12 Min Read
The Best Marine Collagen Supplement
Looking for a collagen supplement for your skin, hair and nails? Or to treat joint pain and strengthen your bones? You’re not alone. Every year we British buy nearly £20 million of collagen supplements. [11] But how can you tell the good from the bad?
Our in-house nutrition expert Ariel Kaur Maan explains what ingredients to look for in a good collagen complex, how they work, and reviews the best 5 choices on the market.
Ariel Kaur Maan Registered Nutritionist® (BANT RN)
Ariel has extensive clinical and supplement expertise. She specialises in guiding clients through optimal health strategies and utilising high-quality supplements to help them gain optimal health.
So do oral collagen supplements really work? And are they worth the investment?
The short answer is, yes.
When it comes to beauty, a review of 11 studies found that collagen supplements could improve skin hydration and elasticity in middle-aged and older adults in as little as 8 weeks [8]. Some studies show that collagen supplementation can strengthen hair and nails [2], reducing brittleness and promoting growth.
It doesn’t just have benefits on the outside. A study also showed that collagen supplements significantly reduced joint pain during physical activity [9]. Research has also shown that collagen peptides increased bone mineral density and improved bone markers, suggesting a potential benefit for osteoporosis prevention [10].
The benefits of collagen supplements
Skin Hydration
Strengthen Hair
Joint Support
Improve Mobility
Improve Digestion
Support Bone Strength
Signs you might need a collagen supplement
- Sagging skin or fine wrinkles as your skin loses elasticity
- Brittle hair that snaps, or nails that break or split easily
- Joint pain or stiffness which is worse when you exercise
- Reduced muscle mass or weakness and loss of muscle tone
- Cuts, bruises, and other skin injuries take longer to heal
- Losing a centimetre or more in height (due to osteoporosis)
- Bones breaking easily as they are weaker and more brittle
- Leaky gut syndrome leading to tummy upsets and food intolerances
Bear in mind there can be many causes of these symptoms. It’s essential you see your doctor if you have any concerns.
Which collagen complex ingredients work best?
With collagen making up a third of the protein in our bodies, there’s no doubt that keeping it healthy is vital. But apart from collagen, what else do we need?
For the best results, look for a complex with at least these 8 ingredients:
Marine collagen (Type I Collagen Peptides)
Type 1 collagen is the most abundant collagen in the human body, making up about 70% of all collagen. It's found in the skin, hair, nails, organs, tendons, and bones. According to clinical research [4], the best-absorbed natural source is hydrolysed collagen peptides.
If your goal is skin-related, Coenzyme Q10 is a must-have ingredient. It helps skin health by boosting cellular energy production and providing antioxidant protection, which reduces wrinkles, improves skin firmness, and combats signs of ageing.
Coenzyme Q10
Probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus
It’s surprising so few collagen supplements for beauty lack this widely researched friendly bacteria. It’s scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles by protecting against sun damage [5], as well as killing various bacteria [6] that can cause pimples, skin blemishes and rashes or even make eczema worse.
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium hyaluronate is the most bioavailable form. Apart from lubricating joints to relieve pain for sufferers of arthritis, it’s been found in clinical trials to ‘significantly promote’ skin hydration and skin tone and increase epidermal thickness within 3 months or less [7].
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, giving the skin its firm substructure, and it works as an antioxidant to protect skin cells from damage.
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
This famous skin vitamin keeps skin healthy by protecting it from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, helping to retain moisture, and supporting skin repair and elasticity. It’s also been found to help reduce pimples and other blemishes.
Vitamins B2, B3 and B7 (Biotin)
These B-vitamins work together as a team. Look for D-Biotin, the most bioactive form, which helps build strong keratin for resilient skin, hair, and nails. Vitamin B2 helps reduce dryness and inflammation, maintaining the skin's natural barrier function. Vitamin B3 can improve skin hydration and elasticity, reduce redness and blotchiness, and also promote stronger hair.
Zinc is vital to support skin healing and collagen production. It also protects against oxidative damage.
Zinc
Copper
Stimulating collagen and elastin production, copper makes the skin heal faster and reduces fine lines. It gives hair its colour to fend off greying and it’s a key nutrient for forming a suntan, the natural way to protect your skin from the ageing effects of UV rays.
Support Joint Health and Mobility
By supporting cartilage regeneration and reducing joint inflammation [3], collagen supplements can help alleviate joint pain, improve flexibility, and prevent the progression of degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Strengthen Hair and Nails
Collagen provides essential amino acids that support the structural integrity of hair and nails [2], making them less brittle and more resistant to breaking.
Improve Skin Elasticity and Hydration
You can help maintain your skin's firmness and elasticity by replenishing collagen levels. This can reduce wrinkles and promote a more youthful and hydrated complexion [1].
