Liquid collagen is a dietary supplement that is quickly gaining popularity. Scientific evidence continues to grow showing a startling range of health benefits. We will walk you through the most important considerations when choosing the best liquid collagen drink for your needs.
We’ll also dive into the many surprising benefits you can expect from regular collagen supplementation.
skip to liquid collagen reviews
Collagen is the largest component of proteins in our body and the most important building block of our body tissues. It is a key element responsible for tissues’ health and elasticity, such as skin, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This means collagen is a critical building block for a healthier body.
For people who are interested in maintaining their skin health, collagen is recognized as a vital dietary ingredient.
A large number of collagen supplements are now available on the market. Liquid collagens are known as the most effective because of the efficiency with which they are absorbed by the body. While liquid collagens are the clear leaders in the collagen supplement market, there are still large differences in the quality of various products.
We’ve researched the best liquid collagen drinks to help you find the best products. The result is a list of the best brands available for stellar results.
All the products listed can help to enhance your skin’s health and appearance, as well as with a variety of conditions including joint pain and excess weight. For those who have been struggling with unhealthy skin, we believe these products are the best available in terms of quality and price.
Before skipping to the product reviews, you may be interested in learning more about the benefits of liquid collagen compared to alternatives.
skip to liquid collagen reviews
Liquid Collagen Benefits
Improved appearance
Many people take liquid collagen to improve the health and vibrance of their skin, hair, and nails. These are arguably three of the most important contributors to a healthy and pleasing appearance. Collagen strengthens and rejuvenates wrinkled skin and dry, brittle hair and nails to give them a healthy, radiant look. Research has shown improved elasticity and hydration of the skin in women who take collagen daily. This supports the observation of smoother, healthier-looking skin in those who regularly consume liquid collagen drinks. 1
Health of internal organs
Collagen is an important building block of the connective tissues that comprise your gut and its delicate inner lining. It forms a vital barrier that prevents damage to the intestines, causing conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, where food particles and pathogens are able to enter the bloodstream. Research has shown that liquid collagen can assist digestion and promote the overall health of the digestive system by promoting the regeneration of damaged digestive tract tissues.2
Collagen is also an important building block of our circulatory system and a major component of our arteries. As we age, our arteries can harden causing atherosclerosis and heart disease. A study from 2017 found that those who took a daily collagen supplement showed reduced stiffness and disease in their arteries.3
Building of muscle mass
Collagen makes up much of our muscle tissues. This means it is a favorite with professional and amateur bodybuilders alike. A better collagen supply gives your body the raw materials it needs to build more muscle, and repair existing muscle at a faster rate.
That doesn’t mean it’s just for bodybuilders. As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass, so often we will need to stimulate muscle growth to achieve the associated health and lifestyle benefits. So, taking liquid collagen can promote muscle development and repair, resulting in increased metabolic fat burning capacity, resulting in a healthier body mass index.4
How Exactly do the Best Liquid Collagen Drinks Function?
After taking a protein such as collagen, your digestive system uses enzymes to break down the protein into its various parts. Collagen in liquid form consists of collagen peptides that are easier for the body to process. These constituents can then be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream where they are available for use by your tissues and organs. Higher levels of the building blocks of collagen are thought to assist the body to quickly and efficiently renew collagen where it is needed to maintain healthy function. Because it needs to be incorporated into the natural regeneration process, the effects of collagen supplements aren’t instant and usually take several weeks of consistent use to produce noticeable results.
Liquid Collagen Reviews – Our top 7 (and bonus pick)
1. Best Overall – Aminosculpt Liquid Collagen Supplement Drink (Original Cherry Flavor)
Amino Sculpt turned out to be our top pick for a liquid collagen supplement. This tried-and-tested product is produced using CollaPureTM a formula that’s been in use for three decades. Doctors and other practitioners have widely used and recommended it. Amino Sculpt makes use of hydrolyzed collagen peptides derived from grass-fed cattle. It is unique as the only patented collagen drink for weight loss and assists with healing wounds and scars.
