Collagen is the behind-the-scenes protein that keeps your body running like a well-oiled (and well-moisturized) machine. Collagen isn’t just a trendy ingredient making cameos in skincare ads; it’s the most abundant protein in your body! You’ll find it in your skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, and gut lining.¹⁻² Think of it as the structural glue that holds everything together and keeps things feeling smooth and firm.

Why Collagen Is Especially Important For Women

So, why all the collagen buzz in women’s wellness spaces? Well, collagen is composed of amino acids (primarily glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) that contribute to the structural integrity of connective tissues throughout the body.¹ For women, natural collagen declines with age, especially during and after menopause.¹ This slowdown is closely tied to hormonal shifts, which may accelerate collagen breakdown and show up in fine lines, dull skin, thinning hair, or joint stiffness ¹ – not precisely what you’d call graceful aging. Because collagen is so deeply tied to the body’s structural framework, supporting its production becomes an integral part of a holistic approach to long-term wellness.

Why Hydrolyzed Collagen Matters

Not all collagen supplements are the same. Our Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen Peptides, available in 500g and 1kg sizes, and Marine Collagen Peptides are hydrolyzed for better absorption. Bovine collagen, sourced from 100% pasture-raised South American cows, supports gut health and joint strength with longer-chain peptides. In contrast, our marine collagen, double-hydrolyzed from sustainable fish, offers smaller peptides for enhanced bioavailability. Both are free of sugars, fillers, or preservatives, perfect for mixing into coffee, smoothies, or your daily drink.

Once consumed, these smaller peptide chains are more easily absorbed through the digestive tract and transported throughout the body, where they may help stimulate natural collagen production. This process has been studied in peer-reviewed clinical research, where consistent supplementation has shown potential in supporting skin hydration, elasticity, and joint comfort in aging populations.¹

Collagen shines with healthy habits like resistance training, quality sleep, and hydration. Pairing it with a vitamin C supplement, like our Liposomal Vitamin C, boosts its effectiveness, as vitamin C supports collagen production. While not a cure-all, thoughtfully chosen collagen can be a key part of your long-term wellness routine.

Understanding The Different Types Of Collagen

If you’ve ever dipped a toe into the world of collagen, you’ve probably realized something quickly: There are many kinds to choose from. Different types serve different functions, and while their names might blur together, their roles in your body are anything but interchangeable. Let’s decode the top types and determine which are most relevant for your beauty and wellness goals.

Type I: The Beauty MVP

Type I collagen is a key player in your body, making up 80-90%¹ of its collagen in skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissue, supporting firmness and hydration for graceful aging. Amandean’s Marine Collagen Peptides, sourced from sustainable fish, are double-hydrolyzed for superior absorption, delivering 19 amino acids and 10g of protein per serving. Perfect for skin, hair, and nail health, it’s digestible, clump-free, and easy to mix into coffee, tea, juice, yogurt, or water – versatile for your daily routine.

Type II: The Smooth Mover

Type II collagen is a key structural protein found in cartilage. It’s less about aesthetics and more about movement, so it may help support joint function and mobility.¹ Many Type II collagen products are derived from chicken cartilage. If your main goal is joint-focused, a product with Type II collagen might complement a broader collagen routine.

Following the focus on joint health, we haven’t produced a Type II collagen product due to challenges in sourcing a clean, high-quality version. Once collagen is hydrolyzed, distinguishing between types becomes tricky. Since collagen supplements encourage your body to produce more collagen overall, we haven’t found clear evidence that a Type II collagen supplement specifically boosts Type II collagen production for joints. With high bioavailability, our Marine Collagen Peptides remain a versatile choice for supporting general collagen synthesis.

Type III: Type I’s Right-Hand Protein

Often found alongside Type I in our Collagen Peptides Powder (500g), Type III collagen supports the structure of muscles, arteries, and internal organs.² It helps maintain the elasticity of these tissues, contributing to overall physical resilience. Suppose you’d like to stimulate collagen production further and provide maximum absorption. In that case, we recommend consuming this product with a source of vitamin C. Citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all fantastic options at any time of the day. We have a whole lineup of delicious collagen-infused recipes for you (even ones for your furry best friend), so feel free to have fun with it and maybe find a new favorite recipe or two!

