Collagen Peptide Supplements: What to Look for Before You Buy

Collagen peptide supplements have become increasingly popular, with many people incorporating them into their daily routines to support healthy skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues. As demand has grown, so too has the number of products available—making it harder than ever to know which one is right for you.

Grass-fed bovine collagen. Marine collagen. Type I and III. Hydrolysed collagen. Low molecular weight. Added vitamin C. Flavoured or unflavoured.

By understanding a few key factors—such as the type of collagen, where it comes from, how it's processed, and what's included in the ingredient list—you'll be better equipped to choose a product that suits your health goals and lifestyle. 

Here are some things to look for when comparing collagen peptide supplements:

1. Choose hydrolysed collagen (collagen peptides)

One of the first things you'll notice when shopping for a collagen supplement is that some products are labelled collagen, while others are called hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides.

Although these terms may sound the same, most high-quality collagen supplements today are actually hydrolysed collagen, also known as collagen peptides.

Hydrolysed collagen is produced by breaking whole collagen into much smaller chains of amino acids called peptides through a process known as hydrolysis.

Why does this matter?

Because these smaller peptide fragments are:

• Easier to mix into hot and cold drinks

• More readily digested than whole collagen

• Convenient to incorporate into your daily routine

This is why you'll find collagen peptides in everything from protein powders and smoothies to coffee creamers and functional foods.

When comparing products, look for terms such as:

• Hydrolysed collagen

• Collagen peptides

• Collagen hydrolysate

These names generally refer to the same form of collagen that's commonly used in modern supplements.

If you're aiming to support healthy skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues through supplementation, choosing a product made with collagen peptides is a great place to start.

2. Understand the different types of collagen

Not all collagen is the same.

In fact, scientists have identified at least 28 different types of collagen in the human body, each serving a unique purpose. However, when it comes to collagen supplements, you'll most commonly come across Types I, II, and III.

Understanding the differences can help you choose a supplement that's better suited to your health goals.

Type I Collagen

Type I is the most abundant collagen in the human body, accounting for around 90% of your body's collagen. It provides strength and structure to the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues.

If your goal is to support healthy skin, hair, nails, or bone health, Type I collagen is one of the most commonly recommended forms.

Type II Collagen

Type II collagen is found primarily in cartilage, making it an important structural component of your joints.

It's commonly included in supplements designed to support joint comfort, flexibility, and cartilage health, particularly for active individuals or those experiencing age-related joint changes.

Type III Collagen

Type III collagen often works alongside Type I. It's found in the skin, muscles, blood vessels, and internal organs, where it helps provide flexibility and structural support.

Many collagen supplements combine Type I and Type III collagen, as these two types naturally occur together in many connective tissues throughout the body.

Which type should you choose?

The right type of collagen depends on what you're hoping to support.

• Type I – Skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, and ligaments

• Type II – Cartilage and joint health

• Type III – Skin, muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissues

For general wellness, many people choose supplements containing Type I and Type III collagen, as these are the most abundant forms found in the body and support a wide range of connective tissues.

Read related article: What Is Collagen and Why Does It Matter as We Age?

3. Check the source of the collagen

Collagen peptides don’t come from the same source.

When comparing collagen supplements, you'll typically find collagen derived from bovine (cow), marine (fish), chicken, or porcine (pig) sources. Each provides collagen peptides, but they differ in the types of collagen they naturally contain and who they may be best suited for.

Bovine collagen

Bovine collagen is sourced from cattle and is one of the most common types used in collagen peptide supplements.

It naturally contains high levels of Type I and Type III collagen, making it a popular choice for supporting healthy skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues.

Many manufacturers also source collagen from grass-fed cattle, which is often preferred by consumers looking for products with a simpler, more natural sourcing process.

Marine collagen

Marine collagen is derived from fish and is primarily made up of Type I collagen.

It's a popular option for people who prefer to avoid bovine products or are looking for a pescatarian-friendly alternative. Marine collagen is also commonly marketed for skin health because of its high Type I collagen content.

Chicken collagen

Chicken collagen is naturally rich in Type II collagen, which is the main type of collagen found in cartilage.

As a result, it's commonly used in supplements designed to support joint health and cartilage.

Porcine collagen

Porcine collagen comes from pigs and contains both Type I and Type III collagen, similar to bovine collagen.

While it's effective as a collagen source, it may not be suitable for people with certain dietary, cultural, or religious preferences.

Which source should you choose?

There's no single "best" source of collagen peptides—it largely depends on your individual health goals and dietary preferences.

 

4. Read the ingredient list carefully

A quality collagen peptide supplement isn't just about the collagen itself—it's also about what else is included (or left out).

Some collagen powders contain a short, simple ingredient list, while others may include added sugars, artificial sweeteners, fillers, flavours, colours, or other ingredients that you may not necessarily want or need.

When comparing products, take a moment to read the nutrition panel and ingredient list. A cleaner formulation can make it easier to understand exactly what you're consuming.

