Best Collagen Supplements in South Africa
By MoneyToday Team • Dec 2024 • 8 min read
Collagen supplements have exploded in popularity in South Africa, promising everything from glowing skin to stronger joints. But with dozens of products on the shelves, which one is actually worth your money?
We've compared the top collagen supplements available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Takealot, and health stores. Prices range from R199 to R899, and we'll help you find the best one for your specific needs.
Our Top 3 Picks
Vital Collagen Boost
R299
300g • Type I & III • Bovine
- Great price per serving
- Grass-fed source
- Widely available
Biogen Marine Collagen
R549
300g • Type I • Fish
- Highest absorption
- Pescatarian-friendly
- Best for skin
Clicks Expert Collagen
R249
300g • Type I & III • Bovine
- Lowest price
- ClubCard discounts
- Solid quality
Full Product Comparison
| Product | Type | Source | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vital Collagen Boost Vital • 300g | Type I & III | Bovine (Grass-fed) | R299 | 4.8 | Skin & hair |
Peptan Collagen Peptides Vita Pro • 400g | Type I | Bovine Hydrolyzed | R449 | 4.7 | Overall wellness |
Expert Collagen Powder Clicks • 300g | Type I & III | Bovine | R249 | 4.5 | Budget option |
Gold Collagen Complex Dis-Chem Gold • 350g | Type I, II & III | Multi-source | R399 | 4.6 | Joints & skin |
Marine Collagen Peptides Biogen • 300g | Type I | Fish (Marine) | R549 | 4.7 | Pescatarians |
Collagen + Vitamin C NeoCell • 198g | Type I & III | Bovine | R599 | 4.8 | Premium quality |
Beauty Collagen Gummies Vitaforce • 60 gummies | Type I | Bovine | R199 | 4.3 | Don't like powder |
Pure Hydrolyzed Collagen Sally-Ann Creed • 450g | Type I & III | Grass-fed Bovine | R899 | 4.9 | Premium grass-fed |
Understanding Collagen Types
Your body contains different types of collagen. Here's what each type does and where it comes from:
Type I
90% of body collagenBenefits: Skin elasticity, hair strength, nail growth, wound healing
Sources: Bovine, Marine (fish)
Type II
5% of body collagenBenefits: Joint health, cartilage support, reduces joint pain
Sources: Chicken cartilage
Type III
5% of body collagenBenefits: Gut health, blood vessels, muscle structure
Sources: Bovine (often paired with Type I)
Bovine vs Marine Collagen: Which is Better?
Bovine (Cow) Collagen
- More affordable (R249-R449)
- Contains Type I and III
- Great for skin, hair, nails & gut
- Widely available in SA
Best for: Most people, especially budget-conscious buyers
Marine (Fish) Collagen
- Higher bioavailability (1.5x absorption)
- Primarily Type I collagen
- Smaller peptide molecules
- Pescatarian-friendly
Best for: Skin-focused results, pescatarians
Where to Buy Collagen in South Africa
Clicks
Widest range of budget to mid-range options. Use your ClubCard for extra savings and watch for monthly specials.
Price range: R199 - R449
Dis-Chem
Excellent selection including premium brands. Benefits Plus members get regular discounts. Best for quality brands.
Price range: R249 - R599
Wellness Warehouse
Premium and organic options. Best for grass-fed, sustainably-sourced collagen. Vitality members get discounts.
Price range: R399 - R899
Takealot
Convenient online shopping with delivery. Good for comparing prices and reading reviews. Watch for Blue Dot sales.
Price range: R199 - R799
How to Take Collagen for Best Results
Daily Dose: 10-15g
Most studies showing results use 10-15 grams daily. Check your product's serving size - some require 2 scoops.
Best Time: Morning or Before Bed
Take on an empty stomach for best absorption, or mix into your morning coffee/smoothie. Consistency matters more than timing.
Add Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. Take with orange juice or a Vitamin C supplement for better results.
Be Patient: 8-12 Weeks
Visible results take 2-3 months of consistent use. Don't expect overnight miracles - collagen works gradually.
Things to Watch Out For
- Fillers and additives: Some cheap collagen contains sugar, artificial flavours, or unnecessary fillers. Check the ingredients list.
- Unrealistic claims: No collagen will make you look 20 years younger. Be wary of products with exaggerated marketing.
- Source matters: Look for grass-fed bovine or sustainably-sourced marine collagen for quality.
- Allergies: Marine collagen isn't suitable for fish allergies. Bovine isn't suitable for beef allergies or some religious dietary requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does collagen actually work?
Yes, multiple studies show collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and support joint health. Results typically appear after 8-12 weeks of consistent use with 10g+ daily doses.
Can I get collagen from food instead?
Yes! Bone broth, chicken skin, fish skin, and egg whites contain collagen. However, supplements provide concentrated, easily-absorbed peptides that are hard to get from diet alone.
What age should I start taking collagen?
Collagen production starts declining around age 25. Starting in your late 20s or early 30s is ideal for prevention. However, it's beneficial at any age.
Are there any side effects?
Collagen is generally safe with minimal side effects. Some people experience mild digestive discomfort initially. Start with a smaller dose and increase gradually.
Powder vs capsules vs gummies - which is best?
Powder is most cost-effective and allows higher doses (10-15g). Capsules are convenient but often provide lower doses. Gummies taste good but have added sugar and lower collagen content.
Is vegan collagen a thing?
True collagen only comes from animals. "Vegan collagen" products are actually collagen boosters containing Vitamin C, amino acids, and plant compounds that support your body's collagen production.
The Bottom Line
For most South Africans, Vital Collagen Boost (R299) offers the best balance of quality and value. If budget is tight, Clicks Expert Collagen (R249) is a solid choice. For premium results, especially for skin, Biogen Marine Collagen (R549) or Sally-Ann Creed (R899) are worth the investment.
Remember: consistency is key. Choose a product you can afford to take daily for at least 3 months to see real results.