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Is taking collagen peptide powder safe?
Thinking of adding collagen powder to your routine? Before you scoop, find out if it’s truly a safe and effective beauty booster or just a passing fad.
Collagen Supplements
Collagen is often sold as a beauty product, as if its only purpose is to make women look younger. That’s not why we make it. We developed Skinful marine collagen to support skin and Fundamental bovine collagen to build stronger bodies. Shopping for collagen can feel like the Wild West, so we keep it simple: pure, fairly priced, and highly absorbable. Our MSC-certified marine collagen comes from wild-caught fish in the North Atlantic, with the powder produced in Norway. Our bovine collagen is sourced from high-welfare, grass-fed cattle in Switzerland and the EU.
FUNDAMENTAL
£29.95
SKINFUL
£39.95
SKINFUL
Collagen is a tiny molecule in your body that holds together the connective tissues of your skin, ligaments, organs, cartilage, muscles and blood vessels. It's a protein, and since your body is mostly made up of skin and connective tissue, collagen is the most abundant protein you have.
Because it's everywhere, collagen is classified by type depending on where it's found in the body. There are 28 known types of collagen, but most supplements focus on the three your body uses most:
Type I – skin, hair, bones, teeth, ligaments, and organs
Type II – cartilage
Type III – organs, skin, muscles, blood vessels
Each type is made from a mix of amino acids like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids help your body create collagen that strengthens skin, repairs muscles and keeps joints cushioned and healthy. Your body naturally makes its own collagen, but we make less of it as we age.
So, where does the collagen in supplements come from? Most collagen is sourced from animal tissues, which naturally contain the same amino acids your body uses to build and repair its own connective tissue.
Marine collagen, like Skinful, comes from fish (specifically cod skin) and is rich in Type I collagen, which our customers find helps their skin, hair and nails. Bovine collagen, like Fundamental, comes from cattle hide and contains both Type I and Type III collagen, which supports the connective tissue of the skin as well as muscles, ligaments, and joints.
We bang on about the source because, just like buying good quality food, it's better for your body, too. Our marine collagen comes from wild, sustainably caught cod. Our bovine collagen is sourced from Swiss & EU, grass-fed cattle raised to EU-approved welfare standards, so we can promise it's free from hormones, antibiotics and other nasties.
With our collagen, it's as pure as it gets. Just collagen.
Whilst we become infinitely wiser with age, our collagen production slowly declines. Women tend to down tools faster than men (perfect). But we can replace it.
When you take collagen supplements, the tiny amino acid peptides travel through your bloodstream to where they're needed. They work like messengers, telling your body's cells to produce more of your own natural collagen in areas like your skin, muscles, and ligaments.
Taking collagen encourages the body to make more of its own. The science is still catching up when it comes to pinning every benefit to the wall, but we can say with confidence that introducing collagen into your nutrition is great for skin health, your hair and keeping your joints healthy too.
We’ve been formulating collagen since 2019, and in that time, we’ve seen a whole spectrum of benefits reported by our customers.
• Promotes skin elasticity and firmness.
• Supports joint health and mobility.
• Strengthens skin, joints and bones.
• Aids muscle recovery and repair.
• Supports bone density and connective tissue strength.
• A useful protein for all your moving parts.
If you want to get into even more detail, we've got an ultimate collage guide for that too.
Our pure collagen powders, Skinful and Fundamental, are tasteless and heat-resistant, so you can stir them into porridge, smoothies, or any drink you like. One scoop with our bespoke scooper (or four rounded teaspoons) give you 10g of easily absorbed bovine collagen.
Skinful with vitamin C is flavoured with natural strawberry (and very tasty). Vitamin C doesn't handle heat well, so it's not suitable for hot drinks. Instead, mix it in a post-workout smoothie or as an easy morning or afternoon pick-me-up with water or juice.
To make it stick, we recommend stacking collagen with an existing habit. Stir it into your morning coffee, post-workout shake, or whatever fits your life.
The science suggests that higher doses (around 20 to 30g a day) may support post-exercise recovery and wound healing. To maintain daily strength in your body, we recommend about 10g a day as a steady dose. Adjust to suit your routine, your budget, and how your body feels. Don’t overthink it. Your body’s smart. Whatever it doesn’t need, it gets rid of. You’ll figure out what works best for you.You can learn more about how to take collagen powder effectively in our expert guide.
As we age, collagen production decreases, which can cause sagging skin. Recent studies have shown that consuming collagen powder can help with improving skin elasticity, hydration, firmness, and brightness.
