Best collagen supplements tried and tested by real women

This raspberry collagen powder from Sixways also contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, and Zinc. It's marine collagen, but Sixways promise no fishy taste, and it's wild, not sourced from farmed fish.

Reviewed by senior writer, Becky Fuller: 'Prior to taking this collagen powder, I wouldn't have said I have any problems with brittle nails, but I have noticed my hair is getting thinner as I age.

I had been taking it for 3 weeks when I went to the hairdresser and she said "what have you been doing to your hair? It's amazing." And you know what? It is! It's so much fuller, and has a real shine to it. I've also noticed my nails have got stronger, even though I didn't think they would.

I've been taking a scoop of the powder in water first thing - it's also a good way of ensuring I hydrate myself! It tastes pleasant enough and, like Sixways promised, there's no hint of fish. It doesn't smell great in the packet - probably because of the volume of powder - but it tastes fine. Rather like a weak raspberry squash.

I've been really impressed with the noticeable effects of the Sixways collagen but more than that, I think that continued use will do my joints and muscles the world of good too, especially with the added hyaluronic acid.'

This collagen creamer from Hunter and Gather is dairy free and designed to be added to coffee. Hunter and Gather also do a chocolate version, and we've tested both. You stir 20g into your coffee and it adds a lovely taste while also providing you with bovine collagen containing 18 amino acids.

Bex reviewed the vanilla flavour: 'I really liked the taste of this! I usually add sugar to coffee but didn't need to with this. It dissolves easily and adds a creaminess. I wouldn't have known it was dairy free. I've noticed a difference in the texture of my hair - it's not so flyaway and the only thing I've changed is having this each day, so it does work. However, I was hoping it would perhaps make my stiff hip a little better but that's not been the case yet. Give it time though!'
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Mel reviewed the chocolate flavour:** 'I drank this in coffee, but I did see that you can also sprinkle it over yogurt or add it into a smoothie. I will try it on some yogurt with some berries. I do like it in coffee though as it tastes like a mocha. My only issue is the calories in it - I wish it wasn't so high because I am trying to lose weight and I don't like having to account 80 calories for a cup of coffee.

I'm not sure I've noticed any effects on my skin or hair, but I have had a much better gut since taking this. I used to have issues after eating breakfast but this has made my stomach a lot calmer, almost like the food can move through my digestive system easier.'

The Wassen Beauty + Collagen contains a mix of vitamins and minerals as well as collagen, so it's a great all-rounder. The raspberry and lemon flavored sachets dissolve in 500ml water.

Claire reviewed the Wassen: 'Most of all, I liked that this contains extra vitamins and minerals. I felt the B6 in particular really boosted my energy levels first thing. I am also appreciative of the added zinc to help immunity.

It tastes fine, but you can't leave it to drink later - I mixed it and went to put the washing on the line. When I came back there was grainy sediment at the bottom. So it's better just to mix and drink immediately.

Initially I was frustrated you need to mix it in 500ml water as it seemed like a lot but actually, I know I need to drink more water anyway and that's a good way of making me do that. I got used to it quite quickly.

I've not noticed any improvement in my joints (stiff shoulders) or fine lines on my face, but my hair is definitely thicker which I'm pleased about as it was going thinner during menopause. '

The Diso collagen comes in the form of dissolvable tabs that you just place on the tongue and allow to melt. They're suitable for vegans, and are gluten free. The recommended dosage is 1-2 tabs per day.

Sam reviewed the Diso collagen: 'I tested the collagen you dissolve on your tongue as I like the idea of having an alternative to tablets. The idea of allowing 2 tabs to dissolve on the tongue once a day seemed really achievable. I take them whilst getting ready in the morning.

The taste isn't very pleasant- it's meant to be berry flavour but there's a strong bitter aftertaste. You do get used to it after a few days but it's put me off purchasing any more.

I have noticed my hair and skin are in better condition, and they definitely feel healthier. I can certainly see the benefits of taking collagen but it's the taste that puts me off these.'

The Hunter and Gather marine collagen is easy to dissolve and has no sugar or dairy. It's not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Reviewed by Kathy: 'Although this is supposed to be tasteless, it does have a slight fishy smell, which made me think I could taste it.

The powder is very fine and dissolves well, and can be mixed with hot or cold food and drinks. To try and combat the perceived fishy taste I tried to mix it with flavoured water which wasn't at all successful! Just a lumpy, gloopy mess.

I didn't try it in anything hot but tried it in yogurt and that worked well enough for me to stick with. I've been taking it daily for over two weeks. Not sure if it's made much difference to my skin or hair - I wish I'd taken before photos now, but I do think it needs more time for me to see results.'

The Hunter and Gather Bovine Collagen powder contains no sugar or dairy. Obviously because it's derived from animals, it's not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. The serving is two tablespoons per day, dissolved in a drink, smoothie, or sprinkled into yogurt.

Reviewed by Anna: 'I need to put it in squash because it doesn't taste great to me. I appreciate that's just my preference but I would be concerned about what you needed to put it into (eg sugary drinks) to reap the benefits.

It dissolves really, really well, which is great. I make it up each night to drink it over the course of the next day.

I have been taking it for 16 days straight. I can't see any discernible difference to my skin or joints in this time. By way of example, I have intermittently painful knees and they've actually been quite bad.

Having said that, and I'm guessing because the packaging doesn't give any timescale, I would assume two weeks is too soon to see any changes.'

The Absolute Collagen Deep Lift Day Cream SPF30 is a moisturiser formulated with collagen-boosting ingredients.

What we love about this product is that it also contains SPF 30, making it the perfect moisturiser to wear daily but an especially good choice for warmer weather. Our tester loved the rich consistency of Absolute Collagen's Deep Lift Day Cream and was impressed at how quickly it absorbs into the skin.

We were especially impressed with the high SPF. After all, sun damage can accelerate collagen breakdown and speed up the ageing process, which is another ingredient found in this product. Also, found in this day cream is niacinamide, which nourishes and plumps skin - reducing wrinkles.

I've been testing these supplements form Phytoceutics for 6 weeks now. The Biomax vitamin C liposomal formula supports collagen in the body and fortifies the immune system, while the NMN and Fisetin reduces inflammation and promotes healthy ageing. It contains vitamin B3 which can also help with energy levels and supporting joints.

I can't say I've noticed a difference to hair and skin, but these supplements aren't for that. What I have noticed, though, is that they've been great for my immune system and I haven't been nearly as aching in my knees when I run.

I was taking these supplements when school went back, and didn't succumb to the usual new-term cold my teenagers brought back - something I am very thankful for!

They are pricey, but I do also believe that it's worth investing in ones health and longevity, so I would definitely keep taking these together.

This collagen drink, from Higher Nature, is currently being tested by senior writer, Becky Fuller:

"It's early days with this collagen drink so I can't say whether it's had a lasting impact on my joints, hair or skin, but I am impressed with its quality. The powder is very fine, and it has absolutely no odour despite being marine collagen.
You simply add one scoop to water and stir, though it does need a good stir to get it all dissolved. Drink it right away.
I like plain water so I was really pleased that this has no flavour or aftertaste. I'll keep you updated on the health benefits!"