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Short answer
Most collagen trials in women aged 35 to 65 used 2.5 g to 5 g a day of a specific collagen peptide for 8 to 12 weeks and measured skin outcomes; one 12-month trial measured bone density. Use those amounts to check a label, not as a personal dose. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials (1,125 participants, 95% women) reported improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkles with hydrolyzed collagen compared with placebo.
The trials in women
| Study | Daily amount | Participants | Duration | Measured |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2014 | 2.5 g or 5 g a day | 69 women aged 35–55 | 8 weeks | skin elasticity (both amounts improved vs. placebo) |
| Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2014 | 2.5 g a day | 114 women aged 45–65 | 8 weeks | eye wrinkle volume and skin procollagen |
| Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2021 | 1 g or 5 g a day | 99 women aged 35–50 | 12 weeks | skin hydration |
| Nutrients, 2019 | 2.5 g (in a drink with vitamins and zinc) a day | 72 women aged 35 and over | 12 weeks | skin hydration, elasticity, roughness and density |
| Nutrients, 2018 | 5 g a day | 131 postmenopausal women with reduced bone density | 12 months | bone mineral density |
Each trial tested a specific collagen preparation, not the products on this page. Links open the PubMed record.
How to check a label against the studies
- Find collagen grams per serving, not scoop weight.
- Note whether the trial used a branded peptide. Several did; a generic product is a different preparation.
- Check sources and allergens, especially fish and egg in blends.
- Check added ingredients. 8 products in our collection list biotin, and the FDA notes that biotin can interfere with some lab tests. Tell your doctor before blood work.
Products with at least 2.5 g per serving
The lowest amount used in the skin trials above, ranked by cost per 10 g of collagen.
| Product | Collagen / serving | Serving size | Per 10 g collagen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codeage Multi Collagen Protein Powder Large | 9 g | 1 scoop (about 9 g) | $0.71 |
| BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides | 20 g | 1 Scoop (20g) | $0.71 |
| Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Powder Large Vanilla | 9 g | 1 scoop (9.5 g) | $0.88 |
| Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides - Unflavored (no affiliate link) | 20 g | 4 tbsp (20 g) | $0.96 |
| Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Powder + Probiotics Black Edition Large | 10 g | 1 scoop (about 10 g) | $1.00 |
| Codeage Collagen Vitamin C+ | 20 g | 1 scoop (about 20.25 g) | $1.07 |
| Codeage Liposomal Collagen Peptides+ | 14 g | 1 scoop (about 14.15 g) | $1.07 |
| Codeage Multi Collagen Protein Powder | 9 g | 1 scoop (about 9 g) | $1.19 |
| Codeage Wild Caught Marine Collagen Peptides Powder | 9 g | 1 scoop (about 9 g) | $1.22 |
| Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Powder + Probiotics Black Edition | 10 g | 1 scoop (about 10 g) | $1.23 |
| Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Powder Platinum | 10 g | 1 scoop (about 10.87 g) | $1.33 |
| Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Chocolate Powder | 10 g | 1 scoop (about 17.16 g) | $1.67 |
Manufacturer figures and one-time prices checked November 3, 2026. How we calculate this.
See the full powder ranking or capsules.
Sources and method
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2014 (PMID 23949208)
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2014 (PMID 24401291)
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2021 (PMID 33774639)
- Nutrients, 2019 (PMID 31627309)
- Nutrients, 2018 (PMID 29337906)
- Meta-analysis of hydrolyzed collagen and skin, 2021 (PMID 33742704)
Label figures and prices are from each manufacturer’s product page, checked November 3, 2026. We have not tested these products. For personal suitability, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or have a fish or egg allergy, consult a qualified health professional.