’ Marine Collagen Gummies are a premium beauty supplement designed for glowing skin and healthy hair. Sourced from marine collagen, these gummies contain a blend of skin-loving ingredients, including vitamin C, which supports collagen formation and helps combat oxidative stress.
The berry flavour makes them an enjoyable addition to your routine, and they’re perfect for those seeking a high-quality collagen boost.
Buy now £20.00, Boots
Known Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Gummies
Designed to tackle common concerns like reduced skin elasticity and brittle nails, the Known Nutrition gummies are both effective and convenient. Known’s Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Gummies are tailored for those seeking targeted skin and hair support.
Each gummy is enriched with hydrolysed marine collagen for better absorption and features biotin and vitamin C to enhance results.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Bioglan Beauty Collagen Strawberry Gummies
Bioglan Beauty Collagen Gummies combine great taste with visible results and are infused with hydrolysed collagen, biotin and selenium. The inclusion of biotin and selenium helps protect cells from damage, adding an extra layer of care to your beauty regime.
These strawberry-flavoured gummies were specifically crafted to support youthful skin and make it easy to add strong nails and shiny hair to the mix.
Buy now £22.00, Holland & Barrett
Activ Gums Marine Collagen Complex 180 Vegan Gummies
Available in a mix of strawberry and blueberry flavours, these vegan-friendly gummies come in a huge, budget-friendly pack. Activ Gums' Marine Collagen Complex Gummies have a comprehensive formulation, offering marine collagen alongside hyaluronic acid, biotin and zinc for all-around beauty support.
With 180 gummies per pack, they provide excellent value for anyone serious about boosting their skin’s radiance and overall health.
Buy now £17.99, Amazon
Verdict
The high-quality hydrolysed marine collagen infused with skin-nourishing vitamins like C and E makes Unfabled's Collagen Gummies our top pick. Designed to support skin elasticity, hydration and hair health, they offer an effective and convenient beauty boost at a low cost.