Collagen supplements have become highly sought-after among women as a means to support their health. The majority of collagen supplement users aim to maintain skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and address skin sagging. However, is collagen truly effective? What is the correct way to consume it? With numerous brands available, how should one make the right choice? Below, we present a comparison and analysis of the top 5 collagen supplements recommended by various popular beauty websites.
Introduction to Collagen
Collagen is an essential protein in the human body, consisting of intertwined peptide chains forming a helical structure. It is widely present in various tissues and belongs to the fibrous protein category. Collagen builds the structural framework in bones, cartilage, and the skin’s basement membrane, providing support.
There are three main types of collagen, each with distinct structures, catering to different parts of the body and their specific needs:
Type I Collagen
Type I collagen constitutes about 90% of the body’s collagen and is mainly found in bones, tendons, and skin tissues, providing support and elasticity.
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is the primary component of cartilage tissues.
Type III Collagen
Type III collagen is prevalent in blood vessels and internal organs, with a structure similar to Type I collagen.
Efficacy of Type I Collagen
This article focuses on Type I collagen primarily for cosmetic and skincare purposes. Here are two proven benefits of Type I collagen:
Maintaining Skin Elasticity
💡In a clinical study, after continuous supplementation for 4 weeks, the density of collagen in the dermal layer significantly increased, and collagen fragmentation in the dermal layer was noticeably reduced. These effects lasted for at least 3 months, indicating that collagen supplementation effectively improves skin aging[1].
💡Collagen peptides bind to receptors on fibroblast cell membranes, stimulating the production of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid[2].
Further reading: 4 Benefits of Collagen and Potential Side Effects
Increasing Skin Moisture and Hydration
💡In a clinical study, continuous collagen supplementation for 8 weeks significantly increased skin hydration, resulting in increased skin moisture that could be maintained for over 3 months[1].
Collagen is gradually lost as age increases, leading to reduced skin elasticity, moisture, and radiance.
Recommended Combination Ingredients with Collagen
Collagen with Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid naturally exists in your skin, binding to water and helping maintain hydration[3][4]. It plays a crucial role in wound healing, as its concentration increases when repair is needed[5].
Further reading: What is Hyaluronic Acid? Oral vs. Topical, 7 Benefits, Side Effects
Collagen with Ceramide
Ceramide, also known as “Ceramides,” primarily functions to bind cells together and contribute to skin hydration. Research suggests that supplementing with ceramides can improve skin inflammation and reduce allergic reactions associated with cytokines[6].
Further reading: What is Ceramide? 3 Benefits and Side Effects of Ceramides
Collagen with Royal Jelly
Royal jelly can be used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Studies have shown that supplementation with royal jelly in menopausal women can improve symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, fatigue, and pain in the shoulders, neck, and waist.
In terms of skincare, royal jelly stimulates collagen production by enhancing skin cell collagen synthesis, protecting the skin from photoaging caused by UV radiation[7].
Further reading: 5 Major Benefits and Side Effects of Royal Jelly for Women’s Health
Essential Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc
Vitamin C aids in collagen absorption and synthesis and also contributes to wound healing.
Vitamin E promotes estrogen secretion and its antioxidant properties help enhance skin resilience against UV rays and free radicals.
Zinc is an essential element in the wound repair process. When the skin barrier is damaged, the demand for zinc increases.
Principles for Selecting Collagen Products
Molecular Weight of Collagen
The key factor affecting the absorption of collagen is its molecular weight. Collagen products for consumption typically fall within the range of 2000-5000 Da (Daltons). Smaller collagen peptides are easier to absorb. Therefore, when selecting collagen products, it’s important to check whether the molecular weight is indicated.
Collagen Content
Numerous studies have indicated that continuous supplementation with collagen for 8 to 12 weeks, with intake ranging from 2.5 to 10 grams, can significantly benefit skin health[8][9].