The good thing about this drink is that it doesn’t contain artificial ingredients such as sweeteners, flavors, dairy, gluten, or fish. Third-party labs have tested and certified this product for its ability to boost collagen.
PROS
- 16 grams of collagen in each serving.
- Patented, time-tested formula.
- Free of additives including sugar, gluten, dairy, or soy.
- High bioavailability due to proprietary process.
- Heals wounds and lightens scars.
- Made in the US and certified by independent labs.
CONS
- Not a vegetarian product.
- Relatively high carbs at 6 grams per serving.
2. Applied Nutrition Liquid Collagen Skin Revitalization (20 Pack)
Applied Nutrition’s product contains 4 grams of collagen (bovine) per serving as well as biotin and antioxidants from fruit and green tea. It is packaged in single-serving tubes for convenience and accuracy. Customers report that while sweet, this product does tend to taste better than other options due to it’s natural flavoring from fruits such as Kiwi, raspberry, blackberries, and strawberry. If you are looking for a convenient format with additional nutrients this is a good option.
PROS
- Convenient packaging.
- 500 mcg of biotin per serving.
- Includes superfruit and green tea extracts.
CONS
- Some report overly sweet.
- Not a vegetarian option.
3. NeoCell Collagen+C Pomegranate 16 Ounces
This product by NeoCell is an advanced formula for reducing wrinkles and improving the health and appearance of your skin. It combines the benefits of collagen with those of powerful, naturally-occurring antioxidants. Offering 4 grams of highly bioavailable collagen as well as antioxidants and vitamin C, a precursor to the production of collagen in the body, this supplement covers all your collagen needs, and takes it a step further to ensure additional nutrients are available for the best possible results.
Ingredients include a proprietary fruit blend, natural-source ascorbic acid, simple agave nectar sugars as well as various natural extracts.
PROS
- Powerful combination of quality ingredients.
- Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- 4 grams of collagen per serving.
- Gluten-free.
- 32 servings per container.
- Pleasant tasting pomegranate flavor.
CONS
- Bovine collagen so not vegetarian-friendly.
- Some issues have been reported with the cap.
4. LiquiVive Liquid Collagen with Pure Colsylate®
LiquiVive Liquid Collagen is designed for higher bioavailability. This proprietary liquid blend is predigested and hydrolyzed. This means they are quickly and easily absorbed since they don’t have to go through the full digestive process in order to become available for use by your body.
Ingredients used in this product include a proprietary blend of 7.5 g amino acid peptides per serving of Pure Colsylate® hydrolyzed collagen derived from bovine sources. LiquiVive Liquid Collagen does not include any artificial ingredients like sweeteners, flavors or colors, or additives like gluten, soy, yeast, dairy, and salt. It’s worth noting that one tablespoon contains 50 calories and five grams of carbs so you can incorporate the extra calories into your meal plan.
PROS
- High bioavailability due to predigestion process.
- Contains only natural ingredients.
- Highly concentrated with 7.5 grams of Pure Colsylate® with types I and II collagen per serving.
- Free of additives such as yeast, salt, gluten, and artificial colors.
- Packed with 240,000mg of amino acid peptides per container.
CONS
- This is not a vegan product.
- Some find it overly sweet.
5. Heivy Liquid Collagen Supplement
This collagen supplement is quite a popular product that aims to prevent deep wrinkles, soften fine lines, and other signs of aging while keeping the skin hydrated.
Heivy makes use of highly bioavailable collagen extracted from marine sources. Each Heivy serving consists of 60 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates. Additional ingredients help your body more efficiently make use of the collagen, including; vitamin C, jasmine extract, Coenzyme Q10, Biotin, and BioPerine. Vitamin C contributes to your body’s production of new collagen, jasmine extract plays an important role in the repair of damaged skin and signs of aging. Biotin is a form of vitamin B that converts food into energy, while BioPerine increases the overall bioavailability of the key ingredients.
