Collagen is the not-so secret ingredient lauded for giving longevity to your youthful appearance. It’s a protein found naturally in the body and replicating its firming, smoothing, elasticity-boosting effects has been the mission of beauty brands the world over.
But while there’s topical products aplenty, no matter how you look at it, the key to a healthy complexion starts from the inside out. Good nutrition is crucial and adding minerals and nutrients to your diet that will encourage the production of collagen is the first place to start in maintaining a radiant, plumped appearance.
According to a report by Grand View Research, in 2022, the global collagen market was valued at USD 9.1 billion and is expected to grow by 10 per cent in 2023. That is to say, it’s a booming business and it will come as no surprise to learn that there’s a seemingly endless quantity of brands vying for a place in your daily routine. This gives the consumer more freedom than ever to find the best tasting, most bioavailable and most effective - as well as choosing the method of consumption - be it by collagen drinks, tablets or as is the focus of this article, by powder.
But before we delve into the products, we’ve consulted the experts Dr Christina George, Consultant Dermatologist at skin and aesthetics clinic Montrose London and leading cosmetic nurse and independent prescriber, Nina Prisk to find out more about the science and whether collagen powders are worth your hard-earned cash.
What is collagen?
Dr George explains, “Collagen is a protein which is naturally made in the body, and makes up about a third of all the protein in your body. It forms a fundamental structural part of the skin, bones, muscle and connective tissue. In the skin, it contributes to a plump and youthful appearance, through strengthening and maintaining elasticity and hydration as well as being a key component of healthy hair and nails”.
Prisk adds, “There are a number of different types of collagen found in the body, in the skin, bones tendons and ligaments. Collagen is an extremely important protein, particularly for the skin. It helps to give skin structure and elasticity, or in other words it makes it feel springy and look healthy. It keeps skin firm and plump and helps its ability to retain moisture. Together, these qualities help to reduce skin sagging.”
What does collagen powder do?
It is said that from our early 20s, we lose around 1-2 per cent of our collagen production a year, which “can lead to the appearance of fine lines, loose skin and wrinkles” according to Dr George. “Collagen powders are said to boost the collagen content in our body through the diet, which in theory should prevent some of the aging effects of declining collagen levels”.
While there are many different ways to boost collagen, Prisk suggests that ingesting is the most effective way as “applying collagen topically on the skin isn’t ideal because collagen doesn’t absorb well. In the past injecting collagen was used in medical skin care, however that is no longer as popular because in general it didn’t last as long as fillers and in some cases caused a reaction”.
The collagen in supplements comes from three main sources; bovine, plant-based and marine. Prisks delves deeper for us with an explanation of each:
- Bovine collagen: Sourced from beef cattle, it’s a processed protein with specific amino acid compositions usually with a high concentration of glycerine.
- Plant-based collagen: Plants do not have naturally occurring collagen like animals. So plant-based collagen is generally made from a variety of plant sources that make up a complete protein and have a high amount of vitamins and fat, which boost your body’s collagen production.
- Marine collagen: From fish skin, scales and bones, marine collagen supplements have high collagen levels which absorb well into the body. It’s also classified as a Type 1 Collagen which is the type that’s most common in the human body.
Does collagen powder work?
“The main type of collagen powder on the market contains hydrolysed type 1 collagen, which means it has been broken down to allow the body to absorb it” says Dr George. “The problem is that this type of collagen will be digested by the gastro-intestinal system, and is unlikely to make it to the tissues in your body such as the skin, where you want it to be. However, there is some anecdotal evidence of collagen supplements improving the appearance of the skin”.
Prisk is in agreement, saying: “Research into the effectiveness of collagen supplements such as collagen powder is ongoing however it’s believed that marine collagen is absorbed into the body more easily than bovine”.
Dr George also stresses that, “If your aim is skin rejuvenation or preventing of skin ageing, there are simple things you can do in your daily life which can help, such as adding a sunscreen to your daily routine, avoid smoking, limiting caffeine intake and keeping well hydrate”.
Is collagen powder good for you?
Dr George explains that “There is no evidence to suggest it does any harm, but there still isn’t enough evidence to support it having a beneficial effect on collagen in the body. So it’s still important to do some research, and ideally talk to a healthcare professional if you are thinking about taking it”.
How to take collagen powder
Collagen powder is one of the most popular forms of these supplement types due to their ease in slipping into your daily routine. Prisk details that “Collagen powder is more versatile than some types of collagen supplements and can be taken in a number of ways including added to food and hot drinks, smoothies, and even baked goods”.
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Beauty Pie Chollagen Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Peptides, Organic Cacao, Biotin & Vitamin C Food Supplement
Best for: taste
This is a newer addition to Beauty Pie burgeoning line of supplements. The skincare-makeup membership label is known for bringing accessibly-priced products to the masses and when you subscribe for £59 for a year or £10 a month, this dietary add-on is just £32 - so makes it worthwhile.
This Chollagen follows the hugely popular Collagen Super Powder by placing hydrolysed marine collagen at its heart. But, for those who struggle with the unusual fishy taste that this ingredient may impart, you’re in for a treat. It is combined with raw cacao powder, which is not only rich in antioxidants but puts a chocolatey twist on the daily consumption process. It makes it fun to slip into milk, coffee or mix into water - and there’s the bonus of vitamin C and biotin too so you’re looking after your skin, hair and nails. Follow suit in one of the fans of the product and pop it into your Hotel Chocolat The Velvetiser or add to your afternoon brew to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling sickly.