It’s totally natural for your collagen production to decline as you age, but collagen supplementation can play a vital role in maintaining joint function and bone integrity. This support can contribute to overall mobility, flexibility, and quality of life.
Hair and nail strength can be supported by collagen, nurturing healthy growth and reducing brittleness.
Collagen contains amino acids that support the lining of the digestive tract, potentially improving gut health.
Although it doesn't serve as the main source of protein for muscle building, like whey, collagen can still play a role in aiding muscle repair and facilitating recovery.
We bare all. So you can relax.
Pure Bovine Collagen Powder
£29.95
Skinful Pure Marine Collagen Powder
£39.95
What are the differences between marine collagen & bovine collagen?
Bovine is from cow hides, marine collagen comes from fish skin. That’s the clearest difference we can state factually. Both are good for skin and support the production and replenishment of connective tissues that hold together your skin, joints and everything else that keeps you upright.
Marine collagen is naturally rich in Type I collagen, which is found in your skin, bones and tendons. It’s the type most associated with skin, hair and nail health. That’s why we called ours Skinful. Marine collagen has been well-studied for skin support, and our customers would say—backed by a gazillion reviews you can read (here)—that it does a pretty great job.
Bovine collagen contains around 95% type I and 5% type III collagen. Both are found in connective tissue, joints, muscles and skin. It’s often known as the all-rounder because its amino acid profile supports collagen production throughout the body. That’s why it’s a popular choice for whole-body support, including muscle maintenance and recovery.
It’s worth mentioning that many studies on marine collagen used higher doses than those on bovine. Which means we can't provide a definitive comparison to suggest which is better for you.
So, for now, what we believe really separates the good, the bad, and the spenny of the collagen world is how it’s sourced. Our Fundamental collagen comes from Swiss & EU, grass-fed cattle raised under EU-approved animal welfare standards. Skinful is sourced from wild, sustainably caught cod skin. That means no hormones, no antibiotics, no toxins from contaminated water, and no nasties. Just collagen, from us.
Which collagen is best for you?
Bovine and marine collagen are both great options. Annoying answer? Yes. There are no direct studies comparing them, so science doesn't even have a concrete direction for us to guide you towards. As always, we'd say that the best option is the one that fits your body, values, and lifestyle.
Here's a simple way to compare marine vs bovine collagen
| Feature | Skinful (Marine Collagen) | Fundamental (Bovine Collagen) |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen Types | Type I | Type I and Type III |
| Best For | Supporting skin, hair and nails | Supporting skin, joints, muscles, bones and full-body recovery |
| Heat Stability | Pure Skinful marine collagen is good with heat. Our strawberry Skinful with Vitamin C is not stable in hot liquid. | Stable in hot drinks like coffee or tea |
| Sourcing | MSC-certified wild-caught fish from Norway | Swiss & EU grass-fed cattle under EU welfare standards, free from hormones and antibiotics |
| Dietary Suitability | Both pure Skinful and Skinful with vitamin C are halal and pescatarian-friendly. Pure Skinful is Kosher. | Not suitable for vegetarians or some faith-based diets |
| Sustainability | Highly sustainable marine source | Sustainably sourced from grass-fed cattle |
Collagen FAQs
About Our Collagen FAQS
What is collagen and what is its purpose in the body?
We’re full of it! A structural protein that makes up our cells and tissues, collagen is present in our skin, tendons, bones and cartilage. We make it ourselves and can get it through our diets, but from age 25 our bodies slow down production.
Is bovine a good source of collagen?
Yes. Bovine collagen is full of the nutritional amino acids found in connective tissue, which is naturally rich in type I and type III collagen. Cattle hides share a similar amino acid profile to our own, making them a great source of absorbable collagen.
Bovine collagen also contains higher levels of hydroxyproline, an amino acid linked to muscle recovery and regeneration, as it helps stimulate collagen production in cartilage, skin and joint cells. That’s why we call it a whole-body collagen.
Is it worth taking collagen?
Our modern diets are often lacking because we no longer eat much animal hide or the gristly bits! So people generally take collagen to support their skin, joints, muscles, ligaments, hair, nails and gut health. Collagen powder contains the amino acids proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline (among others). They're the building blocks your fibroblasts need to make new collagen and strengthen these areas of the body.
Is there any nutritional benefit of bovine collagen over marine collagen?
