PROBIO Journal · Beauty from within
Buying collagen capsules: type I, II, III and BioCell Collagen
If you want to buy collagen, you will come across types I, II and III, peptides, powders and capsules. Here the differences are explained concisely.
Collagen is one of the most searched-for topics in beauty from within. But not all collagen is the same: products differ significantly in collagen type, raw material and form. In this guide you will learn what collagen is, how the collagen types differ, what makes BioCell Collagen® special and how to recognise good collagen capsules.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is an important building block of skin, connective tissue, bones and cartilage. The body produces collagen itself; among other things, it needs vitamin C to do so.
In food supplements, collagen is usually present in hydrolysed form, i.e. broken down into smaller building blocks (collagen peptides). What matters is not just the amount, but which collagen type is contained and how the formula is structured overall.
Collagen type I, II and III: the differences
There are almost 30 collagen types in the body. Three are particularly relevant for food supplements:
| Collagen type | Found in the body mainly in | Typically found in |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Skin, tendons, bones | classic collagen powder from beef or fish |
| Type III | Skin, blood vessels, connective tissue | usually together with type I |
| Type II | Cartilage | BioCell Collagen® from chicken |
Important when buying collagen: check which collagen type is actually contained and whether it fits the product’s concept.
BioCell Collagen®: what is in it?
BioCell Collagen® is not an ordinary collagen powder, but a defined matrix of three components that occur together naturally. In Collagen BOOSTER the amounts per daily serving (4 capsules) are:
| Component | per 4 capsules |
|---|---|
| BioCell Collagen® matrix, total | 1,800 mg |
| of which hydrolysed collagen type II | 1,200 mg |
| of which chondroitin sulphate | 400 mg |
| of which hyaluronic acid | 200 mg |
| Vitamin C | 96 mg (120 % NRV*) |
| Biotin | 100 µg (200 % NRV*) |
* NRV = nutrient reference value. We state the matrix transparently: 1,800 mg is the total amount of the matrix, not the amount of pure collagen.
Collagen capsules or powder?
Collagen powder often provides larger amounts of type I and III, but has to be mixed every day. Collagen capsules are precisely portioned and tasteless.
| Collagen powder | Collagen capsules | |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage | flexible, large amounts possible | precisely dosed, tasteless, easy on the go |
| Disadvantage | taste, mixing, often hard to keep up | several capsules per day needed |
| Suits | smoothie and shake routines | anyone who wants a simple, fixed routine |
In the end, what counts is what you use every day. That is why many people deliberately choose collagen capsules.
Collagen with vitamin C and biotin
Good collagen products add micronutrients with an established function:
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
- Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and normal hair.
Buying collagen: what to look for
- Which collagen type? Types I and III as peptides, or type II as the BioCell matrix.
- Transparent information: Is the amount of collagen clearly separated from the total amount?
- Contains vitamin C? It contributes to normal collagen formation.
- Origin: Collagen comes from beef, fish or chicken and is therefore never vegan.
- Suitable for everyday life: Allow at least 8 to 12 weeks. Only a routine that you can keep up is worthwhile.
Combining collagen in your beauty routine
Many people do not use collagen on its own but as part of a beauty routine. As a set, you save compared with buying them individually.
From the PROBIO range
Collagen BOOSTER: collagen capsules with BioCell Collagen®
The Collagen BOOSTER combines 1,800 mg BioCell Collagen® matrix with vitamin C and biotin in a simple capsule routine.
What sets it apart: the branded raw materials BioCell Collagen® and Ester-C®. The capsule shell is the only excipient.
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
- Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair.
- 4 capsules daily, tasteless
- Collagen type II from chicken, capsule shell made of cellulose
- Halal and kosher
Frequently asked questions about collagen
Can you take collagen and hyaluronic acid together?
Yes. In BioCell Collagen®, collagen and hyaluronic acid occur together naturally. Collagen BOOSTER contains 1,200 mg collagen and 200 mg hyaluronic acid per day, so an additional hyaluronic acid product is not necessary.
What is the difference between collagen type I, II and III?
Types I and III are found mainly in skin and connective tissue and are typical of classic collagen powder. Type II is the main type in cartilage and the core of BioCell Collagen®.
What is BioCell Collagen?
BioCell Collagen® is a defined matrix of hydrolysed collagen type II, chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid. Collagen BOOSTER contains 1,800 mg per daily serving.
Collagen capsules or powder: which is better?
What matters is what you use regularly. Powder is flexible; capsules are precisely dosed, tasteless and easier to fit into everyday life.
When should you take collagen?
Ideally at the same time every day, for example with a meal. Regularity is more important than the time of day.
How long should you take collagen?
Many plan collagen as a fixed routine for at least 8 to 12 weeks.
Is there vegan collagen?
No. Collagen is an animal protein from beef, fish or chicken. Plant-based products do not contain collagen, only nutrients such as vitamin C that contribute to normal collagen formation.
Which products go well with collagen?
Collagen BOOSTER is often combined with SKIN HAIR NAILS (RADIANCE PROTOCOL) or with ANTI-Age (TIMELESS PROTOCOL).
Why do collagen capsules vary so much in price?
The price depends on the raw material, the amount of collagen per day, how long a pack lasts and the other ingredients. So compare the price per day and the amount of collagen, not just the price of the tub.
What does hydrolysed collagen mean?
The collagen has been broken down into smaller building blocks known as peptides. BioCell Collagen® contains hydrolysed collagen type II.
What does bioavailability mean?
Bioavailability describes what proportion of a nutrient is absorbed and available to the body. Among other things, it depends on the compound, the amount, the meal and the person. Higher bioavailability alone says nothing about a health benefit.
Read more in the PROBIO Journal
- Anti-ageing capsules: OPC, hyaluronic acid and Q10 explained simply
- Hair, skin and nails from within
- All beauty products
- Quality at PROBIO: raw materials, forms and bioavailability
This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.