1. Reeplay

by Extracted

Pros

• Boasts a vegetarian, highly absorbable collagen complex, Eggbrane®
• Potent blend of over 400 proteins and various types of collagen
• Additional powerful ingredients, including aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin and selenium
• High dosage of each ingredient
• Natural vegetarian supplement from sustainable sources
• No strange taste or smell
• Recommended by nutritionists and skincare experts
• Made in the UK to GMP standards
• Fully recyclable packaging

Cons

• Only available online
• Express delivery is only available in the UK

Ranking breakdown

Real user results from taking Reeplay over 90 days (Copyright Extracted)

Reeplay by Extracted takes the top spot for its cutting-edge Eggbrane collagen complex, delivering a matrix of over 400 bioactive proteins. This innovative ingredient leverages the power of eggshell membrane, a potent source of highly absorbable, multi-type collagen. It is one of the only vegetarian sources of collagen available - loaded with everything your skin needs without the aftertaste and the questionable sources associated with bovine or fish collagen.

But Reeplay doesn't stop there – it's fortified with a synergistic blend of proven skin enhancers like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, antioxidant vitamins C and E, biotin and selenium. Each additional nutrient plays a targeted role in supporting collagen synthesis, hydration and overall dermal vitality.

We were thoroughly impressed by the high milligram amounts of each ingredient, ensuring tangible results. And with an all-natural formula free from artificial nasties, you can feel confident you're nourishing your skin from within. Extracted has clearly carried out extensive research when formulating this product, and it shows. In our study, 81% of users reported stronger hair and nails, with 76% of participants noticing visible improvements to their skin's appearance after 60 days.

As a UK-made supplement with flexible subscription options, Reeplay offers unparalleled convenience and value. While only available online, the stellar customer service and fast shipping make it well worth the exclusive virtual availability. For those serious about investing in their skin health, Reeplay is our unequivocal top recommendation.

2. Wild Caught Marine Collagen

by Dr Mercola

Pros

• High dosage of Type I collagen
• Certified by the Marine Stewardship Council
• Money-back guarantee

Cons

• Not formulated with any other vitamins or minerals
• Ingredients sourced from outside the UK
• Serving size: 3 capsules daily
• No UK customer service
• Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Ranking breakdown

Dr Mercola's Wild Caught Marine Collagen stands out for its eco-friendly sourcing, bearing the seal of the Marine Stewardship Council. For those prioritising sustainability, this is a major selling point.

The high dose of Type I collagen is also commendable, though serving size is three capsules daily – not the most convenient. And while focusing solely on collagen purity, this supplement misses an opportunity to include co-factors for absorption and skin health. This said, 58% of users in our study reported stronger hair and nails, with 51% of participants noticing visible improvements in their skin's appearance after 60 days.

We appreciate the money-back guarantee, but would love to see ingredients sourced closer to home. Imported products come with a larger carbon footprint, a downside for the environmentally minded. Also this company is based primarily in the USA so no UK customer service or web presence.

As a collagen-only supplement, it's a solid choice for marine-sourced purity. But for more comprehensive beauty benefits, a formula like Reeplay that includes complementary nutrients would be our preference. And for non-fish eaters, bovine or vegetarian collagen alternatives are a must.

3. Marine Collagen Hydropro

by Pretty Smart Food Co Store

Pros

• Single bottle provides a 45-day supply
• Made in the UK
• Contains additional ingredients, including biotin and blueberry

Cons

• Sea kelp powder, blueberry extract and açaí extract are present in relatively low amounts
• Contains hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
• Contains copper sulphate
• Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Ranking breakdown

Pretty Smart Food Co Store's Marine Collagen Hydropro gets kudos for its 45-day supply in every bottle. In a sea of 14-30 day packs, this offers substantial value. And being made in the UK is always a bonus in our book.

We like the inclusion of biotin and antioxidant-rich blueberry for extra beauty benefits. However, some additional actives like sea kelp and açaí are in relatively low doses, more for label appeal than actual impact.

The presence of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (a semi-synthetic polymer) and copper sulphate pushes this into "not quite natural" territory. While not necessarily harmful, it does compromise the ethos of a clean, green marine collagen.

Overall, Marine Collagen Hydropro is a decent mid-range option with some nice extras. But the ingredient niggles hold it back from being a top contender. We'd love to see those unique botanicals in higher doses and a fully natural approach to fillers and preservatives. In our tests only 12% reported stronger hair and nails, and just 15% said they had noticable improvements in their skin's appearance after 60 days.

4. Absolute Collagen

by Absolute Collagen

Pros

• Contains Type I marine collagen
• 8000mg marine collagen per serving
• Ready-made liquid, no need to dissolve
• Made in the UK

Cons

• Citric acid and stevia can cause mild digestive discomfort or allergic reactions
• Users express dislike of the natural lemon taste
• No alternative flavour options
• Uses an abundance of unnecessary plastic in packaging
• Standard pack only contains a 14-day supply
• Contains preservatives

Ranking breakdown

Absolute Collagen earns points for its potent 8000mg dose of Type I marine collagen per serving. As one of the most abundant types of collagen in the skin, supplementing with Type I can yield noticeable improvements in elasticity and hydration.

The ready-to-drink liquid format offers convenience for those averse to powders or pills. However, citric acid and stevia can be problematic for some, causing digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. And while some enjoy the natural lemon flavour, others find it off-putting, with no alternative options.

The standard 14-day supply doesn't offer the best value for ongoing use with many people complaining that the price is unsustainable. And the unnecessary plastic packaging raises sustainability concerns for the eco-conscious consumer. 

While preservatives are to be expected in a liquid product, it does detract from the "clean label" appeal.

Overall, Absolute Collagen delivers a hefty dose of skin-supportive marine collagen in a handy format. But taste preferences, fewer servings per pack and some unsavoury ingredients detract from its potential. Only 17% reported stronger hair and nails, and just 9% said they had noticable improvements in their skin's appearance after 60 days.

5. Ingenious Beauty Ultimate Collagen+

by Ingenious Beauty

Pros

• Uses low molecular weight collagen
• Contains hyaluronan complex and astaxanthin
• Eco-friendly packaging

Cons

• Expensive compared to others (£65 for 30 days)
• Large capsules difficult to swallow
• Capsules should be taken on an empty stomach
• No money-back guarantee

Ranking breakdown

Ingenious Beauty clearly put a lot of thought into their Ultimate Collagen+ formula. Using low-molecular weight, hydrolysed collagen is a smart move for optimal absorption. And pairing it with skin-plumping hyaluronan complex and antioxidant powerhouse astaxanthin creates a synergistic beauty trifecta.

The eco-friendly packaging is a big win, and the advanced delivery system shows pharmaceutical-grade precision. However, all these bells and whistles come at a cost – £65 for a 30-day supply to be exact. That's a significant investment for most. The large capsules and need to take them on an empty stomach also present feasibility hurdles. For some, this may be a deal-breaker in terms of adherence. And without a money-back guarantee, it's a pricey leap of faith.

Ultimately, Ingenious Beauty has crafted a scientifically advanced, environmentally conscious collagen supplement with luxe-level pricing to match. For those willing to spare no expense for premium quality, it's worth the splurge. But for the average consumer seeking an effective, affordable, user-friendly option, there are more suitable products out there.