How to Choose the Best GLP-1 Collagen Supplement

Have you heard of "Ozempic Face"? It’s the phrase that’s been circulating on social media and in dermatology clinics—used to describe the hollowed cheeks, loose skin, and overall facial thinning that can happen during fast, GLP–1–assisted weight loss. And while it’s often blamed on fat loss alone, there’s another key factor: collagen loss. That's why you need to choose a GLP-1 collagen supplement to limit the "sag."

Using medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound can result in weight loss that happens faster than your skin can adapt. When the fat beneath the skin disappears quickly, and collagen production can't keep up, the result can be loose skin.

That’s why supporting your skin from the inside out—with collagen and the nutrients that help build it—matters more than ever.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen isn’t just a marketing word slapped on TikTok masks—it’s a real, structural protein that your body depends on. In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of your total protein content.

It forms the scaffolding that keeps your skin firm and smooth
It cushions your joints and keeps ligaments flexible
It helps strengthen bones, blood vessels, and even the gut lining
Your body naturally produces less collagen after your 20s, and that decline speeds up with age, weight loss, or nutrient deficiencies
Women especially take the brunt of reduced collagen during perimenopause and menopause

Your body naturally produces collagen through specialized cells called fibroblasts, which live in your skin, connective tissues, and organs. These cells stitch together amino acids, such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, to build collagen fibers.

When collagen breaks down faster than your body can rebuild it, you start to see it—in your face, your joints, and your skin.

Why GLP-1 Medications Can Affect Collagen

GLP-1s work by reducing appetite and slowing digestion, which helps you eat fewer calories. But with that reduced intake comes a downside: your body may not get enough of the nutrients it needs to produce and maintain collagen.

Add in natural age-related collagen decline—especially for those in their 30s, 40s, and beyond—and your skin may start to lose its structure and firmness faster than expected.

This is why collagen supplements are becoming so popular among people on GLP-1s: they’re not just for beauty—they’re part of protecting your muscle mass, skin elasticity, and joint health during rapid changes in body composition.

Collagen Needs a Vitamin C Kicker

Even the best collagen powder won’t help much if you’re low on vitamin C. That’s because vitamin C is essential in the biochemical process your body uses to build and repair collagen. Without it, your collagen supplement can’t work properly.

Some of the best GLP-1 collagen supplements already include vitamin C for this reason—but if yours doesn’t, consider adding a separate source to your daily routine.

While Vitamin C is important to pair with a GLP-1 collagen supplement, there's more to consider:

Protein (especially amino acids like glycine and proline)
Zinc and copper, which help stabilize the collagen structure
Antioxidants to protect collagen from damage (like vitamin E and polyphenols)

As you age—or if your diet is lacking—your fibroblasts slow down, and collagen production drops off. That's why targeted nutrition and supplements can help.

What Foods Promote Collagen Growth?

Foods that promote collagen growth are rich in the building blocks your body needs to make it.

Focus on protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and bone broth, which supply key amino acids like glycine and proline.

Pair them with vitamin C–rich foods like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers to help your body synthesize new collagen.

Zinc (found in seeds, shellfish, and nuts) and copper (in mushrooms and organ meats) also support collagen production.

Antioxidants help protect your body’s existing collagen by fighting off free radicals that accelerate skin aging and tissue breakdown. While they don’t create collagen directly, they play a critical role in preserving what you already have.

To support your skin and joints, include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, green tea, and even a little dark chocolate. These foods help reduce inflammation and environmental stress that can weaken collagen over time.

Topical vs. Ingestible Collagen: What’s the Real Difference?

If you're trying to combat collagen loss—especially while using GLP-1 medications—it’s easy to get caught up in skincare trends. But not all collagen products work the same way. Here's how topical collagen compares to collagen supplements, and why the difference matters.

💧 Topical Collagen (Face Masks, Creams, Lotions)

Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate deep into the skin
These products may hydrate or temporarily plump the surface, giving a smoother look
They don’t boost collagen production in the lower layers of skin
Think of them as a cosmetic quick fix, not a long-term solution

💊 Collagen Supplements (Powders, Drinks, Capsules)

Work from the inside out by supplying amino acids your body needs to build collagen
When taken consistently (and paired with vitamin C), they may help improve skin elasticity, joint comfort, hair strength, and more
These support actual collagen synthesis, not just the appearance of smoother skin

What to Look for in a GLP-1 Collagen Supplement

When choosing a collagen supplement to support your body while on a GLP-1 medication, prioritize hydrolyzed collagen peptides—they’re easier to absorb. They are typically heat-stable and dissolve smoothly in hot or cold drinks.

Look for added vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Bonus points if it also includes hyaluronic acid or biotin for added skin and joint benefits.

Since GLP-1s can affect digestion, avoid products with unnecessary fillers or artificial sweeteners. A supplement that also includes protein or gut-friendly ingredients like prebiotics or digestive enzymes may help offset muscle loss and bloating.

If you're using gelatin-based collagen (usually marketed for joint or gut health), it thickens when cooled and works better in recipes like gummies or broths.

Consistency is key, so find one that fits easily into your daily routine.

GLP-1 Collagen Suppelments: Our Top Picks

The sheer number of GLP-1 collagen supplements can be overwhelming. Here are our top five recommendations, based on user experience and expert feedback from a nutritionist.

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

This Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein supplement delivers 10 types of collagen from beef, chicken, fish, and fermented eggshell membrane to support skin, joints, gut, and more.

It includes SBO probiotics, 200% DV of vitamin C, and mixes well in hot or cold drinks. Non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party tested for quality.

Prefer collagen peptide pills? Ancient Nutrition has that option as well, with just three capsules equaling a dose. Some versions require six horse pills per serving.

ancient nutrition multi collagen protein

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced Powder supports collagen production with 100% daily value of vitamin C and 120mg of hyaluronic acid for skin hydration.

It's a go-to for a reason. That includes being made from hydrolyzed, grass-fed collagen that is easy to absorb and dissolves in both hot and cold drinks.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo- and Whole30-approved.

Truvani Collagen

Truvani Collagen Peptides deliver 20g of grass-fed, hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 collagen in every scoop to support skin elasticity, hair strength, nail growth, joint mobility, and gut health.

It’s unflavored, dairy-free, non-GMO, and dissolves smoothly in hot or cold beverages.

With just 70 calories per serving, it’s easy to incorporate into coffee, smoothies, or water for a clean daily boost.

Truvani Marine Collagen features 11g of sustainably sourced, wild-caught collagen peptides designed for easy absorption.

Tailored for both men and women, it promotes youthful skin, hydration, and joint support.

The smaller particles make it ideal for mixing into drinks or recipes without altering taste or texture.

Bubs Naturals Collagen Protein

BUBS Collagen Peptides deliver 20g of hydrolyzed collagen per scoop, sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows.

Packed with essential amino acids, it supports lean muscle, joint health, skin elasticity, and gut function.

Gluten-, dairy-, and GMO-free, this unflavored powder mixes smoothly into any drink and fits perfectly into Keto and Paleo diets.

Clean, effective, and third-party tested for quality.

Further Food Collagen Peptides

Further Food Collagen comes in a variety of flavors, including Matcha, Hazelnut, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla, Chocolate, and Unflavored, making it easy to fit into your daily routine.

Each scoop delivers 20g of grass-fed collagen peptides to support skin, joints, gut, and overall wellness.

Flavored blends like Matcha and Pumpkin Spice include functional ingredients such as adaptogens or energy-boosting compounds, while all are Keto-, Paleo-, and Kosher-friendly with no added sugar.

Mix into coffee, smoothies, or baked goods for a clean, delicious boost.