Do Collagen Supplements Even Work? A Holistic Plastic Surgeon Weighs In

Collagen supplementation is a burgeoning area of research, which means it comes with a truckload of clashing opinions. Some say collagen is simply not worth the hype; others swear it's the only thing that helped their skin appear smooth and plump.* Both camps remain loyal to their position, but Anthony Youn, M.D., is here to put the debate to bed. 

"They definitely work, and so I do recommend [collagen] as a supplement," he shares on the mindbodygreen podcast. Here, he dives into the research behind collagen supplements, specifically with skin health in mind.

"Traditional doctors will tell you that when you ingest collagen, your stomach acids will break it down, and it doesn't do anything. People say that many, many times and comment on some of my videos," Youn says regarding his popular TikTok page. "But there are studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals that do show that people who do take collagen supplements have an increase in the collagen content of their skin. And this is a direct correlation of ingesting collagen supplements."* 

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides, in particular, have been shown to help promote the body's natural production of collagen1 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin.* That hydrolyzed distinction is important since research shows that hydrolyzed collagen peptides are absorbed more easily2 by your bloodstream and body than normal-sized collagen molecules.*

"There are also studies that do show that people who take collagen supplements do appear to have skin that is more hydrated, has less wrinkles, and looks more youthful,"* notes Youn. Again, we have research to back up the claim: In 2019, the J Drugs Dermatol published a review of oral collagen's effects on the skin, showing that collagen peptides3 will support skin elasticity and hydration levels and promote youthful texture4.*

And as mbg's vice president of scientific affairs Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, once told us regarding collagen's efficacy: "When there are enough clinicals to compile them in a systematic review or meta-analysis5, that's definitely a sign that a certain bioactive or nutritional component has a noteworthy breadth of clinical evidence." Ferira goes on to say that, "the pervasive myth that collagen 'doesn't work' or has no science behind it is utter nonsense. The people saying that must not spend much time in PubMed like us scientists and health care practitioners do."

The science-backed benefits of collagen of course assume you choose a collagen supplement with a high-quality formula and a clinically backed dose. Not all collagen supplements are created equal, and a less-than-stellar formula can absolutely affect the efficacy. That said, make sure you do find a supplement that features hydrolyzed collagen peptides since those are broken down first and are easier for our bodies to absorb. 

In terms of sourcing, it will likely depend on your dietary needs and lifestyle (i.e., those who follow a pescatarian diet might want to select a supplement with marine collagen), but generally, we prefer a grass-fed bovine collagen supplement. These typically contain collagen types I and III6, two types of collagen that are widespread in the human collagen network and, thus, vital in promoting overall health.*

Do collagen supplements work? Yes they do, and they have some robust research to back up their benefits. Just make sure you select a clean, high-quality formula with clinically backed ingredients and dosage—and if you need help whittling down your cart, check out our list of stellar collagen powders.