This article cuts through the hundreds of collagen supplements on the market to bring you the five best options for maintaining joint health as you age.

​​When choosing a collagen supplement for joints, keep these five key factors in mind:

1. Contains Bioactive Collagen Peptides: Unlike regular collagen peptides that merely replenish lost collagen, bioactive collagen peptides help your body produce its own collagen. This is crucial for maintaining strong, healthy joints and bones, and for combating age-related wear and tear.

2. FORTIGEL® Is on the Label: For optimal joint health, look for FORTIGEL® on the supplement label. This patented bioactive collagen peptide is scientifically proven to enhance joint health by stimulating cartilage production and reducing discomfort.

3. Sourced from Grass-Fed Cows: Collagen source matters. Grass-fed bovine collagen is the preferred choice, avoiding potential issues associated with other sources: high mercury levels in fish collagen, distinct taste/odor of pork collagen, and scarcity of free-range chicken for poultry-based collagen.

4. Type 1 and 3 Collagen: While there are over 28 types of collagen, Types 1 and 3 comprise over 90% of the body's collagen. A supplement containing these two types provides what your body needs most for healthy joints, bones, skin, hair, and nails.

5. Truly Flavorless & Odorless: A high-quality collagen powder should seamlessly blend into your daily routine. Look for products that are genuinely flavorless and odorless, allowing you to enjoy them in various beverages and recipes without altering taste or smell.

By NativePath

(Risk-free 365-Day Money Back Guarantee.)

Features Bioactive Collagen Peptides

Only Available Online

Contains Clinically-Studied FORTIGEL® & VERISOL®

Grass-Fed & Pasture-Raised

Type 1 & 3 Collagen

Maintains Strong, Healthy Joints & Cartilage

Improves Joint Pain

Promotes Youthful, Smooth, Firmer Skin

Flavorless & Odorless

Third-Party Tested & cGMP Compliant

Made in the USA with Global Ingredients

Affordable price (+Bulk Discounts)

Over 105 5-Star Reviews

365-Day Money-Back Guarantee

NativePath Joint Health Collagen Peptides stands out with its innovative formula featuring bioactive collagen peptides FORTIGEL® and VERISOL®. FORTIGEL® targets joint health by stimulating natural collagen production in cartilage, while VERISOL® supports skin firmness and elasticity. The formula goes beyond standard collagen supplements by actively supporting cartilage rebuilding and maintenance. Just one daily scoop of this flavorless, quick-dissolving powder in any beverage can help reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and enhance skin health. With over 100 5-star reviews praising its effectiveness for both joint and skin benefits, NativePath earns our #1 ranking for Best Collagen for Joint Health in 2025.

Try it risk-free. No strings attached. 

Strong knees...great product!

“After taking joint health collagen peptides, I noticed after a week that my knees became stronger, and I was able to go down the stairs more easily and with confidence. My hair is much stronger, and my skin more supple.”

—Jenesis, NativePath Verified Customer, 05/17/2024

I don't miss a day!!!

“The joint collagen has been a great asset to my morning ritual— I use it in my morning coffee. It has helped my knee pain immensely. I don’t miss a day!!!”

—Carlene, NativePath Verified Customer, 05/13/2024

Customer results have not been independently verified. Individual results may vary.

By Thorne

Grass-Fed 

Doesn’t Contain Any Bioactive Collagen Peptides

Type 1 & 3 Collagen

Expensive (Almost double the price of our #1 pick)

Plus Betaine Anhydrous (for joints & muscles)

Limited Research on Nicotinamide Riboside

Unflavored

NSF Certified for Sport

Not Ideal for Those with Diabetes

Made in the USA

Most Suitable for Athletes

Shorter Return Window Than #1 Pick (60 days)

Securing the second spot on our list is Collagen Fit by Thorne. This collagen supplement is impressive in that it's NSF Certified for Sport—a certification that tests for 290 substances banned by major athletic organizations. In addition to containing collagen peptides from bovine sources, it includes betaine anhydrous, which may support joint flexibility and muscle recovery as we age. However, the inclusion of nicotinamide riboside (a unique form of vitamin B3) raises a small red flag, as there is very little research on its long-term effects and it may potentially affect blood sugar levels. That said, individuals with diabetes or those taking medications that affect blood sugar should use caution and consult with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

