Collagen Supplements: Hype or Holy Grail? Our Honest Guide
At Bare Beauty, we believe in skincare that works—from the outside in and the inside out. Collagen supplements have taken the beauty world by storm, but are they really worth your money? Here’s our honest take—plus the best UK brands we’ve tried.
I’ve been taking collagen supplements for a couple of years now, and I’m currently trialling both Beauty Pie and Elavate. I originally started with Absolute Collagen, one of the first premium brands on the market, but they’re also the priciest—and since then, plenty of new options have arrived.
Like many people, I wonder whether to stop taking collagen. But honestly, I keep my monthly order going because I notice a difference. Below, you’ll find some of the top products available, with prices correct as of July 2025. Look out for seasonal deals. And when choosing between a liquid shot or a powder, pick a reputable brand without cheap fillers.
What Is Collagen, and Why Does It Matter?
Collagen is the protein that gives your skin its structure, bounce, and firmness. It also keeps your joints supple, your hair thick, and your nails strong.
But here’s the thing: collagen production slows down in your mid-20s, and by your 40s, it declines rapidly—leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, thinning hair, and weaker nails.
That’s where supplements come in. Think of them as a top-up for your skin’s natural scaffolding.
What Should You Look for in a Collagen Supplement?
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Hydrolysed collagen peptides (easier for your body to absorb)
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Types I and III collagen (especially beneficial for skin, hair, and nails)
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Vitamin C (helps your body build collagen and improves its absorption)
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Bonus nutrients like hyaluronic acid, zinc, MSM, and biotin
Our Top Collagen Supplements in the UK
1. Absolute Collagen – Best for Skin & Hair
✅ Marine collagen + Vitamin C
✅ Backed by a 130-person clinical trial
✅ 100% of users reported visible improvements to skin and hair
💷 ~£2.00 per serving
💬 Sachets are convenient, though the taste may take some getting used to.
2. Elavate Collagen – Best for Hair Strength & Joint Support
✅ Marine collagen + hyaluronic acid + Vitamin C + MSM
✅ Designed for beauty and joint flexibility
✅ Clean-tasting powder ideal for smoothies or water
💷 ~£1.30 per serving
💬 Great for people looking for a skin and joint support combo.
3. Beauty Pie Collagen Super Powder – Best Value + Skin Boosters
✅ Marine collagen + hyaluronic acid, biotin, Vitamin C
✅ Clinically shown to improve moisture by 28% in 8 weeks
✅ Natural berry flavour
💷 ~£0.97 per serving (with membership)
💬 A great value option for members—stacked with beauty nutrients.
4. Ancient & Brave True Collagen – Best Clean Bovine Option
✅ Bovine collagen (Types I & III)
✅ RCT-backed for skin, hair, and hydration improvements
✅ Unflavoured, dissolves easily
💷 ~£0.80 per serving
💬 Ideal if you want a simple, pure formula to blend into drinks or food.
5. Vida Glow – Most Luxurious Marine Collagen
✅ Marine collagen + Vitamin C
✅ Favoured by skin professionals & beauty editors
✅ Flavoured or unflavoured sachets
💷 ~£1.30 per serving
💬 Stylish, portable, and backed by glowing reviews.
6. Sixways Wild Marine Collagen – Best for Anti-Ageing
✅ Marine collagen + hyaluronic acid, zinc, and retinol
✅ Raspberry-flavoured powder
✅ Targets elasticity and daily hydration
💷 ~£1.40 per serving
💬 Think of it as your internal serum.
Which One Is Best for You?
| Goal | Recommended Brand |
|---|---|
| Wrinkle reduction & firmness | Absolute Collagen or Beauty Pie |
| Strong hair & nails | Elavate or Beauty Pie |
| Joint support | Elavate |
| Clean formula, no extras | Ancient & Brave |
| Marine-based & luxury feel | Vida Glow or Sixways |
| All-round daily skin boost | Sixways or Beauty Pie |
When Will You See Results?
Most studies show visible changes after 8–12 weeks of daily use. Collagen works gradually—so consistency is key!
Boost Your Results with Bare Beauty Skin Treatments
To really get the glow going, combine your supplement with one of our pro-collagen treatments:
✨ Microneedling – Stimulates natural collagen production
✨ Neogen Plasma – Firms and remodels ageing skin
✨ LED Light Therapy – Soothes, heals, and supports skin structure
Pop in and chat to us about building a treatment plan to suit your skin type and goals.
Final Thoughts from Bare Beauty
At Bare Beauty, we’re all about honest skincare—and collagen supplements are one of the few wellness trends we genuinely recommend. The right one can improve your skin, strengthen your hair and nails, and help you hold onto that youthful bounce a little longer.
As for me? I won’t be giving mine up anytime soon.
Until next time,
Harriet & Deborah
