Type I & III Collagen, Explained: What to Look For on the Label

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body — the scaffolding under your skin, hair, nails, and joints. If you've ever squinted at a label wondering what "type I & III" means, here's the simple version.

What's the difference between type I and type III collagen?

There are many types, but type I and type III are the ones most associated with skin, hair, and nails (type I is also the most abundant in the body). That's why you'll see them paired together in supplements aimed at everyday beauty and skin support.

How long does collagen take to work?

Collagen is a consistency game, not an overnight one. Most people give it a daily place in their routine for several weeks to a couple of months before deciding how it fits. Think of it as a small, steady habit.

What should you look for in a collagen supplement?

Three things: hydrolyzed peptides (easier to mix and take), a label that shows the total collagen amount you're getting, and third-party testing for purity. If you have allergies, check the source — collagen can come from fish, egg, or bovine.

That's how we built Collagen Complex+ — a five-source collagen blend (types I, II, III, V and X), third-party tested, every batch. (Heads up: it contains egg and fish.) New here? Start with Collagen Complex+ for adults.

How Much Collagen Should You Take Daily?

Most research uses doses in the 2.5 to 15 gram range, with skin-focused studies often on the lower end and joint-focused studies on the higher end. Check the label for the actual peptide amount rather than assuming more is always better.

Does Collagen Type Matter More Than Source?

Both matter, but type is the more useful filter for beauty-focused goals — type I and III are what's relevant for skin, hair, and nails regardless of whether the source is bovine, marine, or another animal protein. Source mainly matters for allergies and dietary preference.

Can You Get Collagen From Food Instead?

Bone broth and gelatin contain collagen, but in amounts and forms that are harder to measure and less consistent than a hydrolyzed peptide supplement with a disclosed dose on the label.

Frequently asked questions about type I and III collagen

What does "hydrolyzed" mean on a collagen label?

It means the collagen has been broken into smaller peptides, which are easier to absorb and mix. Nearly all collagen supplements worth considering are hydrolyzed.

Is marine collagen better than bovine?

Both supply type I collagen. Marine collagen is often chosen by people avoiding beef, while bovine adds type III. The source matters most for allergies and preference, not for results.

Does collagen have to be taken on an empty stomach?

No. The Collagen Complex+ label sets no time of day, so take it whenever you will remember, with or without a meal.

Can vegetarians take collagen?

Collagen itself comes from animals, so there is no vegetarian collagen. Plant-based products sold as "collagen boosters" supply nutrients such as vitamin C rather than collagen.

How is collagen different from biotin for hair and nails?

Collagen is a structural protein; biotin is a B vitamin your body uses in energy and protein metabolism. They support hair and nails through different routes, which is why some people take both.

Sources

• Proksch E, et al. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014
• Clark KL, et al. 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008
• Ricard-Blum S. The collagen family. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary.