Which collagen to choose? The complete guide to types of collagen

Collagen is an essential structural protein found in the connective tissues of animals, including humans. It is our most abundant protein, making up around 30% of the total protein in the human body. Here are some key facts about collagen:

Using collagen in your skincare routine has a number of benefits for your skin and overall health, particularly when it comes to ageing and improving the appearance of your skin. Here are the main reasons to include collagen in your skincare routine:

Before we distinguish between the different sources of collagen in supplements, let's look at the types of collagen naturally present in our bodies.

Collagen is a large fibrous protein that plays a key role in the health of our skin, bones, tendons, blood vessels and many other connective tissues.

There are currently 28 known collagens, 12 of which are found in the skin. Depending on their structure, size and role, these different collagens perform different functions in the body and are classified into several types. The most abundant in the human body are collagen types 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Collagen forms the basis of our connective tissues, including bones, skin, tendons and cartilage. It is even found in the corneas of our eyes, our gums and our internal organs, as well as in the brain. It plays a key role in cell adhesion and communication between keratinocytes and, therefore, in the overall cohesion of the epidermis. Collagen has both structural and biological properties, giving the skin cohesion, resistance, firmness and smoothness.

To compensate for the drop linked to skin ageing and to help boost collagen levels in the body, there are several types of collagen food supplements.

While collagen has traditionally been extracted from animal sources, research and changing ethical preferences have led to the emergence of new sources in response to the diverse needs and concerns.

Marine collagen is mainly extracted from fish scales and bones. It is often prized for its good assimilation by the body, due to its structure, which is similar to human collagen. This supplement is made from small molecular collagen peptides and is a valuable ally for skin, hair and nail health. For those avoiding products derived from beef or pork, marine collagen is a good option.

This type of collagen often comes from green sources, such as recycled fish or aquaculture products. Aroma-Zone marine collagen powder is Friend of the Sea certified, a label guaranteeing responsible and sustainable aquaculture.

Would you like to discover the benefits of marine collagen? Watch the replay of our webinar on the subject and take advantage of our experts' advice!

Bovine collagen comes from the marrow, bones and cartilage of cattle. Due to its richness in type I and III collagen, beef collagen has traditionally been used as a food supplement for athletes and to combat skin ageing.

Finally, let's talk about plant collagen. In reality, plants do not contain collagen as such. Nevertheless, some products are given this name because they contain a combination of ingredients designed to stimulate the body's natural collagen production. These formulations may include plant extracts, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These plant-based alternatives often contain vitamin C and glycine, two essential co-factors in natural collagen synthesis. This type of vegan collagen offers an option for those who avoid all animal products, while providing additional benefits thanks to their richness in nutrients.

As well as the different sources of collagen, there are different forms of collagen in food supplements, each with its own specific characteristics and benefits. To understand the different ways in which collagen can be presented, it is useful to look at two popular forms of supplementation: collagen peptides and hydrolysed collagen.

Collagen peptides are actually fragments of collagen proteins. They are a result of collagen molecules breaking down into smaller pieces. These peptides are more easily absorbed by the body because of their smaller size. Assimilated into the bloodstream after passing through the intestinal mucosa, these amino acids can act as messengers at a cellular level and trigger new collagen synthesis. This form of collagen is commonly used in food supplements, either in powder or capsule form, as well as in cosmetic products for its beneficial effects on the skin, hair, nails and joints.

Hydrolysed collagen is a form of collagen that has undergone a hydrolysis process, i.e. it has been broken down into smaller particles for better assimilation by the body. Technically, collagen peptides are a type of hydrolysed collagen, as they are derived from the same process. However, in everyday language and on the market, when we talk about hydrolysed collagen, we are often referring to a specific formula that has been treated to be soluble in cold water. It sometimes has a different molecular size to collagen peptides.

To date, there are 28 types of collagen identified in the human body, but some of them are more prevalent depending on their presence and function within the body. Here, we look at the most commonly mentioned types: type I collagen and type II collagen.

Type I collagen: this is the most abundant type of collagen in our bodies. It is found mainly in the skin, bones, tendons, connective tissue and cornea. Its main characteristic is its high resistance to stretching. It gives the skin its tone and firmness. As we age, production of native type 1 collagen declines, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin and reduced bone density. Many supplements and cosmetic products containing collagen specifically target type 1 because of its benefits for the skin and hair.

Type II collagen: this type of collagen is mainly concentrated in cartilage. It plays an essential role in joint health and is commonly used in supplement form to relieve joint pain or improve overall well-being in osteoarthritis cases. Unlike type 1 collagen, type 2 collagen is less elastic, but it is essential for joint strength and flexibility. When we talk about supplements for joint health, we often refer to type 2 collagen.

Although these two types of collagen are among the most common, it's important to mention that there are other types, each with its own specific characteristics and functions. For example, type 3 collagen is often associated with type 1 and is found in the same structures, while type 4 is essential for certain layers of the skin, eyes and kidneys.

Which collagen food supplement should you choose from the wide range of supplements on offer? What is the best collagen for the skin? Should you choose type 1 or type 2 collagen? Powder or capsule form? These are just some of the questions you might ask before choosing the best collagen for you.

Collagen food supplements, designed to improve skin elasticity or joint comfort, are now available in various forms to suit individual needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a discreet solution to mix into your drinks or a more elaborate product for a targeted beauty routine, marine collagen offers a variety of options. Let's take a closer look at these different formulations to determine which one best suits your daily routine.

Prized for its bioavailability, marine collagen is often used in food supplements in powder form. Thanks to a process called hydrolysis, marine collagen becomes more absorbable by our bodies. These are known as marine collagen peptides. The low molecular weight of collagen peptides makes them easier to absorb from the intestinal mucosa. Clinical studies have shown that this form of collagen provides greater benefit from the overall action of collagen supplements. Incorporating marine collagen powder into our meals, a glass of water or a hot drink provides you with a collagen supplement that is beneficial for the skin, hair, nails and joints.

To promote healthy, youthful skin, type I collagen is generally recommended. It makes up the majority of collagen present in the skin, ensuring its firmness, elasticity and hydration. To reap the benefits of type I collagen for the skin, food supplements in powder or capsule form are the most commonly used. Creams and serums containing collagen can also be applied locally to target the skin.

Type II collagen is essential for maintaining bone strength and density. It is mainly found in cartilage, tendons and ligaments, contributing to healthy joints and bones. Food supplements containing type II collagen, often derived from chicken or beef cartilage, are recommended to support bone and joint health. These supplements can be found in powder or capsule form for optimal absorption.

Joints mainly need type II collagen to maintain their flexibility and mobility. This type of collagen is found in joint cartilage, where it helps to maintain elasticity and reduce friction between bones. Type II collagen supplements are recommended to support joint health and prevent cartilage wear. They are available in powder or capsule form for convenient and effective use.

Discover our selection of collagen-based skincare products.