The stir-anywhere one
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides (bovine)
Dissolves easily in hot or cold drinks, and it's the most studied form.
Good for: Skin · Easy to take
What variations of collagen peptides exist?
A protein broken into small pieces so it digests easily. It supplies the building blocks for skin, joints, and connective tissue. It comes in 4 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The stir-anywhere one
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides (bovine)
Dissolves easily in hot or cold drinks, and it's the most studied form.
Good for: Skin · Easy to take
The fish one
Marine collagen peptides
Made from fish. A good choice if you avoid beef or pork.
The cooking one
Gelatin
The same protein, less broken down. It gels in liquid, so it's better for cooking.
Usually skip
- No collagen inside ('Vegan collagen' or 'collagen boosters')Contain no collagen. They give you nutrients like vitamin C instead.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Hydrolyzed collagen peptides' on the label (the stir-anywhere one)
Watch out for
- No outside testing for heavy metals
- Added sugar, sweeteners, or flavors in a product meant for daily use
- Sold as a complete protein. Collagen is missing one essential building block.
Check with your provider first if…
- Fish or shellfish allergy (marine collagen)
- Egg allergy, since some blends include eggshell membrane
- Kidney disease or a protein-restricted diet
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
In Dr. Lesher's store
One product in Dr. Lesher's dispensary has collagen peptides. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Designs for Health
Whole Beauty Collagen Powder
5,000 mg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.