Type I vs Type II Collagen: What Is the Difference and How Should You Choose?

There are many types of collagen products on the market. Some are labelled as containing Type I collagen, while others focus on Type II collagen. Certain products combine multiple collagen types with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or other nutrients.

When choosing a product, consumers often have the following questions:

• What is the difference between Type I and Type II collagen?
• Which type should I choose for skin care?
• What should I look for if I am concerned about joint health?
• Does “hydrolysed collagen” mean that it is easier to absorb?

Understanding these basic concepts can help you make a clearer choice based on your lifestyle and personal needs.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is an important structural protein in the human body. It is found in connective tissues such as the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

Different types of collagen are distributed across different tissues. Type I collagen is the primary structural protein found in the skin, bones, tendons, teeth, and other connective tissues. Type II collagen, on the other hand, is an important component of cartilage.

Therefore, when choosing a collagen product, you should not only check whether the product contains collagen. It is also important to understand which type of collagen it provides and whether it matches your main wellness goals.

Type I Collagen: Supporting Skin and Connective Tissues

Type I collagen forms strong fibrous structures that provide support to the tissues mentioned above. For this reason, many hydrolysed collagen products positioned for skin elasticity, bone health, or active lifestyles contain Type I collagen.

A systematic review and meta-analysis covering 26 randomised controlled trials and 1,721 participants found that participants who took hydrolysed collagen supplements showed improvements in skin hydration and elasticity compared with those who received a placebo.

Who May Consider Type I Collagen?

Type I collagen may be worth considering for people who:

• Are concerned about skin hydration and elasticity
• Want to support the appearance of fine lines and their daily beauty routine
• Frequently spend time in air-conditioned or dry environments
• Exercise regularly or engage in physically demanding activities
• Want to support their skin, bones, and connective tissues

Type II Collagen: Primarily Found in Joint Cartilage

Type II collagen is an important structural component of cartilage. It is therefore commonly found in products positioned for joint and cartilage support.

If your main concerns are everyday mobility and joint flexibility, or if you regularly run, hike, play sports, work out, or perform physical labour, you may wish to look for formulas containing Type II collagen.

There is no single answer as to which type is “better.” The key is to choose according to your main wellness needs.

How to Choose Hydrolysed Collagen

Identify Your Main Wellness Goal

Before choosing a product, ask yourself which area you most want to support.

If your main focus is skin care

Look for a formula that primarily contains hydrolysed Type I collagen, together with ingredients such as vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.

If your main focus is joints and cartilage, while also supporting your skin and mobility

Consider a combined formula containing both hydrolysed Type I and Type II collagen.

What Is Hydrolysed Collagen?

Collagen naturally has a relatively large protein structure. “Hydrolysed collagen” refers to collagen that has been broken down into shorter collagen peptides using enzymes or other processing methods.

Once hydrolysed, collagen is generally easier to dissolve in drinks and more convenient to formulate into powdered nutritional supplements.

Common Misunderstandings When Choosing Collagen

Misunderstanding 1: Type I collagen is only for women, while Type II collagen is only for older people

Collagen types should be understood according to the tissues they are associated with and the intended area of support, rather than a person’s gender.

People concerned about their skin, bones, or tendons may consider Type I collagen, while those focused on joints and cartilage may consider Type II collagen. Athletes, office workers, and older adults may all have different collagen-related needs.

Misunderstanding 2: Hydrolysed collagen can replace normal dietary protein

The amino acid profile of collagen is different from that of complete dietary proteins. It cannot replace protein sources found in a balanced diet, such as fish, eggs, meat, dairy products, beans, and other protein-rich foods.

What Hydrolysed Collagen Products Containing Both Type I and Type II Are Available?

HYGEE Hydrolysed Collagen is one of the few brands on the market that combines both Type I and Type II collagen, with a claimed absorption rate of 95%.

Type I collagen is mainly associated with skin care, while Type II collagen is primarily associated with joint support. Both the Beauty & Active Ageing Formula and the All-in-One Formula contain hydrolysed Type I and Type II collagen together with vitamin C, although each product has a different formulation focus.

Beauty Active

If your main concerns are skin hydration, elasticity, daily beauty care, and support for tiredness, you may wish to consider the HYGEE Beauty Active.

The formula also contains magnesium and hyaluronic acid.

Global Care

If your main concerns are your joints, bones, muscles, and everyday mobility, you may wish to consider the HYGEE Global Care. 

Its unflavoured formulation can be easily mixed into your daily drinks.

HYGEE Hydrolysed Collagen features a naturally pure “free from eight” formulation, making it suitable for incorporating into your daily routine.

Collagen supplements cannot replace a balanced diet, sun protection, exercise, adequate sleep, or professional medical advice. Incorporating collagen into an overall healthy lifestyle is a more practical and sustainable approach to long-term wellness.