Are these the best collagen supplements for your skin? How the cult ingredient really works

Stars swear by it, so why not give it a try?

Apr 12, 2022 1:50pm
Collagen supplements have been popular among skincare fanatics for years now, but how do they work and which ones should you be using?
For women who want a youthful glow, no matter their age, collagen is a great addition to any skincare routine.
Plenty of Australian stars swear by the ingredient, including The Bachelor's Anna Heinrich.
"You've got to be very efficient with your skincare as a mum," she told Now To Love in 2021, adding that she's been using collagen supplements for years.
The Bachelor's Anna Heinrich swears by ingestible collagen for her glow. (Image: Instagram)
But studies have found that ingestible collagen tends to be more effective than most topical collagen products, hence the popularity of collagen supplements.
So what is collagen and what does it actually do for your skin?
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in the human body and is the main structural component of skin, constantly breaking down and renewing.
Over time that process begins to slow, leading to fine lines and wrinkles, a loss of firmness and the sensation of "sagging" skin.
WATCH: The most searched skincare ingredients explained. Story continues after video.
Collagen supplements are believed to help boost the collagen renewal rate, leading to improved skin firmness and elasticity, though there is limited evidence-based research to support these claims.
Even so, there's plenty of anecdotal evidence from women who say collagen supplements reinvigorated their skin.
Plus, with so many celebrities crediting the "miracle" ingredient for their glowing skin, why not give it a try?
With that in mind, these are our favourite collagen supplements for firm, youthful skin.

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This marine collagen peptide supplement is made from sustainably sourced fish scales to promote smoother looking skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Available in a range of flavours, just mix a sachet into your favourite food or drink and you're good to go.

Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen, $70, from Adore Beauty.

(Image: Adore Beauty)
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This scientifically developed and naturopath approved supplement claims to pomote younger-looking, glowing skin when added to food or drink daily. The packaging is also made from recyclable plastic - bonus!

Glow Marine Hydrolysed Collagen Powder, $59.95, from SWIISH.

(Image: SWIISH)
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This powder supplement doesn't just come in cute packaging, it's also enhanced with 10 unique ingredients for skin health and vitality, including Vitamin C, Silica and Aloe Vera.

Vitality X + Collagen Powder, $69.99, from JSHealth.

(Image: JSHealth)
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Ranked the third best collagen product on iHerb, this bovine collagen supplement is unflavoured and easy to add to any meal or drink to promote better skin, hair, nails and even joint health.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, $58.57, from iHerb.

(Image: iHerb)
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Packed with 18 Certified Organic wholefoods, this next-generation supercharged formula is designed to improve your skin health with a tasty berry flavour. All you need is one teaspoon in a drink each day.

The Beauty Chef Glow Inner Beauty Essential, $69, from Adore Beauty.

(Image: Adore Beauty)
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If you're not sold on powder collagen supplements, try these fun gummies that promise to have your skin glowing. Packed with Marine Collagen, they're flavoured with natural Rosehip and make taking your daily collagen supplement super easy.

Unichi Rose Collagen Gummy, currently on sale for $26.57, from Nourished Life.

(Image: Nourished Life)

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Gorgeous eco-friendly packaging, fun flavours and improved skin - what more could you ask for? Packed with grass-fed hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, one box comes with four unflavoured sachets, five strawberry watermelon sachets and five passionfruit mango sachets.

Mixed Flavours Collagen Sachets, $49, from The Collagen Co.

(Image: The Collagen Co.)
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Everyone loves a bargain, so if you're shopping for an all-round collagen supplement on a budget this is your best bet. With no smell, or taste it can be easily added to your favourite recipes and drinks daily.

Nature's Way Beauty Collagen Powder, $22.49, from Chemist Warehouse.

(Image: Chemist Warehouse)
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It may be a little pricey, but this collagen supplement from Elle McPherson's skincare and wellness empire has a cult following for a reason. This powerful formula is loaded with marine collagen peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and digestive enzymes to give you hydrated and supported skin from within.

WelleCo The Collagen Elixir, $67.50, from Adore Beauty.

(Image: Adore Beauty)
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This collagen supplement from Elle McPherson's skincare and wellness empire has a cult following for a reason. This new organic, bio-fermented probiotic concentrate is designed to increase the skin's production of collagen and keep your looking fresh.

The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost, $29, from Adore Beauty.

(Image: Adore Beauty)

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