Neocell Super Collagen Review: Is It Safe and Effective?

What Is Neocell Super Collagen?

Neocell Super Collagen is a powdered collagen supplement that dissolves into cold or hot drinks.

It can also be added to other recipes, including baked goods, soups, and more. It’s available in unflavored or flavored formulas.

The collagen in Neocell is sourced from grass-fed bovine, also known as cattle. It contains hydrolyzed type I and type III collagen as the only active ingredient.

Collagen is a type of protein that is naturally produced in the body. It’s found primarily in structural parts of the body, such as skin, ligaments, tendons, bones, joints, hair, and nails.

Hydrolyzed collagen refers to collagen proteins that have been partially broken down into smaller pieces, called peptides, so they are better absorbed by the body.

As we age, the body becomes less efficient at producing natural collagen. (1)

Collagen supplement manufacturers like Neocell claim that supplementing with collagen peptides, aka the building blocks of collagen, helps support our bodies in making more collagen.

And the more collagen your body makes, the more smooth, firm, and youthful your skin appears.

Collagen is a popular ingredient in anti-aging and beauty supplements. However, it might be tricky to decipher which product and form of collagen are best for you.

In this review, we take a detailed look at Neocell’s line of collagen supplements to help you decide if they are right for you.

Evaluation of Neocell’s Product Line

Neocell offers a full line of collagen supplements, including powders, tablets, and gummies.

Here’s a summary of the differences and benefits of best-selling Neocell collagen supplements:

Super Collagen Peptides

Neocell Super Collagen Peptides is a powdered supplement that can be added to liquids.

It claims to promote collagen production for stronger, more youthful skin and healthy hair and nails.

It contains type I and type III collagen sourced from grass-fed cattle and is available unflavored and in berry lemon and French vanilla flavors.

The unflavored variety is available in 7–14-ounce containers containing 20 and 40 servings, respectively. The flavored varieties are only available in 7-ounce containers and contain 25 servings.

Interestingly, the serving size for unflavored super collagen is 2 scoops which provide 10 grams of collagen and 8 grams of protein.

The serving size for both flavors of super collagen is only 1 scoop which provides 6.6 grams of collagen and 6 grams of protein.

Super Collagen Plus C

Neocell also makes their super collagen in tablet form. The tablets also contain type I and type III collagen sourced from grass-fed cattle.

This product also contains vitamin C, which the manufacturers claim helps protect skin from free radical damage that can lead to aging.

The serving size for Super Collagen Plus C is 6 tablets per day and provides 6 grams of collagen, 5 grams of protein, and 60 milligrams of vitamin C.

In terms of ingredient quantity, Super Collagen Plus C is comparable to the flavored versions of the Super Collagen powder. However, the unflavored Super Collagen powder gets you the most collagen per serving.

Collagen Protein Peptides

Neocell also makes Collagen Protein Peptides, which is another unflavored powdered supplement. It’s sold in 8.6-ounce containers, which provide 20 servings.

The biggest difference between Neocell’s Super Collagen Peptides and Collagen Protein Peptides is the nutrition.

Collagen Protein Peptides supplement contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and amla fruit extract in addition to types I and III collagen sourced from grass-fed cattle.

Neocell claims hyaluronic acid hydrates skin, and vitamin C and amla fruit extract protect skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors.

One serving is one scoop, which provides the following:

• Calories: 80
• Collagen: 20 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Hyaluronic acid: 30 mg
• Vitamin C: 60 mg
• Amla fruit extract: 5 mg

This product contains twice the amount of collagen as the unflavored Super Collagen Peptides and is more expensive.

Gummy Glow

Neocell’s collagen gummies are berry-flavored and contain types I and III collagen peptides, along with biotin, which is a type of B vitamin.

It claims to support healthy hair and skin. Biotin is often taken to support hair growth.

One package of gummies contains 20 servings. Six gummies count as one serving and provide:

• Calories: 40
• Protein: 3 g
• Collagen: 5 g
• Biotin: 32 mcg

Gummy Glow contains the least amount of collagen per serving of the products on this list.

It may be a good choice for travel if you already have powdered collagen you regularly use or if powdered and tablet supplements aren’t a good fit.

Evaluation of Ingredients

Neocell Super Collagen Peptides supplement contains just hydrolyzed bovine collagen. The flavored varieties also contain natural flavorings, citric acid, stevia leaf extract, and coloring.

Super Collagen Plus C contains hydrolyzed bovine collagen and vitamin C.

Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen

Neocell Super Collagen contains 10 grams of collagen per serving, and the Super Collagen Plus C tablets contain 6 grams of collagen per serving.

The collagen in both is sourced from the grass-fed cattle and is hydrolyzed, which means the proteins are broken down into smaller pieces that can be better absorbed by the body. (2)

Both products contain type I and type III collagen peptides. There are five types of collagen, but I and III are most commonly found in supplements.

Type I collagen is the most abundant type of collagen in the body found in skin and structural tissues. Type III is also found in skin and organs and plays a role in blood clotting. (3)

A 2019 systematic review shows promise for oral collagen supplementation as an anti-aging strategy to slow the development of wrinkles, prevent skin dryness, and improve elasticity. (4)

Several studies showed documented improvements in participants taking anywhere from 2.5 grams to 10 grams of collagen per day for durations lasting 4 to 24 weeks.

