Types of Collagen Explained: Which One Do You Need?

LooksMaxxers Editorial
January 2026 | 12 min read

Walk into any supplement store and you'll find collagen products labeled Type I, Type II, Type III, hydrolyzed, bovine, marine, multi-collagen — it's confusing. Which type do you actually need?

The answer depends on your goals. Different collagen types serve different functions in your body, and different sources have different properties.

This guide breaks down everything: what each collagen type does, where it comes from, and which one to choose for skin, joints, hair, or overall health.

What Are Collagen Types?

Your body contains at least 28 different types of collagen, each with a slightly different structure and function. They're numbered Type I through Type XXVIII based on when they were discovered.

However, three types make up 80-90% of all collagen in your body:

• Type I: 90% of your collagen — skin, bones, tendons
• Type II: Cartilage and joints
• Type III: Skin, blood vessels, organs (alongside Type I)

For supplementation purposes, these three are what matter. The other types exist in small amounts and aren't typically supplemented directly.

Why Types Matter for Supplements

Different collagen types have different amino acid compositions and structures. When you take a collagen supplement, your body breaks it down and uses those amino acids where needed — but research suggests certain types may be more effective for certain goals.

Understanding types helps you choose the right supplement for your specific needs.

Type I Collagen

What It Is

Type I is the most abundant collagen in your body — making up approximately 90% of total collagen. It forms dense, tightly-packed fibers that provide structure and strength.

Where It's Found

• Skin (80% of skin collagen is Type I)
• Bones
• Tendons and ligaments
• Teeth
• Connective tissue throughout the body

What Type I Does

• Provides structure and firmness to skin
• Maintains bone strength and density
• Supports wound healing
• Gives tendons their tensile strength

Best For

Skin health, anti-aging, bone support, overall health

If you're taking collagen for skin benefits — reducing wrinkles, improving elasticity, fighting sagging — Type I is essential. It's the primary structural protein in your skin's dermis.

Sources

Type I collagen comes from:

• Bovine (cow): Skin and bones — contains Type I & III
• Marine (fish): Skin and scales — primarily Type I

Our Collagen Peptides contain Type I & III from grass-fed bovine sources.

Type II Collagen

What It Is

Type II collagen has a looser structure than Type I, forming a mesh-like network that provides cushioning and flexibility rather than rigid strength.

Where It's Found

• Cartilage (the primary component)
• Intervertebral discs
• The vitreous humor of the eye

What Type II Does

• Cushions joints and absorbs shock
• Provides flexibility to cartilage
• Supports joint mobility
• Protects bones from grinding together

Best For

Joint health, arthritis, cartilage support

If joint pain, stiffness, or arthritis is your primary concern, Type II collagen is most relevant. It specifically targets cartilage health.

Sources

Type II collagen comes from:

• Chicken: Cartilage (sternum) — the primary source
• Bovine: Cartilage — less common

Undenatured vs. Hydrolyzed Type II

Type II collagen supplements come in two forms:

Undenatured (UC-II): Keeps the collagen structure intact. Works through immune modulation rather than providing building blocks. Effective at very low doses (40mg).

Hydrolyzed: Broken down into peptides like other collagen. Provides amino acids for cartilage repair. Requires higher doses (5-10g).

Both have research supporting joint benefits, but they work differently.

Type III Collagen

What It Is

Type III collagen forms thinner, more flexible fibers than Type I. It's almost always found alongside Type I and provides support and elasticity.

Where It's Found

• Skin (alongside Type I)
• Blood vessels
• Internal organs
• Muscles
• The gut lining

What Type III Does

• Supports skin elasticity
• Maintains blood vessel structure
• Supports gut lining integrity
• Important in wound healing (appears early in repair)

Best For

Skin elasticity, gut health, cardiovascular support

Type III works synergistically with Type I for skin health. It's particularly important for skin elasticity — the bounce-back quality that keeps skin looking youthful.

Sources

Type III collagen comes from:

• Bovine: Contains both Type I & III naturally

Marine collagen is primarily Type I with minimal Type III. If you want both, bovine is the better choice.

Other Collagen Types (IV, V, X)

While Types I, II, and III get the most attention, other types exist:

Type IV

Found in basement membranes — thin layers that separate tissues. Important for filtration (kidneys) and skin structure. Not typically supplemented.

