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We’ve often heard of collagen for our health and beauty routines, but what actually is it? Collagen is the protein that supports our skin, bones, cartilage, and even our hair and nails. We lose our body’s natural collagen as we age, starting in our early 20s.

Enter collagen supplements. Some collagen comes from bovines, fish, and seafood, while others are vegan powder alternatives (not actual collagen, but supplements) that boost our natural collagen production.

We’d like to also note the recent findings about deforestation that are linked to the increase in popularity for collagen in supplements and beauty products. Brands such as needed., use collagen from bovines in New Zealand, while vegan sources from GOLDE, Ora and Moon Juice are great sustainable options. Whichever you prefer, there are clean collagen options out there for you! 

Here are the best collagen powders, capsules, and formulas we’ve found from natural and ethical brands. Whether you add it to your morning coffee or afternoon smoothie, your body will love this healthy diet addition. For even more supplements to nourish your skin from within, check out these ingestible beauty supplements for a glowing complexion and healthy hair.


1. GOLDE

Best For | Vegan collagen supplements
Ingredients | Coconut milk powder, bamboo extract, hyaluronic acid, biotin, organic vanilla, monk fruit
Price | $18 for 3.97 oz; available at Target & Ulta

GOLDE crafts plant-based superfood blends and formulas that support our best selves. Its Coconut Collagen Blend supplements our body’s own natural collagen production, using vegan biotin, coconut powder, and bamboo extract. With a subtle vanilla and coconut taste, it’s a great addition to your smoothie, latte, or morning oats without being overpowering. Support this Black woman-owned, sustainable and cruelty-free brand and enjoy the benefits both inside and out.


2. needed.

Best For | Pre & postnatal collagen
Ingredients | Bovine collagen
Price | $50 for 16 oz; discounted subscriptions available

If you’re an expecting mama (or hoping to be!), look no further than needed’s Collagen Protein. This editor-approved powder is made specifically for pre- and postpartum to support pelvic floor tissue, postpartum hair, and more. needed sources its hydrolyzed collagen from hormone-free bovines in New Zealand, and each batch is third-party tested for safety and efficacy. Not only is it good for you (and baby), but for the planet too: needed is climate-neutral, a certified B Corp, and gives back to environmental initiatives.


3. The Nue Co.

Best For | Dry skin
Ingredients | Bovine collagen, gelatin, aloe leaf powder, grape & wheat seed extracts, plant-based Astaxanthin, hyaluronic acid
Price | $45 for 30 capsules; discounted subscriptions available

The Nue Co. understands how important our gut health is—and how connected our own bodies are to Mother Earth. That’s why the team develops ethical and sustainable supplements that benefit both people and the planet. If you’re turning to collagen for clearer, more hydrated skin, then you’ll love The Nue Co’s Skin Hydrator. Each capsule contains a mix of hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen, astaxanthin (an antioxidant from microalgae), and a proprietary blend that gets right to work. Take one dose every morning with breakfast and expect results in just a few weeks.


4. Thrive Market

Best For | Non-GMO collagen
Ingredients | Bovine collagen peptides
Price | $24 for 20 oz

Thrive Market is your one-stop shop for sustainable, organic, and natural products, including its beloved collagen peptides. This unflavored formula is sourced from pasture-raised cows in South America and is free of GMOs, added sugars, or synthetic hormones. This certified B Corp will send your shipment via carbon-neutral packaging. Get ready for a (grass-fed) glow.


5. Ora

Best For | Vegan flavors, sample size
Ingredients | Organic pea protein, acerola cherry, aloe vera gel powder, bamboo extract, vitamin E, coconut sugar & milk, vanilla
Price | $37 for 8.47 oz; discounted subscriptions available

If you’re not quite ready for a full-sized collagen tub, you may like Ora’s Aloe Gorgeous powder. Available as a vegan collagen-boosting powder—in four delicious flavors—you can try just one serving at a time to see if it’s for you. Aloe Gorgeous combines aloe vera, pea protein, vitamins C and E, and has USDA certified organic ingredients for a healthy addition to any drink or meal. Buy now, thank us later. 😉


6. mindbodygreen

Best For | Beauty & gut health
Ingredients | Bovine collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C & E, biotin, L-glutamine, turmeric
Price | $70 for 14 oz; discounted subscriptions available

For a powerful daily supplement that can do it all, we like mindbodygreen’s sugar-free beauty & gut collagen+. Not only does this formula include two types of collagen from pasture-raised Brazilian bovines, but it also includes extra nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactives, too. The result? Better skin hydration, stronger hair, and healthier intestinal lining. Pro tip: Use the unflavored supplement while cooking and baking, and go for the chocolate for drinks and oats. Yum!


7. Moon Juice

Best For | All-natural supplements
Ingredients | Rice bran, silver ear mushroom, hyaluronic acid
Price | $32 for 4.5 oz; discounted subscriptions available

Moon Juice is “fueled by plants, science, and wisdom.” Its vegan collagen supplement, Collagen Protect®, is made with just three natural ingredients to boost natural collagen production (instead of including external collagen in its formulas). Using rice bran, silver ear mushroom, and salt from hyaluronic acid, your skin will feel better than ever—the all-natural way. We love Moon Juice’s commitment to ethical and responsible sourcing, virgin plastic-free packaging, cruelty-free ethics and transparency.