Collagen Types Explained: Type I, II & III
Glowé CollagenShare
Here’s something most people don’t realise when they start their collagen journey: not all collagen is the same.
And no, we’re not talking about quality (though that matters too). We mean the actual type of collagen — because your body produces different kinds, each with its own role to play. Understanding the differences can help you choose a collagen supplement better suited to your wellness goals.
So let’s break it down.
What Is Type 1 Collagen?
If glowing, firm, bouncy skin is the goal, Type 1 collagen is your best friend.
It’s the most abundant collagen in the human body — found in your skin, tendons, bones, and connective tissue — and it acts like scaffolding, helping keep skin structured, plump, and resilient.
As natural collagen production declines over time, the skin can gradually lose some of its firmness and elasticity. That’s where hydrolysed collagen supplementation comes in.
A 2024 randomised, double-blind clinical trial — considered one of the most rigorous study designs — found that participants taking hydrolysed collagen supplements showed measurable improvements in skin collagen content, hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles after 12 weeks. A separate 2023 meta-analysis reviewing 26 randomised controlled trials across 1,721 participants reported similar findings for skin hydration and elasticity.
2024 clinical study on hydrolysed collagen and skin health
Together, these findings continue to support the growing interest in hydrolysed collagen supplementation for skin health.
What Is Type 2 Collagen?
Type 2 collagen has a very different role.
Rather than sitting in the skin, it’s found primarily in cartilage — the tissue that cushions joints and supports smooth, comfortable movement.
This is the collagen type most commonly associated with:
- Joint support
- Cartilage health
- Mobility and flexibility
Type 2 collagen is typically used in joint-focused supplements rather than beauty supplements, which is why it’s less commonly associated with skin-focused wellness routines.
Research on collagen and joint health
What Is Type 3 Collagen?
Type 3 collagen often gets overlooked, but it really shouldn’t.
It works hand in hand with Type 1 and is found in many of the same places — including the skin, blood vessels, and connective tissue — helping support elasticity and overall skin structure.
Some research suggests Type 3 collagen may decline significantly within the skin over time, which is why researchers continue exploring its potential role in visible signs of skin ageing, including fine lines and loss of firmness.
And there’s one more thing worth knowing: the body actually needs Type 3 to help synthesise Type 1, making the two far more connected than most people realise.
2025 review on collagen supplementation and regenerative health
So, Which Type of Collagen Do You Actually Need?
For skin, beauty, and healthy ageing support — Types 1 and 3 are the ones to look for.
For joint and cartilage support — Type 2 is typically preferred.
And here’s the good news if you’re here for the skin benefits: bovine collagen naturally contains both Type 1 and Type 3 collagen, which is exactly why hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides are widely used in beauty-focused supplements.
Marine collagen is a strong source of Type 1 collagen on its own — but bovine collagen gives you both Types 1 and 3 together in one source.
At Glowé Collagen, we use premium hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle — naturally rich in Types 1 and 3 collagen, and carefully formulated to complement your evening wellness ritual.