Type V

Found in cell surfaces, hair, and placenta. Helps regulate Type I fiber formation. Present in small amounts; not a supplement focus.

Type X

Found in cartilage, particularly during bone formation and growth. Sometimes included in joint supplements.

Do You Need These Types?

For most people, no. Types I, II, and III cover the major benefits people seek from collagen supplementation. The other types are present in tiny amounts and don't have strong evidence for direct supplementation.

Some "multi-collagen" products market these additional types, but the amounts are typically minimal and the benefits unproven.

Hydrolyzed Collagen vs. Regular Collagen

This is one of the most important distinctions when choosing a collagen supplement.

What Is Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Hydrolyzed collagen (also called collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate) has been broken down into smaller peptide chains through a process called hydrolysis.

Regular collagen molecules are very large — too large for efficient absorption. Hydrolysis breaks these into fragments small enough for your digestive system to absorb effectively.

Why Hydrolyzed Is Better for Supplements

• Better absorption: Small peptides are absorbed more efficiently than whole collagen
• Dissolves easily: Mixes into hot or cold liquids without clumping
• No gelling: Won't turn your coffee into Jello
• Research-backed: Most clinical studies use hydrolyzed collagen

Hydrolyzed Collagen vs. Gelatin

Gelatin is partially hydrolyzed collagen. It dissolves in hot water but gels when cooled (that's what makes Jello jiggly). It's fine for cooking but not ideal for supplementation.

Collagen peptides are fully hydrolyzed. They dissolve in any temperature and won't gel. This is what you want for supplements.

Our Recommendation

Always choose hydrolyzed collagen peptides for supplementation. Our Collagen Peptides are fully hydrolyzed for maximum absorption.

Bovine Collagen

Bovine (cow) collagen is the most common and well-researched collagen source.

What It Contains

• Type I collagen: The majority
• Type III collagen: Significant amount

This combination makes bovine collagen ideal for skin, as both types are found naturally in human skin.

Source

Bovine collagen is extracted from cow hides (skin) and bones. Quality products use grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.

Pros

• Contains both Type I & III
• Well-researched for skin benefits
• Generally more affordable than marine
• Widely available
• Neutral taste when properly processed

Cons

• Not suitable for those avoiding beef (religious, dietary)
• Quality varies — look for grass-fed sources

Best For

Skin, hair, nails, bones, overall health. The Type I & III combination is ideal for anti-aging and appearance goals.

Marine Collagen

Marine collagen comes from fish and has gained popularity as an alternative to bovine.

What It Contains

• Type I collagen: Primarily (90%+)
• Type III collagen: Minimal

Source

Marine collagen is extracted from fish skin and scales. Wild-caught fish are generally preferred over farmed.

Pros

• May have slightly smaller peptides (potentially better absorption)
• Good option for those avoiding beef
• Sustainable when sourced from fish byproducts
• Some studies suggest high bioavailability

Cons

• More expensive than bovine
• May have fishy taste/smell if poorly processed
• Not suitable for those with fish allergies
• Primarily Type I only (less Type III)

Best For

Skin health, those who avoid beef, pescatarians. Effective for skin but lacks the Type III found in bovine.

Bovine vs. Marine: Which Is Better?

Both work well for skin. The differences:

• Bovine: Type I + III, more affordable, better for comprehensive skin support
• Marine: Primarily Type I, potentially better absorption, good alternative for dietary restrictions

Choose based on your preferences and dietary needs. If you have no restrictions, bovine offers more complete collagen types at a better price.

Chicken Collagen

Chicken collagen is the go-to source for Type II collagen.

What It Contains

• Type II collagen: Primary component
• Chondroitin and glucosamine: Naturally occurring joint compounds

Source

Extracted from chicken cartilage, typically the sternum (breast bone).

Best For

Joint health, arthritis, cartilage support

If joints are your primary concern — not skin — chicken collagen (Type II) is more targeted than bovine or marine.

Not Ideal For

Skin, hair, or general anti-aging. Type II doesn't provide the same skin benefits as Type I & III.

Multi-Collagen: Worth It?

Multi-collagen products contain multiple collagen types from various sources — often Types I, II, III, V, and X from bovine, chicken, fish, and egg sources.

The Pitch

Marketing claims you need all collagen types for complete benefits.

