Collagen types 1, 2 and 3
Type I is the main collagen in skin, bone and tendon; type II is in cartilage; type III sits alongside type I in skin and blood vessels.
Short answer Type I is the main collagen in skin, bone and tendon; type II is in cartilage; type III sits alongside type I in skin and blood vessels. Once hydrolysed and digested, all are broken into similar amino acids and peptides.
Does the type matter?
For hydrolysed collagen, less than labels suggest. The exception is undenatured type II collagen, taken in small doses for joints, which is thought to act differently.
Multi-collagen blends
Offer several types in one product. There is no evidence that more types means more benefit.
Related pages
- Collagen with hyaluronic acidHyaluronic acid holds water in skin.
- When and how to take collagenTiming makes no proven difference.
- Collagen side effectsCollagen is generally well tolerated.
- Collagen gummiesGummies are the weakest way to take collagen: most contain well under a gram per sweet, far below the doses used in trials, and many add sugar.
Keep exploring
Questions people ask
What should I know about collagen types 1, 2 and 3?
Type I is the main collagen in skin, bone and tendon; type II is in cartilage; type III sits alongside type I in skin and blood vessels.
Can I take this with medication?
Ask a pharmacist or GP first; some supplements interact with medicines.
Do supplements replace a balanced diet?
No. They are meant to add to a varied diet, not stand in for one.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026.