Collagen Types 1, 2 & 3 Explained: Which Is Best?

Short answer: There are more than 20 types of collagen in the body, but three do most of the work you hear about. Types I and III are the ones found in skin, hair, nails, bone and connective tissue, while type II is concentrated in cartilage. For everyday skin, hair and nail support, products tend to use type I (often with III); type II is the one usually marketed for joints. No single type is "best" in the abstract — it depends on what the product is for.

The three collagen types people ask about

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it comes in several forms. When a label mentions "types 1, 2 and 3," it's pointing to where that collagen naturally sits:

Type I

The most common type by far. It's the main structural collagen in skin, bone, tendons and other connective tissue. Most collagen marketed for skin, hair and nails is type I — including marine collagen, which is predominantly type I.

Type II

Found mainly in cartilage, the cushioning tissue in joints. Type II is the form usually featured in joint-specific products, and it's typically sourced from chicken rather than fish or hide.

Type III

Often sits alongside type I in skin and blood vessels, which is why bovine (cow-derived) collagen is frequently described as "type I and III." It tends to be discussed together with type I for skin and structure.

Which type is "best"?

It depends entirely on your goal, and it helps to remember what collagen actually is: raw material — the building block your skin, bone and connective tissue lean on — rather than something that acts on its own. If your interest is skin, hair and nails, type I (with or without III) is the relevant form. If the focus is cartilage and joints, type II is the one those products use. There's no need to take "all three" to cover skin and nails; type I is the workhorse there. More types on a label doesn't automatically mean a better product.

Marine vs bovine: a quick word on source

Because source and type overlap, this comes up a lot. Marine collagen (from fish) is predominantly type I. Bovine collagen is usually type I and III. Both are broken down into peptides during manufacturing so they're easy to mix and consistent to dose — the practical difference is source preference, not a dramatic gap in what they are. You can read more in our guide to marine vs bovine collagen.

How Vyelle fits

Vyelle Daily Renewal uses 5,000 mg of marine collagen, which is predominantly type I — the form associated with skin, hair and nails — provided as raw material in one daily scoop. It's paired with 200 mg of vitamin C, which helps your body build collagen for skin that works like it should. If joints are your main concern, type II is a different product category, and that's worth knowing rather than expecting one powder to do everything. Learn more about marine collagen for women over 45, the difference between collagen and collagen peptides, or read how to choose a collagen for women over 50.

Related questions

Which collagen type is best for skin?

Type I is the collagen most associated with skin, with type III often alongside it. Marine collagen is predominantly type I, which is why it's commonly chosen for skin, hair and nails. Collagen is best understood as raw material your skin leans on, not a direct fix.

What is type 2 collagen used for?

Type II collagen is concentrated in cartilage, so it's the form usually featured in joint-focused products and is typically sourced from chicken rather than fish or hide. It's a different category from skin-and-nail collagen.

Do you need all three collagen types?

Not for skin, hair and nails — type I (with or without III) covers that. A longer list of types on a label doesn't automatically make a product better; what matters is matching the type to your goal.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This page is general information, not medical advice; consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medication.