There’s a buzz about collagen drinks and supplements both offline and online. Some people, including celebrities, claim they benefit their skin, hair, and nails. An article from Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, cited a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, which found that people who used collagen supplements “saw an improvement in the firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin, with wrinkles appearing less noticeable.”
With that scientific backing from a reputable source, we tried several collagen supplements on the market. Here are the results.
Smarter Dose Collagen 5
This could be our favorite of all the collagen powder drinks we've tried. It is made with marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and rice ceramide. All these ingredients are known for improving skin conditions by providing moisture, strengthening skin barriers, and boosting body immunity.
We didn’t necessarily witness skin firmness and elasticity. However, our favorite part of trying this product is that it helped us sleep better at night. Additionally, unlike other collagen powders with an antibiotic or paracetamol aftertaste (remember that liquid paracetamol our moms used to shake before giving to us?), this one tastes like sweet, powdered milk on its own. Mixing it with drinks like milk, coffee, or tea is recommended, but if you’re taking it at night, it’s best not to mix it with coffee.
Dear Face Beauty Milk
This product delivers without breaking the bank, and even actress Andrea Brillantes swears by it. The brand claims that it is made with premium Japanese collagen, formulated with ceramide, glutathione, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics. After a month of use, we noticed improved sleep quality at night (which used to be a challenge), and it comes in different delicious flavors without the antibiotic aftertaste.
Trizie Naked Collagen
This product has received many positive reviews online. Made with vitamin C, blueberry extract, acerola extract, and white collagen, it promises to reduce dark spots, brighten, and smooth the skin within 28 days. We tried the starter pack with 12 sachets, so we couldn’t see the full 28-day results, but within 12 days, we noticed our face lightening up slightly. The only downside mentioned was its strong taste, which may appeal to those who enjoy a robust berry flavor.
Love Luxe Beauty Drinks
This one comes in different flavors like cucumber, chocolate, and coffee and has glutathione and collagen. This could be your go-to if you’re into flavored collagen drinks. But if you have a sensitive gut or acid reflux, you might want to take it slowly at first to test it, until your body gets used to it.
LAC Rejuvenate Premium Collagen
This is the most expensive item on this list, and we honestly haven’t tried it. However, this brand earns a good reputation for its products. According to its website, it contains 13,000mg of low molecular weight collagen, making it one of the highest potency collagen drinks in the market today. Drinking a bottle daily can purportedly plump up fine lines and wrinkles, lift and tighten sagging skin, and provide hydration. So, if you have the budget, you can consider trying it.
Our three-month journey of trying different collagen brands has been fun and adventurous. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for collagen products; what works for us might not work for others. Therefore, the best way to start a collagen drink journey is to consult with a physician first.
“Consult your doctor before starting any new supplements," the Harvard article said. "People who are prone to gout or have other medical conditions that require them to limit protein should not use collagen supplements or drinks.”