Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: Which One Should You Take?

If you’re only just starting your collagen journey, you’ve likely come across terms like ‘bovine’ and ‘marine’ in your research.

And with so many options available on the market, sifting between these different types of collagen can often feel like a bit of a maze. But is there a real difference between bovine and marine collagen? And which one will truly help your skincare routine? 

In this article, we’ll settle the marine collagen vs bovine debate, so you know exactly which collagen supplements you need.

What is marine collagen?

Marine collagen is made from fish skin and scales – which is rich in Type 1 collagen, the most abundant protein in your body. However, our natural Type 1 collagen levels start to decrease from 25 years old, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of ageing as we get older. 

As such, taking marine collagen is great for skincare, haircare, and even for your nails, making it the go-to choice for those wanting to look and feel more comfortable in themselves.

Here at Absolute Collagen, we love marine collagen, as do our Absoluters! That’s why we use hydrolysed marine collagen in both our collagen powder and liquid collagen sachets.

What is bovine collagen?

Bovine collagen is made from the hides, bones, and cartilage of cows. As well as containing Type 1, bovine also includes Type 3 collagen, which can be found in your muscles, organs, and blood vessels.

What’s the difference between bovine and marine collagen?

While both types support collagen production in your body, there are some important differences between bovine and marine collagen. If you’re deciding between the two, take a look at our comparison table, below:

Are there any other types of collagen?

Yes, there are a couple of other collagen types on the market – if you wanted to look beyond bovine or marine collagen. 

For example, you may have also come across porcine (from pigs), poultry (from chickens), and even plant-based collagen alternatives in your research. Bear in mind that collagen itself is always sourced from animals, so any vegan alternatives do not actually contain collagen. To find out more, read our article on vegan collagen.

However, even when compared against these other types, marine collagen still stands out from the competition for its effectiveness and absorption rate.

So, is marine collagen better than bovine collagen?

Yes, marine collagen is better than bovine. That’s because marine collagen tends to have higher levels of Type 1 collagen, while bovine also contains Type 3 - which means marine is better suited to improving your skin, hair, and nails. 

Our own marine collagen supplements have proven their effectiveness in clinical trials too. After just 12 weeks of taking our collagen, 100% of participants saw an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, while 90% agreed that their skin feels replenished and restored. Quite simply, marine collagen works!

Now we’ve settled the marine collagen vs bovine debate, you’re ready to choose your Absolute Collagen subscription. Whether you prefer our powder or our easy-to-take liquid sachets, head over to our collagen supplements page to compare products. 

Alternatively, if you want to learn more about collagen, head over to our Collagen Lab for more expert insights and FAQs.