I’m nearing my mid-30s, so naturally, my ultimate beauty goal is to maintain plump, radiant skin. The harsh truth we all face is that our body’s collagen production declines with age, and lifestyle factors like sun exposure, smoking and alcohol consumption can fast-track its breakdown.
To keep visible signs of ageing at bay, I try stick to a protein-rich diet to support collagen production, apply SPF every morning, and lather on a retinol serum at night. I also stir a liquid collagen supplement into my morning coffee. While there’s some debate about the effectiveness of ingestible beauty, I’ve witnessed first-hand results, especially regarding post-partum hair growth.
Although further clinical research is needed to understand the extent of collagen supplementation, some studies suggest promising results. In 2023, a systematic review of 26 trials published in Nutrients found that taking hydrolysed collagen for eight weeks improved skin hydration and elasticity. Similarly, in 2024, a clinical trial published in Dermatology Research and Practice showed that combining hydrolysed collagen with vitamin C over 12 weeks enhanced skin hydration, elasticity, and hair growth.
Curious about trying a collagen supplement yourself? Whether you prefer powders, liquid sachets, tablets or gummies, here’s a list of standout picks to unleash your inner glow.
2025’s TOP COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS
- The best tasting, high-dosage collagen powder (here’s why)
- The best tasteless collagen powder (here’s why)
- The best flavourless collagen sachets (here’s why)
- The best collagen tablets (here’s why)
The best collagen supplements NZ
01
Strawberry Watermelon Collagen Powder
$89 at The Collagen Co.
Best for: Enjoying a delicious-tasting drink with beauty-boosting benefits
Quench your thirst with this refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Collagen Powder from The Collagen Co. Packed with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and biotin, its potent hydrolyzed collagen peptides formula supports hydrated, clearer skin, promotes hair growth, and strengthens brittle nails.
Boasting a whopping 15,000mg of collagen per serving, the powder is designed for rapid absorption. Simply mix two heaped scoops with 400ml of hot or cold water, or blend into your favourite smoothie. For quicker results, take two servings daily.
The delicious range also includes Mixed Berry, Passionfruit Mango, Purple Grape and unflavoured options. Plus, you can sign up for a subscription for 20% off your recurring deliveries.
Collagen types: I, II, and III
Collagen source: Bovine
Collagen dosage per serving: 15,000mg
Key features:
- Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free
- No artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners
- Less than 1g sugar per serving
02
Miracle Collagen
From $56 at Imbibe
Best for: A tasteless collagen powder for use in cold or hot drinks
Imbibe’s tasteless, odourless collagen powder is easily stirred into cold or hot drinks. Ethically sourced, it’s also third-party tested to ensure it’s free from contaminants, heavy metals and unnecessary additives.
The Byron Bay brand conducted a 6-week consumer study on the Miracle Collagen with 14 women aged 18-64. 86% noticed an improvement in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, and 100% noticed an improvement in their skin’s hydration.
Collagen types: I
Collagen source: Bovine
Collagen dosage per serving: 5000 mgs
Key features:
- Clean, sustainably sourced collagen
- Non-GMO certified
- Made in Australia
03
Pro Collagen+
$106.79 at Vida Glow
Best for: Convenient sachets that deliver hydrated, glowing skin
Vida Glow’s Pro Collagen+ sets the gold standard in premium ingestible beauty. Each serving contains 2500mg of hydrolysed marine collagen tripeptides alongside hyaluronic acid for hydrated skin.
The Sydney-based brand undertook a 12-week consumer trial featuring 21 women aged 25-75 who were new to collagen supplements or had not taken them consistently. The trial found that consistent use of Pro Collagen+ over 12 weeks led to improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and a reduction in fine lines.
Incorporating Pro Collagen+ into your daily routine is effortless. Mix one powder sachet into a glass of water each day. For lasting, transformative results, long-term use is key.
Collagen type: I
Collagen source: Marine (responsibly sourced fish skin)
Collagen dosage per serving: 2500mg
Key features:
- Heat-stable for use in hot drinks
- Includes 30 sachets per box
- Subscription delivery options available
Available at:
- $106.79 at Vida Glow
- $110 at Adore Beauty
- $110 at Sephora
- $122.80 at The Iconic
- $134.67 at Revolve
04
NeoCell Grassfed Collagen Peptides + Vitamin C
From $28.27 (usually $31.41) at iHerb
Best for: A quick way to supplement collagen with Vitamin C for rapid absorption
Packed with vitamin C for an added collagen boost, these NeoCell capsules are easy to swallow. They are highly rated by wellness marketplace iHerb’s customers, who report healthier, glowing skin and longer hair. For best results, take three capsules day and night.
