Do collagen supplements actually work? Our head of shopping explains why this £44 powder has for her
I’m not usually one for sticking to supplements. I’ve bought the fancy multivitamins, started the elixirs promising glow and abandoned more than a few promising powders after a week. My intentions are good, but I just can’t stick to new routines. But this time? I’m actually sticking with one powder– and for good reason.
A few months ago, I added Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Powder to my morning routine. And while I went in with low expectations (mostly of myself), the results have meant I wake up looking forward to taking my daily dose of collagen. My nails are stronger and don’t snap at the first sign of a handbag rummage, my hair is growing like never before (judged scientifically by my highlights creeping down far too fast), and even my facialist commented on how much clearer and healthier my skin looked. Not bad for something that takes approximately 10 seconds to add to a smoothie.
So, what exactly is it?
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Vital Proteins Marine Collagen is made from, yes, you guessed it, marine collagen (fish-based). It’s got just one simple ingredient, is totally flavourless and blends into hot or cold drinks without any weird lumps or textures. I’ve tried it in coffee with no taste or texture, a smoothie, with no different flavour than usual, and heated porridge, where it’s undetectable. It just… disappears.
You’re meant to take around 12g-20g of the powder per serving (I do two level tablespoons), and one 221g tub lasts roughly a month, depending on how generous you’re feeling with the scoops. It’s priced at £44.79 at Boots, which might feel a bit steep at first glance, but when you start seeing the difference it makes, it suddenly feels like money well spent.
The results
I first noticed the difference in my nails after the first few weeks of taking it daily. I’ve always had soft, peeling nails that would grow to a certain point and then promptly crack. Since adding in the collagen to my routine, I noticed they were longer, stronger and far less bendy. Fast forward a month, and I actually needed to trim them. Unheard of.
Then came the hair growth. I didn’t expect this one until I realised my salon highlight appointments were creeping closer together because my roots (and balayage) were growing out so quickly. It’s too soon to really tell what difference it’s actually making to the strength of my strands, as I’ve only been taking it for around six or seven weeks, but my hair does look much shinier than usual.
As for my skin, I didn’t really notice the difference myself until my facialist mentioned how much more balanced and clear it looked. There were fewer little bumps, less dehydration, and just generally a bit more glowy. I’ll definitely take that compliment, either way.
Why collagen?
Collagen is one of those buzzy ingredients that’s been everywhere lately, and, if you’re anything like I was, you’re probably sceptical that it’s just a ‘fad’. There’s still more research that needs to be done when it comes to collagen’s anti-ageing abilities, but the studies that have been conducted are very promising. It’s a protein that makes up a big part of our skin, hair, nails and joints, but as we age, we naturally start producing less of it.
Clinical facialist Kate Kerr recommends it as a booster for a good skincare and healthy lifestyle: “I often describe collagen as a behind-the-scenes booster: not a replacement for skincare or professional treatments, but a potent enhancer that elevates everything else you’re doing. Clients frequently notice additional benefits too, like stronger nails and glossier hair, which makes it a brilliant all-rounder.”
What put me off taking collagen in the past is how there are so many products on the market, and I know for a fact that some brands offer ‘collagen’ products that only use trace amounts of the ingredient, and not nearly enough to make a difference to your skin. What I’ve learnt is to read the labels properly and avoid supplements with vague ingredient lists like ‘collagen complex’ or ‘beauty matrix’, and those with only trace amounts (500 mg or less), as this is too low to have an effect.
I like Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Powder because it’s simple – I know it isn’t packed with loads of sugar, additives or extra ‘benefits’ I don’t want – it’s just the best kind of collagen, hydrolised, in a simple, easy-to-take form. However, if you don’t like powders and prefer a gummy, the only one I’d recommend is ZipVit’s Marine Collagen Gummies, from £14.99. They pack 1000mg of hydrolised marine collagen per serving, in contrast to many ‘collagen’ gummies that only give around 100-200mg.