Marine vs. Bovine Collagen: Which One is Best for Your Skin and Wellness?

Written by: Zia Ur Rehman Awais

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Time to read 6 min

Collagen supplements have become a staple in many wellness routines, offering a variety of benefits for skin, hair, nails, joints, and overall health. Nevertheless, with so many options available, deciding which type of collagen is best for you can be very challenging. The most common types are marine collagen, derived from fish, and bovine collagen, sourced from cow hides. Each has unique benefits, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice.

What is Bovine Collagen?

Bovine collagen is sourced from cow bones, tendons, and hides. Once the meat has been processed for food, the collagen is extracted from the cow hides, cleaned, and processed into a form that can be easily consumed, such as powders, tablets, or liquids. Bovine collagen primarily contains types I and III collagen, the most abundant in the human body. These types of collagen are vital for maintaining the structure and strength of the skin, muscles, bones, and tendons.

Bovine collagen is sourced from cow bones

Bovine collagen is popular for those looking to improve joint healthsupport muscle recovery, and enhance the elasticity and hydration of their skin. It is also an excellent choice for individuals with a shellfish allergy or prefer not to consume fish-based products.

What is Marine Collagen?

As the name suggests, Marine collagen is derived from fish, specifically the skin and scales. This type of collagen is predominantly made up of type I collagen, known for its role in supporting skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance. Marine collagen is often considered more bioavailable than other types, meaning it’s absorbed more quickly by the body, making it particularly effective for skin health.

Marine collagen is derived from fish

Marine collagen  is an excellent option for those looking to enhance the health and appearance of their skin, hair, and nails. It’s also suitable for anyone who avoids red meat. Moreover, because marine collagen is derived from fish by-products, it is often considered a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.

Understanding the Differences Between Marine and Bovine Collagen

Before choosing between marine and bovine collagen, it’s essential to understand how they differ in composition, benefits, and sources. Below is a comparison table that highlights these differences:


Aspect

Marine Collagen

Bovine Collagen

Types of Collagen

Primarily Type I

Types I, II, and III

Key Benefits

Enhances skin elasticity, Reduces wrinkles, Promotes healthy hair and nails

Supports joint health, Improves muscle recovery, Strengthens skin, hair, and nails

Bioavailability 

Higher bioavailability

Offers a different bioavailability profile compared to marine collagen.

Best for

Anti-aging, Skin health, Gut health

Anti-aging, Skin health, Gut health, Joint health, Muscle recovery, Overall wellness

Allergen Consideration

Not suitable for those with fish and shellfish allergies

Not suitable for vegetarians

When comparing marine and bovine collagen, the primary distinctions lie in their sources, types of collagen, and how they benefit the body. Marine collagen is mainly made up of type I collagen, most effective for skin health. In contrast, bovine collagen contains both types I and III, providing a broader range of support for joints, skin, and muscles. Furthermore, marine collagen is often preferred for its higher bioavailability, meaning it’s absorbed more efficiently by the body. Grasping these differences can help you choose the collagen supplement that aligns best with your wellness goals.

Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: Which is Better for Skin and Hair

Marine collagen, rich in type I collagen, is particularly effective for enhancing the health and appearance of the skin. It helps improve skin elasticity and promotes stronger hair and nails. Because of its smaller molecular size, Marine collagen is known for its bioavailability, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support their skin’s appearance.

Marine vs. Bovine collagen: which is better for skin

Bovine Collagen: Comprehensive Support

On the other hand, bovine collagen offers a broader range of benefits due to its combination of types I and III collagen. It supports skin health, muscle recovery, joint support, and overall strength. This makes bovine collagen a versatile option for those looking to improve their physical health, mainly if they regularly exercise or seek to support joint health.

You can experience the Full Spectrum of Wellness with Vitauthority’s Multi Collagen Blend!

At Vitauthority, we recognize that both types of collagen have unique benefits. That's why our Multi Collagen Burn and Multi Collagen Protein supplements include a blend of all five types of collagen (I, II, III, V, X) sourced from bovine, marine, chicken, and eggshell collagen peptides. This comprehensive formula is designed to support your skin, hair, nails, joints, and overall wellness.


