The Whistle Blown on the Best Collagen Supplements in the UK

Researched & Posted by
Simon White*

Last updated on
Evidence Based
Expert Reviewed

*Supplement Informer is made up of the views and opinions of our beauty and nutrition expert Simon White who is a qualified nutritionist from the University of Sheffield. The scoring is determined at his own discretion and should not be used for accuracy purposes. We are able to provide this service for free thanks to the referral fees we receive from a number of service providers along with an ownership stake in one or more of the brands. These referral fees may affect the rankings and score assigned to specific vendors. Disclaimer: Furthermore, though many vendors appear on the Supplement Informer, this DOES NOT imply endorsement of any kind and the results of using such products may vary. The information and vendors which appear on Supplement Informer is subject to change at any time.

Advertiser Disclosure

*Supplement Informer is made up of the views and opinions of our beauty and nutrition expert Simon White who is a qualified nutritionist from the University of Sheffield. The scoring is determined at his own discretion and should not be used for accuracy purposes. We are able to provide this service for free thanks to the referral fees we receive from a number of service providers along with an ownership stake in one or more of the brands. These referral fees may affect the rankings and score assigned to specific vendors. Furthermore, though many vendors appear on the Supplement Informer, this DOES NOT imply endorsement of any kind and the results of using such products may vary. The information and vendors which appear on Supplement Informer is subject to change at any time.

Which brand of collagen supplement should you buy?

With countless different collagen products vying for your attention, how do you really know which one will actually deliver on collagen’s big promises of glowing, firm, and all-round youthful looking skin?

There are several household brands, some back by celebrity influencers use expensive PR and marketing to sell their products however if you open up the hood and look at whats underneath do the products match up to the claims they are making?

That’s why we’re here. We researched the top selling collagen supplements on the internet and made purchases to test some of 2024’s most talked about collagen products. We combed through the scientific research and interviewed beauty specialists and collagen experts*

Some of the supplmements we were informed could even make your hair, skin and nails worse which is why you need to keep reading to make sure you get the scoop on what we discovered.

Why do we need to take collagen supplements?

The collagen market is estimated to reach £5.3 billion by 2026 for one simple reason:

As soon as we reach the age of 20, our bodies start producing less collagen1 which means if we don't supplement with collagen early on in life we start looking older and aging at a rapid rate. Our skin becomes more wrinkled because the collagen supplies in the body are just not strong enough to keep our skin looking young and supple. By the time we reach the age of 50 we have lost 30% of the collagen in our body.1

In addition to providing our youthful looks, our bodies use collagen to maintain the proper functioning of our muscles, joints, bones, and intestines.2

Collagen loss results in:

  • Wrinkly, saggy, and dull skin1
  • Fragile, lifeless, and thinning hair1
  • Painful joints, muscles, and bones1

So if all we’ve got to do is take more collagen why do I need to continue reading this article right? If only it were that simple…

The type of collagen used by some manufacturers is just not good enough. Certain types of collagen are difficult to absorb. So most of it is simply wasted as it passes through your body unused!3

Based on our research the most "effectively absorbed" type of collagen is collagen peptides.3 Peptides are broken down molecules which are small enough to pass through your digestive system and into your blood stream.

BEWARE: Not All Collagen Peptides Are Equal

In the course of our research, we discovered a few things the beauty industry probably wishes we’d keep under wraps. Including how:

Our research proves that only Type I collagen contains the necessary firepower for minimising fine lines and wrinkles4

Bovine collagen only contains 5% Type I collagen and is scientifically proven in paper after paper to do almost nothing for your skin…5

Marine collagen contains 95% of Type I collagen and is therefore a much more of a potent choice for hair, skin and nail benefits5

Here’s what to look for in beauty focussed collagen peptides…
and what you MUST AVOID at all costs.

Must Haves

  • Collagen Type:

    Marine collagen is far superior to bovine collagen for radiant skin as it is packed full of collagen Type I (which makes up 90% of the collagen in our skin).5

  • Collagen Potency:

    A minimum of 5g per day is reccomended by scientists6

  • Hydrolysed Formula:

    Collagen broken down into peptides is more bioavailable and is absorbed more efficiently3

  • Taste:

    According to customer reviews, flavoured formulas are easier to injest over as it masks the bitter taste of collagen

  • Vitamin C included:

    Collagen works best when paired with a strong Vitamin C source.7

Must Avoid

  • Calorie Bombs:

    Look out for nasty added sugars which can cause weight gain and acne.

  • Unknown Collagen Source:

    The potential to make our problems worse mean we should ALWAYS know which specific type of collagen is used.

  • Artificial Ingredients:

    Like sweeteners, preservatives, and other “fillers”. These chemicals poison your body and can reduce the absorption of important vitamins and minerals.

  • Environmentally Unfriendly Packaging:

    Avoid plastics and non-recyclable packaging. Save the environment!

  • Incomplete List Of Ingredients:

    Always check the ingredients list and only buy from brands that have nothing to hide!

Our Research Backed
10-Point Approach

In addition to our ‘Must Haves’ and ‘Must Avoids’, we have a dedicated ‘Evaluations Team’ that compares and ranks each tested collagen product according to a Research-Backed 10-Point System. We want you to know how our ranking system works:

How We Picked Our Top Choice – A Guide To Our Rankings:

After intense research, interviews with customers, and extensive personal testing, we narrowed down hundreds of different collagen products into our top 4 and eventually crowned a winner.