Different collagen products recommend varying dosages. This variation is due to the fact that larger molecules, such as the well-known Japanese Wellnex® collagen, require a dosage of 5000 mg to achieve the effective researched dose. On the other hand, the smaller molecular weight German VERISOL® collagen peptides only require 2500 mg to achieve the effective dose. Therefore, it’s not necessary to blindly pursue Japanese POOG collagen supplementation.
Combination of Ingredients
The structure of the skin consists of multiple layers, much like building a house. The efficacy of collagen is akin to laying a strong foundation for the skin. Pairing it with vitamin C enhances collagen absorption. Building upon this foundation, adding “bricks” (hyaluronic acid) and “cement” (ceramides) for hydration and moisture retention helps create smoother skin texture. The inclusion of vitamin E and zinc, which promote circulation and maintain skin health, completes a good formula.
Furthermore, some products include royal jelly, which can regulate physiological functions. It assists women in adjusting hormones that become imbalanced with age, allowing collagen products to exhibit their complete effectiveness.
5 popular Collagen Supplements available in the market
The following is a list of 5 popular types of collagen on the market, and the molecular weight, content, and compound ingredients are compared to help you choose. (The information is sorted by the boxed labels of each brand and the information on the official website. If there is any change, please write to our team)
1. Daiken Royal Collagen Powder
- Dosage form: powder packet
- Collagen Patent: Germany VERISOL® Collagen Peptide
- Collagen required effective amount: 2500 mg
- Molecular weight: 2000 Da
- Compound ingredients: royal jelly, hyaluronic acid (hyaluronic acid), ceramide
- Added Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc
- View Product >
2. Suntory Milcolla
- Dosage form: powder packet
- Collagen Patent: Japan Wellnex® Collagen
- Collagen required effective amount: 5000 mg
- Molecular weight: 2000-3000 Da
- Compound ingredients: ceramide, salmon nasal cartilage, elastin
- Added Vitamins: Vitamin C
- View Product >
3. Angel LaLa Collagen EX
- Dosage form: powder packet
- Collagen Patent: Japan Wellnex® Collagen
- Collagen required effective amount: 6000 mg
- Molecular weight: 2000-3000 Da
- Compound ingredients: ceramide, salmon testis, pearl powder, hyaluronic acid, silk protein, proteoglycan
- Added Vitamins: Vitamin C
- View Product >
4. Biomedimei Collagen
- Dosage form: bulk powder
- Collagen Patent: European Patent Enzyme Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder
- Collagen required effective amount: 5000-10,000 mg
- Molecular weight: 2000 Da
- Compound ingredients: none
- Added vitamins: no
- View Product >
5. DV Collagen
- Dosage form: single pack drink
- Collagen patent: no label
- Effective amount of collagen required: no label
- Molecular weight size: no label
- Compound ingredients: glutathione, red wine extract, mixed berry juice concentrate
- Vitamin Addition: —
- View Product >
Comparison Table of 5 Collagen Supplements
| Product | Daiken Royal Collagen Powder | Suntory Milcolla | Angel LaLa Collagen EX | Biomedimei Collagen | DV Collagen |
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| Dosage form | powder packet | powder packet | powder packet | bulk powder | single pack drink |
| Collagen Patent | Germany VERISOL® Collagen Peptide | Japan Wellnex® Collagen | Japan Wellnex® Collagen | European Patent Enzyme Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder | no label |
| Collagen required effective amount | 2500 mg | 5000 mg | 6000 mg | 5000-10,000 mg | no label |
| Molecular weight | 2000 Da | 2000-3000 Da | 2000-3000 Da | 2000 Da | no label |
| Compound ingredients | royal jelly, hyaluronic acid (hyaluronic acid), ceramide | ceramide, salmon nasal cartilage, elastin | ceramide, salmon testis, pearl powder, hyaluronic acid, silk protein, proteoglycan | none | glutathione, red wine extract, mixed berry juice concentrate |
| Added Vitamins | Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc | Vitamin C | Vitamin C | no | — |