Related: Are There Side Effects to Collagen Burn? Here's What You Need to Know

 Multi-collagen burn includes bovine and marine collagen

Why Choose Vitauthority Collagen Products? Multi Collagen Burn & Multi Collagen Protein

Our Multi Collagen Burn and Multi Collagen Protein supplements are powerhouses when it comes to supporting your health and beauty. Combining all five collagen types, these products provide comprehensive support for your skin, hair, nails, tendons, joints, bones, and even gut health.

  • Bovine Collagen Peptides:  Promote skin elasticity and stronger hair and nails and support intestinal health.
  • Marine Collagen Peptides:  Help reduce wrinkles, promote hair and nail growth, and support gut health.
marine collagen peptides vs bovine
  • Chicken Collagen Peptides:  Support joint health and improve cartilage and connective tissues. Related: What are Collagen Peptides and Where Do They Come From?
  • Eggshell Collagen Peptides:  Rich in type II collagen, they promote healthy, mobile joints.
  • In addition to these collagen sources, our formula includes:  
    Hyaluronic Acid:  This component binds to water in your skin, helping to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C enhances the potency of our collagen blend by supporting collagen synthesis and helping maintain the balance between collagen and elastin in the skin.

Boost Your Metabolism and Achieve Your Goals with Multi Collagen Burn

As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down. Our formula includes Grains of Paradise, Sensoril Ashwagandha®, and SOD B Dimpless®, which are designed to keep your metabolism humming, cortisol in balance, and reduce visible cellulite

Bone Broth Collagen: A Nourishing Choice

For those who prefer a more traditional source of collagen, our Bone Broth Collagen offers a rich source of collagen with 13g per serving. This product combines type II collagen from chicken bone broth and types I & III from bovine collagen, providing support for hair, skin, nails, joints, and gut health. Related: The Benefits of Adding Bone Broth Collagen to Your Pantry

  • Collagen Boost: Naturally high in collagen, this product supports a healthy lifestyle.
  • Better Hydration: Bone broth provides delicious hydration, essential for maintaining good health. It also includes electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, which help balance your body's water levels.
Bone Broth Collagen combines type II collagen

  • Metabolism Support: With 16g of protein per serving, our Bone Broth Collagen helps curb appetite, build lean muscle mass, and support your metabolism, making it easier to manage your weight.

Related: How Does Collagen Help Weight Loss?

Finding Your Ideal Collagen with Vitauthority

Choosing the right collagen supplement is important for achieving your wellness goals. Whether you're looking to enhance your skin's radiance, strengthen your hair and nails, or support your joints, Vitauthority offers a range of collagen products tailored to your needs. Our Multi Collagen Burn, Multi Collagen Protein, and Bone Broth Collagen are designed to provide comprehensive support, helping you maintain your health and beauty.

Choosing the Best Collagen for Your Unique Needs

Your choice should be guided by your health goals, dietary preferences, and any specific needs you may have. Marine collagen is excellent for improving skin, hair, and nail health, while Bovine collagen is popular among those seeking support for joints, muscles, and overall wellness.
At Vitauthority, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect collagen supplement for your lifestyle. With our vast range of products, you can be sure to find a solution that meets your unique needs, helping you look and feel your best every day!  

best collagen supplements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you take bovine and marine collagen together?

Yes, you can take both bovine and marine collagen to enjoy the benefits of various collagen types. This approach comprehensively supports your skin, joints, and overall wellness.

Which Form of Collagen Is Most Effective: Marine or Bovine?

Choosing between marine and bovine collagen largely depends on your health goals and dietary preferences.

How does fish/marine collagen compare to bovine collagen?

Fish collagen, or marine collagen, is typically more bioavailable, meaning it's absorbed more quickly by the body. It's also rich in type I collagen, particularly beneficial for skin health. Bovine collagen includes types I and III, offering broader support for joints, muscles, and skin.

Which collagen type, marine or bovine, is best for hair growth?

Both marine and bovine collagen can support hair growth, but marine collagen might have an edge due to its high concentration of type I collagen, which is important for skin and hair health.

Marine or Bovine Collagen: which is best for anti-aging?

Many people choose marine collagen for its potential to enhance skin health and appearance, because it’s rich in type I collagen, necessary for maintaining youthful skin. Its high bioavailability ensures quick absorption, effectively enhancing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.