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Collagen Gummies 101: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More

Collagen Gummies 101: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More
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Updated on June 26, 2025
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness. Talk to a healthcare professional about whether a supplement is the right fit for your individual health and about any potential drug interactions or safety concerns.

It’s no surprise that collagen gummies have become wildly popular in recent years. Collagen is a trendy supplement — with people taking collagen peptides (tiny pieces of collagen) to improve their skin elasticity and hydration, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

 The collagen industry is expected to grow by over 10 percent by 2030, an industry report notes.

Gummy supplements, too, have taken off in general, maybe because they taste like candy but make health-promoting claims — a hypothetical win-win. The gummy supplement industry is also expected to grow, by about 9.15 percent in five years, market research found.

Combine collagen’s popularity with people’s love of gummies and you have one buzzy supplement. But just because collagen gummies are receiving lots of hype, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a slam dunk for your health.

Here, discover what you need to know about collagen gummies and whether they’re worth stocking up on.

Potential Health Benefits of Collagen Gummies

“Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body, responsible for the strength of your skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissue,” says Jamie R. Manning, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon who specializes in skin cancer surgery and cosmetic and procedural dermatology.

Collagen gummies are designed to supplement aspects of your health, primarily your skin, nails, joints, and bones. While many people pick up a bottle of collagen gummies hoping to reap beauty-promoting benefits, know that research is ongoing, and many studies on collagen supplements are small.

“There is a lack of scientific data to comment on the efficacy of collagen supplementation,” says Dr. Manning. Find out if the hype related to hair, skin, and nails is warranted.

It May Help Your Skin’s Elasticity and Hydration

Most people try collagen for its supposed anti-aging perks, and some evidence shows that it may help. One systematic review and meta-analysis found that there was enough evidence to suggest that hydrolyzed collagen supplements reduced skin aging by improving skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles, compared with a placebo, when taken for at least 90 days.

 "Hydrolyzed" means that the collagen is broken down into an easy-to-digest peptide form, the type typically used in gummies and powders.

“The idea is that the ingestion of collagen and absorption through the gastrointestinal tract can eventually find its way to the skin and have skin-enhancing effects,” says Manning.

Still, there are some caveats. Another narrative review of research, published in the journal Actas Dermosifiliograficas in February 2023, notes that more research is needed on oral collagen supplementation’s benefits to the skin, since generally small studies have been done mostly on female participants.

It May Help Strengthen Nails

Collagen supplements often get promoted for their potential benefits for strong nails and hair. One study that did not use a control group looked at the nail growth of 25 healthy female participants with some signs of brittle nails who took 2.5 grams (g) of collagen peptides daily for 24 weeks. The results, which were published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in December 2017, found a 12 percent increase in nail growth and 42 percent fewer broken nails than before the participants started using collagen peptides.

 Because of the study’s small size, more research needs to be done to back up these findings.

It May Help Relieve Joint Pain and Improve Mobility

Collagen may show promise for those with joint pain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can potentially ease some knee joint pain and help with mobility for those with knee osteoarthritis.

A study looked specifically at chicken collagen and found that when people with rheumatoid arthritis took capsules of collagen for 24 weeks, they noticed a decrease in symptoms like tender joints and morning stiffness.

It May Help Prevent Bone Loss

Loss of bone mass is a big concern for people as they age, and collagen is a major component of bone, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. One study found that when postmenopausal women with osteopenia used a calcium-collagen supplement for 12 months, they didn’t lose as much bone mineral density as those in the control group.

Another study, published in the journal Nutrients in January 2018, found that a collagen peptide supplement increased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women experiencing bone mineral density loss.

It May Help With Wound Healing

While wound healing isn’t a major concern for many people, those with burns or health issues involving chronic wounds (like diabetes or cancer) may take an interest in collagen. “There is some evidence for its positive effect on wound healing,” says Manning. A study published in Burns: Journal for the International Society of Burn Injuries in December 2019 found that an oral hydrolyzed collagen supplement improved wound healing for people with burns.

A review published in the journal Bioengineering in May 2021 notes that collagen plays an important role in wound healing, though research is ongoing, and people with wound complications should discuss what forms of collagen might be best with their doctor.

 For example, people may be advised to use collagen-infused wound dressings.

Weight Loss Effect of Collagen Gummies

While people may turn to collagen for its potential anti-aging benefits, whether that’s improved skin elasticity or joint mobility, there is no evidence that it can directly help with weight loss, says Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, the Chicago-based host of the podcast Nourishing Notes.

Still, some people note that collagen gummies are a helpful way to get protein (one popular brand of collagen gummies contains 3 g of protein per serving), which some argue is beneficial for weight loss. A review of research, published in the Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in July 2020, concludes that high protein diets are an effective tool for weight reduction. Nevertheless, there are many ways besides collagen gummies to get protein.

