Understanding the Difference Between Marine Collagen and Bovine Collagen

Marine collagen, which comes from fish, and bovine collagen, which comes from cows, are two of the trendiest forms of this supplement. But can both help you meet your beauty goals? Or is one a better choice over the other? 

Let’s break down the difference between these two types of collagen supplements so you can choose the right one for your health. After all, you deserve to have full control over what you put in your body, and that starts with being informed. 

What Is Marine Collagen?

Marine collagen is just what it sounds like: collagen that comes from marine animals. Fish skin and scales are rich in collagen, and these components are often left out of seafood products. (After all, who wants to eat fish scales?) Fish farmers can make better use of these leftovers by extracting collagen from them. 

Not a fan of seafood? Don’t worry! Supplement providers remove the fish oils from collagen supplements during production. That means they don’t taste or smell fishy. In fact, most marine collagen products are tasteless or have had natural flavors and sweeteners added. 

Try our Taut® Liquid Collagen Drink made from premium marine collagen for a firmer, more youthful complexion. 

What Is Bovine Collagen? 

Bovine collagen, on the other hand, is collagen sourced from cows. It’s typically produced as a byproduct of processing cowhide. If you’ve ever eaten Jell-O, you’ve also made use of this byproduct, as gelatin is made from animal collagen. 

Hydrolyzed bovine collagen is one of the more common types of cow-sourced collagen hitting the shelves. This is collagen that goes through a process known as hydrolysis to break down the large proteins into smaller particles. Without hydrolysis, bovine collagen peptides are often too large to be absorbed by the digestive system. 

The Biggest Differences Between Marine vs. Bovine Collagen

Marine collagen and bovine collagen both can increase your body’s collagen levels, giving you the essential proteins you need for glowy skin, strong hair and nails, and a youthful complexion. But these two animal-based collagen types are also pretty different. Here are some of the biggest contrasts between them. 

Bioavailability

When you drink a liquid collagen drink or mix a powder into your smoothie, such as the Taut® Premium Collagen Powder, the collagen and other beneficial ingredients travel to your stomach and eventually absorb into your bloodstream. That’s how your body begins using the collagen to boost skin elasticity and moisture. But not all products absorb at the same rate. 

Bioavailability is a fancy way of saying "how well your body absorbs something." And marine and bovine collagens have a pretty different bioavailability. 

Hydrolyzed marine collagen is much smaller and easier to absorb than bovine collagen. Some research reports that your body can absorb marine collagen 1.5 times faster than bovine collagen. That’s huge!

Think of it like the difference between a minivan and a sports car. Both will get you where you’re going, but one will do so much faster than the other. 

Types of Collagen Available 

Not to get too scientific, but there are three different types of collagen that you should have least have a baseline understanding of. 

• Type I: The main type of collagen that affects the structure of your hair, nails, skin, bones, teeth, cartilage, and tendons. (This is what beauty gurus are often talking about when they refer to collagen.)
• Type II: A form of collagen found in the cartilage that supports joint health. 
• Type III: The most prevalent type of collagen found naturally in the body. It helps keep the muscles, organs, and arteries healthy. 

Bovine collagen contains a mix of type I and type III collagen, which is why it’s a popular choice for athletes looking to build muscle. In contrast, marine collagen is made entirely of type I collagen, meaning all of the marine collagen you take will go straight to your skin, nails, hair, and bones. If you’re looking for collagen for skin and hair health, it makes sense to go with a marine-sourced option. 

Want to erase fine lines and wrinkles through the power of marine collagen? Try the Taut® Anti-Aging Program + Hydrating Collagen Face Masks. 

Sustainability

Not all collagen products come from ethical or sustainable sources. It’s important to look at where your collagen products come from and how they’re actually produced. 

Bovine collagen is a byproduct of beef farming, which is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the country. That’s why many people are saying "buh-bye" to beef and opting for more sustainably produced meat products. 

On the other hand, marine collagen usually comes from wild-caught fish found in lakes, rivers, and oceans. This product uses a more sustainable manufacturing process with a lower carbon footprint. If you care about the sustainability of your beauty products, marine collagen is the clear winner. 

Marine Collagen vs. Bovine: Which Is Right for You? 

Time for some detective work! Grab your latest collagen supplement and take a close look at the ingredient list. Does it contain bovine or marine collagen? And now that you know the difference between the two, how do you feel about the product you currently use?

Marine collagen is often the right choice for those looking to target their skin and hair, who want fast results, and who care about the sustainability of their beauty products. Bovine collagen still offers a range of benefits and is often the preferred choice for athletes or those looking to build muscle. 

If you’re in the market for a high-quality collagen sourced from wild-caught fish, RenewSkin Co™ has your back with liquids, powders, face masks, and more. Try our Taut® Ultimate Transformation Program today to experience the difference marine collagen can make for your beauty and wellness goals.