Collagen types: I and III
Collagen source: Bovine
Collagen dosage per serving: 6000mg
Key features:
- Available in bottles of 120 or 250 capsules
- Gluten-free and free from soy, wheat, and lactose
- Includes vitamin C for added collagen-boosting benefits
Available at:
- From $28.27 at iHerb
- From $25 at NeoCell
- From $38 at HealthPost (Collagen, Vitamin C and Biotin)
05
Daily Beauty Berry
$34.74 at Mister Jones
Best for: Vegans and vegetarians seeking better digestion and improved energy levels
Formulated by naturopaths, this berry-flavoured, plant-based collagen powder offers more than just glowing skin and hair. Added prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and organic quinoa sprouts support gut health, alleviate bloating, and improve energy levels.
Collagen source: Plant-based (includes proline, glycine and lysine)
Key features:
- Vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free
- Mix one scoop with 250ml of water; for best results, use twice daily
- Subscription delivery options available
Available at:
- $34.74 from Mister Jones
- $33.47 from Nzsale
- $34.76 from Kogan
06
Super Beauty Greens
$75 at The Collagen Co
Best for: A delicious-tasting smoothie greens powder with added beauty benefits
Formulated to promote beauty, digestion, and energy, this collagen greens powder is a smoothie game-changer for beating that afternoon slump.
The top-selling flavour is strawberry, alongside tropical punch and apple blackcurrant. But if you desire something more decadent, there’s also a Collagen Dream hot chocolate, best taken at bedtime for a deep sleep.
Collagen types: I, II, and III
Collagen source: Bovine
Collagen dosage per serving: 5000mg
Key features:
- Add two scoops to hot or cold liquids
- Free from gluten, dairy, and soy
07
Radiance Collagen Beauty Gummies
$17.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Best for: A tasty, chewable alternative to collagen capsules
Don’t like swallowing tablets or can’t be bothered adding collagen powder to your drinks? These tropical-flavoured collagen gummies make supplementation simple and tasty. If the idea of capsules or powders doesn’t appeal, this low-sugar alternative could be your saving grace.
Collagen types: I and III
Collagen source: Bovine
Collagen dosage per serving: 1360mg (two gummies)
Key features:
- Take two gummies daily
- Gluten and dairy-free
- 99% sugar-free
Available at:
- $17.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $29.99 from New World
- $38.20 from HealthPost
08
Dose & Co Collagen Protein Powder
$35.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Best for: Fitness enthusiasts working on building lean muscle
For those who love working out, Dose & Co offers a collagen protein powder that’s gentle on the stomach and supports lean muscle development. Add it to your smoothies, coffee, or even baked treats for a nourishing snack.
Collagen types: I & III
Collagen source: Bovine
Collagen dosage per serving: 1000mg
Key features:
- Free from gluten, eggs, and nuts
- Keto-friendly formulation
Available at:
- $35.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $39.99 from New World
What is the best age to start taking collagen?
Collagen supplements are suitable for all age groups based on individual needs, although you should consult with a medical professional before starting. In your 20s, collagen can support active lifestyles and maintain skin hydration. By your 30s and 40s, it can help address early signs of ageing and promote skin elasticity and joint health. For those in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, collagen may help combat fine lines and support overall skin health.
What are the benefits of taking collagen supplements?
If your diet lacks sufficient collagen-rich foods, adding a collagen supplement may provide several health and beauty benefits. These include improving skin elasticity as well as promoting stronger hair and nails.
There are three primary types of collagen, each delivering unique benefits:
- Type I: This type is ideal for skin, hair, nails, bones, and tendons, making it the top choice for promoting overall skin health. Sourced from bovine and marine collagen, it’s the most abundant type in the human body.
- Type II: Found in cartilage, Type II collagen focuses on joint health and mobility. It’s commonly derived from sources such as chicken and bone broth.
- Type III: Often used alongside Type I, this type enhances skin elasticity, supports gut health, and is typically sourced from bovine collagen.
Where can I find the best, top-rated collagen supplements in NZ?
When choosing a collagen supplement, consider the type of collagen, dosage, and format that best aligns with your health goals.
If your focus is on skin hydration, longer hair, and stronger nails, opt for a high-strength product, such as The Collagen Co.’s Collagen Powder, which also includes hyaluronic acid for additional beauty benefits.
For gut health and energy, choose a collagen supplement enriched with prebiotics and probiotics, like Mister Jones’ Daily Beauty Berry.
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- Everything you need to know about superstar skincare ingredient retinol
- The winter supplements exoerts say we should actually be taking
