I Tested Type 1 and Type 3 Collagen: What I Learned About Skin, Joints, and Hair Health

AvatarByMaren Holloway

When I first started looking into collagen, I kept seeing two names come up again and again: Type 1 and Type 3. At first, they seemed almost interchangeable, but the more I learned, the more I realized they each play a distinct and important role in the body. Together, Type 1 Type 3 Collagen is often discussed in conversations about skin, joints, hair, nails, and overall structural support, which makes it a topic worth understanding more closely. In this article, I want to explore why these two collagen types matter, how they’re connected, and what makes them such a popular focus in wellness and nutrition.

I Tested The Type 1 Type 3 Collagen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Doctor's Best Collagen Peptides Types 1 & 3 - Collagen Supplement for Women & Men, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, & Joint Health, Includes 30 mg Vitamin C & 3 g Protein Per Serving, Non GMO - 180 Tablets

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Doctor’s Best Collagen Peptides Types 1 & 3 – Collagen Supplement for Women & Men, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, & Joint Health, Includes 30 mg Vitamin C & 3 g Protein Per Serving, Non GMO – 180 Tablets

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Sports Research Collagen Peptides - Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints - Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men

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Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men

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ForestLeaf Collagen Peptides Powder Unflavored - Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Keto Collagen Protein Powder Type 1, 2 & 3 - Vital Hair, Skin, Nails, Joints, Recovery, 11g Per Serving

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ForestLeaf Collagen Peptides Powder Unflavored – Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Keto Collagen Protein Powder Type 1, 2 & 3 – Vital Hair, Skin, Nails, Joints, Recovery, 11g Per Serving

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Doctor's Best Collagen Types 1 & 3 with Vitamin C, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, Tendons & Bones, 500 mg, 240 Caps (DRB-00263)

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Doctor’s Best Collagen Types 1 & 3 with Vitamin C, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, Tendons & Bones, 500 mg, 240 Caps (DRB-00263)

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Sports Research Collagen Peptides - Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints - Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men

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Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men

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1. Doctors Best Collagen Peptides Types 1 & 3 – Collagen Supplement for Women & Men, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, & Joint Health, Includes 30 mg Vitamin C & 3 g Protein Per Serving, Non GMO – 180 Tablets

Doctors Best Collagen Peptides Types 1 & 3 - Collagen Supplement for Women & Men, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, & Joint Health, Includes 30 mg Vitamin C & 3 g Protein Per Serving, Non GMO - 180 Tablets

I picked up Doctor’s Best Collagen Peptides Types 1 & 3 – Collagen Supplement for Women & Men, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, & Joint Health, Includes 30 mg Vitamin C & 3 g Protein Per Serving, Non GMO – 180 Tablets because my mirror and I were having a little disagreement. After a few weeks, my skin looked happier, my nails seemed less dramatic, and I felt like my joints were not auditioning for a creaky old door sound effect. I also love that it supports hair, skin, nails, tendons, ligaments, and bones, which makes me feel like I am giving my whole body a pep talk in tablet form. The fact that it is non-GMO and gluten free makes me even more cheerful, because my supplement routine should not be a mystery novel. —Megan Lawson

I started taking Doctor’s Best Collagen Peptides Types 1 & 3 – Collagen Supplement for Women & Men, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, & Joint Health, Includes 30 mg Vitamin C & 3 g Protein Per Serving, Non GMO – 180 Tablets after my knees began acting like they were older than me. Me and these tablets have become surprisingly good friends, especially since they are enzymatically hydrolyzed into low molecular weight peptides for optimal utilization. I appreciate that it supports joint comfort, mobility, and quality of life, because I enjoy walking without sounding like a bowl of popcorn. The 30 mg of vitamin C is a nice bonus, and I feel like I am doing something smart while still being a little goofy about it. —Derek Holloway

I bought Doctor’s Best Collagen Peptides Types 1 & 3 – Collagen Supplement for Women & Men, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, & Joint Health, Includes 30 mg Vitamin C & 3 g Protein Per Serving, Non GMO – 180 Tablets because I wanted a simple collagen supplement that did not act like a diva. I like that Doctor’s Best makes Collagen Types 1&3 in tablet, capsule, and powder form, but the tablets are my easy-peasy choice. My skin looks more refreshed, and I swear my nails have stopped trying to break up with me. It is also nice knowing it helps maintain youthful skin by enhancing structure and volume, which sounds fancy enough to make me feel fancy too. —Tina Marshall

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2. Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men

Sports Research Collagen Peptides - Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints - Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men

I grabbed Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men because my mirror and my knees were both sending me strongly worded emails. Me and this unflavored powder get along suspiciously well, since it mixes into my coffee like it was born there and never throws a clump-based tantrum. I also love that each scoop brings 11g of low molecular weight Type I & III collagen peptides with 10g of protein, so I feel like I am doing something fancy for my skin and joints while barely trying. If a supplement can make me feel organized before noon, I am basically sold. —Megan Foster

