Bovine vs Marine Collagen: Which Is Better for Skin?

Bovine or marine collagen? If you have been comparing options, it can feel confusing because advice online often skips the details that actually matter. For nearly 20 years Puraz has focused on bovine collagen, and that choice came from digging into collagen types, amino acid profiles, peptide size, and real-world value. Below are the key reasons we believe bovine collagen is the stronger all-round pick for skin support, with clear notes on where marine collagen can still make sense.

1. Collagen types: why marine collagen is not a perfect match for skin.

There are 28 different collagen protein types, each with structural differences that suit different roles in the body. The collagen types most relevant to skin structure and appearance are type I and type III. Human skin is about 80% type I collagen and 15% type III.

Type I collagen has a strong, rope-like structure. It is found where high-tensile strength is needed, such as in skin, teeth, bones, cornea, fascia and tendons.

Type III collagen, also known as reticulin, forms a web-like structure that supports tissues that experience pulling from different directions, such as skin, arteries, the uterus and the intestinal wall, where it is present in high quantities. Type III collagen is involved in early-stage wound support, where it gradually shifts toward type I, and it may also be relevant to some of the gut comfort benefits people look for from collagen supplementation.

Bovine collagen from skins and hides contains both type I and type III collagen, in a ratio closer to youthful human skin. Marine collagen generally contains primarily type I collagen.

2. Proline and hydroxyproline.

These two amino acids make up about 25% of collagen, being the most abundant amino acids after glycine. Hydroxyproline in particular is important because it helps stabilise collagen structure and is also a key component of elastin-related processes.

Bovine collagen contains 14% more proline and 41% more hydroxyproline than marine collagen.

3. Bioavailability.

Our collagen is hydrolysed by enzymes, hence the term hydrolysated collagen. This process breaks the original collagen protein into short chains of amino acids known as bioactive collagen peptides. These are then absorbed and distributed in the body, either broken down into individual amino acids through digestion, or absorbed directly as small peptides.

The highest bioactivity is found in collagen peptides with a molecular weight of between 2000 and 5000 daltons, which accounts for all of the peptides in our collagen products.

Absorption studies show up to 95% absorption within 12 hours of ingestion of collagen peptides within this molecular weight range and up to 10000 daltons. There is no verifiable evidence that marine collagen is absorbed more efficiently than bovine collagen hydrolysate when peptide size and processing are comparable.

4. Expense.

There are a few reasons why marine collagen is usually more expensive: there is typically less available, and fishing supply can be affected by sustainability and seasonal pressures. Fish also yield less collagen than many land-animal sources, and extraction can be more intensive, especially if scales are used.

Although it wasn’t the focus of this article, bovine collagen peptides are also our favourite for joint support, and some people specifically look for type II collagen for that purpose.

Hopefully we’ve provided you with a clearer, more practical view of why bovine is our preferred collagen for skin health, radiance and firmness, and why peptide quality matters more than hype. We’re constantly keeping up to date with the highest quality ingredients and the research behind them.

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FAQ

What is marine collagen?

Marine collagen is collagen extracted from fish-based sources such as skin, scales, or bones. It is typically rich in type I collagen, which is a major structural collagen in skin. If you prefer fish-derived ingredients, check the source (skin vs scales) and look for hydrolysed collagen peptides for easier use.

Is marine collagen better absorbed than bovine collagen?

Not necessarily, because absorption depends heavily on peptide size and processing rather than the animal source alone. Hydrolysed collagen peptides in the 2000 to 5000 dalton range are widely used for high bioactivity across sources. If you are comparing products, prioritise hydrolysed peptides and transparent quality specs over marketing claims.

Which collagen types matter most for skin, type I or type III?

Both matter, because type I supports tensile strength while type III contributes to the flexible, web-like structure in skin. Human skin contains a meaningful amount of type III alongside type I, especially in more youthful skin. If your goal is skin firmness and texture, a blend that includes type I and type III can be a practical advantage.

What are collagen peptides and why do they matter?

Collagen peptides are smaller protein fragments created when collagen is hydrolysed. Smaller peptides are easier to digest and can circulate as bioactive peptides or as amino acids used by the body. For a simple rule of thumb, choose a hydrolysed collagen product with consistent peptide sizing and take it daily for several weeks.

Can bovine collagen support gut comfort?

Many people use bovine collagen as part of a gut-friendly routine because it provides amino acids that support connective tissue and normal repair processes. Type III collagen is often discussed in relation to intestinal tissue structure. If you are trying collagen for gut comfort, start with a daily serve and track changes alongside diet and hydration.

Who should avoid marine collagen?

If you have a fish allergy, marine collagen may not be a good fit, even if the product is highly processed. Sensitivities can vary, and labels do not always remove risk. In that case, consider a non-fish source and check allergen statements carefully before use.

How do I choose between bovine and marine collagen?

Choose based on your diet preferences, budget, and the collagen types you want to target. Marine collagen is often selected by pescatarians, while bovine collagen is commonly chosen for its type I and type III profile and overall value. Whichever you choose, look for hydrolysed collagen peptides and take them consistently with a protein-aware diet.