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We’ve researched and tested the top clean supplements — these are the cleanest collagen powders we’ve found with organic ingredients, third-party testing, and functional additives that are easy to digest.

We’ve often heard of collagen for our health and beauty routines, but what actually is it? Collagen is the protein that supports our skin, bones, cartilage, and even our hair and nails. We lose our body’s natural collagen as we age, starting in our mid 20s.

Enter collagen supplements. Some collagen comes from bovines, fish, and seafood, while others are vegan powder alternatives (not actual collagen, but supplements) that boost our natural collagen production.

What are the benefits of collagen?

Adding collagen to our daily routine offers a myriad of benefits for full body health. Collagen is an essential protein for maintaining skin hydration, elasticity, and helping strengthen and grow our hair and nails. It also is a key component of joint and bone health, helping support bone strength and structure, and reducing joint stiffness and pain. Collagen can even help boost muscle mass and strength! It’s a supplement that’s great to incorporate if you deal with gut issues, as collagen can help repair the gastrointestinal lining for better digestion. With all these benefits and more, collagen supplements are an easy way to help improve our collagen production. 

What should you look for in a collagen powder?

There are a couple of things to consider before purchasing a collagen supplement. Check to see if the collagen supplement you’re interested in is hydrolyzed (also called collagen peptides); this means the collagen is broken down into smaller particles making it easier for your body to absorb. The ingredient list of the collagen powder should also be free of unnecessary fillers, artificial flavors, or sweeteners. It’s also a bonus if it’s sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, or wild-caught animals for a cleaner, higher quality product. If you’re looking for additional benefits, some powders include extras like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or probiotics to boost absorption and overall skin, joint, or gut health. Lastly, opt for a brand that’s transparent about testing and certifications to ensure you’re getting a safe, effective product.

We’d like to also note the recent findings about deforestation that are linked to the increase in popularity for collagen in supplements and beauty products. Brands such as WelleCo and just björn use collagen that’s sustainably sourced from wild-caught fish skin, while vegan brands like GOLDE offer great sustainable options. Whichever you prefer, there are clean collagen options out there for you! 

Our criteria:

We’ve researched, tested, and corresponded with the best brands making clean collagen powders. After vetting thousands of customer reviews, we’ve selected our favorites that are organic, third-party tested, and contain additional functional ingredients, too. We revisit this list to add emerging favorites that meet the following criteria:

  • CLEAN INGREDIENTS | Each of these collagen powders is ethically sourced and comes from grass-fed bovines and sustainably-sourced fish, with vegan and organic whole food options in the mix.
  • THIRD-PARTY TESTED | These brands all perform third-party testing to ensure you’re not getting any harmful or unnecessary additives.
  • FUNCTIONAL ADD-ONS | Many of the options on this list include additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to further support skin health.
  • DIGESTIBILITY | You’ll see options that include digestive enzymes, l-glutamine, and other other gut boosting benefits for sensitive stomachs and better absorption.

Whether you add it to your morning coffee or afternoon smoothie, your body will love this healthy diet addition. For even more supplements to nourish your skin from within, check out our favorite clean probiotics, fiber supplements, and multivitamins.


Best Overall | Best Vegan | Best Capsule


1. Needed

1% for the planet
American made
B corp
Climate neutral
Gluten free
Grass fed
Subscriptions available
Third party tested
Woman owned

Best For | Pre & postnatal collagen
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed, pasture-raised, hormone-free bovine collagen
Flavors Available | Unflavored
Price | $50 for 16 oz; discounted subscriptions available

If you’re an expecting mama (or hoping to be!), look no further than Needed’s Collagen Protein. This editor-approved powder is made specifically for pre- and postpartum to support pelvic floor tissue, postpartum hair, and more. Needed ethically sources its hydrolyzed collagen from hormone-free bovines, and each batch is third-party tested for safety and efficacy. Not only is it good for you (and baby), but for the planet too: Needed is climate-neutral, a certified B Corp, and gives back to environmental initiatives.

Customer Review | “This collagen mixes well into my hot herbal tea or even into a glass of water! I value being able to easily get in half a meal’s worth of protein in a drink.” – Haleigh K. (Read all reviews.)


