If you’ve ever stood by a shelf or paused mid-scroll to debate the merits of collagen versus collagen peptides, welcome to the club. Ever since the role of collagen – a key protein in the skin that effectively serves as its scaffolding, keeping it firm and smooth – came to the forefront, it’s become a sought-after ingredient in both topical skincare products and oral supplements alike. That’s because your own natural stores of collagen decline and degrade over time, due to ageing as well as factors like sun exposure and excess sugar. It’s understandable, then, that you might want to replace it.
However, re-upping your skin’s natural supply of collagen isn’t quite as simple as ingesting or slathering on collagen. Here’s what you can do to bolster your skin’s natural stores of the sought-after protein.
Experts have long been reluctant to endorse collagen supplements wholeheartedly, but the tide may finally be turning. “I’ve become more open to collagen supplementation as the research has accumulated,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, California.
Most collagen supplements studied for skin contain hydrolysed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, or short chains of amino acids. Hydrolysis breaks collagen – a large protein – into smaller peptide fragments that are easier to digest and absorb. Research on oral hydrolysed collagen peptides has produced promising but mixed results.
“Several studies and reviews have found that hydrolysed collagen peptides taken consistently may modestly improve skin hydration and elasticity and, in some studies, the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles,” Dr Palm says. However, she adds, the key word is ; drinking collagen for a month won’t transform your skin. Some recent reviews have also raised questions about the quality and potential industry funding of the available research.
It helps to know what happens when you actually take a collagen supplement. Once you ingest it, your digestive system breaks down that collagen, “providing the body with amino acids that can be used as building blocks for collagen synthesis,” says Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boca Raton, Florida. Your body can then use those amino acids for protein synthesis throughout the body, including the synthesis of collagen – but there’s no guarantee that they’ll go straight to your laugh lines, for example.
As a result, both dermatologists stress that collagen peptide supplements are nowhere near a substitute for a thoughtful skincare and wellness routine. “I consider it an adjunct, not a replacement for a balanced diet, sunscreen, retinoids, or other evidence-based skincare,” says Dr Palm.
If you’re aiming for firmer skin, collagen peptide supplements are best considered an addition to – not a replacement for – a collagen-minded skincare routine. However, it’s worth being discerning in this arena too. “Collagen molecules are generally too large to penetrate deeply into the skin and directly replace the collagen that is lost with ageing,” Dr Queller explains. Smaller hydrolysed collagen fragments may penetrate the outer layers of skin more readily than intact collagen – but even so, these ingredients “are primarily supporting hydration and the appearance of the skin rather than rebuilding the deeper collagen matrix,” she says.
One strategy is to seek out ingredients that spur your body’s own collagen production, such as retinoids and peptides. Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser uses signalling peptides intended to support healthy collagen and elastin levels – and doubles as a lightweight moisturiser – while Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP pairs peptides with growth-factor-derived proteins, which the brand says helps support collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels. Medicube’s Collagen Niacinamide Jelly Cream, for its part, pairs hydrolysed collagen and elastin with humectants to quickly hydrate and plump skin.
Pore Perfecting Collagen Peptide Cream
For oral collagen peptides, it’s worth choosing hydrolysed collagen peptides from a reputable manufacturer that undergoes third-party testing, Dr Palm says; she also recommends options low in added sugar and filler ingredients. Vital Proteins includes other skincare ingredients (like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid) in addition to collagen peptides. Ancient Nutrition’s Collagen Peptides Powder, meanwhile, includes a combination of hydrolysed collagen types to support hair, skin, and nails.
Dr Queller, who takes collagen every morning in her daily coffee, looks closely at the ingredients. “I look for specific collagen peptides that have clinical evidence supporting their benefits, including Verisol, which has been studied for its role in supporting skin elasticity and the appearance of fine lines, and Fortibone, which has been studied for its role in supporting bone collagen,” she says.
Dose & Co. Unflavoured Collagen Peptides
- Eased joint pain
- Dissolves well
- Mild taste but not entirely flavourless
Be prepared to wait. “Collagen isn’t something where you should expect to wake up a week later and suddenly see tighter skin,” Dr Palm says. Even in studies of oral collagen peptides, the results were typically measured after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use, she adds. And even after that, your skin may feel more hydrated or supple, but the difference in wrinkles may be much subtler.
Not only that, but depending on your concerns, you may be focusing more on maintaining your current skin health than on dramatic reversal. “Like many aspects of skincare, collagen supplementation is a long-term commitment,” Dr Queller says. “The goal is not an overnight transformation but helping maintain healthier, more resilient skin over time.”
How we tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on ’s vast network of experts – from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians – to gain professional insight into the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use with their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
For collagen peptide supplements, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: types of collagen, collagen per serving, third-party testing, associated clinical studies, form, and taste. And for topical collagen skincare, we selected the best based on ingredients, texture, ease of application, and the skincare concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the experts