Marine vs. Bovine vs. Chicken: Why Source Matters

Collagen's effectiveness isn’t just about the type; it’s also about where it comes from.

• Bovine Collagen (Cows): At Amandean, we source our collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised South American cows. These formulas are ideal for supporting skin elasticity, bones, and joints.
• Marine Collagen (Fish): Our Premium Marine Collagen Powder is sustainably derived from wild-caught North Atlantic whitefish (cod, pollock, haddock, hake). It’s a great alternative to beef collagen. Packed with natural glycine, known as the “graceful-aging amino,” this may help contribute to the look of smooth skin, strong nails, and shiny hair.
• Chicken Collagen: Commonly used for Type II collagen, especially in joint-supporting supplements. Amandean does not currently use chicken collagen in our product line because we’ve yet to find a clean and sustainable source.

Match The Type To Your Goals

Collagen comes in many forms, and the best option depends on what you're hoping to support: skin appearance, joint mobility, muscle recovery, or all of the above. Amandean’s clean, bioavailable collagen lineup makes it easier to choose based on your wellness priorities without memorizing a science textbook.

How To Choose The Best Collagen Supplement

Feeling lost in a sea of collagen options? You’re not alone. It's easy to get overwhelmed between bovine vs. marine, hydrolyzed vs. non-hydrolyzed, and ingredient labels that look more like lab notes. But choosing the best collagen for women doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need to know what to look for (and what to avoid).

1. Source Matters — A Lot: First, let’s talk origin. Whether your collagen comes from cows, fish, or chickens, the quality of their lives directly impacts you. Look for phrases like “grass-fed,” “pasture-raised,” or “wild-caught.” This signals higher sourcing standards and more responsible farming or fishing practices.
2. Check for Purity and Transparency:Your collagen label shouldn’t read like a science experiment. The shorter the ingredient list, the better. Stick to non-GMO, filler-free, additive-free formulas like our collagen supplements – and avoid artificial flavors, sugars, and unpronounceable additives. No sweeteners, no weird aftertaste, no surprises.
3. Bioavailability:Here’s your scientific term of the day: hydrolyzed. It simply means the collagen has been broken down into peptides that are easier for your body to absorb and use. Amandean’s collagen peptides are double hydrolyzed with fruit enzymes, which is the best way to keep the health benefits intact. 
4. Verify Testing and Certifications: High-quality collagen is backed by more than marketing claims. Look for third-party testing and certifications like cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices), ensuring that what’s on the label is in the container. Amandean’s products are produced in cGMP-compliant, registered U.S. facilities and third-party lab tested for purity, quality, and safety.
5. The Clean Label Commitment: Collagen doesn’t need to taste like cake or coconuts to work. Less is more. Skip the sugary powders and stick with simple, unflavored options. At Amandean, our collagen is 100% clean, non-GMO, and free of common allergens, making it an easy addition to nearly any wellness routine. Want to know more? Check out our ingredient list!
6. Sustainability Is More Than A Buzzword: Bonus points if your supplement goes easy on the planet. That’s why we take responsibility for our environmental impact. We are proudly Plastic Neutral through our partnership with rePurpose Global, which helps to clean up ocean-bound plastic waste and supports ethical waste worker wages.

Read also:

• Creatine & Collagen: Why You Need This Powerful Duo
• Powerful Trio For Graceful Aging: Vitamin D3+K2 & Omega-3
• Collagen And Liposomal Vitamin C - A Match Made In Heaven

Sources:

1. Schunck, M., Zague, V., Oesser, S., & Proksch, E. (2023). Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and improves elasticity and joint health: A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrients, 15(8), 1803. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37064452/
2. Sibilla, S., Godfrey, M., Brewer, S., Budh-Raja, A., & Genovese, L. (2015). An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen as a nutraceutical on skin properties: Scientific background and clinical studies. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 8, 29–42. https://doi.org/10.2174/1876396001508010029
3. Proksch, E., Segger, D., Degwert, J., Schunck, M., Zague, V., & Oesser, S. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1159/000351376