This supplement contains 10g of collagen per serving with its hydrolysed format making it more bioavailable to maximise absorption. Just one scoop is all you need.
Buy now £100.00, Beauty Pie
Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen Sachets
Best for: anti-ageing while encouraging baby hair growth
Vida Glow’s game-changing supplement is derived from sustainably-sourced fish skin that is activated for potency and stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen. It has been clinically proven to answer anti-ageing concerns like fine lines and wrinkles as well as has firming, plumping and elasticity-boosting properties.
The powdered texture (and hydrolysation process) encourages a better absorption and the blueberry, peach, pineapple or mango flavouring enhances the taste of your morning porridge or hot beverage - and counteracts the often unpleasant taste that these supplements can have. On top of the skin benefits, it also strengthens nails and thickens hair with impressive regrowth abilities. Take one to three sachets a day depending on your age (just one for 25-35, two for 36-45 and three for 45+).
Buy now £39.00, Liberty
The Beauty Chef GLOW Inner Beauty Essential
Best for: a nutrient-packed formula
For all your beauty supplement needs, The Beauty Chef has bundled all the good stuff into its Glow formula that boosts collagen production, while also supporting the look and feel of your skin, nails, luminosity and gut health. It’s an all-encompassing beauty powerhouse that includes 18 certified organic wholefoods within. There’s the likes of vitamin C for that all important fight against collagen depletion, zinc for healthy hair and nails, vitamins A, B, probiotics, postbiotics and more that have antioxidant benefits, more nutrients than you can shake a stick at and through the brand’s trademarked bio-fermentation process, it takes it to the next level for balancing the bacteria of the gut. Best of all, the taste is much more bareable than some of the others on the market.
Buy now £45.00, John Lewis
Vital Proteins collagen
Best for: Jennifer Aniston’s collagen of choice
Given the seal of approval by the eternally youthful Jennifer Aniston (who is the brand’s Chief Creative Officer), Vital Protein is one of the biggest collagen names in the US. The brand uses grass-fed bovine collagen to craft its supplements that are flavoured with vanilla, coconut and matcha and yet are gluten, soy and dairy free. There are also no artificial ingredients, bulking agents, sweeteners or sugars.
The powdered texture dissolves easily into hot or cold drinks (Jen adds it to her morning cuppa) or can be blended into smoothies or sprinkled on porridge. While fortifying our skin, hair and nails, it also works to supports your bones, muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments at the same time.
Buy now £24.99, Holland & Barrett
Dose & Co Pure Collagen Peptides
Best for: a US import that counts Khloe Kardashian among its fan base
Khloe Kardashian is an ambassador of this collagen brand. Dose & Co has come across the pond to take UK shores by storm. There is now one of the brand’s Pure Collagen Peptides sold every two minutes. Using bovine collagen, it has an unflavoured taste so can be easily incorporated into your food and drink routine. Each serve offers up 10 grams of type one and three collagen that you can add to bakes as well as beverages - hot or cold alike. It improves the appearance of skin, making it look brighter, clearer and strengthens your nails at the same time. It is also available with a chocolate, vanilla or caramel flavour.
Buy now £29.99, Holland & Barrett
So Body Co Peptigen+ Multi Collagen
Best for: five types of collagen
So Body Co’s Peptigen+ Multi Collagen caught our attention as it’s the only collagen powder in the UK to contain five types of essential collagen protein. This ensures that each serving is brimming with the key nurtient in all forms - including bovine, fish and eggshell. It’s an all-natural supplement that targets more than just fine lines and wrinkles and actually works to help joint strength and mobility by supporting circulation and elasticity and repairing muscles as well as gut and digestive health. It’s a multitasking dietary add-on that also encourages healthy hair, shielding against hair loss.
Buy now £89.99, Amazon
JSHealth Greens + Collagen Formula
Best for: a superfood-enriched powerhouse
Nutritionist Jessica Sepel founded her eponymous label to bring science-backed formulas that have been tried and tested to the market, and the range comes with a seemingly endless number of five star reviews. There are many different collagen powders in its collection with different flavourings and pairings with powerhouse ingredients.
The Greens + Collagen has got our seal of approval for one, it’s tropical pineapple and mint taste that makes the daily chore of consuming supplements that much easier. But secondly and most importantly, there’s a combination of superfood ingredients in powdered form that combine to improve skin’s elasticity with prebiotics and antioxidants that have a protective effect too. The blend includes organic wheatgrass, barley grass, broccoli, kale and spinach to make it that much easier to hit the recommended five a day.
Buy now £37.99, JSHealth
Pura Collagen glow+ Advanced Collagen PLUS Formula
Best for: heavy-hitting collagen
This supplement from Pura Collagen has an impressive 10,000mg of hydrolysed collagen peptides within each serving so it really delivers on imparting the key nutrient to the body. While suitable for those who are gluten, dairy, soy, wheat and lactose free, the glow+ Advanced formulation contains ingredients that you will recognise from your beauty cabinet like hyaluronic acid to provide even more minerals to improve the condition of the skin, while encouraging healthier hair and nails too.
Buy now £39.99, Holland & Barrett
