Collagen is a popular supplement, but you might be wondering what's the best way to take it. Collagen powders can clump up in your morning cold brew or orange juice.
Liquid collagen is easy to pour into beverages and onto food without clumping. You can also drink it straight in what's known as a beauty shot. We rounded up the best liquid collagen supplements — including a vegan option — that will improve skin hydration and suppleness for a healthy glow, along with other benefits.
Shop this article: NeoCell Collagen + Vitamin C Liquid, Rejuvicare Liquid Collagen Beauty Formula and Applied Nutrition Liquid Collagen Skin Revitalization
Collagen is a protein that's abundant in your body. It's responsible for the structure of connective tissues in your body and holds your muscles, bones and organs together. It also plays an important role in your skin's elasticity, which is why collagen has become a popular ingredient in skin care. When you're buying collagen liquid to ingest, double-check that it's not a collagen serum, which is only for topical use.
As you age, collagen levels naturally drop. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supplementing with collagen helps minimize signs of aging by smoothing and firming skin. These supplements improve skin elasticity, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Increased collagen also helps strengthen and grow your nails. Because collagen is needed to maintain the structure of your cartilage (the rubbery tissue that protects your joints), according to the NIH, taking a collagen supplement may reduce joint pain or stiffness associated with osteoarthritis, as well.
Whenever starting a dietary supplement, it's always best to first consult with your healthcare provider. You can safely take between 15 to 30 grams per day, but starting with as little as 2.5 grams daily will still give you the liquid collagen benefits you're after. Liquid collagen products typically offer between 0.5-4 grams per 1 tablespoon-sized serving. If you want a higher amount than that, try collagen powder.
Liquid collagen is often flavored (usually fruit flavors) so that you can down it in a shot or drink it by the spoonful. Be aware that flavored collagens can contain added sugar, artificial flavors or artificial colors. Some liquid collagen concentrates must be mixed with water.
While collagen powder is popular to mix into hot coffee, liquid collagen can mix seamlessly into iced coffee and cold drinks, such as water or juice. If your liquid collagen is flavored, be sure it'll complement your beverage and not clash with its flavor.
Drizzle a spoonful of liquid collagen into hot cereal, such as oatmeal, or onto yogurt. Fruit-flavored liquid collagen blends seamlessly into smoothies and is a preferred way to consume the supplement if you don't like its taste.
True collagen is not a vegetarian or vegan supplement. Most collagen is sourced from cow bone, cartilage and hide. High-quality bovine collagen comes from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows. Marine collagen is typically sourced from the scales of wild-caught cod, as this fish is not at risk of being endangered. It only contains one type of collagen whereas bovine collagen contains two types. While marine collagen offers more health benefits, bovine is a less costly alternative.
Scientists have begun to produce vegan collagen made from genetically modified yeast and bacteria; adding a digestive enzyme to the formula helps mimic the structure of human collagen. Vegan collagen gives the body the nutrients it needs to boost natural collagen production. Plant-based skincare experts and users assert that vegan collagen supplements are effective, but it's unclear whether the results are better than animal-based alternatives. If you're looking for vegan liquid collagen, we recommend The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost.
NeoCell Collagen + Vitamin C Liquid
This pomegranate-flavored collagen features added vitamin C, which helps boost natural collagen production in your body. Drink it daily to notice changes in hair and nail growth as well as increased skin suppleness.
Rejuvicare Liquid Collagen Beauty Formula
Formulated with biotin, this affordable liquid collagen supports hair, skin, nails and joint health. It tastes good and can be downed in a shot. Many people are impressed with new, fuller hair growth from regular consumption of this supplement.
Applied Nutrition Liquid Collagen Skin Revitalization
This tropical-flavored drink mix is your one-stop shop for revitalizing your skin, nails and hair. Not only does it contain 4 grams of collagen, but also B vitamins, antioxidants, choline and silica. It comes in a handy twist-top tube that you pour into 16 ounces of water.
Vplab Ultra Women's Beauty Collagen Liquid
This concentrated, tropical drink mix contains 4 grams of collagen and other beauty-friendly nutrients. It's easy to mix into a water bottle while on the go and tastes like juice. It's not only great for skin and hair but some people experience improvement in joint pain.
Modere Liquid Biocell Collagen
In addition to supporting healthy hair, skin and nails, biocell collagen boosts cardiovascular health and alleviates joint pain by improving joint mobility and lubrication. This Modere liquid collagen contains 13 antioxidant-rich superfoods. It has a natural, fruity flavor and can be mixed into drinks or taken as a shot.
Gold Collagen Marine Collagen Peptides Drink
This liquid marine collagen beauty shot contains 11 active ingredients, including antioxidants, biotin, vitamins E, C, and B6 along with hyaluronic acid. This supercharged formula promotes healthier, younger-looking skin, strong nails, hair growth, increased energy and immunity. While it's pricier than the other options we've featured, it also targets more health and beauty concerns.
BeRadiant Hydrolyzed Liquid Collagen Shot
If you're looking for more cost-effective marine collagen, this beauty shot is another great choice. It's formulated with antioxidants, biotin, vitamins C and E for joint support, glowing skin, smoother hair and stronger nails. It has a nice peach flavor and comes in sachets that are easy to take on the go.
The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost
This pick from The Beauty Chef is the best vegan liquid collagen supplement we found. The sustainable formula features pomegranate, a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C, zinc and probiotics. The main benefits include more youthful-looking skin with better tone and texture, stronger, healthier hair and nails, and improved digestive health.
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Ana Sanchez writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