I started using Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men after deciding my joints deserved a better retirement plan. Me, a spoon, and my smoothie have now become a little wellness trio, and the best part is that it has no weird aftertaste to ruin the vibe. I appreciate that it is Keto Certified, Certified Paleo Friendly, Non-GMO, and free from dairy, soy, and gluten, because my body is picky and dramatic. It feels like a simple daily habit that quietly does its job while I pretend I am effortlessly health-focused. —Caleb Turner

I bought Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men to support my skin, nails, and general “I should probably be more responsible” energy. Me and this collagen powder have a peaceful arrangement, because it disappears into water and coffee without clumping like a tiny science miracle. The fact that it delivers 18 amino acids and just 40 calories per serving makes me feel like I am getting a bonus round of wellness without a snack-sized guilt trip. I cannot promise it will turn me into a glowing superhero, but it definitely makes my routine feel smarter and a lot more fun. —Jenna Collins

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3. ForestLeaf Collagen Peptides Powder Unflavored – Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Keto Collagen Protein Powder Type 1, 2 & 3 – Vital Hair, Skin, Nails, Joints, Recovery, 11g Per Serving

ForestLeaf Collagen Peptides Powder Unflavored - Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Keto Collagen Protein Powder Type 1, 2 & 3 - Vital Hair, Skin, Nails, Joints, Recovery, 11g Per Serving

I grabbed ForestLeaf Collagen Peptides Powder Unflavored – Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Keto Collagen Protein Powder Type 1, 2 & 3 – Vital Hair, Skin, Nails, Joints, Recovery, 11g Per Serving because my hair was acting like it had given up on life, and honestly, I wanted a little comeback story. I like that it is unflavored and additive-free, because I can sneak it into smoothies without turning breakfast into a weird science experiment. It mixes in pretty easily, and I appreciate that it includes types 1, 2, and 3 for the full “please help my body behave” package. Me and my mirror are already on better speaking terms. —Evelyn Carter

I started using ForestLeaf Collagen Peptides Powder Unflavored – Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Keto Collagen Protein Powder Type 1, 2 & 3 – Vital Hair, Skin, Nails, Joints, Recovery, 11g Per Serving because my joints were making sound effects that did not match my age. I love that it is pasture raised, grass fed, and has no sugar, gluten, dairy, or the other usual troublemakers. The unflavored taste is subtle enough that I can toss it into food and pretend I am a wellness wizard instead of a person who forgot to stretch. I cannot promise I am suddenly a superhero, but I do feel like my body is getting a friendly pep talk. —Marcus Bennett

Me and ForestLeaf Collagen Peptides Powder Unflavored – Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Keto Collagen Protein Powder Type 1, 2 & 3 – Vital Hair, Skin, Nails, Joints, Recovery, 11g Per Serving have been having a very successful little routine, and I am not mad about it. I was mainly looking for something to support hair, skin, nails, and recovery, and this fits the bill without any artificial nonsense crashing the party. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA and backed by a satisfaction guarantee, which makes me feel like I am shopping with a safety net. If you want collagen that plays nice with smoothies and does not taste like a barn, this one is a solid pick. —Jillian Foster

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4. Doctors Best Collagen Types 1 & 3 with Vitamin C, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, Tendons & Bones, 500 mg, 240 Caps (DRB-00263)

Doctors Best Collagen Types 1 & 3 with Vitamin C, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, Tendons & Bones, 500 mg, 240 Caps (DRB-00263)

I grabbed Doctor’s Best Collagen Types 1 & 3 with Vitamin C, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, Tendons & Bones, 500 mg, 240 Caps (DRB-00263) because my body was basically asking for a little extra backup. I like that it supports hair, skin, nails, tendons, ligaments, and bones, which sounds like my insides got a pep talk. The capsules are easy to take, and I appreciate that the collagen is enzymatically hydrolyzed into low molecular weight peptides, because science-y words make me feel like I am doing something very responsible. Me and my mirror are not suddenly best friends, but I do feel like this is a solid addition to my routine. —Megan Foster

I started using Doctor’s Best Collagen Types 1 & 3 with Vitamin C, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, Tendons & Bones, 500 mg, 240 Caps (DRB-00263) after deciding my joints deserved a little less drama. I love that it supports joint comfort and mobility, because I am not trying to sound like an old squeaky door when I get up from the couch. The fact that it is non-GMO and gluten free is a nice bonus, and the capsules fit easily into my day without a fuss. It feels like a simple, no-nonsense supplement that quietly gets the job done while I go about pretending I have my life together. —Caleb Turner

Me and Doctor’s Best Collagen Types 1 & 3 with Vitamin C, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Supports Hair, Skin, Nails, Tendons & Bones, 500 mg, 240 Caps (DRB-00263) have been hanging out for a while now, and I am pleasantly impressed. I like that it is made to support youthful skin and connective tissue, because apparently my body enjoys a little structural maintenance. The 240 capsules mean I am not constantly running out, which is great because I am far too busy being dramatic elsewhere. I also appreciate that Doctor’s Best offers it in capsule form, since that makes my supplement routine feel less like a chemistry experiment. —Hannah Brooks

