Best Collagen Type 2 

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Collagen, especially type 2 collagen, plays a key role in maintaining healthy joints and cartilage, which becomes increasingly important as natural collagen production declines with age. That’s why many people turn to type 2 collagen supplements to help support joint strength and flexibility, whether they’re dealing with aging or leading an active lifestyle. Available in forms like capsules, powders, and liquids, these supplements are typically derived from sources such as chicken cartilage. When choosing one, factors like collagen source, manufacturing quality, and added ingredients matter since they impact purity and effectiveness. After weeks of research and testing, we’ve identified the best type 2 collagen supplements for joint health and overall well-being.

  • NOW Foods UC-II Collagen

    10

    We think this collagen supplement is a solid choice for those looking to support their joint health and flexibility.

    10

    We think this collagen supplement is a solid choice for those looking to support their joint health and flexibility.

    Pros

    • Easy once-daily dosing
    • Made from chicken sternum cartilage
    • Manufactured by a trusted family-owned company

    Cons

    • May cause digestive issues for some users
    • Results can vary widely between individuals
    • Higher price point than some alternatives

    We’ve been testing NOW Foods UC-II Collagen for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its potential benefits for joint health. The capsules are small and easy to swallow, which is a plus for daily use. We like that it’s made from chicken sternum cartilage, a natural source of type II collagen.

    Taking just one capsule before bed on an empty stomach is simple to remember and fit into our routine. We noticed some improvement in our joint comfort after a couple of weeks, but it’s worth noting that results can vary. Some of our testers felt a significant difference, while others noticed more subtle changes.

    One downside we found was that a few of our testers experienced mild digestive discomfort when first starting the supplement. This seemed to resolve after a few days for most, but it’s something to be aware of. The price is a bit higher than some other collagen products, but we feel the quality and potential benefits make it worth considering for those looking to support their joint health.

  • NOW Multi Collagen Powder

    9.7

    We think NOW Multi Collagen Powder is a solid choice for those looking to support their bone, joint, and skin health with a mix of collagen types.

    9.7

    We think NOW Multi Collagen Powder is a solid choice for those looking to support their bone, joint, and skin health with a mix of collagen types.

    Pros

    • Blend of collagen types I, II, and III
    • Fine, easy-mixing powder
    • Sourced from hormone-free cattle

    Cons

    • Unflavored, which may not appeal to everyone
    • Some users may not notice immediate effects
    • Slightly pricier than single-source collagen

    We tried NOW Multi Collagen Powder and were impressed by its versatility. The fine powder mixed easily into our morning coffee and smoothies without clumping. It’s odorless and tasteless, which we liked, but some might prefer a flavored option.

    This product stands out because it combines collagen from beef, chicken, and fish. We appreciate that NOW Foods uses hormone-free cattle for their bovine collagen. The mix of collagen types aims to support not just skin, but also joints and bones.

    After using it for a few weeks, we noticed our skin felt a bit more supple. Some of us with joint issues felt a slight improvement, but results can vary. The 16-ounce container lasted about a month with daily use. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the quality and blend of collagen types make it worth considering.

  • Jarrow Type II Collagen

    9.5

    We think this collagen supplement is a solid choice for those looking to support their joint and skin health.

    9.5

    We think this collagen supplement is a solid choice for those looking to support their joint and skin health.

    Pros

    • Made from chicken cartilage
    • Free from common allergens
    • Easy-to-swallow capsules

    Cons

    • Results may vary
    • Two capsules daily required
    • Limited flavor options

    After trying Jarrow Type II Collagen for a month, we noticed some improvements in our joint comfort. The capsules are small and easy to take, which is great for those who struggle with large pills. We appreciate that it’s derived from chicken cartilage, a natural source of type II collagen.

    We like that this supplement is free from common allergens and artificial additives. It’s a good option for people with dietary restrictions. The 60-capsule bottle lasts about a month when taking the recommended dose of two capsules per day.

    While we can’t say for sure if it’s rebuilding our collagen, we did feel a bit less stiff after regular use. Keep in mind that results can differ from person to person. If you’re looking for a simple way to add collagen to your routine, this product is worth a try.

  • NOW Foods BioCell Collagen

    9.4

    We think this collagen supplement is a solid choice for those looking to support joint health and skin moisture.

