The Best Collagen Powders for Women, According to a Nutritionist

Collagen (a type of protein that naturally occurs in your skin, tendons, cartilage, and connective tissue) is the glue that holds us together. It's also the stuff that makes your skin look youthful and your joints feel good. It even helps support your gut health. Since collagen production slows over time, taking a supplement can help give your skin a Botox-free boost. (You can also get collagen from whole foods.) However, not all supplements are created equal.

Here, the best collagen powders for women, so you can find the one that fits your needs best.

Made from grass-fed, hormone-free, pasture-raised beef, this powder is unique in that it also contains turmeric root powder, which has anti-inflammatory benefits. One scoop of the Paleo Pro Bone Broth Collagen in Aztec Vanilla or Ancient Cacao delivers 16 grams of protein and zero sugar (it's sweetened with monk fruit). It's great mixed with hot water for a warming afternoon drink. This blend is also non-GMO, low-sodium, and gluten- and dairy-free.

Between work and workouts, it can be tough to find time to whip up a collagen smoothie. But you can easily get a boost with Primal Kitchen's Collagen Fuel in Vanilla Coconut. This drink mix comes in convenient packets that handily slip into a gym bag or purse and easily stir into hot or cold beverages, making it one of the best collagen powders for women who are on-the-go. (Pro tip: Try mixing it into some plain oatmeal, too.) The mild vanilla flavor is sweetened with monk fruit and contains 10g of collagen and 70 calories. You can buy packets in boxes of 12.

If consuming animal protein isn't your thing, check out Amazing Grass Amazing Protein Glow. It comes in three tasty flavors (sweetened with stevia and monk fruit), including Wild Berry Hibiscus, and can be mixed with milk or water, or blended into smoothies. While it doesn't contain actual collagen (hear us out), it is formulated with biotin, plant-derived B complex vitamins, and vitamin C to support collagen synthesis.

If you want to combine your collagen habit with your caffeine fix, consider a powder formulated to do just that. The Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer in Mocha provides 10g of collagen per two-scoop serving and adds a rich, creamy flavor to your morning joe. This one wins extra points because it only has 1 gram of sugar, but also skips any artificial sweeteners. One thing to keep in mind: Because it's made with organic coconut powder, it will add 140 extra calories to your mug. Besides mocha, the creamer also comes in vanilla, coconut, and gingerbread flavors.

If you like whipping up your own collagen creations (like baked goods) you'll want an unflavored powder. Check out the versatile Collagen Hydrolysate from Great Lakes Gelatin. Stir it into hot or cold liquids, smoothies, soups, or any recipe for a flavorless collagen boost. A 2-tablespoon serving delivers 11g of protein in just 43 calories. A 16-oz canister is $30, making it one of the more cost-effective options too.

Related: The Surprising Way This Dietitian Uses Collagen Powder

Different animal sources provide different types of collagen, and each has its own benefit. For example, bovine hide has collagen types I and III, which support skin elasticity, a healthy gut, and joint function. Collagen derived from chicken provides type II collagen, which supports joints with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate and also provides hyaluronic acid, which boosts skin hydration. By including these two sources of collagen, plus fish collagen (from wild pollock) and eggshell membrane collagen, the Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein supplement ensures you're getting all the beauty, gut, and joint benefits that the various types of collagen offer, along with 9g of protein. Plus, this formula is low-cal, at just 45 calories per scoop.

If stirring powders into your water isn't your thing, Collagen Love from HUM Nutrition might be your jam. Three capsules provide 600mg of collagen peptides, 100 percent of your daily vitamin C needs, plus a beautifying blend of chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, red wine extract, and grape seed extract.