The Reality

Multi-collagen is often unnecessary:

• Jack of all trades: You get less of each type. If skin is your goal, you're diluting your Type I intake with Type II (which doesn't help skin).
• Unproven combinations: Research uses specific types for specific benefits. Multi-collagen combinations aren't well-studied.
• Marketing over science: Types V and X are included in tiny amounts with no proven benefit.
• Higher cost: You pay more for added types that may not help your goals.

When Multi-Collagen Makes Sense

If you want both skin AND joint benefits, a multi-collagen with substantial amounts of Type I, II, and III could work. But you'd likely get better results from:

• Type I & III collagen for skin (like our Collagen Peptides)
• Plus a separate Type II or joint supplement if needed

Our Take

For most people focused on skin, hair, and overall appearance: Type I & III bovine collagen is the best choice. It's targeted, well-researched, and cost-effective.

Which Collagen Should You Choose?

Quick Reference Guide

For Looksmaxxing & Appearance

Type I & III hydrolyzed collagen from bovine sources — this is what we recommend and what we offer in our Collagen Peptides.

This combination:

• Targets skin directly (both types found in skin)
• Supports hair and nail growth
• Is well-researched for anti-aging benefits
• Provides excellent value

Key Things to Look For

1. Hydrolyzed/peptides: Always choose hydrolyzed for best absorption
2. Correct type for your goal: Type I & III for skin, Type II for joints
3. Quality source: Grass-fed bovine or wild-caught marine
4. Minimal additives: Avoid added sugars, fillers, artificial ingredients
5. Adequate dose: Look for 10g+ per serving for skin benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of collagen to take?

For skin, hair, and anti-aging: Type I & III. For joints: Type II. Most people seeking appearance benefits should choose Type I & III hydrolyzed collagen peptides.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 3 collagen?

Type I provides structure and strength — it's the main collagen in skin and bones. Type III provides elasticity and flexibility — it supports skin bounce-back and blood vessel health. Both are found together in skin and work synergistically.

Is hydrolyzed collagen better?

Yes, for supplementation. Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) is broken into smaller pieces that absorb better than whole collagen. Always choose hydrolyzed collagen supplements.

Is bovine or marine collagen better?

Both work well. Bovine contains Type I & III and is more affordable. Marine is primarily Type I and may absorb slightly better. Choose based on dietary preferences — if you have no restrictions, bovine offers better value and more complete collagen types.

What is Type 1 and 3 collagen good for?

Type I & III collagen is good for skin health (reducing wrinkles, improving elasticity), hair growth, nail strength, bone support, and overall anti-aging. It's the best choice for appearance-focused supplementation.

Do I need all types of collagen?

No. Multi-collagen products are mostly marketing. Choose the type that matches your goal: Type I & III for skin/appearance, Type II for joints. Taking all types dilutes the amount of each you receive.

Can I take Type I, II, and III together?

Yes, they can be taken together safely. However, for skin goals, focusing on Type I & III at adequate doses is more effective than spreading your intake across all types.

What collagen type is best for wrinkles?

Type I collagen — it makes up 80% of skin collagen and is directly responsible for skin structure and firmness. Type I & III together is the ideal combination for wrinkle reduction.

Is collagen Type 2 good for skin?

No, Type II is found in cartilage, not skin. It's designed for joint health. For skin benefits, choose Type I & III.

How do I know which collagen type is in a product?

Check the label. Quality products clearly state the collagen type(s) and source. If a product just says "collagen" without specifying type, it's likely lower quality or less transparent.

The Bottom Line

Collagen types matter — but it's simpler than marketing makes it seem:

• For skin, hair, nails, anti-aging: Type I & III (bovine or marine)
• For joints: Type II (chicken)
• For general health: Type I & III covers most bases

Always choose hydrolyzed collagen peptides for best absorption. Skip multi-collagen unless you have specific reasons to need multiple types.

For looksmaxxing and appearance goals, Type I & III collagen peptides is the clear choice — targeted, research-backed, and effective.

→ Shop Collagen Peptides Type I & III

Related Supplements:

• Collagen Peptides Type I & III — Skin, hair, nails
• Retinol Face Serum — Topical skin renewal
• Magnesium Glycinate — Sleep, recovery
• Ashwagandha — Stress, cortisol management

Related Guides:

• Collagen Peptides Benefits: Complete Guide
• Collagen for Skin
• What is LooksMaxxing?
• How to Start Looksmaxxing
• Best Supplements for LooksMaxxing