What Are Collagen Types 1 and 3?
Collagen Types 1 and 3 are two distinct structural proteins that are often found together in skin and other connective tissues. Type 1 forms thicker, densely packed fibres, while Type 3 forms a finer supporting network.
Types 1 and 3 are also traditionally written as Types I and III.
Within the body, Type 1 is widely found in skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Type 3 is commonly found in skin, blood vessels, muscles and internal organs. Their natural association is why bovine collagen products are frequently described as being derived from Types 1 and 3.
This guide explains what collagen Types 1 and 3 do, where they are found, how they differ and why they are commonly paired.
For a broader introduction to Types 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, read our complete guide to collagen types explained.
What Are Collagen Types 1 and 3 Good For?
Collagen Types 1 and 3 perform different but complementary structural roles within the body.
Type 1 collagen forms strong, densely packed fibres. It provides structure within tissues such as skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and teeth.
Type 3 collagen forms thinner fibres that create a finer supporting framework. It is commonly found in skin, blood vessels, muscles, internal organs and other connective tissues.
Because Types 1 and 3 frequently occur together, they help form connective-tissue structures that require a combination of strength and flexibility. These are the biological roles of collagen already present in the body. They should not automatically be interpreted as proof that consuming a Type 1 and 3 collagen supplement will produce a particular health or cosmetic result.
What is Type 1 collagen?
Type 1 is the most abundant collagen type in the human body. It forms strong, densely packed fibres that provide structure within tissues exposed to pulling forces and physical strain. Type 1 collagen is commonly found in:
- Skin
- Bones
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Teeth
- Other connective tissues
Its strong fibre-forming structure distinguishes it from collagen types that create finer networks or sheet-like structures. Type 1 is also commonly found in animal-derived collagen sources. Bovine collagen and marine collagen are both generally associated with Type 1 collagen.
What is Type 3 collagen?
Type 3 collagen is a separate collagen type that forms thinner fibres than Type 1. It is often found in softer and more flexible connective tissues, where it helps form a supportive structural network. Type 3 collagen is commonly present in:
- Skin
- Blood vessels
- Muscles
- Internal organs
- Other connective tissues
Type 3 frequently occurs alongside Type 1, particularly within tissues that require a combination of strength and flexibility. Bovine collagen is commonly associated with Type 3 as well as Type 1.
What Is the Difference Between Collagen and Elastin?
Collagen and elastin are both structural proteins found in connective tissues, but they perform different functions. Collagen provides strength and structural support. Elastin allows tissues to stretch and return towards their original shape.
In skin, collagen Types 1 and 3 contribute to the supporting framework, while elastin helps the skin maintain its elasticity. Although collagen and elastin work together within connective tissues, they are different proteins. Taking collagen peptides does not mean the body directly converts those peptides into elastin.
Are Type 1 and Type 3 collagen the same?
No. Type 1 and Type 3 are different collagen proteins. They have different molecular structures and form different types of fibres. Type 1 forms thicker and more densely packed fibres. Type 3 forms finer fibres, sometimes described as reticular fibres, that help create a more flexible structural framework.
Although they are distinct, they often occur in the same tissues and work as part of the wider connective-tissue structure. This is why they are frequently discussed together rather than treated as completely unrelated collagen types.
Why are Type 1 and Type 3 often paired?
Type 1 and Type 3 are often paired because they naturally coexist in several tissues. Type 1 contributes strong structural fibres, while Type 3 forms a finer supporting network around cells and tissues.
Their relative amounts can differ depending on the tissue, age and stage of tissue development. For example, developing or healing tissues may contain a different balance of Type 1 and Type 3 than mature tissue. The fact that the two types occur together also explains why bovine collagen products commonly identify both Types 1 and 3 on their labels.
Where are Type 1 and Type 3 found together?
Type 1 and Type 3 collagen can both be found in several connective tissues.
Skin
Both types occur within the skin’s connective-tissue structure. Type 1 is generally the dominant type, while Type 3 contributes a finer supporting network.
Blood vessels
Type 3 collagen is commonly present within blood-vessel walls alongside other structural proteins, including Type 1 collagen.
Muscles and surrounding tissues
Type 1 and Type 3 can occur in the connective tissues that surround and organise muscles.