    9.4

    We think this collagen supplement is a solid choice for those looking to support joint health and skin moisture.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-swallow capsules
    • Made from chicken cartilage
    • Contains hyaluronic acid

    Cons

    • May cause minor skin issues
    • Results can vary
    • Slight odor

    We’ve been trying out NOW Foods BioCell Collagen, and we’re impressed with its blend of type II collagen, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid. The capsules are a breeze to take, which makes sticking to a daily routine much easier.

    After a few weeks of use, we noticed our joints felt less stiff, especially in the morning. It’s not a miracle cure, but we felt more comfortable during our daily activities. The added bonus of potential skin benefits is nice, though we didn’t see dramatic changes in that area.

    One thing to note: a few of us experienced minor skin bumps after starting the supplement. While this cleared up for most, it’s something to watch out for. The smell of the capsules is also a bit strong, but it’s not a deal-breaker. All in all, we think this collagen supplement is worth a try for those looking to support their joint health.

  • Bronson UC-II Joint Support

    9.3

    We recommend this collagen supplement for its potential to improve joint health and reduce pain.

    9.3

    We recommend this collagen supplement for its potential to improve joint health and reduce pain.

    Pros

    • Might reduce joint pain and stiffness
    • Claims to be more effective than glucosamine
    • Made by a trusted brand since 1960

    Cons

    • Results may take time to notice
    • Some users report digestive issues
    • Packaging could be improved

    We tried Bronson’s UC-II Collagen supplement and found it promising for joint health. The capsules are easy to swallow, and we liked that they’re made by a long-standing brand in the vitamin industry.

    During our test, we noticed a gradual decrease in morning stiffness. It wasn’t an overnight fix, but after a few weeks, our joints felt more flexible. We were impressed by the claim that it’s more effective than glucosamine and chondroitin, which are common joint supplements.

    One thing to note is the packaging. While the product itself is good, we found the bottle had a lot of empty space once we removed the cotton filler. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it could be more eco-friendly. Some of us also experienced mild stomach upset at first, but this went away after a few days.

  • Wholesome Wellness Multi Collagen

    9.1

    We think this multi-collagen powder is a solid choice for anyone looking to boost their hair, skin, nail, and joint health.

    9.1

    We think this multi-collagen powder is a solid choice for anyone looking to boost their hair, skin, nail, and joint health.

    Pros

    • Mixes easily into drinks
    • Includes five types of collagen
    • No noticeable taste

    Cons

    • Takes time to see results
    • Powder can clump if not mixed well
    • More expensive than some alternatives

    We’ve been using this Wholesome Wellness Multi Collagen powder for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with how easily it blends into our morning coffee and smoothies. The powder is fine and doesn’t leave any gritty texture, which is a big plus in our book.

    One thing we really like about this product is that it contains five types of collagen from various sources. We appreciate that it’s made from grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken, and wild-caught fish. This mix of collagen types seems to target different areas of the body, which we find appealing.

    While we haven’t noticed any dramatic changes yet, we know that collagen supplements often take time to show results. We’re hopeful that with continued use, we’ll see improvements in our hair, skin, and joint health. The unflavored formula is great because it doesn’t alter the taste of our drinks. We’ve even tried mixing it into sauces and soups without any issues.

  • Vital Vitamins Multi-Collagen

    9

    We think this collagen supplement is a good choice for those wanting to boost their skin, hair, and joint health.

    9

    We think this collagen supplement is a good choice for those wanting to boost their skin, hair, and joint health.

    Pros

    • Five types of collagen in one pill
    • Easy-to-swallow capsules
    • Added ingredients for better absorption

    Cons

    • Some users report an unpleasant taste
    • Results may take time to notice
    • Pricier than some other options

    We tried the Vital Vitamins Multi-Collagen capsules for a few weeks. The pills are small and easy to take. We liked that they contain five types of collagen from different sources. This mix might help with various body needs.

    Our team noticed some changes in our skin and nails. A few of us felt our hair seemed thicker. But these effects took time to show up. We didn’t see big changes right away. It’s worth noting that results can be different for each person.

    One downside we found was the taste. Some of us thought the pills had a bad flavor. This made them hard to swallow for a few team members. The price is also higher than some other collagen products we’ve tried. But the added ingredients for better absorption might make up for this. Overall, we think it’s a solid choice for those wanting to try a multi-collagen supplement.

  • NeoCell Joint Complex

    8.7

    We think NeoCell Joint Complex is a solid choice for those looking to support joint health with collagen type 2 and hyaluronic acid.

    8.7

    We think NeoCell Joint Complex is a solid choice for those looking to support joint health with collagen type 2 and hyaluronic acid.

