How To Look For The Best Collagen

Numerous brands promote collagen supplements without offering clear guidance on what to look for in a high-quality product. Transparency, quality, and ingredient sourcing are key when evaluating supplements—especially collagen—so you can feel confident in what you’re putting into your body.

Choosing a lower-quality or poorly formulated collagen product can lead to disappointing results and, in some cases, may not meet your dietary preferences or expectations. To help you make an informed choice, here are 10 important criteria to consider when selecting a marine collagen supplement:

1. Look for Single-Ingredient Collagen: A pure collagen supplement without unnecessary additives allows you to focus on one functional ingredient—collagen peptides—without dilution or competing compounds.

2. Check for Transparent Sourcing: Brands that clearly state the origin and type of their collagen (e.g., fish species, country of processing) show a commitment to traceability and quality.

3. Choose Additive-Free Collagen: Look for products free from added sugars, fillers, fats, preservatives, or artificial flavors. This supports clean labeling and is ideal for those with specific dietary concerns.

4. Prioritize Third-Party Testing: Independent testing helps confirm purity, quality, and safety—especially important for checking contaminants like heavy metals in marine-sourced products.

5. Look for Scientific Support: Collagen peptides have been studied for their potential benefits in areas like skin elasticity, joint function, and hydration. While individual results may vary, choosing brands that align with research-backed formulations is a smart choice.

6. Consider Marine Collagen: Marine collagen typically contains type I collagen, which is the most abundant type in the human body. It also features smaller peptide sizes, which may support easier absorption.

7. Powder Format for Versatility: Collagen powders are easy to mix into hot or cold beverages and allow for flexible dosing. Unflavored options can blend seamlessly into coffee, tea, smoothies, or soups.

8. Wild-Caught Sourcing (If Important to You): Some consumers prefer marine collagen from wild-caught fish, citing sustainability and the absence of aquaculture inputs such as antibiotics or feed additives. If this aligns with your values, look for brands that clearly state “wild-caught” and back it with sourcing details.

9. Look for cGMP-Certified Manufacturing: Choosing a product made in a cGMP-certified facility ensures that it is produced under strict quality control and regulatory standards.

10. Choose Unflavored Collagen (If Flexibility Matters): Unflavored collagen dissolves well and doesn’t alter the taste of food or beverages. It’s also often free from sugars, artificial sweeteners, and flavorings.

By keeping these key factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose a high-quality collagen supplement that aligns with your health goals, dietary preferences, and values. As always, consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.

Happy collagen hunting!