Internal organs
Type 3 is found within the supporting frameworks of several organs, often alongside Type 1 and other collagen types. Their presence together does not mean they perform exactly the same function. Each type contributes a different fibre structure.
Type 1 vs Type 3 Collagen: What Is the Difference?
The main differences between Type 1 and Type 3 relate to their fibre structure and tissue distribution.
| Feature | Type 1 collagen | Type 3 collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Relative abundance | Most abundant collagen type | Less abundant than Type 1 |
| Fibre structure | Thick, strong fibres | Thinner, finer fibres |
| Common locations | Skin, bones, tendons and ligaments | Skin, blood vessels, muscles and organs |
| Relationship | Often occurs alongside Type 3 | Often occurs alongside Type 1 |
| Common supplement source | Bovine and marine collagen | Primarily associated with bovine collagen |
This is a general comparison. Collagen types exist as part of complex tissue structures rather than acting independently.
If you're comparing supplements containing both types, Beauvyn's bovine collagen powder contains hydrolysed peptides derived from Type I and III collagen. Each 300g pouch provides 30 servings, with no additional ingredients.
Which collagen sources contain Type 1?
Type 1 is found in several animal collagen sources.
Bovine collagen
Bovine collagen is derived from cattle and is commonly associated with both Type 1 and Type 3 collagen. Bovine hide is one of the most frequently used source materials.
Marine collagen
Marine collagen is derived from fish materials, commonly skin or scales. It is generally associated primarily with Type 1 collagen. The presence of Type 1 in both sources does not mean marine and bovine collagen are identical. Their animal origin and wider collagen-type profiles differ.
Which collagen sources contain Type 3?
Type 3 is most commonly discussed in relation to bovine collagen. Cattle-derived connective tissues such as bovine hide commonly contain Type 1 and Type 3 collagen together. Marine collagen is generally promoted for its Type 1 profile and is not normally described as a major Type 3 source. This is one of the clearest collagen-type distinctions between common bovine and marine ingredients.
Does bovine collagen contain Type 1 and Type 3?
Bovine collagen is commonly derived from source tissues containing both Type 1 and Type 3 collagen. This is why bovine collagen peptide products frequently state that they are associated with Types 1 and 3.
However, collagen-type wording should be presented accurately. When bovine collagen is hydrolysed, its original protein structures are divided into smaller peptide fragments. The finished powder is therefore derived from Type 1 and Type 3 collagen sources rather than containing unchanged native collagen fibres. The source profile remains relevant, but the processing should also be understood.
Does marine collagen contain Type 3?
Marine collagen is generally associated primarily with Type 1 collagen. The exact collagen profile may vary depending on the fish species and tissue used, but standard marine collagen products are not normally promoted as significant sources of Type 3.
This differs from bovine collagen, which is commonly associated with both Types 1 and 3. The distinction relates to the original animal tissue rather than one source being universally better than the other.
Is Type 1 collagen better than Type 3?
No. Type 1 is not inherently better than Type 3. Collagen type numbers are scientific classifications rather than quality rankings. Type 1 and Type 3 have different fibre structures and occur in different proportions across tissues.
Type 1 is more abundant and forms thicker fibres. Type 3 forms a finer network and is often present alongside Type 1. Because they perform different structural roles, comparing them as though one must be superior is misleading.
Beauvyn Type 1 and Type 3 collagen
Beauvyn uses hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides. The bovine source material is commonly associated with Type 1 and Type 3 collagen. Beauvyn clearly identifies the product as bovine-derived and explains its collagen-type profile so customers can understand where the ingredient comes from.
The finished product contains one ingredient: hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides. This information is presented as part of Beauvyn’s commitment to clear and transparent product labelling.
The Final Say
Type 1 and Type 3 are two distinct collagen types that commonly occur together within connective tissues. Type 1 is the most abundant collagen type and forms strong, densely packed fibres. Type 3 forms thinner fibres and contributes to a more flexible structural network.
Their natural association explains why bovine collagen is commonly described as a Type 1 and Type 3 source. However, the presence of two collagen types should not be treated as a guarantee of overall product quality. Collagen-type claims should be supported by clear information about the animal source and how the ingredient has been processed.
For a wider explanation of Type 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 collagen, read our main pillar guide to collagen types explained.