Improve Digestion
Collagen contains glutamine, which helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining. This can reduce symptoms of leaky gut syndrome.
Promote Muscle Recovery and Growth
Rich in glycine, an amino acid crucial for muscle repair, collagen supplements can help speed up recovery from exercise-induced injuries and promote muscle growth and endurance [12].
Support Bone Density and Strength
Collagen makes up 90% of the organic matrix in our bones, and keeps the vital minerals in place. Collagen supplements may help maintain bone strength, reduce the risk of fractures, and support overall bone health, especially as we grow older
Reduce Cellulite and Stretch Marks
By strengthening the dermis and improving skin elasticity, collagen can help reduce cellulite and stretch marks, leading to smoother, firmer-looking skin [13].
Boost Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
Collagen supplements can accelerate the repair of damaged skin, reduce scarring, and promote faster recovery from cuts, wounds, and surgical incisions.
Your Collagen Supplement Checklist
Choose
✅ 1 - CHOOSE hydrolysed collagen peptides
When collagen is hydrolysed, it means that the proteins have been broken down into smaller molecules called peptides. This makes it easier for the body to absorb it into the bloodstream.
Collagen supplements work by triggering your own body’s production of collagen, drawing in nutrients from many of the foods you eat. An effective dose to do this is around 1000mg a day.
✅ 2 - CHOOSE the right dose (1000mg daily) Choose what makes ours unique here - CoQ10
✅ 3 - CHOOSE Coenzyme Q 10 for deeper benefits
Providing antioxidant protection, CoQ10 reduces wrinkles, improves skin firmness, and combats signs of ageing. The best collagen complexes for beauty include this powerful ingredient.
✅ 4 - CHOOSE collagen-supporting nutrients including Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin hydration and joint lubrication. Other proven vitamins for collagen support include vitamins B2, B3, B7 (Biotin) and E. Useful minerals for hair, nails and skin include zinc, copper, iodine and selenium.
✅ 5 - CHOOSE Lactobacillus Acidophilus for clear skin
This probiotic is proven to help the skin glow in several ways. It kills various bacteria that can infect the skin and cause pimples, skin blemishes and rashes or even make eczema worse. It also shields the skin from sun damage, fending off wrinkle formation.
Avoid
❌ 1 - AVOID artificial additives or flavours
Unnecessary ingredients can dilute the product's potency and may cause unwanted side effects. In particular, beware of hidden sugar and artificial flavours in gummies or in powder supplements designed to be added to drinks.
Superfoods may sound nice in an ingredients list, but they’re not all clinically tested or proven to have any benefit in supporting human collagen - especially in the tiny quantities that can fit inside a capsule. They’re often included at the expense of effective doses of proven ingredients.
❌ 2 - AVOID supplements with too many gimmick ingredients
❌ 3 - AVOID proprietary blends without disclosed amounts
Proprietary blends often hide the true dosage of each ingredient, making it impossible to know if you're getting an effective amount. Be especially wary of supplements that aren’t transparent on how much collagen they contain.
| Swallow | VitaBright | Pretty Smart Food Co | New Leaf | Superself | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrolysed | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Effective dose of collagen (over 1000mg) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Probiotics for skin | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| CoQ10 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Contains vitamin C | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Contains Hyaluronic acid | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Contains Biotin | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Contains vitamin E | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Other nutrients (at least one of zinc/ copper/ vitamin B2/ vitamin B3) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Third party lab tested | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Clean supplement with NO additives | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Money-back guarantee | 6 months | 35 days | 30 days | 30 days | 90 days |
Pro Marine Collagen Peptides
by Swallow
✅ Effective dose of marine collagen
✅ Collagen is hydrolysed
✅ Contains skin health probiotic
✅ Contains antioxidant CoQ10
✅ Full dose hyaluronic acid
✅ 5 vitamins & 4 minerals for collagen support
PROS
CONS
❌ Not the cheapest product
❌ Only available online
Our Expert’s Conclusion
This powerhouse formula boasts a strong and effective 1000mg dose of marine collagen that’s hydrolysed for maximum absorption. The addition of a potent 2.5 billion CFU dose of the clinically proven skin health probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus, sets this product apart, working from within to help keep skin clear of blemishes.
Swallow’s Pro Collagen Peptides is also packed with antioxidant CoQ10 and a full dose of hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated and youthful. It goes even further by including a blend of five vitamins (C, B2, B3, D-biotin and E) at strong doses and in their activated, highly bioavailable forms. It also packs in four minerals - zinc, iodine, copper and, unusually, selenium - which work together to give proven support for collagen synthesis and skin, hair, and nail health.
While this product isn’t the cheapest and is only available online, we think it’s worth every penny. Plus, with third-party lab testing for purity and a 6-month money-back satisfaction guarantee, Swallow demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction that’s hard to beat. With its combination of top-quality ingredients and excellent customer service, Pro Collagen Peptides by Swallow easily takes the crown as our top-ranked collagen supplement.
