Collagen Without the Hype: My Honest Take as a Supplement Business Owner

I Sell Collagen, So Let’s Talk Honestly About Whether It Works

If you’ve followed Vigor for any length of time, you’ll know I’m not interested in hype, miracle cures or making promises that supplements simply can’t keep, and collagen is no exception.

Collagen supplements have become incredibly popular over recent years, with many people taking them to support skin health, hair, nails, joints and healthy ageing.

As always, with popularity comes a lot of noise.

Some brands make big promises about what collagen can do, while some scientists, healthcare professionals and science communicators argue that the evidence isn’t as clear-cut as some marketing claims suggest.

So, what’s the truth?

As with most things in nutrition, the answer sits somewhere in the middle.

I believe there is encouraging research behind collagen supplementation, but I also think it’s important to understand the limitations of that research and make informed choices about what we put into our bodies.

What Does the Research Actually Say About Collagen?

Unlike many supplements that make bold claims without much evidence behind them, collagen has a growing body of research supporting its potential benefits.

Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found that collagen supplementation may improve aspects of skin health, including hydration, elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.

A 2023 review of 26 randomised controlled trials involving more than 1,700 participants found significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity compared with placebo.

More recently, a 2025 meta-analysis looking at 23 randomised controlled trials also found improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkles.

Research into joint health is also encouraging. Several reviews have suggested that collagen supplementation may help reduce joint discomfort and improve function, particularly in people experiencing osteoarthritis-related symptoms, especially around the knee.

So, when people say there is scientific evidence behind collagen, they’re right.

However, that doesn’t mean the research is perfect.

Why Are Some Scientists Still Cautious?

This is where the conversation becomes more nuanced.

Many researchers are not saying that collagen doesn’t work. Instead, they are questioning how strong the evidence is and whether some of the benefits are being overstated.

One criticism is that many collagen studies compare collagen supplementation against a placebo rather than another protein source.

This means it can be difficult to know whether the benefits are specifically due to collagen peptides, or whether some people are simply benefiting from increasing their overall protein intake.

Another point often raised is that many collagen studies are funded by companies within the collagen industry.

That doesn’t automatically mean the research is wrong. However, it does mean we should always look at studies carefully and consider potential conflicts of interest.

Interestingly, some reviews have found that positive outcomes tend to be stronger in industry-funded studies than independently funded research.

Personally, I think these are fair points and they shouldn’t be ignored.

Good science involves looking at the whole picture, not just the evidence that supports what we already believe.

So, Do I Think Collagen Is Worth Taking?

This is where my personal view comes in.

Let’s say someone struggles to consume enough protein through food alone. They add collagen to their daily routine and notice improvements in their skin, hair, nails or joints.

Whether those benefits come specifically from collagen itself, or partly from improving their overall protein intake, the outcome is still a positive one for that person.

That’s why I believe people should be given balanced information rather than being told something is either a miracle solution or completely pointless.

The reality is usually somewhere in between.

My Own Experience With Collagen

Both Kev and I eat a balanced diet and consume plenty of protein.

Despite that, we’ve continued taking collagen because we’ve noticed benefits ourselves.

For me, the biggest difference has been my hair.

For Kev, it’s been his joints. He experiences arthritis and has personally noticed improvements in comfort and everyday movement since introducing collagen into his routine.

Now, I want to be clear; this is our personal experience. It isn’t the same as a clinical trial, and anecdotal evidence should always be viewed differently from scientific research.

I also think personal experience shouldn't be dismissed completely; it's still completely valid. 

How something makes us feel and the changes we notice in our own bodies are part of the bigger picture when making decisions about our health.

Why We Chose Marine and Bovine Collagen for Vigor Collagen

When I developed Vigor Collagen, I wanted to create a product that reflected how people actually use collagen in their daily lives.

Marine collagen is rich in Type I collagen, which is the most abundant collagen found in the skin and is often associated with supporting skin, hair and nails.

Bovine collagen contains both Type I and Type III collagen and is commonly used to support connective tissues, including muscles and joints.

Rather than choosing one or the other, I decided to combine both.

Our thinking was simple: support skin health alongside the body’s connective tissues with one easy-to-use daily product.

Why Dosage Matters

One thing that is often overlooked when talking about collagen is dosage.

Many studies showing positive results use between 5g and 10g of collagen per day for at least 8 to 12 weeks.

Consistency appears to matter, and results are rarely immediate.

That’s why we recommend 8g of Vigor Collagen daily.

It’s a practical amount that sits comfortably within the range used in many published studies.

What Collagen Can’t Do

It’s also important to be realistic.

Collagen is not a replacement for eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, sleeping well or looking after the foundations of your health.

Like any supplement, it works best alongside a healthy lifestyle.

Think of it as something that can support your existing habits, not something that replaces them.

Final Thoughts

Do I think collagen is a miracle supplement? No.

Do I think the research is perfect? Also no.

Do I think there is enough evidence to suggest collagen may support skin hydration, skin elasticity and joint health? Yes.

Do I think people deserve honest information before spending their money? Absolutely.

My advice is simple: look at the research, understand the limitations, consider your own goals and then make the decision that feels right for you.

For me personally, collagen has earned a place in my daily routine, not due to marketing claims, but because of the combination of encouraging research and the results I’ve experienced myself.

Ultimately, that’s why Vigor Collagen exists 🖤