Others note that because research shows that collagen supplementation may help people with joint pain become more mobile — and thus exercise more — it could be a useful component of a weight loss plan.

Finally, in a double-blind study of 74 people age 50 and over who engaged in daily physical activity and took 15 g daily of collagen peptides for 12 weeks, participants reduced their overall body fat.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Collagen Gummies

Before buying your first bottle of collagen gummies, speak to your doctor to see if they are right for your individual health concerns. Here’s what you need to know about the safety of collagen gummies.

Risks

Fortunately for their fans, these supplements are generally considered low risk. “The good news is there are no [known] contraindications — unless you are allergic to some of the components — to taking collagen supplementation and few side effects,” says Manning.

If you do have allergies, read the bottle carefully. “Caution should be practiced if you’re allergic to eggs or shellfish, as some gummies can be made with these common allergens,” says Retelny.

Supplements like collagen gummies aren’t regulated by the FDA, so they are not approved for safety before they come to market.

 “Additionally, since it is not regulated, that raises questions about the purity of the active ingredients and also the possibility of unlisted additives,” says Manning.

Also, there is no research on collagen supplementation and its impact on pregnant or breastfeeding people, so pregnant individuals should talk to their doctors before starting a collagen supplement regimen.

Side Effects

Collagen supplements are typically well tolerated, but there are some side effects to be aware of. “Some studies note nausea and gastrointestinal upset but did not feel it was related to the supplementation,” says Manning.

A review of research on collagen supplementation published in the journal Dermatology Practical and Conceptual in January 2022 found no mention of side effects in 12 studies on oral collagen supplementation and aging.

Who Should Take Collagen Gummies?

While there’s no guarantee that collagen gummies will be effective, adults who don’t have allergies to ingredients like egg and shellfish and who want to improve the appearance of their skin may want to talk to their dermatologist or doctor about collagen gummies.

But know that collagen gummies typically contain sugar (one popular brand contains 4 g of added sugar). “So when monitoring daily added sugar intake, it’s a consideration,” says Retelny. If this is the case for you, you may want to think about a different form of collagen peptides, such as a plain powdered version, which often doesn’t contain sugar.

And of course, those allergic to eggs or shellfish should take precautions, and people who are vegan or vegetarian will want to avoid collagen gummies because they are made from animal products.

Last, women who are breastfeeding or nursing will likely want to avoid collagen supplements; talk to your doctor before taking them, as no research has been done in this area.

Functions of Collagen Gummies

The purpose of collagen gummies — and collagen supplements in general — is to promote anti-aging. “They are intended to decrease skin wrinkles, as well as thicken hair,” says Retelny. “Collagen is a major component of connective tissue; it provides your skin with structure and makes for strong joints and bones,” Retelny says.

Here are some of the main purported functions of collagen supplements, such as gummies, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health:

  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Improves joint mobility
  • Decreases joint pain
  • Improves the overall condition of hair, skin, and nails

Forms of Collagen Gummies

In addition to taking collagen in gummy form, you can take a capsule or use a powder (people usually add this powder to coffee or smoothies). You can also access these peptides from bone broth. According to the Cleveland Clinic, simmered beef, chicken, and fish bones are a rich source of collagen.

Protein-packed foods are also beneficial for helping your body produce its own collagen, as are foods filled with vitamin C (like citrus fruits and leafy greens) and those with zinc and copper, per the Cleveland Clinic.

Standard collagen gummies are made with (no surprise) collagen, an animal-derived product. Vegan collagen gummies are available, but it’s important to understand the difference. “Any products that claim to be vegan or vegetarian do not actually contain collagen but contain collagen-boosting ingredients like vitamin C or zinc that are involved in collagen synthesis,” says Manning.

How to Select and Store Collagen Gummies

If you're unsure what to look for when heading down your health food aisle or searching online, here’s what you need to know when shopping for collagen gummies, after you’ve gotten the all clear from your doctor.

Selection

“As with all supplements, be sure that the collagen gummies are third-party tested and are verified by a reputable organization like US Pharmacopeia, UL, or ConsumerLab.com,” advises Retelny.

You can also ask your doctor for a preferred brand. If you’re comparing a few bottles, check the label to see which has the lowest added sugar and is third-party tested.

Storage

Most labels tell you to store supplements in a cool, dry place. That includes being away from ovens and humid places like bathrooms, and staying out of direct sunlight. Bottles may also warn you to keep the product away from children. You should talk to your child’s pediatrician before giving them collagen gummies or any other supplements.

Dosage of Collagen Gummies

Wondering how much collagen to take? Unfortunately there's no clear answer. “There is no agreed dosing regimen for collagen supplementation,” says Manning.

Most doses of gummies promise about 2.5 g of collagen peptides, but you don’t always get that amount by eating just one. “Typically with collagen gummies you have to take several, such as five gummies, for 2.5 mg of collagen peptides,” says Retelny.

