Collagen Supplements – Best in Test 2026 – Top 10 Collagen | Hardworkout Magazine

Key takeaways

- Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and forms a structural building block in skin, tendons, joints, cartilage, bones and other connective tissue.

- The body's own collagen production begins to decline from the age of 25-30, and smoking, excessive sun exposure, stress, high sugar intake and certain illnesses can reduce it further.

- Re-Fresh Superfood Multi Collagen is named best in test for 2026, with 4.5 g of collagen per serving covering types 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 at 8.73 kroner per serving.

- Collagen is not absorbed as finished collagen; it is broken down into peptides and amino acids, and the body depends on vitamin C to build collagen of its own.

- The products are scored on source and type of collagen, purity and quality, bioavailability, added ingredients, price, taste and solubility in liquid.

We give you an overview of the best collagen supplements on the market in 2026!

Collagen is the protein we have the most of in our bodies and serves as an important building block in skin, tendons, joints, cartilage, bones, and other connective tissues. The body's own collagen production gradually decreases with age, which is why many choose to supplement their diet with collagen.

At the bottom of the article, you will find more information about what collagen is, how collagen works, what to look for when choosing collagen supplements, and how the products have been rated.

How are the collagen supplements tested and scored?

We at Hardworkout.no are committed to ensuring that the tests are independent and credible. We have focused on criteria such as ingredients/active substances, stated effects, documented effects, as well as studies and other documentation to compile our top lists.

PS: Prices and selection may vary from day to day. The prices we provide are recommended prices. Online stores often have good deals, and the products may be on promotion at a lower price than what is stated here.

We strive to keep the list updated with products that are in stock at all times. Where there are multiple alternative prices, we link to several stores.

By shopping through the links in the test, you contribute to our ability to continue publishing quality-conscious tests and articles, and we greatly appreciate it if you do so. Prices are updated regularly and reflect the best prices on the market.

Best in test: [Re-Fresh Superfood Multi Collagen](https://hardworkout.no/multicollagen-refreshsuperfood)

Criteria for the collagen test

The collagen products are evaluated based on the type and source of collagen, content, quality, bioavailability, added ingredients, taste, solubility, and price.

Source and type of collagen (20)

Collagen sources such as beef and fish, as well as the content of type 1, 2, and 3 collagen. Type 1 and 3 score high, while multiple collagen types give a slight plus.

Purity and quality (40)

Collagen content, protein content, and the presence of unnecessary additives. Products with high collagen content and a pure composition score the highest.

Bioavailability (20)

Whether the collagen is hydrolyzed into collagen peptides.

Added ingredients (20)

For example, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, MSM, Q10, zinc, and magnesium.

Price (5)

Price per serving and price relative to the amount of collagen.

Taste and aftertaste (5)

Taste, aftertaste, and how well the collagen works in drinks and food.

Solubility in liquid (5)

How quickly and evenly the powder dissolves in liquid.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the protein we have the most of in the body and serves as an important building block in skin, tendons, joints, cartilage, bones, and other connective tissue.

About 60 percent of the body consists of connective tissue, and collagen makes up around 80 percent of this tissue. Collagen also accounts for approximately 75 percent of the protein content in the skin.

Why does the body produce less collagen with age?

The body produces collagen on its own, but production gradually decreases with age. Already from the age of 25-30, levels begin to drop, and factors such as smoking, excessive sunlight, stress, high sugar intake, and certain diseases can further reduce production.

Which foods contain collagen, and what does the body need to make its own?

Collagen is naturally found in animal foods such as meat, fish, chicken, broth, and gelatin. The body can also produce collagen itself but relies on several nutrients in the process.

Vitamin C is especially important, and is found in, among other things, bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, and other fruits and vegetables.

What is the difference between type 1, 2 and 3 collagen?

There are at least 28 different types of collagen, but types 1, 2, and 3 are the most common:

- Type 1: Mainly found in skin, tendons, bones, and connective tissue.

- Type 2: Primarily found in cartilage and joints.

- Type 3: Found in skin, blood vessels, and internal organs.

How Collagen Works

When you consume collagen through food or supplements, it is not absorbed directly as finished collagen.

Like other proteins, it is first broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids in the digestive system.

Collagen is particularly rich in the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are important building blocks in the body's own collagen. The body also relies on vitamin C to produce collagen.

Collagen supplements are available in the form of powders, capsules, and tablets.

What is hydrolysed collagen, and why is it used in supplements?

Most collagen products contain hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, where the collagen is broken down into smaller components than natural collagen. This is the most common form used in supplements.


Sources:

A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study – [National Library of Medicine(NIH)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6835901/)

High glycine concentration increases collagen synthesis by articular chondrocytes in vitro: acute glycine deficiency could be an important cause of osteoarthritis – [National Library of Medicine(NIH)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6153947/)