Types of Collagen Explained: Peptides, Marine, and Multi-Collagen Compared

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, found in skin, connective tissue, bones, and joints. As a supplement, collagen is typically broken down (hydrolyzed) into smaller peptides so it can be more easily mixed into drinks or absorbed. Because the body's own collagen production naturally slows over time, many people look to dietary sources or supplements as part of their everyday routine.

Why Different Collagen Types and Forms Exist

Not all collagen is the same. There are multiple collagen types found naturally in the body (numbered, such as Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3), and collagen supplements can also come from different sources — bovine, marine (fish), or plant-based ingredients associated with the body's own collagen production. Format also varies: powders, capsules, and even creamer-style blends are all available. Understanding these differences can help you compare products more effectively.

Collagen Peptides

"Collagen peptides" generally refers to hydrolyzed collagen — collagen broken down into smaller units for easier mixing and absorption. This is the most common everyday supplement format. Our collagen peptides option combines multiple collagen types from several food sources into one powder.

Multi-Collagen

"Multi-collagen" formulas specifically combine collagen from more than one source (for example, bovine, chicken, fish, and eggshell membrane) to provide a broader range of collagen types in a single product, rather than relying on just one source.

Marine Collagen

Marine collagen is sourced from fish rather than land animals, and is often chosen by people specifically looking for a non-bovine option. Marine collagen is included in our range via a wild-caught, unflavored marine collagen option — availability can vary, so check the product page for current stock.

Collagen Types 1 & 3

Some products isolate specific numbered collagen types rather than blending several sources together. Types 1 and 3 are among the most-studied and most abundant collagen types in the body. Our Collagen Types 1 & 3 option is a hydrolyzed powder formulated around these two types specifically.

Collagen Creamer

Collagen creamer is designed as a coffee or tea additive — a creamer-style format that blends collagen with a creamer base, intended for people who want to work collagen into an existing drink routine rather than mixing a separate powder. This format is included in our range via a dairy-free collagen creamer option — availability can vary, so check the product page for current stock.

Plant-Based Collagen Builders

Since collagen itself is an animal-derived protein, there's no true "vegan collagen." Instead, plant-based formulas typically provide amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients associated with the body's own collagen production. Our range includes a hibiscus-flavored Vegan Collagen Builder option — availability can vary, so check the product page for current stock.

How to Compare Collagen Products

When comparing collagen supplements, a few factors are worth checking side by side:

• Source — bovine, marine, or plant-based
• Format — powder, capsule, or creamer
• Collagen types included — single-type formulas versus multi-source blends
• Serving size and collagen content per serving, which can vary meaningfully between products
• Dietary considerations, such as whether a product is dairy-free or suitable for a plant-based diet

FAQ

What's the difference between collagen peptides and multi-collagen?
"Collagen peptides" describes the hydrolyzed format, while "multi-collagen" specifically describes formulas that blend collagen from more than one source. A product can be both — many multi-collagen formulas are also sold as collagen peptides.

Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen?
Neither is inherently "better" — they're different sources with different origin animals, and the right choice often comes down to personal preference or dietary considerations rather than one being universally superior.

Can I take collagen if I'm vegan?
Traditional collagen supplements are animal-derived, so they aren't suitable for a vegan diet. Plant-based "collagen builder" formulas are a different category — they don't contain actual collagen, but instead provide nutrients associated with the body's own collagen production.

How do I choose between these options?
It depends on your source preference, dietary needs, and how you'd like to incorporate it into your routine (mixed into a drink, taken as a capsule, or blended into coffee). Comparing the factors above can help narrow it down.

Explore our full Collagen collection to compare every format side by side.