How to choose a good collagen supplement: The criteria that truly make a difference.
Given the abundance of powders, drinks, and formulas available today, a common question arises: how do you choose a good collagen supplement?
The answer isn't solely found on the front of the container. You need to look at the collagen's source, its form, the actual amount provided per serving, and what it's combined with.
Here's what you need to know.
1. Look for hydrolyzed collagen
Collagen is naturally a large protein. When it is hydrolyzed, it is broken down into smaller peptides.
It is in this form that collagen is now widely studied in oral supplementation.
Clinical studies1 on hydrolyzed collagen peptides notably suggest interesting effects on certain skin parameters, including hydration and elasticity. A meta-analysis of 26 randomized studies observed an improvement in these two parameters, while noting that the quality and results of the studies remain variable.
First reflex: look for the mention "hydrolyzed collagen" or "collagen peptides."
2. Look at the amount of collagen - not just the serving size
Two containers may seem comparable yet provide very different amounts of collagen.
Therefore, you need to look for the actual amount of hydrolyzed collagen per serving.
In studies2 on skin, different doses have been studied. A recent systematic review compiling ten randomized trials reports doses ranging from 1 to 10 g per day, with favorable results on skin hydration and elasticity.
So, quantity matters.
3. Marine or bovine: Is that really what determines quality?
Collagen can come from different sources, notably marine or bovine.
Marine collagen comes from fish and is an excellent option for people who prefer this source.
However, "marine" alone is not enough to guarantee that a collagen is superior.
A meta-analysis1 on hydrolyzed collagen did not observe a significant difference between the various sources studied for skin elasticity.
You need to consider the whole picture: source + hydrolysis + quantity + formulation quality.
4. Look at what accompanies the collagen
This is where formulas truly begin to differentiate themselves.
Collagen can be offered alone or combined with other ingredients.
One ingredient of particular interest to us is hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in the body, especially in the skin.
Rather than simply adding many ingredients, we prefer to ask ourselves: does every ingredient have a specific reason for being there?
A concise and well-thought-out formula can be much more interesting than a long list of ingredients added just to impress.
5. Read the entire list of ingredients
This is probably our most important advice, and it doesn't just concern collagen:
Turn the container over.
Look at what you are actually consuming every day.
How much collagen?
What source?
In what form?
With what other ingredients?
How much sugar?
What sweeteners, flavors, or fillers have been added?
Marketing is often on the front. The formula, however, is on the back.
6. Don't look for a miracle promise
Taking collagen isn't a one-time thing.
Like many habits related to nutrition and well-being, consistency is key.
Clinical trials generally evaluate results after several weeks of supplementation, not just a few days.
Therefore, it's important to choose a formula that you'll genuinely want to incorporate into your daily routine.
7. And Maison Jacynthe Beauty Collagen?
When we created ours, we specifically wanted to combine these criteria into a simple daily routine.
Our formula provides 10 g of hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides per serving, which we have chosen to combine with 120 mg of hyaluronic acid.
Sugar-free.
A formula designed first and foremost for what it contains and the quantities it provides.
Because beyond the word collagen written on a container, it's the details of the formula that make all the difference.
In summary
To choose your collagen, check:
- that it is hydrolyzed collagen / collagen peptides;
- the actual amount per serving;
- its source;
- the ingredients that accompany it and their quantity;
- the presence of sugar and superfluous ingredients;
- and especially, the transparency of the formula.
Not all collagens are alike. Learning to read what they contain allows you to truly compare them.
References
1- Pu, S.-Y., Huang, Y.-L., Pu, C.-M., Kang, Y.-N., Hoang, K. D., Chen, K.-H., & Chen, C. (2023). Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 15(9), 2080.
2-Danessa, G., Notario, D., & Regina, R. (2025). Effects of collagen-based supplements on skin’s hydration and elasticity during ageing: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 91, 730–740.