Annoyingly, it's hard to define a clear difference between the two because there are no direct studies comparing them, so even science doesn't give us a concrete direction to guide you. Both marine and bovine are predominantly type I collagen, which makes them equally great for supporting skin. Bovine also contains type III, found in connective tissue, which is why it's sometimes suggested as more ideal for strengthening bodies. We'd rather not stick our neck out in front of the science until it's definitive.So we'd say that the best option is the one that fits your personal preference on taste, sourcing and values, lifestyle and of course how you feel your body responds because both are great.
Who should not take collagen?
Collagen powder is generally well tolerated. However, it’s best to speak to your doctor before taking if you have:
• A history of mental health concerns or are currently taking antidepressants. It has been known to affect serotonin levels in some cases.
• If you have kidney disease or suffer from kidney stones. Collagen will count towards your daily protein intake.
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you’re on any medication or have a medical condition.
Our Skinful collagen range contains fish and traces of shellfish. For more information about the ingredients in our products, please read our Full Allergen Statement.
How long should I take collagen supplements to see results?
Studies have shown between 8 and 12 weeks. However, we’re all very different. Our state of health, diet, medical history, age, ability to absorb different nutrients etc, can all affect how long it takes to ‘feel’ the benefits.
When should I start taking collagen?
Collagen levels don’t start to decline until our mid-twenties. As there’s no approved upper limits for collagen use yet, we suggest the younger generation’s supplement budget might be better spent elsewhere. Omega-3 and vitamin D levels are often low in all age groups in the UK and supplementation is approved as beneficial throughout all stages of life.
When should I take collagen, morning or night?
You’re the boss with this one. As long as you remember to take it daily, your stomach acid will break the collagen down whether you take it morning or night. If your digestion is a bit sluggish, it can help to take it with food.
What is collagen powder made of?
Collagen powder is typically made from animal sources, like bovine (cow), porcine (pig), chicken, or marine (fish) collagen. Ours Skinful collagen is type I and made from sustainable, wild cod skin. Our Fundamental bovine collagen is type I and III and made from Swiss and EU grass-fed cattle.
What are the potential benefits of collagen for gut health?
Bovine collagen powder, or type III, is normally promoted for bone and gut health, along with strong joints.
There are still mixed opinions as to whether selecting specific types of collagen for specific areas is necessary or not. Some people strongly believe it does, whereas others believe if they contain the key amino acids (glycine, proline and hydroxyproline), they will be beneficial throughout the body - as collagen is essentially 'the glue that holds us together'.
Collagen gives structure to all of the body’s tissues, including the lining of the stomach and intestines, suggesting collagen may help the body repair damaged cells in these areas.
What's an amino acid profile and why is it important?
We all know collagen is good for our skin but the real magic lies in the levels of amino acids they contain.
Collagen peptides normally contain around 19 different amino acids, including eight of the nine essential amino acids. The important amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline are the most prevalent in collagen peptides, making up 50% of its total amino acid content - the same amount that's in human skin.
Here are the amino acid profiles for both our Skinful collagen products:
Amino acid profile for Skinful Vitamin C
How many calories in 1 serving
One serving (a dessert spoon or 5g) of Skinful contains just 19 calories.
Is Skinful type I, II or III peptides?
Collagen in the body is either type I, II, or III. Our collagen is type I. Most anti ageing collagen powder supplements for the skin will contain type I, and it’s the type that’s found in large quantities in marine collagen.
What is the protein content?
You can find our nutritional content table here.
Is maltodextrin used in the drying process of your collagen?
No.
Does your collagen contain iodine?
There are no traces of iodine in our Skinful Marine Collagen products.
The fish skin that is used in our production of collagen goes through several cleaning and filtration processes before it ends up as collagen peptides.
Is your collagen suitable for those with histamine issues/mast cell disorder?
The fish skin is mostly frozen within a few hours after the de-skinning process. Some producers don’t have available freezing equipment in place, so the skin is collected in chilling environments before freezing.
The cod skin arrives at the manufacturers in frozen blocks and is then defrosted for a few hours before being turned into collagen. It is a continuous process.
Histamine monitoring tests have been carried out to check if there is a high level of histamine in Skinful powder (high levels are often associated with the effect of long time storing of skin before freezing). Skinful has never had high results that could be attributed to reactions, but we know that, in general, some people experience allergic reactions after collagen intake from both marine and bovine sources.
We strongly advise consulting with a doctor before you consider trying Skinful.
Can I recycle your packaging?
Our collagen tubs are fully recyclable. And all our postal packaging is paper-based, so you can recycle that too.
Collagen Info & Expert Advice
Are you sold on collagen and now wondering about the nitty-gritty of how to take it, the ingredients, which one to choose, and how much to take? Read on for more collagen information or check out our expert tips pages for advice.
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