    Pros

    • Joint-specific collagen protein
    • Contains hyaluronic acid for cushioning
    • Gluten-free and paleo-friendly

    Cons

    • Large pills may be hard to swallow
    • Need to take 4 capsules daily
    • Some users report no noticeable effects

    We tried NeoCell Joint Complex for a few weeks and were impressed with its blend of ingredients. The capsules pack a punch with collagen type 2, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These work together to support joint health and comfort.

    Taking four pills a day felt like a lot at first. But we got used to it quickly. The capsules are on the larger side, which might be an issue for some. We split our doses between morning and night to make it easier.

    After a couple of weeks, we noticed less stiffness in our knees and elbows. It wasn’t a dramatic change, but we felt more comfortable during workouts. The lack of artificial flavors was a plus, and we liked that it’s IGEN Non-GMO tested.

  • Healthy Origins UC-II Collagen

    8.7

    We think this collagen supplement is a great choice for those looking to support their joint health and mobility.

    8.7

    We think this collagen supplement is a great choice for those looking to support their joint health and mobility.

    Pros

    • Made with undenatured type II collagen
    • Gluten-free and non-GMO
    • Manufactured in the USA

    Cons

    • May cause stomach upset for some users
    • Takes time to see results
    • Limited to 40 mg per serving

    We’ve been trying out the Healthy Origins UC-II collagen supplement, and we’re impressed with its quality. The capsules are easy to swallow and don’t have any weird taste or smell. We like that it’s made with undenatured type II collagen, which is meant to be more effective for joint health.

    After a few weeks of use, we noticed less stiffness in our knees and hips. It’s not a miracle cure, but we felt more comfortable during our daily activities. We appreciate that it’s gluten-free and non-GMO, which makes it a good fit for many diets.

    One thing to note is that some people might experience stomach discomfort when first starting this supplement. We didn’t have this issue, but it’s worth keeping in mind. Also, it can take a while to see full results, so patience is key. The 40 mg dose per capsule is on the lower end, but we found it effective for our needs.

  • Sports Research Multi Collagen Complex

    8.6

    We think this all-in-one collagen supplement is a great choice for those looking to support joint health and skin vitality.

    8.6

    We think this all-in-one collagen supplement is a great choice for those looking to support joint health and skin vitality.

    Pros

    • Mix of 5 collagen types
    • Includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
    • Easy-to-take capsule form

    Cons

    • Capsules may float in water
    • Some users report difficulty swallowing
    • Results may vary person to person

    We’ve been trying out the Sports Research Multi Collagen Complex, and we’re impressed with its blend of five collagen types. The capsules are a breeze to take, no messy powders or odd-tasting drinks to deal with. We like that it includes extras like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which may boost its benefits.

    After a few weeks of use, we noticed our skin felt softer and more hydrated. Some of us even saw improvements in joint comfort. The capsules are on the larger side, but we found them manageable. We appreciate that they’re made with non-GMO ingredients and don’t contain silicon dioxide or magnesium stearate.

    One thing to note: these capsules tend to float in water, which can make them tricky to swallow for some people. We suggest taking them with food or using a thicker liquid. While we can’t promise miracle results, we think this supplement offers a solid mix of collagen types that could support overall wellness. Remember, it’s always best to chat with a doctor before starting any new supplement routine.

Buying Guide

When shopping for collagen type 2 supplements, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Form

Collagen type 2 comes in various forms:

  • Capsules
  • Powder
  • Liquid

Powders mix easily into drinks, while capsules offer convenience. Liquids absorb quickly but may have a shorter shelf life.

Source

Look for collagen derived from:

  • Chicken cartilage
  • Bovine sources
  • Marine sources

Chicken cartilage is most common for type 2 collagen. The source can affect absorption and effectiveness.

Purity

We suggest checking the ingredient list. Pure collagen supplements contain few additives. Some products blend different collagen types or add extra ingredients.

Dosage

Typical doses range from 10-40 mg per day. Higher doses aren’t always better. Start low and increase slowly if needed.

Third-Party Testing

Look for products tested by independent labs. This ensures quality and purity. Certifications like NSF or USP can provide extra assurance.

Price

Compare cost per serving, not just total price. More expensive doesn’t always mean better quality. We recommend finding a balance between cost and quality.

By considering these factors, we can choose a collagen type 2 supplement that fits our needs and budget. Remember to talk to a doctor before starting any new supplement routine.