Vitamin C, 60 mg

Vitamin C is an antioxidant capable of boosting immune function and counteracting molecules, called free radicals, that damage cells and contribute to aging.

Vitamin C also helps boost collagen production. (5)

A 2018 systematic review concluded vitamin C supplementation results in increased production of type 1 collagen. (6)

One serving of Neocell Super Collagen Plus C contains close to the recommended amount of vitamin C most adults need in a day. (7)

Collagen supplementation is supported by research for skin health and reducing signs of aging.

Human trials have cited improvements in the appearance of dryness, wrinkles, and skin elasticity following collagen supplementation. Most people consider these signs of youth and beauty.

There isn’t strong evidence for the effect of collagen on hair and nail health.

Vitamin C has evidence to enhance the body’s natural collagen production.

Side Effects and Safety

Oral collagen supplements are generally considered safe with no side effects for healthy individuals. (4)

Vitamin C is a well-tolerated supplement with little risk of side effects. (6)

I’ve heard some people complain of mild digestive issues after trying a collagen supplement. If you experience bloating or stomach upset with collagen, try changing the time of day you take it.

Because Neocell collagen supplements are made from cattle, they shouldn’t be used by anyone who avoids animal products, such as vegetarians and vegans.

Consult with your primary healthcare provider before trying a collagen supplement.

Dosage

Super Collagen Peptides

The recommended dose of Neocell unflavored powdered Super Collagen Peptides is 2 scoops, or 10 grams, per day. It needs to be added to a liquid to be consumed.

Neocell recommends adding it to tea, coffee, water, smoothies, or broth. They also have a collection of collagen recipes on their website.

Two scoops provide:

• Calories: 35
• Protein: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Hydrolyzed collagen: 10 g

The serving size and Supplement Facts differ for the flavored versions of Super Collagen Peptides. One serving of either flavor is 1 scoop and provides:

• Calories: 25
• Protein: 6 g
• Hydrolyzed collagen: 6 g

Super Collagen Plus C

The recommended dose for Neocell Super Collagen Plus C capsules is 6 capsules daily. One serving provides:

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 5 g
• Vitamin C: 60 mg
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Hydrolyzed collagen: 6 g

Gummy Glow

The recommended dose for Neocell Gummy Glow Collagen is 6 gummies per day. Each serving of gummies provides:

• Calories: 40
• Carbohydrate: 8 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Biotin: 32 mcg
• Sodium: 13 mg
• Hydrolyzed collagen: 5 g

Cost and Where to Buy

Neocell collagen products are available on the brand’s website and at major retailers, including Amazon, Target, GNC, and The Vitamin Shoppe.

The Super Collagen Peptides unflavored powder is available in 7-ounce or 14-ounce containers and costs $16.95 and $30.95, respectively. This equates to $0.85 and $0.77, making the larger container a better buy.

The Super Collagen Peptides berry lemon and French vanilla powders are only available in 7-ounce containers and cost $16.95.

The serving size for the flavored versions is smaller than the unflavored, so you get more servings per container. The price per serving for the flavors is $0.68.

The Super Collagen Plus C tablets come in bottles of either 120-count or 250-count and cost $15.95 and $24.95, respectively. This equates to $0.79 and $0.59 per serving, making the larger count a better buy again.

An auto-delivery option is available for most products which saves you 25% off the above prices.

Neocell does accept returns but does not disclose any details on the website. The Return Police page instructs customers to call customer service to process a return.

How Neocell Compares to Alternatives

There are many collagen products on the market.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is another best-selling powdered collagen. It’s made from grass-fed cattle, contains Type I and Type III collagen, as well as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

It costs more than Neocell Super Collagen, priced around $15 for a 5-ounce tub and $25 for a 10-ounce tub or about $2 per serving.

Although it costs more, Vital Proteins contains 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen per serving versus Neocell’s 10 grams.

Current research hasn’t determined if the benefits of collagen are dose-dependent. However, doses of 2.5 grams to 10 grams of collagen per day have been linked to health benefits when taken consistently.

Neocell collagen products contain similar amounts of collagen to doses used in research, so it’s likely enough to provide benefit.

I’ve tried both NeoCell and Vital Proteins powdered collagen products, and both are easy to use, dissolving into whatever you add it to.

Another alternative is Youtheory Beauty Collagen, which makes a tablet collagen supplement that contains similar amounts of collagen and vitamin C as NeoCell.

Both contain about 6 grams of hydrolyzed collagen and 60 milligrams of vitamin C. They’re priced similarly, too. A 160-count bottle of Youtheory costs about $13 on Amazon.

The Bottom Line

Neocell Super Collagen contains 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen and 60 milligrams of vitamin C per serving.

Research shows promising benefits for collagen supplementation and skin health, and vitamin C is essential for the body to make collagen.

Neocell Super Collagen may be worth trying if you’re focused on reducing skin aging. The brand also offers many other collagen products, so you can find the one that best fits your lifestyle.

If you drink a daily cup of coffee or smoothie, a powdered collagen supplement is a good option since it’s easy to add to beverages.

Tablets or gummies may be a better option if you prefer to take supplements on the go or keep them stashed in a nightstand or medicine cabinet.

I recommend trying the powdered collagen peptides over the tablets since it’s easy to use and the tablets require taking six per day.

You should speak with your primary healthcare provider to make sure any new supplement is safe for you.