  • 94

    Hours of
    Scientific Research

  • 11

    Hours of
    Expert Consultations

  • 52

    Customers
    Interviewed

Evaluation Criteria

  • Taste & Ease of Use
  • Value
  • Results
  • Synergistic Ingredients
  • Company Reputation

#1

Glow Powder Collagen Drink
by Rock & Roses.
Evidence Based
Expert Reviewed
Evidence Based
Expert Reviewed
  • Ingredient Quality

  • Collagen Potency

  • Value

  • Returns Policy

  • Overall Customer Happiness

  • 9.8/10
  • 9.6/10
  • 9.4/10
  • 10/10
  • 9.6/10

A+ Rating

9.7

Total Ranking

PROS

  • 90-day money back guarantee (no questions asked)
  • 6g serving per day of collagen (tablets/capsules only contain 1g)
  • Contains Hyaluronic Acid (so no need to buy separately)
  • Made in the UK with Peptan F2000 collagen (regarded as the top class of collagen)
  • No artificial additives, flavours or colourings and keto friendly (won’t put on weight consuming)
  • Up to 40% discounts on bulk purchases. (buy more save more)

CONS

  • Currently only available online
  • Out of stock occasionally

The Bottom Line

Glow Powder Collagen by Rock & Roses has been voted #1 by our nutrition expert Simon White*, with a 9.7 out of 10 score.

What We Loved

Rock & Roses was the only brand using the special hydrolysis process for optimal absorption3 meaning their forumula is absorbed faster and more efficiently than other brands we reviewed..

It was also the only brand transparent about their collagen source, and therefore the only brand we can be certain is safe to consume.

Plus, they’ve included a number of synergistic ingredients needed for optimal results. They’ve managed to pack in:

A high dose of all-important Hyaluronic Acid, which keeps our skin plump and moist8 and works hand-in-hand with collagen to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even-out skin tone and restore a youthful radiance.9

No fewer than four separate sources of Vitamin C, including Coconut Water and Acerola Cherry (one of the most potent sources of Vitamin C on the planet)10. Not only is Vitamin C essential for collagen production, it also helps prevent breakdown of our body’s collagen in the first place, and works together with other nutrients to maximise their power.7

Rock & Roses are the only company offering a “No questions asked” 90-day money Back Guarantee.

 

There’s just one small thing…Rock & Roses is a small company right now, so they don’t have massive inventory like other “household-name” beauty brands.

That’s why when people find out about Rock & Roses Glow Powder Collagen, their inventory sells out fast.

But if you’re reading this page, then you might be in luck. Rock & Roses let us know they set aside part of their recent shipment specifically for this review.

However, it’s likely Rock & Roses will sell out of their current inventory within the next 24 hours.

So if you want to try the only proven safe and effective collagen peptide product with a 90-day money back guarantee that we could find, then click the button below now.

Yes, I Want My Glow Powder Collagen Now

#2

Absolute Collagen
by Maxine Laceby.

  • Ingredient Quality

  • Collagen Potency

  • Value

  • Returns Policy

  • Overall Customer Happiness

  • 8.6/10
  • 9.1/10
  • 7.9/10
  • 5.0/10
  • 8.4/10

B Rating

7.8

Total Ranking

PROS

  • Made in the UK
  • Ready-made liquid, no need to dissolve
  • Contains Type I marine collagen
  • Established brand.

CONS

  • Leaves a horrible and bitter taste
  • No Money-Back-Guarantee
  • Contains preservatives
  • Poor Value for Money
  • Uses Unnecessary Plastic In Packaging
Click to Shop Now

#3

Gold Collagen Forte
by Minerva Research Labs.

  • Ingredient Quality

  • Collagen Potency

  • Value

  • Returns Policy

  • Overall Customer Happiness

  • 7.1/10
  • 8.7/10
  • 6.8/10
  • 5.0/10
  • 7.2/10

C Rating

6.9

(83 Reviews)

Total Ranking

PROS

  • Ready-made liquid, no need to dissolve
  • Neutral taste
  • Well known brand.

CONS

  • No Money-Back-Guarantee
  • Uncertain Collagen Source
  • Poor Value for Money
  • Environmentally unfriendly packaging
Click to Shop Now

#4

Ingenious Beauty Ultimate Collagen +
by Ingenious Beauty.

  • Ingredient Quality

  • Collagen Potency

  • Value

  • Returns Policy

  • Overall Customer Happiness

  • 7.1/10
  • 3/10
  • 7.8/10
  • 5.0/10
  • 7.2/10

D+ Rating

6.0

Total Ranking

PROS

  • Made in the UK
  • No artificial preservatives

CONS

  • No Money-Back-Guarantee
  • Poor Value
  • Large Capsules which are difficult to swallow
Click to Shop Now

#5

Vichy LiftActiv Collagen Specialist Day Cream +
by Vichy.

  • Ingredient Quality

  • Collagen Potency

  • Value

  • Returns Policy

  • Overall Customer Happiness

  • 6.3/10
  • 3/10
  • 5.2/10
  • 5.0/10
  • 6.9/10

D Rating

5.3

Total Ranking

PROS

  • Diverse amino acid profile
  • Nice looking pot

CONS

  • No Money-Back-Guarantee
  • Poor Value
  • Cream leaves a crumbly film on the face
  • Dries out face making wrinkles look more apparent
  • Low collagen potency
Click to Shop Now

SOURCES & CITATIONS

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1606623/ - Decreased Collagen Production With Age

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7695755/ - Role of Collagen in bodies

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/ - Collagen Peptides and Hydrolysis

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/ - Type of Collagen for Minimising Fine Lines & Wrinkles

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230273/ - Bovine vs Marine Collagen

6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681787/ - Dosing Guidelines

7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204628/ - Effect of Vitamin C and Collagen Synthesis

8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/ - Hyaluronic Acid Claims

9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/ - Hyaluronic Acid Benefits

10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6098779/ - Acerola Cherry Benefits