2. Thrive Market

B corp
Budget friendly
Dairy free
Gluten free
Grass fed
Recycled materials
Subscriptions available

Best For | Non-GMO collagen
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed & pasture-raised bovine collagen peptides
Flavors Available | Unflavored, mocha caramel, chocolate, vanilla, matcha mint
Price | $26 for 20 oz

Thrive Market is your one-stop shop for sustainable, organic, and natural products, including its beloved collagen peptides. This unflavored formula is sourced from pasture-raised cows in South America and is free of GMOs, added sugars, or synthetic hormones. This certified B Corp will send your shipment via carbon-neutral packaging. Get ready for a (grass-fed) glow.

Customer Review | “This is one of the best collagen powders I have tried that is more affordable than comparable products anywhere else. It mixes well with my morning coffee and doesn’t leave a “gelatin” feeling or taste in your mouth that I have found with other collagen powders. My skin greatly improved with this as well. No more breakouts.” – Anonymous (Read all reviews.)


3. WelleCo

Dairy free
Gluten free
Recycled materials
Small business
Soy free
Subscriptions available
Woman owned

Best For | Marine collagen
Clean Ingredients | Hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides, vitamin C, beet root juice powder, digestive enzymes, hyaluronic acid
Flavors Available | Unflavored
Price | $60 for 4.2oz; discounted subscriptions available

Welleco isn’t your typical collagen supplement. This revitalizing blend sources marine collagen from sustainably sourced wild-caught fish skin (a by-product that would typically be disposed of), and amplifies it with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C from to create their skin-enhancing elixir. Just two teaspoons a day helps support skin hydration and integrity. You’ll love that it has no fishy aftertaste and added digestive enzymes for a happy gut!

Customer Review | “I absolutely love WelleCo elixir. I suffer from [rosacea] and can flare up after weekend indulging! With this elixir my skin clears, the redness and dryness disappears!. I feel great too! Thanks WelleCo” – Lauren P. (Read all reviews.)


4. Momentous

Gluten free
Grass fed
Subscriptions available

Best For | Muscle recovery
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed collagen peptides, vitamin C, sodium
Flavors Available | Unflavored
Price | $52 for 1.12 lb; discounted subscriptions available

Momentous‘ Collagen Peptides are a fantastic addition to your routine, especially if you’re an athlete or dabble in resistance training. Each serving is packed with 10 grams of grass-fed bovine collagen and 5 grams of FORTIGEL® (a clinically researched collagen peptide source designed to promote collagen synthesis in tendons and ligaments). Vitamin C is also included in the formula to support stronger collagen formation. This supplement supports soft tissue repair, aids muscle recovery, and enhances joint mobility, so you can bounce back faster and perform at your best.

Customer Review | “I suffer from crackly joints from years of hiking, running, lifting weights, and am amazed that after one day of using your collagen protein in my morning coffee, my ankles made hardly a cracking noise going down to the kitchen the next morning, and every morning since. A wonderful daily supplement!” – Cheryl L. (Read all reviews.)


5. mindbodygreen

American made
Dairy free
Family owned
Gluten free
Grass fed
Recycled materials
Soy free
Subscriptions available
Third party tested

Best For | Beauty & gut health
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed bovine collagen peptides, vegan hyaluronic acid, vitamins C & E, biotin, L-glutamine
Flavors Available | Unflavored, chocolate
Price | $70 for 16.9 oz; discounted subscriptions available

For a powerful daily supplement that can do it all, we like mindbodygreen’s sugar-free beauty & gut collagen+. Not only does this formula include two types of collagen from grass-fed bovines, but it also includes extra nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactives, too. The result? Better skin hydration, stronger hair, and healthier intestinal lining. Pro tip: Use the unflavored supplement for cooking and baking, and the chocolate supplement for added flavor to drinks and oats. Yum!

Customer Review | “My hair is shiny as ever, my skin feels more hydrated and firm, and my nails are strong.” – Maggie M, Registered Dietician (Read all reviews.)


