Health, fitness and the supplement aisle. An independent South African desk.
Collagen · Answer
Possibly a little for skin hydration and elasticity, but the evidence is disputed and no good evidence shows it removes wrinkles. A 2019 review of 11 trials (805 people) reported better elasticity and moisture, while a 2025 meta-analysis of 23 trials found the benefit disappeared in higher-quality, non-industry-funded trials. In South Africa, 10 g a day costs about R313–R530 a month (October 2026).
The honest answer is "maybe a modest effect on hydration and elasticity; evidence for wrinkles themselves is thin and contested". Collagen peptides are digested, and some small peptides reach the blood and are thought to signal skin cells, but any effect is indirect. The AIS classes collagen as Group B (emerging evidence).
| Review | Trials and people | Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Choi et al. 2019, J Drugs Dermatol (systematic review, not a meta-analysis) | 11 randomised trials, 805 patients | "Promising" early results: better elasticity, moisture and dermal collagen density; no adverse events; more research needed on dose |
| Myung & Park 2025, Am J Med (meta-analysis) | 23 randomised trials, 1 474 people | Pooled skin benefits disappeared in non-industry-funded and higher-quality trials; industry disputes the analysis |
Most trials measured hydration and elasticity, not wrinkle depth. Many were short, small and industry funded, which can bias results. Treat the benefit as uncertain and, if present, small. Collagen does not treat or prevent any skin disease.
Choi's review found hydrolysed collagen at 2.5–10 g a day for 8–24 weeks in the studies it covered, and skin trials generally used the same range for 8–12 weeks. Timing is not important for skin. If you try it, run a 12-week trial and photograph your skin under the same light.
As of October 2026, plain collagen costs R10.44–R17.68 per 10 g:
| Product | R per 10 g | 12 weeks (84 days) at 10 g | At 5 g |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATP Fitness 910 g (R950) | R10.44 | about R877 | about R438 |
| The Harvest Table Bovine 800 g (R909) | R11.36 | about R954 | about R477 |
| Be Bright Original 300 g (R470 sale) | R15.67 | about R1 316 | about R658 |
ATP is a single-ingredient bovine peptide with no sweeteners, and the cheapest of the three; trade-offs are no flavour, a young brand and no published third-party testing. The Harvest Table is a credible alternative. See best collagen powder.
Sun protection and not smoking top the list. A dermatologist can advise on retinoids and other treatments with proven effects. Eating enough protein and fruit and vegetables also supports skin health. Collagen is an incomplete protein and should not replace your protein intake.
Avoid marine collagen with fish allergy and bovine if you avoid beef. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication, ask your doctor first. For menopause-related questions see collagen for menopause. More in does collagen actually work and best collagen for women; ranked page: best collagen in South Africa.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, living with kidney or liver disease, or taking regular medication, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian before using supplements.
| Product | Size | Price (source, date) | Servings | R per 10 g | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen | 910 g | R950 (ATP Fitness shop, 2026-10) | 91 | R10.44 | None |
| The Harvest Table Bovine Collagen Powder 800 g refill | 800 g | R909 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | 50 | R11.36 | none |
| Be Bright Original Collagen Powder pouch 300 g | 300 g | R470-R520 (sale vs regular) (Partners Hair, 2026-10) | 30 | R15.67 | none listed |
| Motherkind Glow From Within Collagen 500 g | 500 g | R879.20-R1099 (special vs regular) (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | — | R17.58 | none |
Educational information, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian before using supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, taking medication, or living with kidney, liver or heart disease. Prices were observed in October 2026 and are not offers.