Marine
Collagen +*
by VitaBright
✅ Effective dose of marine collagen
✅ Collagen is hydrolysed
✅ Added hyaluronic acid
✅ 4 vitamins & 3 minerals for collagen support
PROS
CONS
❌ No antioxidant CoQ10
❌ Only available online
❌ Sometimes runs out due to high demand
Marine Collagen Hydropro+
by Pretty Smart Food Co
✅ Effective dose of marine collagen
✅ Collagen is hydrolysed
✅ Added hyaluronic acid
✅ 4 vitamins & 3 minerals for collagen support
PROS
CONS
❌ No antioxidant CoQ10
❌ No skin probiotics
❌ Not the cheapest option
Magnesium Comp. with Zinc + D3
by Bettervits
✅ Easily absorbed with 3 types of chelated magnesium
✅ Added zinc and vitamin D3 to increase absorption
PROS
CONS
❌ Less than the NHS recommended magnesium dose (225 mg)
❌ Contains some additives including bulking agent
Our Expert’s Conclusion
This is an effective supplement which provides three well-absorbed types of magnesium - Magnesium Citrate, Glycinate and Malate. It’s also boosted with two forms of zinc, both ascorbate and citrate, and with vitamin D3 to increase your absorption of the magnesium. The vitamin D dosage is generous, and it’s also from a vegan source. With rice flour as a filler, this is a nice clean supplement without unnatural additives.
Marine Collagen
by Superself
✅ High dose of marine collagen
✅ Collagen is hydrolysed
✅ Added hyaluronic acid
✅ Added vitamin C
PROS
CONS
❌ No antioxidant CoQ10
❌ No minerals vitamin E, B2, B3 or biotin for collagen support
❌ Have to swallow 4 capsules daily
Marine Collagen
by New Leaf
✅ Effective dose of marine collagen
✅ Collagen is hydrolysed
✅ Added hyaluronic acid
✅ Added vitamin C
PROS
CONS
❌ Limited supporting nutrients
❌ No antioxidant CoQ10
❌ No skin probiotics
Pro Marine Collagen Peptides
by Swallow
Powerful dose of hydrolysed collagen
CoQ10 for antioxidant protection
Probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus for UV protection & clear skin
Clean supplement with no additives
9 vitamins and minerals for collagen support
Ariel Kaur Maan Registered Nutritionist® (BANT RN)
Ariel has extensive clinical and supplement expertise. She specialises in guiding clients through optimal health strategies and utilising high-quality supplements to help them gain optimal health.
References
1 - Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis, E Proksch 1, M Schunck, V Zague, D Segger, J Degwert, S Oesser
3 - 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain, Clark, K. L., Sebastianelli, W., Flechsenhar, K. R., Aukermann, D. F., Meza, F., Millard, R. L., Deitch, J. R., Sherbondy, P. S., Albert, A.
5 - Antiwrinkle and Antimelanogenesis Effects of Tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus
6 - A Probiotic Application of Lactobacillus acidophilus HT1 for the Treatment of some Skin Pathogens
8 - Ingestion of bioactive collagen hydrolysates enhance facial skin moisture and elasticity and reduce facial ageing signs in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study, Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture
9 - Effect of collagen hydrolysate in articular pain: a 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Bruyère, O., Zegels, B., Leonori, L., Rabenda, V., Bourges, C., Reginster
10 - Specific collagen peptides improve bone mineral density and bone markers in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled study, König, D., Oesser, S., Scharla, S., Zdzieblik, D., & Gollhofer, A
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Our Expert’s Choice
Marine collagen (Type I Collagen Peptides)
Type 1 collagen is the most abundant collagen in the human body, making up about 70% of all collagen. It's found in the skin, hair, nails, organs, tendons, and bones. According to clinical research [4], the best-absorbed natural source is hydrolysed collagen peptides.
Coenzyme Q10
If your goal is skin-related, Coenzyme Q10 is a must-have ingredient. It helps skin health by boosting cellular energy production and providing antioxidant protection, which reduces wrinkles, improves skin firmness, and combats signs of ageing.
Probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus
It’s surprising so few collagen supplements for beauty lack this widely researched friendly bacteria. It’s scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles by protecting against sun damage [5], as well as killing various bacteria [6] that can cause pimples, skin blemishes and rashes or even make eczema worse.
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium hyaluronate is the most bioavailable form. Apart from lubricating joints to relieve pain for sufferers of arthritis, it’s been found in clinical trials to ‘significantly promote’ skin hydration and skin tone and increase epidermal thickness within 3 months or less [7].
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, giving the skin its firm substructure, and it works as an antioxidant to protect skin cells from damage.
