Collagen has moved from niche to mainstream in the UK, helped by growing interest in beauty, joint comfort, and healthy ageing. If you are choosing your first supplement, you will quickly notice two front runners: bovine collagen and marine collagen. Both provide collagen peptides that the body can use, yet they differ in source, type profile, taste, and suitability for different diets. So which one is actually better? The practical answer is that both can help, but each has strengths that may suit different goals and preferences.

Want to learn more about how collagen supplements work and which type is right for you? Visit our [Collagen Guidance Hub] for answers to all the most commonly asked questions about this essential protein.

Collagen in brief

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It gives skin its structure, supports strong hair and nails, and forms much of the framework for cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone. As we age, production naturally declines. Supplements provide hydrolysed collagen peptides, which are collagen fragments designed for easy digestion and absorption. Your body treats these peptides like any other dietary protein, breaking them into amino acids and tiny peptides that are then used where needed.

Where bovine and marine collagen come from

Bovine collagen is sourced from the hides and connective tissues of cows. It typically contains a mix of type I and type III collagen. These are the most common types in skin and connective tissue, so bovine collagen is often positioned as an all rounder for beauty and mobility.

Marine collagen is extracted from the skin and scales of fish. It is rich in type I collagen, the primary form found in skin, hair, and nails. Because it is derived from fish, marine collagen is a common choice for people who do not eat meat but do include fish.

Both sources are hydrolysed into peptides. This process makes them water soluble and easier to absorb through the gut.

Absorption and bioavailability

Marketing often claims that marine collagen is absorbed more efficiently because the peptides can be smaller. In practice, both bovine and marine collagens are hydrolysed to a size the intestine can take up. Studies on collagen peptides show that after a dose, characteristic collagen fragments appear in the bloodstream, whatever the animal source. What matters most is that your supplement is genuinely hydrolysed, produced to a consistent quality, and taken daily. If a brand shares peptide size ranges and manufacturing standards, that is a good sign, but do not assume that one source dramatically outperforms the other in every person.

Skin, hair, and nails

For beauty goals, type I collagen is especially relevant, since it dominates in skin. Marine collagen is therefore a popular choice for people focused mainly on complexion, skin elasticity, and nail strength. That said, bovine collagen also provides abundant type I alongside type III, which supports the structure of skin and blood vessels. In real life, consistent daily use is more important than the animal source. Many people notice changes in hydration and smoothness over several weeks with either type, as long as they also protect their skin from the sun and eat a balanced diet that includes vitamin C.

Joints and movement

Cartilage contains a mix of collagen types and other proteins. Some joint studies use bovine collagen, others use chicken or a specific collagen subtype. For general joint comfort, both bovine and marine collagen supply the same key amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which the body can use to support connective tissue. If your priority is knee, hip, or shoulder comfort, choose the source you tolerate best and can take reliably, then review progress after two to three months. Pairing collagen with regular low impact exercise and a healthy body weight makes the biggest day to day difference.

Taste, texture, and tolerability

Unflavoured marine collagen can have a slight marine note if the product is not expertly processed, although high quality powders are close to neutral. Bovine collagen is usually neutral to slightly creamy in taste. If you are sensitive to flavours, look for brands that are transparent about sensory testing or choose flavoured options with low sugar. Capsules and gummies avoid taste altogether, though you may need more units to match a powder serving.

People with fish or shellfish allergies should avoid marine collagen. Those who avoid beef for cultural or personal reasons should choose marine instead. If you are pescatarian, marine collagen fits your diet. If you are seeking halal certification, check bovine or marine products for a recognised halal logo. There is currently no true vegan collagen, although vegan collagen booster formulas can support the body’s own production.

Sustainability and sourcing

Both bovine and marine collagen are typically produced from by products of the food industry that would otherwise go to waste. Responsible sourcing matters. For marine collagen, look for brands that disclose species and aim to use responsibly managed fisheries. For bovine collagen, seek information about animal welfare, traceability, and processing standards. Third party testing for purity and contaminants is relevant for both sources.

Dose and consistency

Collagen works gradually. Typical daily servings range from about 2.5 grams to 10 grams. Lower doses may suit prevention focused routines, while higher daily amounts are often used in studies looking at skin elasticity or joint comfort. Whether you choose bovine or marine, consistency matters more than fine differences in source. Take your collagen alongside vitamin C rich foods, such as berries or peppers, since vitamin C is required for the body’s own collagen synthesis.

Quality signals to look for

Choose hydrolysed collagen peptides with clear labelling and batch testing. Check for unnecessary fillers and keep added sugars modest if you choose a flavoured product or gummies. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on prescribed medicines, or managing a medical condition, speak with your GP, pharmacist, or midwife before starting any new supplement. For allergy safety, always read the source clearly indicated on pack.

Who might prefer bovine collagen

You may lean towards bovine collagen if you want a broad profile of types I and III, prefer a very neutral taste in hot drinks or smoothies, or you are looking for an all round option that supports both skin and connective tissues. Bovine collagen products are widely available across UK retailers, often at a slightly lower cost per serving than marine equivalents.

Who might prefer marine collagen

Marine collagen may suit you if your main goal is beauty support and you want a product that aligns with a pescatarian diet. Some people find marine powders dissolve especially well in cold liquids. If you avoid beef for personal or religious reasons, marine is usually the straightforward alternative. Always check for fish allergy warnings.

Common myths to set aside

Collagen supplements do not contain hormones and do not act like oestrogen. They do not cause breakouts in most people, although sweetened blends or additional actives might not suit very sensitive skin. They are not quick fixes. Benefits tend to build slowly with daily use and a supportive lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, good sleep, stress management, and regular activity.

Practical way to decide

If you are unsure, begin with the source that best fits your diet and budget, and that you can take every day. Keep the rest of your routine steady and give it eight to twelve weeks. If you tolerate it well but want to optimise for a specific goal, you can switch source later or even alternate. What you should not do is change product, dose, and skincare all at once, since it becomes hard to judge what is working.

Bottom line

Neither bovine nor marine collagen is universally better. Both deliver hydrolysed peptides that the body can use to support skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. Bovine provides types I and III and often offers excellent value. Marine focuses on type I and suits pescatarians and those who prioritise beauty goals. Choose the version you will take consistently, at an appropriate daily dose, and partner it with habits that protect your natural collagen for the long term.

If you're looking for a simple way to support your collagen levels, our collagen gummies offer a delicious and easy alternative to powders or tablets, perfect for your daily beauty and wellness routine.

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