Follow the dosage suggestion on the package, after talking to your doctor for a recommendation.

The Takeaway

  • Collagen gummies may be an easy way to take a collagen supplement to help improve joint health and skin elasticity.
  • While there are few known risks and side effects of taking collagen gummies, more research is needed regarding their efficacy.
  • Speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement, including collagen, to see if it's right for you.

Common Questions & Answers

Do collagen gummies work?
Research suggests that collagen supplements (which is what collagen gummies are) improve skin elasticity and hydration, but larger studies need to be done. Other research suggests that they might improve joint mobility and prevent bone loss.
Side effects are generally considered uncommon with collagen gummies. Collagen rarely interacts with medication; however, the gummies may contain additives that some people are allergic to, like shellfish or eggs. Talk to your doctor before taking collagen gummies.
Collagen gummies vary in price and can be expensive for many people. You can buy a bottle of one popular brand for $17.99, which includes 30 days’ worth of gummies. Another popular brand sells 15 days’ worth of gummies for $18.42.
One popular brand claims that you'll see benefits like reduced fine lines and wrinkles and improvements to your skin, hair, and nails after eight weeks of taking collagen gummies (though every person is different, and the effectiveness likely depends on the dose).
Both collagen and biotin are important for the body, and no studies have compared collagen gummies and biotin. Like collagen, biotin is included in many beauty products suggested for strengthening hair and nails.
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Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Buttarazzi, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, and is a certified health and well-being coach. In her primary care practice, Dr. Buttarazzi focuses on lifestyle medicine to help her patients improve their health and longevity, and her passion is helping patients prevent and reverse chronic diseases (like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes) by improving their lifestyle habits.

She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine and completed a residency at Maine Medical Center. Diagnosed with celiac disease during medical school, she realized the power of improving one's health through diet and lifestyle habits, which she later incorporated into her practice.

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Leslie Barrie

Author
Leslie Barrie is a health and nutrition writer and editor who loves running marathons and attempting to cook healthy meals for her family (even if they don’t always turn out as planned). She received her bachelor of science degree at UCLA and her master of science degree at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has written and edited for publications like Health magazine, Seventeen, and Woman’s Day. Leslie won a Hearst Spotlight Award for her work in 2018 at Woman’s Day, and helped plan the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards, an event honoring changemakers fighting to end heart disease in women.

When she isn’t writing, Leslie loves chasing her daughter and son around outside, going on family hikes, and starting her day with a big bowl of muesli.
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EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Collagen. Cleveland Clinic. May 23, 2022.
  2. Collagen Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Gelatin, Hydrolyzed Collagen), By Source (Bovine, Porcine), By Application (Food & Beverages, Healthcare), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030. Grand View Research.
  3. Gummy Supplements Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030). Mordor Intelligence.
  4. Miranda R et al. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Dermatology . December 2021.
  5. Morgado-Carrasco D et al. Oral Supplementation and Systemic Drugs for Skin Aging: A Narrative Review. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas. February 2023.
  6. Hexsel D et al. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. December 2017.
  7. Wei W et al. A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Phase III Clinical Trial of Chicken Type II Collagen in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Research & Therapy. December 1, 2009.
  8. Miyhab KB et al. The Effect of a Hydrolyzed Collagen-Based Supplement on Wound Healing in Patients with Burn: A Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Clinical Trial. Burns. February 2020.
  9. König D et al. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women—A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients. January 16, 2018.
  10. Mathew-Steiner SS et al. Collagen in Wound Healing. Bioengineering. May 11, 2021.
  11. Moon J et al. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome. July 23, 2020.
  12. Park J et al. Low-Molecular Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Body Fat Mass in Adults Aged ≥ 50 Years: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Clinical Nutrition Research. October 31, 2023.
  13. FDA 101: Dietary Supplements. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. June 2, 2022.
  14. Al-Atif H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. January 1, 2022.
  15. Collagen. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. May 2021.
  16. The Best Collagen-Rich Foods. Cleveland Clinic. January 20, 2023.
Additional Sources

  • Mayo Clinic Q&A: Collagen and Biotin Supplements. Mayo Clinic. August 19, 2021.
  • Elam M et al. A Calcium-Collagen Chelate Dietary Supplement Attenuates Bone Loss in Post-Menopausal Women With Osteopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medicinal Food. October 14, 2014.
  • Everything You Should Know About Collagen Peptides. Cleveland Clinic. December 23, 2021.
  • Vitamin H (Biotin). Mount Sinai.
  • Tak Y et al. Effect of Oral Ingestion of Low-Molecular Collagen Peptides Derived From Skate (Raja Kenojei) Skin on Body Fat in Overweight Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Marine Drugs. March 7, 2019.