Vitamin E
This famous skin vitamin keeps skin healthy by protecting it from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, helping to retain moisture, and supporting skin repair and elasticity. It’s also been found to help reduce pimples and other blemishes.
Vitamins B2, B3 and B7 (Biotin)
These B-vitamins work together as a team. Look for D-Biotin, the most bioactive form, which helps build strong keratin for resilient skin, hair, and nails. Vitamin B2 helps reduce dryness and inflammation, maintaining the skin's natural barrier function. Vitamin B3 can improve skin hydration and elasticity, reduce redness and blotchiness, and also promote stronger hair.
Zinc
Zinc is vital to support skin healing and collagen production. It also protects against oxidative damage.
Copper
Stimulating collagen and elastin production, copper makes the skin heal faster and reduces fine lines. It gives hair its colour to fend off greying and it’s a key nutrient for forming a suntan, the natural way to protect your skin from the ageing effects of UV rays.
Improve Skin Elasticity and Hydration
You can help maintain your skin's firmness and elasticity by replenishing collagen levels. This can reduce wrinkles and promote a more youthful and hydrated complexion [1].
Strengthen Hair and Nails
Collagen provides essential amino acids that support the structural integrity of hair and nails [2], making them less brittle and more resistant to breaking.
Support Joint Health and Mobility
By supporting cartilage regeneration and reducing joint inflammation [3], collagen supplements can help alleviate joint pain, improve flexibility, and prevent the progression of degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Support Bone Density and Strength
Collagen makes up 90% of the organic matrix in our bones. Supplements may help maintain bone density, reduce the risk of fractures, and support overall bone health, especially as we grow older.
Promote Muscle Recovery and Growth
Rich in glycine, an amino acid crucial for muscle repair, collagen supplements can help speed up recovery from exercise-induced injuries and promote muscle growth and endurance.
Improve Digestion
Collagen contains glutamine, which helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining. This can reduce symptoms of leaky gut syndrome.
Reduce Cellulite and Stretch Marks
By strengthening the dermis and improving skin elasticity, collagen can help reduce cellulite and stretch marks, leading to smoother, firmer-looking skin.
Boost Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
Collagen supplements can accelerate the repair of damaged skin, reduce scarring, and promote faster recovery from cuts, wounds, and surgical incisions.
Collagen supplements contain all the ingredients our body needs to rebuild and grow our own collagen.
Collagen supplements are NOT all created equal
Before you start shopping around for some collagen, there are some key things you need to know. Make the right choice so you don’t waste your money on a product that fails to deliver results.
Improve Skin Hydration
Strengthen Hair
Joint Support
Improve Mobility
Improve Digestion
Support Bone Strength
Improve Skin Hydration
Strengthen Hair
Joint Support
Improve Mobility
Improve Digestion
Support Bone Strength
ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: This website is funded by its audience. The content provided is neither a news article nor an independent review but is a sponsored comparison by theswallowco & vitabright. See
ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: This website is funded by its audience. The content provided is neither a news article nor an independent review.
This comparison and ranking are sponsored by theswallowco & vitabright. For further details, please refer to our
- Improve Skin Elasticity and Hydration
You can help maintain your skin's firmness and elasticity by replenishing collagen levels. This can reduce wrinkles and promote a more youthful and hydrated complexion [1]. - Strengthen Hair and Nails
Collagen provides essential amino acids that support the structural integrity of hair and nails [2], making them less brittle and more resistant to breaking. - Reduce Cellulite
By strengthening the dermis and improving skin elasticity, collagen can help reduce cellulite [13], leading to smoother, firmer-looking skin. - Support Joint Health and Mobility
By supporting cartilage regeneration and reducing joint inflammation [3], collagen supplements can help alleviate joint pain, improve flexibility, and prevent the progression of degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis. - Support Bone Density and Strength
Collagen makes up 90% of the organic matrix in our bones, and keeps the vital minerals in place. Imagine that your bones are like a brick wall, with the minerals being the bricks, and the collagen being the cement, that keeps the bricks together. Collagen supplements may help maintain bone strength, reduce the risk of fractures, and support overall bone health, especially as we grow older.’ - Promote Muscle Recovery and Growth
Oral collagen supplements taken by people who exercise regularly can help increase muscle mass, maximal strength, and speed up recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage [12]. - Improve Digestion
Collagen contains glutamine, which helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining. This can reduce symptoms of leaky gut syndrome. - Boost Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
Collagen supplements can accelerate the repair of damaged skin, reduce scarring, and promote faster recovery from cuts, wounds, and surgical incisions.
- Improve Skin Elasticity and Hydration
- Strengthen Hair and Nails
- Reduce Cellulite
- Support Joint Health and Mobility
- Support Bone Density and Strength
- Promote Muscle Recovery and Growth
- Improve Digestion
- Boost Wound Healing and Tissue Repair