The Best Collagen Pills for Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails

The use of collagen supplements has skyrocketed in recent years due to their health-boosting benefits. As collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, it plays a vital role in almost all aspects of our health and well-being. Collagen helps improve skin elasticity and hair quality in addition to working deeply within the body to improve bone and muscle health. Collagen pills can increase the quantity and quality of collagen in our bodies, giving us a general health-overhaul and more energy. Naturally, then, you might want to buy some and see what all the fuss is about. If that's the case, read on to learn about our favorite collagen pill products.

Purely Optimal Premium Multi Collagen Peptides Capsules

Strengthen Joints and Bones

These capsules contain five types of collagen, making them highly effective at reducing the most common signs of aging.

Best Overall

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The Premium Multi Collagen Peptides Capsules offer an advanced formula, making them highly effective at improving overall appearance and wellbeing. With five types of featured collagen, these handy pills are said to combat common signs of aging, such as dull skin and limp hair. They’re easy to swallow and each bottle contains 30 pills, meaning you only have to buy them monthly.

Pros

Great value for the price, considering the quality.
Purely Optimal is a reputable company that uses premium ingredients.
Manufactured in the USA and tested by a 3rd party lab.

Cons

Purely Optimal sources their ingredients from premium foods, so the price is a bit high.

Dr. Emil’s Multi Collagen Plus Pills

High Dose, High Absorption

This one offers an advanced hydrolyzed collagen peptide formula specifically designed to combat the common signs of aging.

Best Premium

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What we love most about the Multi Collagen Plus pills is the advanced formula and anti-aging effects. Featuring five different types of collagen as well as BioPerine, a black pepper extract, this product is one of the most bioavailable capsules we’ve tried. The black pepper helps absorption, allowing the collagen can get to work faster. We predict you’ll notice stronger nails, healthier skin, and revived energy in record time.

Pros

High bioavailability means you won’t pee out your purchase.
High potency doesn’t mean bigger pill – these are easy to swallow and regular-sized.

Cons

The high potency may make some folks mildly nauseous, but this side effect is nothing to worry about (your body will likely adjust within a couple days of use).

iPro Multi Collagen Pills

Skin, Joints, And Nails, Oh My

These pills offer a multi-complex collagen supply that helps to improve skin, joint health, nails, hair, and more.

Most Paleo-Friendly

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The supplement combines five different types of collagen into a single supplement. This provides a more powerful effect compared to taking the only supplement with only a single type of collagen. The specific complex formula includes collagen that has only been obtained from specific grass-fed sources. This helps to provide an improvement in the overall quality and potency of the supplement. Each bottle comes with a total of 90 capsules.

Pros

Reputable company uses paleo-friendly ingredients.
Affordable for most budgets, so it’s a great choice for those that want to try out collagen pills for a month or so.

Cons

Serving size is three pills a day, spread out throughout the day, so it’s easy to forget to take them with every meal.

Zeal Naturals 100% Grass-Fed Collagen Protein Powder Capsules

A Potent Deal

With 360 capsules in the container, this potent collagen peptide blend is bound to last you quite a while.

Most Economical

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A high-quality collagen peptide supplement, with collagen powder produced from the 100% grass-fed livestock. The collagen powder is hydrolyzed, making it easier for the body to absorb the active ingredients, while also allowing the supplements to last for a longer period of time on the shelves. The supplement is appropriate for those individuals with gluten sensitivity. It is also a keto-friendly and paleo-friendly product. The use of the supplement support multiple systems in the body, including tendons, joints, hair, and nails.

Pros

Friendly to a vast array of dieters, including paleo, keto, and those with gluten allergies
With 360 capsules, this pick offers the most bang for your buck by a long shot.

Cons

Only includes Type I and Type III collagen, so those looking for the full gamut may want to consider our other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start taking collagen supplements?

While your body naturally produces collagen, the amount you make decreases as you age due to a number of complex biological changes. Lower amounts of collagen in your body can contribute to the signs of aging, such as wrinkling skin and weaker joints. When you top up your collagen levels, you can help to prevent these problems from occurring. There is no perfect time to start taking collagen supplements and they are not a magic cure to aging, but if you want to look and feel younger for longer, then you should start taking them before the signs of aging show up.

What are the 5 types of collagen?

The 5 types of collagen are as follows:

Type 1: Makes up over 90% of your body’s total collagen content and caters to healthier bones, skin, tendons, and organs.

Type 2: Helps improve the quality of the cartilage in your body.

Type 3: Helps with the quality of reticular fibers.

Type 4: Helps on a cellular level with the epithelium, one of the four types of animal tissue.

Type 5: Helps improve the strength of cellular surfaces, such as hair follicles.

Some supplements contain all five types of collagen whereas others contain fewer.

Can I take collagen supplements if I am pregnant?

Collagen exists naturally in some foods, so even if you don’t take collagen supplements when pregnant, you will be consuming collagen and giving your body a healthy boost. But like with all pills, you should check with your midwife or physician before taking collagen as a supplement. Also, be careful about any other added ingredients that may not be as safe for your pregnancy. Show your doctor the bottle of collagen you want to take and let them advise you on the best course of action.

What are the possible side effects of collagen pills?

Collagen pills are not closely associated with extreme or unpleasant side effects, but there are some mild and rare side effects that may occur. Nausea is one of the most common side effects when taking a collagen supplement, especially when taken on an empty stomach. Skin changes can also occur, some of which may be unpleasant. If you notice side effects from taking a collagen supplement, it is best to discontinue or swap to another brand.