6. GOLDE

BIPOC Owned
Budget friendly
Cruelty free
Gluten free
Subscriptions available
Vegan
Woman owned

Best For | Vegan collagen creamer
Clean Ingredients | Coconut milk powder, bamboo extract, hyaluronic acid, biotin, organic vanilla flavor, monk fruit extract
Flavors Available | Vanilla cream
Price | $32 for 7.94 oz; available at Ulta; discounted subscriptions available

GOLDE crafts plant-based superfood blends and formulas that support our best selves. Its Coconut Collagen Boost supplements our body’s own natural collagen production, using vegan biotin, coconut powder, and bamboo extract. With a subtle vanilla and coconut taste, it’s a great addition to your smoothie, latte, or morning oats without being overpowering. Support this Black woman-owned, sustainable, and cruelty-free brand, and enjoy the benefits both inside and out.

Customer Review | “I absolutely love my collagen boost. I add it to my morning matcha latte and it gives it a smoother taste. I’ve been adding it for about 2 years and now I can’t make my matcha without it. A great way to get collagen with a great taste.” – Crystal W. (Read all reviews.)


7. Live Conscious

American made
Dairy free
Gluten free
Grass fed
Plant trees
Soy free
Subscriptions available
Third party tested

Best For | Bioavailable collagen
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed, pasture-raised & hormone-free hydrolyzed bovine collagen
Flavors Available | Unflavored, chocolate, peach mango
Price | $50 for 16 oz; discounted subscriptions available

Live Conscious’s Collagen Peptides is the brand’s best-selling product — and we can see why! With over 1 million pouches sold, this non-GMO and preservative-free peptide powder contains 19 bioavailable amino acids and dissolves easily in your drink of choice. It also contains type I & III hydrolyzed collagen, from grass-fed and pasture-raised grade A bovine for the best hair, skin, and joint support. Live Conscious follows stringent quality control practices, with each item third-party tested and manufactured in the USA for the highest quality supplement. 

Customer Review | “I’ve been taking this supplement for about 10 months and the hair growth I’ve noticed is insane. It seems to be growing at twice the rate as before and several family/friends have noticed. It’s also helping to grow back my eyebrows. Definitely worth the investment.” – Sarah (Read all reviews.)


8. just björn

Dairy free
Gives back
Gluten free
Recycled materials
Small business
Soy free
Subscriptions available

Best For | Digestion & recovery 
Clean Ingredients | Marine collagen, vitamin C, calcium, hyaluronic acid, amino acids
Flavors Available | Unflavored
Price | $55 for 11.5 oz; discounted subscriptions available

Founded by Björn Skulason, just björn is a Nordic marine collagen supplement developed to support and protect the production of critical proteins in the body. Natural collagen production tends to start depleting once we hit our mid-twenties and can rapidly decline further as we get older — and this is where just björn comes in. Made with minimal key ingredients, including 20 amino acids and 10g of protein per serving, your skin, gut, and ligaments are well supported with this potent formula. just björn exclusively uses ethically sourced and wild-caught cod skin, helping to lessen the strain that traditional bovine collagen has on our environment. 

Customer Review | “We started adding Just Bjorn to our morning routine 6 months ago and have noticed not only stronger nails, healthier skin and hair but more importantly less joint pain and improved digestion. Whether at home or traveling we always have our Just Bjorn with us. We have subscribed to the automatic monthly” – Nancy (Read all reviews.)


9. The Nue Co.

1% for the planet
B corp
BIPOC Owned
Cruelty free
Eco friendly packaging
FSC
Recycled materials
Subscriptions available
Third party tested
Woman owned

Best For | Dry skin
Clean Ingredients | Hydrolyzed collagen, proprietary blend of aloe leaf powder, grape seed extract & hyaluronic acid serum, ceramosides wheat seed extract, astaxanthin
Flavors Available | Unflavored
Price | $45 for 30 capsules; discounted subscriptions available

The Nue Co. understands how important our gut health is — and how connected our own bodies are to Mother Earth. That’s why the team develops ethical and sustainable supplements that benefit both people and the planet. If you’re turning to collagen for clearer, more hydrated skin, then you’ll love The Nue Co.’s Skin Hydrator. Each capsule contains a mix of hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen, astaxanthin (an antioxidant from microalgae), and a proprietary blend that gets right to work. Take one dose every morning with breakfast and expect results in just a few weeks.

Customer Review | “I have been taking Skin Hydrator for over a month and have seen great results. My skin looks and feels refreshed, hydrated and younger. My skin has been clear of ANY breakouts. I am looking and feeling fantastic.” – Marc D. (Read all reviews.)


Featured image from mindbodygreen