Here are a few things worth looking for:

A simple formula

Many people prefer collagen supplements with a straightforward ingredient list, containing collagen peptides and only a small number of additional ingredients.

Minimal added sugars

Some flavoured collagen powders contain added sugars to improve taste. If you're mindful of your sugar intake, it's worth checking the nutrition panel to see how much sugar each serving contains.

Artificial sweeteners and fillers

Some products include artificial sweeteners, thickeners, or fillers to enhance flavour, texture, or shelf life. These can include:

• Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)

• Sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, or maltitol

• Thickeners and stabilisers such as xanthan gum or guar gum

• Anti-caking agents such as silicon dioxide

• Bulking agents or fillers such as maltodextrin

Many of these ingredients are approved for use in foods and supplements and are considered safe by food safety authorities when consumed within recommended limits. However, some people prefer to avoid them due to personal preference or because certain ingredients—particularly sugar alcohols—may cause digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or diarrhoea in some individuals, especially when consumed in larger amounts.

If you're interested in learning more about food additives, including why they're used and how they're assessed for safety, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Food Additives Overview is a helpful resource. 

Dietary requirements

Depending on your lifestyle or dietary preferences, you may also wish to look for products that are:

• Gluten-free

• Dairy-free

• Non-GMO

• Keto-friendly

• Paleo-friendly

Choosing a collagen peptide supplement with an ingredient profile that suits your dietary needs can make it easier to incorporate into your everyday routine.

Remember, a longer ingredient list doesn't always mean a better product. In many cases, a simpler formulation with high-quality collagen peptides and thoughtfully selected ingredients may be all you need.

5. Consider the molecular weight of the collagen peptides

If you've been comparing collagen supplements, you may have noticed some brands highlighting terms like "low molecular weight" or "1kDa collagen peptides".

But what does that actually mean?

Simply put, molecular weight refers to the size of the collagen peptide molecules. It's commonly measured in kilodaltons (kDa), a unit used to describe the size of proteins and peptides.

When collagen is hydrolysed, the long collagen proteins are broken down into smaller peptide fragments. The more extensively the collagen is broken down, the lower its average molecular weight becomes.

Smaller collagen peptides generally dissolve more easily in liquids and are readily digested by the body. 

Should you look for a low molecular weight?

A lower molecular weight can be one indicator of how extensively the collagen has been hydrolysed, but it shouldn't be the only factor influencing your decision.

Rather than focusing on a single number, it's best to consider molecular weight alongside the overall quality of the product. A well-formulated collagen peptide supplement with quality ingredients and transparent manufacturing practices is likely to provide greater value than choosing a product based solely on its kDa value.

6. Look for quality testing and manufacturing standards

When choosing a collagen peptide supplement, it's not just about what's on the label—it's also about how the product is made.

Reputable manufacturers typically have quality control measures in place to help ensure their supplements are produced consistently and meet food safety standards.

While testing requirements can vary between manufacturers, it's worth looking for brands that are transparent about their quality assurance processes.

Third-party testing

Some collagen supplement manufacturers choose to have their products tested by independent, third-party laboratories.

Third-party testing can help verify aspects such as:

• Product purity

• Ingredient identity

• Heavy metal levels

• Microbiological safety

• Compliance with label claims

While not every quality supplement is independently tested, brands that openly share their testing practices can provide an extra level of confidence for consumers.

Manufacturing standards

It's also worth checking whether the supplement is manufactured in facilities that follow recognised quality standards, such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

These standards are designed to help ensure products are manufactured consistently and safely, with appropriate quality control procedures throughout the production process.

Putting it all together: Choosing a quality collagen peptide supplement

By now, you'll have a better understanding of what to look for when comparing collagen peptide supplements. Rather than focusing on a single feature or marketing claim, it's worth considering the product as a whole.

As a quick checklist, look for a collagen supplement that offers:

• Hydrolysed collagen (collagen peptides) for easy mixing and digestion

• The right collagen type(s) for your health goals

• A quality collagen source, such as grass-fed bovine or marine collagen

• A clean ingredient list with minimal unnecessary fillers or additives

• Transparent information about molecular weight, where available

• Clear manufacturing standards and quality assurance

One product that meets many of these criteria is Chief Nutrition’s Collagen Protein Powder range.

Made with grass-fed bovine collagen peptides (Type I & III), Chief Collagen Protein Powder features an average molecular weight of approximately 1kDa, making it a highly bioavailable collagen peptide supplement that mixes easily into both hot and cold drinks.

It's also formulated with a clean ingredient profile, containing no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, vegetable oils, or unnecessary fillers. Depending on the flavour you choose, it's also suitable for a range of dietary lifestyles, including gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, paleo, and non-GMO diets.

Whether you're looking to support healthy skin, joints, bones, connective tissues, or simply increase your daily collagen intake, choosing a supplement with these qualities can help you feel more confident in your purchase.

If you're ready to incorporate collagen peptides into your daily routine, Chief Collagen Protein Powders are available from Aussie Pharma Direct in three delicious flavours, making it easy to find one that suits your taste while enjoying the convenience of a high-quality collagen peptide supplement.