Best collagen supplements UK 2023, tested by our skincare experts

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Demystify supplement jargon with our comprehensive collagen guide

The best collagen supplements on the market claim to provide a seemingly simple solution to getting more of this skin-plumping protein into your diet, but do they really deliver on their promises? In short, yes, but only with consistent, daily consumption.

Helped by a panel of nearly 200 readers, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts found the below supplements improved testers' skin during a robust three-month long test. Here they are in one quick list, but scroll on to understand more about collagen, and read our full reviews:

Collagen is the structural protein that adds density and plumpness to the skin, making it look smoother and feel more taut. Our own internal collagen production starts slowing down from our mid-twenties, but if you're keen to put the bounce back into your skin, and your twenties feel like a long time ago, hope is not lost. It's time to try some of our best collagen supplements.

Not only good for boosting skin elasticity, collagen can also help improve joint, bone, gut, nail and hair health. This means collagen supplements could be especially beneficial for tackling symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause, from aching joints to flaking nails.

The good news is that there are many ways to boost your collagen production, from topical application of collagen-containing creams and serums, to drinking or eating it in the form of gummies, bars, liquid sachets or powdered drinks.

In theory, anyway. Experts don't always agree on what's possible (debate rages over the size of the collagen molecule and its ability to be absorbed into the skin or to travel safely through the digestive system), but there's plenty of anecdotal evidence that says collagen supplements do contribute to stronger and faster hair and nail growth, as well as noticeably plumper-looking and more resilient skin.

Most collagen drinks and supplements claim to increase collagen levels in the skin by hardwiring the protein, in the form of collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen, to go straight to the stomach. Here, they are broken down into amino acids during digestion, absorbed into your system and used by your body to build collagen or other required proteins.

Collagen supplements stay in your body for around two weeks, meaning you'll only feel the effects if you use them regularly. Our tip? Make remembering as easy for yourself as possible by incorporating your chosen supplements into your morning skincare or breakfast routine.

It's worth noting that bovine collagen supplements have made the news recently for their contribution to biodiversity issues in tropical regions (from where the ingredients are sourced). If you're keen to steer clear of these, we'd recommend opting for a marine collagen supplement instead. We've differentiated between them in our 'key specifications' to make your research that little bit more manageable.

The Good Housekeeping Institute team recruited 195 panel members to trial 13 brands of collagen supplements over a period of three months. We asked them to assess taste, ease of use and efficacy, highlighting any improvements in skin, hair and nail condition after taking each product as instructed. Testers also noted how quickly they saw improvements and submitted feedback every four weeks.

The next stop was the GHI lab, where our in-house experts used the VISIA Skin Analysis machine to assess any changes in fine lines, wrinkles, texture and browns spots, giving each product a score out of five for performance.

Let's take a look at the results.

Score: 74/100

Although the rise of vegan supplements is currently making waves, none scored as highly as this marine collagen in our tests. Kiki Health sources its wild fish sustainably (and on a relatively small scale) off the coast of France, from a responsibly-certified fishery. And the brand's flavourless marine collagen made a great impression with testers.

Most of our panel noticed their skin felt smoother after just four weeks, and tests in the GHI lab revealed a highly effective reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots after 12. Testers liked how easy the capsules were to take, without any nasty fishy aftertaste, and reported healthier hair and nails post-trial.

Score: 74/100

If healthy hair is why you’re here, then this QMS supplement is for you. Enriched with vitamins E and C, it helps protect hair and skin cells (and thereby scalps) against oxidative stress, as well as providing a collagen boost.

Most of our testers said their hair felt shinier, stronger, smoother and even longer after just four weeks.

Meanwhile, in the lab, our experts were impressed by how much these capsules firmed up skin and improved its texture after three months. Many panellists reported similar findings, saying their skin looked and felt plumper and more supple.

Score: 74/100

These pomegranate-flavoured gummies add key nutrients (vitamins C and A) to your diet, while enjoying the self-proclaimed title of the "tastiest way to top up on collagen". Most testers agreed that they were particularly yummy, but they did a lot more than satisfy a sweet craving.Though not the star performer in our lab analysis for minimising fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, our joint top supplements still did a decent job over 12 weeks. Many testers enjoyed better complexions only four weeks in, with further improvements in firmness and smoothness reported later.

Hair growth and nail strength ramped up too, and some also said they gave them an energy boost. The only complaint from our panel was that the jar needed a good shake to separate the sticky gummies.

Score: 73/100

Our testers said that any dull, tired-looking or textured skin looked better and felt softer after drinking this tropical-flavoured supplement, with most also noting a smoothing of fine lines just four weeks into the trial. Our lab test backed up their comments, finding it successfully reduced wrinkles after three months.

Not only a hit in the skin department, panellists also found the supplements "incredible" for hair and nails, leaving both noticeably stronger and healthier.

They're on the pricier side at nearly £3 per daily dose, and they come in a single-use sachet, but most testers said they were quick to dissolve, liked the fruity taste and found them convenient to pop into a handbag.

Score: 73/100

Our panel raved about the overall health and growth of their nails after a course of this liquid marine collagen, with over half noticing a difference in nail strength after just four weeks (a third of the full trial period).

The peach and passionfruit flavour helps each ready-to-drink bottle go down (take one daily, straight) and the glass packaging is easily recyclable.

Most of our testers said they would continue to use it, especially as it also improved their skin's firmness, smoothness and hydration and added shine to their hair.

Score: 71/100

Vida Glow has given extra thought to ensuring that these handy marine collagen sachets (sourced from fish skin) work efficiently for consumers. The collagen has been broken down to its lowest molecular weight, meaning it's more easily absorbed by the body. So, in theory, you should get more glow per gram.

Happily, it seemed to live up to its claim. Testers noted their skin felt firmer and smoother, and looked brighter, albeit only after the full three months. Most of the panellists said they felt more hydrated too (many after only four weeks). Hair also became more resilient for almost everyone, as did nails.

Though unflavoured, some found the taste slightly bitter — "like dissolved paracetamol" said one tester — but this improved when mixed with tea or coffee.

Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her bachelor's degree in cosmetic science. Orla uses her years of product testing experience, market research and technical lab skills to put a wide variety of products to the test. In the past year Orla has tested more than 147 beauty products, including all the latest innovations to launch within the market.

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