12+ Best collagen powders to buy in Australia (with discounts)

Collagen powder is like stardust … it makes you look younger!

But with so much available to buy at online pharmacies, in health shops and even in supermarkets, where do you start in your search for a quality product that does what it say on the label?

A great place is right here!

This article will guide you through:

• What collagen actually is
• Different types of collagen
• Collagen and ageing: How it all works
• What collagen supplements do
• What to look for when buying a collagen powder
• How to take collagen
• Our recommendations for great collagen powders

So, without further ado, lets dive into mysterious yet marvellous world of collagen powders.

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

Collagen is a type of protein that is one of the most abundant in the human body. It is often called the body’s scaffolding because it forms connective tissues in the skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments.

Collagen makes up around 80 percent of the skin, and together with elastin, keeps the skin plump, elastic and wrinkle free. But as we age, the body produces less collagen and the enzyme collagenase eats away at the natural collagen. This natural process, along with exposure to the sun and pollutants, causes the skin to sag and become dry as we get older.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF COLLAGEN

Multiple types of collagen exist in the body. According to Cleveland Clinic, scientists have identified around 28 types of collagen.

The five main types are:

• Type I. The majority of collagen in the body is Type I. This dense type of collagen is used as support and scaffolding for our bones, ligaments and skin.

• Type II. This type of collagen is part of cartilage and connective tissues in the body. Type II collagen contained in supplements usualy comes from animal sources like cows and chicken.

• Type III. Type III is found in the muscles and organs.

• Type IV. Type IV is found in the skin layers.

• Type V. Type V is found in skin, hair and cornea.

COLLAGEN AND AGEING

As we age, our bodies not only produce less collagen, but also lower quality collagen. Collagen breakdown is also faster for older adults than for teenagers or someone in their 20s. You may experience significantly reduced collagen production after menopause and after age 60.

While you can’t test for collagen levels in the blood, you can check for signs of decreased collagen production in the body such as wrinkles, loose and crepey skin, deeper hollows in the eyes and cheeks, weakening muscle, muscle pain, stiff joints, and joint pain.

Collagen makes up the lining of the gut and intestines, so you may also experience stomach problems as you age. In addition, older adults may experience partial or total loss of mobility due to damage in the joints because of low collagen.

WHAT DO COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS DO?

Collagen supplements and collagen powders sold in shops are usually made of hydrolysed animal collagen from bones, skin or cartilage of fish, cows and chickens. Collagen powder is similar to supplements but more convenient for people who like to mix it with soups, smoothies and diet shakes. You know how much you’re getting and different flavours are available to spice up your drinks.

Because the body breaks down collagen faster than it can be replaced, many people look to collagen supplements for an anti-aging solution. Compared to collagen injections and topical cream applications, supplements containing collagen peptides (hydrolysed collagen) are more easily absorbed by the body because the amino acids are shorter. Collagen supplements have been linked mainly to reduced symptoms of arthritis and possibly to healthier skin and fewer wrinkles.

But how much of the supplement is absorbed and whether it actually makes it to the target organs to build collagen is still questionable. Multiple studies have been done that show promise, linking supplements to improved skin elasticity and skin moisture. Keep in mind that these studies are small and preliminary, and many were funded by the manufacturers so it’s hard to ignore the bias.

Then again, there’s no documented downsides to taking collagen peptides (as long as it’s the recommended dose) so the choice is up to you.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING COLLAGEN POWDER

When buying collagen powder, look for collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen in the ingredients. Collagen peptides are shorter chain amino acids that are more easily absorbed by the body than native collagen or gelatin. Choose animal collagen (marine, bovine or chicken) over plant collagen, unless you’re strictly vegan. Ethically sourced, sustainable collagen lowers the risk of getting toxins and harmful chemicals, so make sure to check the label carefully.

We know how expensive collagen powders can be. To get the best value for your money, buy when there are store specials and look out for bulk discounts.

HOW TO TAKE COLLAGEN

Eating collagen-rich foods won’t necessarily raise your collagen levels, as the body breaks down all the protein you ingest into amino acids and directs these to areas that need them most.

• Food. The best way to boost collagen production is through a healthy diet. High-protein foods that are rich in collagen include the bones and skin of fresh and saltwater fish, poultry, tougher meat cuts, eggs, dairy, legumes, bone broth, and gelatin. You can make your own bone broth by simmering bones in water and vinegar for up to 24 hours. Nutrients like zinc, copper and vitamin c are required for collagen production, so make sure to add these to your diet as well.

• Supplements. Collagen supplements have soared in popularity in the last decade. Taking collagen supplements may help boost your collagen production if you can’t get enough protein in your diet. Supplements may also contain additional nutrients to support joint and skin health. Supplements are convenient because you can easily mix up collagen with your favourite foods and drinks.

OUR TOP 12+ RECOMMENDED COLLAGEN POWERS

Please note: Some items listed have paid for insertion in this article, however, reviews are independently written by Beanstalk.

The Collagen Co. Premium Collagen Peptides

The Collagen Co’s Premium Collagen Peptides give you 15 grams of the highest quality collagen per serve for the ultimate glow up. Get glowing skin, a healthy gut and smooth joints with collagen sourced from 100% grass-fed hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides. Their naturally-sweetened powders taste amazing and come in three flavours.

Where to buy: The Collagen Co
Current Discounts: Sign up to receive 10% off your first order
How much you get: 28 serves (560grams)
Different flavours: Strawberry Watermelon, Passionfruit Mango, Unflavoured
What we like most about this collagen powder: Made with the highest quality collagen with 15000mg collagen/serve, contains Vitamin C for antioxidant defence and collagen synthesis along with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the skin plus Biotin for cell renewal, tastes great!

Kissed Earth: Brilliance

Kissed Earth Brilliance is made from 100% pure bovine collagen. We love the Pineapple Coconut flavour.

Where to buy: Kissed Earth
Current discounts: Free shipping in Australia and New Zealand for orders over $100, Save 20% when you subscribe
How much you get: 30 servings
Different flavours: Pineapple Coconut, Vanilla, Chocolate, Apple Beets, Unflavoured
What we like most about this collagen powder: High-quality bovine collagen with 6000 mg collagen/serve.