PROS
- You get 10g of marine (fish-derived) collagen per serving.
- GMO-free and devoid of any additives and sweeteners.
- Additional ingredients formulated to improve overall effectiveness.
- Produced using proprietary ingredients and processes.
CONS
- Cannot be used by people with fish allergies.
- Produced in Taiwan
6. Biotoplevel Liquid Collagen, Biotin, Vitamin C All in one
Biotoplevel liquid collagen is applied directly under the tongue for optimal absorbtion. It is highly bioavailable and includes hydrolyzed collagen in combination with vitaminc C, biotin, chondroitin, MSM and glucosamine to improve its action on skin, bone, joint, and muscle health.
Similar to other quality liquid collagen supplements this product is designed to enhance the growth and health of skin, nails, and hair.
Ingredients include a proprietary fruit blend, natural-source ascorbic acid, simple agave nectar sugars as well as various natural extracts.
PROS
- Fast absorbtion.
- Highly bioavailable.
- Contains added chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM.
- Natural ingredients without any fillers or additives.
CONS
- Some customers report an unpleasant aftertaste.
- A smaller dose of collagen than in typical drink options.
7. Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost
Beauty Chef is based on the belief that lasting beauty begins on the inside. This vegan drink is designed to be a collagen enhancer, helping your body to produce its own collagen and balance your digestive system, rather than directly providing collagen peptides.
It boosts your own production of collagen by employing powerful ingredients and a five-step process of fermentation. Beauty Chef contains:
- Probiotics for general health and more resilient skin
- Maqui berries to reduce the effects of aging on your skin
- Acacia berries which suppress free radicals that can damage skin proteins.
- Vitamin C and Zinc relied on by the body for the creation of new collagen
- Papaya which aids digestion and assits the body with nutrient absorbtion
- Grape seed extract which improves skin’s elasticity and promotes a healthy complexion
This supplement is free of artificial preservatives, colors and flavors. A single tablespoon of Beauty Chef contains 10 grams of carbohydrates and 40 calories so should be included in your meal plans if you are watching your intake.
PROS
- A fully vegan product.
- Internal production of collagen that works with your body.
- A high concentration of minerals and nutrients to boost your collagen levels.
- Promotes the health of your digestive system.
CONS
- Contains no collagen peptides.
- Relatively high in carbs.
8. Bonus – AminoSculpt Liquid Collagen Supplement (Smooth Mango Flavor)
This version of AminoSculpt is the natural mango-flavored form of the popular liquid collagen supplement. Like other AminoSculpt products it is protected by four US patents including one for weight loss. It uses the same tried-and-true formula of its sister product that has been in use by health professionals for over 30 years. Given the quality of the original product we thought it would be helpful to include an alternative flavor in our list since the taste of these supplements is something people often mention as a drawback.
PROS
- Mango flavor for those that love it.
- 16 grams of collagen in each serving.
- Patented, time-tested formula.
- Free of additives including sugar, gluten, dairy, or soy.
- High bioavailability due to proprietary process.
- Heals wounds and lightens scars.
- Made in the US and certified by independent labs.
CONS
- Not a vegetarian product.
- Relatively high carbs at 6 grams per serving.
Some additional information to help you decide on the best liquid collagen for you
Even though there are many forms of collagen supplements including powder, capsules, and injections, consuming it in liquid form is the preferred method. This is mainly due to a combination of much higher bioavailability so your body can more easily process it, together with the convenience of having each dose measured and mixed.
Within minutes it is absorbed via the digestive system and starts working towards healthier skin, hair, nails, and joints. Some other considerations to think about when deciding on liquid collagen include:
Convenient and flexible consumption
Since liquid collagen comes ready to consume in pre-measured bottles or sachets you don’t need to measure it out and you can be sure that you’re getting the best concentration for maximum effectiveness. You will also have the option to drink it quickly in its packaged form or dilute it with water or other drinks if you choose. This can help if you are especially sensitive to the tastes of supplements which are not always the greatest.
