Do Collagen Supplements Help Your Skin? What Human Trials Found

Collagen peptides are marketed for smoother, more hydrated skin. Some human trials report improvements, especially in measured skin elasticity, but the results are less consistent when researchers look at study funding and quality.

What one eight-week trial found

A randomized, double-blind trial assigned 69 women aged 35 to 55 to one of two doses of a specific collagen peptide formula or to placebo. After eight weeks, both collagen groups showed better measured skin elasticity than the placebo group. Elasticity describes how readily skin returns to its original shape after stretching. The trial used a specific formula, so the result cannot be assumed for every collagen powder or capsule. Read the clinical trial.

What the wider evidence shows

A 2025 review pooled 23 randomized trials with 1,474 participants. The combined results favored collagen for hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles. In the subgroup of studies without pharmaceutical company funding, however, the review found no clear benefit for those outcomes. That makes the size and reliability of any benefit uncertain. Read the systematic review.

How to compare collagen labels

• Check the source. Look for a clearly stated fish, bovine, or other source, especially if you avoid certain ingredients.
• Check the amount per serving. Compare the grams of collagen peptides rather than the size of the scoop or the total weight of a blend.
• Check the claim against the study. A change in measured elasticity does not establish that a supplement treats a skin condition or produces visible results on a set timeline.