By Sports Research

Grass-Fed & Pasture-Raised

Doesn’t Contain Any Bioactive Collagen Peptides

Type 1 & 3 Collagen

Only 1 Ingredient

Short Return Window (Only 45 Days)

Certified Organic

Non-GMO Certified

Third-Party Tested

cGMP Compliant

Taking the third spot on our list of best collagen supplements for bone health is the Organic Collagen Peptides by Sports Research. Despite being a premium collagen product, it doesn't contain any additional bone-specific ingredients like bioactive peptides or minerals known to promote bone density. However, Sports Research upholds an unwavering commitment to producing top-tier supplements through sustainable practices. This particular collagen utilizes a unique production method that bypasses the gelatin stage, resulting in a pure and highly bioavailable product made with 70% less water and energy consumption compared to standard processes. So while it may not contain other bone-focused ingredients, the quality and eco-friendly manufacturing of these organic collagen peptides still make it a worthy choice for overall wellness and potential bone support.

By Vital Proteins

Doesn’t Contain Any Bioactive Collagen Peptides

Grass-Fed & Pasture-Raised

Type 1 & 3 Collagen

Recently Purchased by Nestle

Features Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C

Complaints of Cutting Corners

Certified B Corporation

Some Users Report a Bad Taste/Odor

Made in the USA

Doesn’t Come With a Scoop

Short Return Window (Only 30 Days)

Since its start in 2013, Vital Proteins has been a frontrunner in the collagen industry. But the quality of its supplements has faltered over the past few months. Like most brands, Vital Proteins started with good intentions, until it got bought by Nestle in 2020. Now, even the most loyal customers are complaining about a recent change in formula, flavor, and dissolvability…even going so far as to say that the brand may be “cutting corners.” That said, what we really like about this collagen supplement is that it includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which can potentially boost absorption and provide additional benefits for skin, bone, and joint health. All things considered, Vital Proteins has dropped to fourth on our list of 2025’s best collagen supplements.

By Ancient Nutrition

Contains Multiple Types of Collagen (I, II, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, X, XII, & XXII)

Grass-Fed & Pasture-Raised

Includes Vitamin C & Probiotics

Made in the USA

Doesn’t Contain Any Bioactive Collagen Peptides

Affordable Price

Contains Collagen From Multiple Sources (Egg, Fish, Chicken, & Bovine)

Complaints of Taste & Smell

Short Return Window (Only 30 Days)

Rounding out our list at #5 is Ancient Nutrition's Multi-Collagen Protein. While undeniably their best-selling product, the ingredient label raises some concerns…

Instead of sticking to a single collagen source like bovine, this formula contains several different collagen varieties—from cow, multiple fish sources, chicken bone broth, and even eggshell membrane. This translates to 10 different collagen fibers: Types I, II, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, X, XII, & XXII.

Having so many varied collagen fibers can make a supplement less effective, as your body doesn't necessarily utilize or absorb the excess varieties efficiently. Not only that, but several customers have made complaints about the taste and aftertaste. One customer even went so far as to say that it tastes like “ground up fish bones.” Considering this and its over-formulation, Ancient Nutrition dropped to last on our list of 2025’s Best Collagen Supplements for Bone Health.

Orgain: You’ve likely seen this brand at your local Costco…but how does it compare to the other collagen brands on our list? In a report from the Clean Label Project, it was found that the Unflavored Orgain Collagen Peptides had the most amount of lead among the 30 collagen products tested. So much so that it had over 3 times the State of California threshold. This raises a big red flag when it comes to the brand’s quality control.

BulletProof: In the same report mentioned above, conducted by the Clean Label Project, it was found that the chocolate flavor of BulletProof’s Collagen Protein had the highest amount of Cadmium among the 30 collagen products tested—over 2 times the State of California’s Prop 65 threshold.

Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining strong, healthy joints. In fact, our joints, cartilage, and ligaments are made of collagen. Often called the "glue" that holds the body together, collagen has several vital functions…

• Joint repair: Our joints naturally experience wear and tear from decades of use. Collagen supplementation may help support joint structure and function.
• Cartilage maintenance: Collagen is a key component of cartilage. Supplementation might aid in maintaining cartilage health, which is crucial for smooth joint movement.
• Recovery support: Older adults may find that their joints take longer to recover from physical activity. Collagen could potentially aid in this recovery process.
• Overall joint comfort: Some studies suggest that collagen supplementation may help reduce joint discomfort and stiffness, which can become more common after 50.

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. After 50, this decline becomes more pronounced, potentially affecting joint health and flexibility.

This natural decline usually starts in your mid-20s and steadily drops 1.0% to 1.5% each year.

So by the time you’re 60 years old, your collagen levels are about half of what they used to be. This often manifests through stiff joints, bone loss, wrinkles, and brittle hair and nails. 

It's no wonder collagen supplements are so popular—the body needs this type of protein, especially with age. In the next section, we'll cover some of the top benefits you may experience once you start supplementing with bioactive collagen peptides.

Supplementing with a bioactive collagen supplement that has FORTIGEL® and VERISOL®—like NativePath’s Joint Health Collagen Peptides—may result in the following benefits:

Improves cartilage health

Relieves occasional aches in the knees, hips, hands, & back

Supports joint flexibility & mobility

Minimizes the appearance of stubborn deep wrinkles & fine lines

Helps maintain bone density as you age

Helps restore the skin's youthfulness & elasticity

To recap, there are six important criteria to consider when shopping for a collagen supplement…

1. Contains FORTIGEL®: If you’re serious about supporting your joints, make sure the label has FORTIGEL® on it—the only bioactive collagen peptide shown to improve cartilage and joint health.
2. Sourced from Bovine: Find out where the collagen is sourced. We’ve found that collagen sourced from grass-fed bovine is the most pure, potent source of collagen peptides.
3. Grass-Fed: Triple-check that the collagen is grass-fed and pasture-raised. This will ensure a much higher-quality supplement.
4. Avoid Multi-Collagen: When a collagen supplement contains collagen fibers other than Types 1 and 3 (the two most abundant types in the body), it usually signals that the rest are just “filler” fibers that provide no added benefits. That said, avoid collagen supplements that claim to have Types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and so on. The most effective supplements will be those that contain just Type 1 and 3 collagen.
5. Flavorless & Odorless: Read customer reviews to get a second opinion on whether the collagen powder is, in fact, flavorless and odorless. 
6. Third-Party Tested: Ensure the collagen peptide supplement is third-party tested and made in the USA. Some collagen products may be contaminated with heavy metals or other harmful substances due to poor sourcing or manufacturing practices. Look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and safety.

“Back in January 2024, I had a problem in my meniscus. After only one month of taking the joint formula, I was able to walk. I feel like Joint Health is putting the cushioning back into my meniscus, and it feels so much better! I don’t want to be without it now.”

—Brandie, NativePath Verified Customer, 04/20/2024

“My knees are so much better, and I have only been using it for three weeks! I am looking forward to being able to start my daily walking routine again!”

—Barbara E., NativePath Verified Customer, 06/17/2024

“This works! Been taking it for 3 months and I don’t have to wear my knee brace except for work occasionally. My shoulders don’t hurt either. I am amazed after so many products tried it actually worked. I will continue to use this product and hope to continue getting more results.”

—DeeDee, NativePath Verified Customer, 06/14/2024

“The joint collagen has been a great asset to my morning ritual— I use it in my morning coffee. It has helped my knee pain immensely. I don’t miss a day!!!”

—Carlene, NativePath Verified Customer, 05/13/2024

“This product has really been helpful to my knees and joints. I often have trouble and a lot of pain, so I was looking for the right product! Thank you NativePath!”

—Mitzi J, NativePath Verified Customer, 05/01/2024

“Just two scoops a day makes my joints stronger, and I feel very confident in doing my daily activities without feeling any pain at all. I will be taking this Joint collagen daily knowing that this helps me in keeping my joints strong and healthy as I age.”

—Delores, NativePath Verified Customer, 04/29/2024

Customer results have not been independently verified. Individual results may vary.

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The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, you are urged to consult with a health care provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Results are based on the Natural Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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