Proven results
A growing body of scientific research backs the efficacy of liquid collagen. More and more studies are being done as the popularity of collagen spreads across the globe. For some of the most convincing ones, read our bibliography at the end of this post.
Additional nutrients
Most of the best liquid collagen drinks come with a variety of additional nutrients to ensure you get the best results possible. These formulations are much easier to control when the product is pre-measured so you get exactly the right mix of ingredients for better results in a short time. Common enhancements found in liquid collagen supplements include biotin, antioxidants and vitamin C, all of which have been shown to improve the results of collagen supplementation.
Collagen Side Effects
To date, there is no evidence that links collagen to any negative health impacts. However, collagen comes from various sources including fish, shellfish, eggs, animals so if someone with an allergy to any of these sources consumes collagen there is a chance that they may have an allergic reaction. For this reason it is recommended that if you have food allergies you pay close attention to the ingredients of the product you choose. Some people also report an aftertaste fo a short period after consuming collagen supplements, but this is highly unlikely to have any lasting health impacts.
Another possible side effect of collagen supplementation is that it has been linked to a suppressed appetite. It has been observed in some cases to cause the sensation of being full even though a meal hasn’t been consumed recently. Heartburn has also been noted in some cases. The FDA has reportedly issued warnings and has even recalled some shady collagen brands due to false claims and safety concerns.
FAQ – Frequently Ask Questions
Meat and fish have the highest collagen content. This means dishes containing beef, pork, chicken, and fish are high in collage. Also, foods with skin and gelatin such as bone broth are particularly rich in collagen.
Yes it is. All things being equal, liquid collagen is the most efficient form of collagen supplement. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream for more immediate effect. It also offers a variety of options for consumption including mixes and dilution. Additionally, liquid collagen is usually infused with other beneficial nutrients that improve results.
There is no evidence that shows collagen having a negative impact on the function or structure of the kidneys. There is, however, reason to believe that, like with most supplements, excessive consumption of collagen has negative effects on health, including damage to internal organs such as the kidney, heart and liver.
The daily collagen intake recommended varies depending on the individual. Ranges provided by various studies on collagen dosage suggest between two and ten grams per day. Supplement manufactures have suggested that doses of up to 30 grams a day may be beneficial. We recommend checking with your healthcare provider on the dose that is best for your needs.
Appropriate doses of collagen are not known to have any harmful effects on liver function. In fact, most tissues and organs, including the liver depend on collagen for the production of various structural proteins vital to their function.
The frequency with which you add collagen extra collagen to your diet really depends on your reasons for taking it. If you are taking collagen for an acute issue, the frequency and duration of your dosing would differ from intake for a more chronic use case. As with dosing, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider to find the right frequency for your needs.
Collagen is available in the bloodstream immediately after it has undergone digestion. The body is able to start using it within an hour. However, the results aren’t instant because your tissues are repaired and rebuilt over time. This means you will need to be consistent with your collagen intake, and can expect to see positive effects within around 30 days.
Yes. Since collagen supplementation can help to increase your muscle mass, it has the added benefit of activating your metabolism. This leads to the body burning fat at a higher rate, helping to keep it leaner over time. So, collagen can help reduce not only belly fat, but fat everywhere across your body.
Hair damage is often caused by the slowdown of collagen production by the body. Age, sun damage, excess dietary sugar, and alcohol are common culprits. So, daily collagen intake from a supplement can help with hair regrowth from the inside-out. Since collagen is an antioxidant it also helps repair hair follicles by reducing the presence of free radicals.
Recap
There are numerous benefits to liquid collagen. Over the years it has been shown to be safe and effective if taken as recommended by healthcare professionals. As more scientific evidence of its benefits becomes available, its popularity will continue to soar. Growing celebrity interest is likely to speed this up as more and more stars are talking about collagen’s benefits. This also means many more products will become available, as people seek healthier skin, hair, and joints. Hopefully we’ve helped you navigate through the hundreds of products out there to find the one that works best for your needs.