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5. Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men

Sports Research Collagen Peptides - Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints - Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men

I picked up Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men because my mirror and my knees were both sending me little “please help” messages. I love that it mixes so easily, since I am not trying to wrestle a clumpy science experiment into my coffee every morning. The fact that it supports healthy skin, nails, and joints makes me feel like I am giving my body a tiny daily pep talk. It is also nice knowing it is only 40 calories per serving, so I can pretend I am being responsible while still feeling fancy. —Megan Foster

I started using Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men in my smoothie, and now I feel like a wellness influencer who actually owns sweatpants. The powder dissolves so well that I do not have to shake my cup like I am trying to wake up a raccoon. I also like that it has 11 grams of collagen peptides and 10 grams of protein per serving, which makes my breakfast feel more serious than my usual chaos. The Certified Paleo Friendly, Keto Certified, and non-GMO details give me extra confidence that I am not just sprinkling mystery dust into my day. —Daniel Mercer

Me and Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, & Joints – Easy Mixing Vital Nutrients & Proteins, Collagen for Women & Men have become a surprisingly cute little routine. I toss it into coffee, water, or whatever drink is nearby, and it behaves like a polite guest instead of a dramatic one. I appreciate the joint support angle too, especially after workouts when my body starts acting like it is 97 years old. The best part is that it gives me a simple way to support healthy nails and skin without adding weird flavors or fake sweetness to my life. —Hannah Caldwell

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Why Type 1 and Type 3 Collagen Are Necessary

I’ve found that Type 1 and Type 3 collagen are essential because they help keep my body strong, flexible, and resilient. Type 1 collagen supports my skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments, while Type 3 collagen helps maintain the structure of my skin, muscles, and blood vessels. Together, they play a big role in how my body holds itself together and repairs itself over time.

I also notice that collagen matters more as I get older, because my natural collagen production can slow down. When that happens, my skin may lose firmness, and my joints or connective tissues may not feel as supported. Getting enough collagen can help me support my overall wellness, especially when I want to stay active and maintain healthy-looking skin.

For me, the biggest reason these two types are necessary is that they work together to support both strength and elasticity. Type 1 gives me durability, and Type 3 helps with softness and flexibility. That balance is important in keeping my body functioning well every day.

My Buying Guides on Type 1 Type 3 Collagen

What I Look for in Type 1 Type 3 Collagen

When I shop for Type 1 Type 3 collagen, I first check the collagen source and the formula quality. I prefer products that clearly state they contain both Type 1 and Type 3 collagen, since these are commonly associated with skin, hair, nails, joints, and connective tissue support. I also look for hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides because I find them easier to mix and absorb.

Why I Choose Type 1 and Type 3 Together

From my experience, Type 1 and Type 3 collagen are often paired because they complement each other well. Type 1 is usually the main collagen in skin, bones, and tendons, while Type 3 is often found in skin, muscles, and blood vessels. I like products that combine them because they fit well into my wellness routine when I want broader support.

Ingredients I Prefer

I always read the ingredient list carefully. My preference is for a clean formula with minimal fillers, artificial flavors, or unnecessary additives. If I want extra benefits, I look for added vitamin C because it helps support collagen formation. Sometimes I also look for hyaluronic acid or biotin, depending on my goals.

Forms I Find Most Convenient

I usually decide based on what fits my lifestyle best. Powders are my favorite when I want flexibility, since I can mix them into coffee, smoothies, or water. Capsules are convenient when I travel or want a simple routine. Gummies are easy to take, but I check the sugar content before choosing them.

Quality and Sourcing Matter to Me

I pay close attention to where the collagen comes from. Many Type 1 Type 3 collagen products are sourced from bovine or marine sources. I prefer brands that are transparent about sourcing, manufacturing standards, and third-party testing. That gives me more confidence in the product’s purity and consistency.

Things I Check Before Buying

Before I buy, I compare:

  • Collagen type and amount per serving
  • Source of the collagen
  • Presence of hydrolyzed peptides
  • Added ingredients and allergens
  • Third-party testing or quality certifications
  • Price per serving

How I Compare Value

I do not just look at the total price. I calculate the cost per serving and check how much collagen I’m actually getting. A larger container is not always the better deal if the serving size is small or the collagen dose is low. I want the best balance of quality, convenience, and price.

My Final Buying Tip

If I want a Type 1 Type 3 collagen supplement, I choose one that is clearly labeled, well-sourced, and easy for me to use consistently. In my experience, the best product is the one I can take regularly and trust for quality.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that Type 1 and Type 3 collagen work best together when it comes to supporting skin, joints, and overall connective tissue health. My key takeaway is that Type 1 is especially important for strength and structure, while Type 3 helps with elasticity and tissue support. If I’m looking for a collagen supplement, I focus on one that includes both types so I can get broader benefits.

Author Profile

Maren Holloway
Maren Holloway
I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.

I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.

Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.