Collagen Types Explained: Type 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Collagen Types Explained: Type I, II, III, IV and V

Collagen types can be confusing, especially when supplement brands talk about Type I collagen, Type II collagen, Type III collagen, marine collagen, bovine collagen and multi-collagen blends.

Although collagen is often spoken about as one thing, there are actually many different types of collagen in the body. Each collagen type has a slightly different role and is found in different areas, including the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and connective tissue.

The five collagen types most commonly discussed are Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV and Type V. These are not the only collagen types, but they are the ones most often mentioned in relation to skin, joints, supplements and healthy ageing.

Understanding the difference between collagen types can help you make more informed choices, especially if you are comparing bovine collagen, marine collagen, chicken collagen or multi-collagen powders.

What Are Collagen Types?

Collagen is a structural protein that helps give strength, shape and support to the body. It acts like a framework for many tissues, including the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

Different collagen types are found in different parts of the body. Some are more closely linked with skin and bones, while others are mainly found in cartilage, deeper tissue layers or specialised areas such as the eyes.

This is why collagen types matter. A collagen powder made from bovine collagen will usually contain different collagen types from one made from chicken cartilage or marine collagen.

For example, bovine collagen usually contains Type I and Type III collagen. Marine collagen is usually rich in Type I collagen. Chicken collagen is commonly associated with Type II collagen.

Why Do Collagen Types Matter?

Collagen types matter because they help explain the role collagen plays in different areas of the body.

If someone is interested in skin structure and elasticity, Type I and Type III collagen are often the main types discussed. If someone is focused on cartilage, Type II collagen is usually the type most closely linked to that area.

This does not mean one collagen type is automatically better than another. The right collagen type depends on what you are looking for.

It is also important to understand that most collagen powders are hydrolysed collagen peptides. This means the collagen has been broken down into smaller peptide chains, making it easier to mix into drinks or foods.

When comparing collagen products, the collagen type is useful, but it is not the only thing to check. The source, serving size, ingredient list, hydrolysed form, quality and certification all matter too.

Type I Collagen

Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen type in the body. It is found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, teeth and connective tissue.

This is the collagen type most commonly linked with skin. Type I collagen helps support the structure and firmness of the skin, while also playing an important role in strong tissues such as bones, tendons and ligaments.

Because Type I collagen is so widespread in the body, it is one of the most common collagen types found in supplements.

Marine collagen is usually rich in Type I collagen. Bovine collagen also contains Type I collagen, often alongside Type III collagen.

If you are looking at collagen for skin, Type I collagen is one of the main types to understand. However, skin health is not only about collagen supplements. Sun protection, sleep, diet, hydration and avoiding smoking all play an important role in protecting collagen in the skin.

Type II Collagen

Type II collagen is mainly found in cartilage. Cartilage is the smooth, flexible tissue that helps cushion joints and allows movement between bones.

Because of this, Type II collagen is often discussed in relation to joint and cartilage-focused products.

Type II collagen is commonly sourced from chicken cartilage or chicken sternum. This makes it different from bovine collagen, which is usually associated with Type I and Type III collagen.

If your main interest is cartilage, Type II collagen is the collagen type most closely linked with that area. However, joints are not made from cartilage alone. Tendons, ligaments and connective tissue also support movement, and these areas are more closely associated with Type I collagen.

This is why understanding collagen types is useful. It helps you match the collagen source with your reason for taking it.

Type III Collagen

Type III collagen is often found alongside Type I collagen. It is present in the skin, muscles, blood vessels and internal organs.

This collagen type helps support the structure of softer tissues. In the skin, Type III collagen works closely with Type I collagen, which is why these two collagen types are often spoken about together.

Bovine collagen is usually rich in Type I and Type III collagen. This is one reason bovine collagen is popular in daily collagen peptide powders.

Type III collagen is especially relevant for people looking at collagen for skin, connective tissue and general structural support. It is not usually discussed as much as Type I collagen, but it still plays an important role in the body.

When comparing collagen types, Type III is one of the key reasons people choose bovine collagen over collagen sources that mainly provide Type I collagen alone.

Type IV Collagen

Type IV collagen is less commonly discussed in supplement marketing, but it still has an important role in the body.

This collagen type is found in basement membranes. These are thin layers that help support and separate different tissues.

Unlike Type I, Type II and Type III collagen, Type IV collagen does not form the same strong fibre-like structures. Instead, it helps form supportive networks in deeper tissue layers.

Most standard collagen peptide powders do not focus heavily on Type IV collagen. It may appear in some specialist products, but it is not usually the main collagen type people look for when buying a daily collagen powder.

For most consumers, Type IV collagen is useful to know about, but Type I, Type II and Type III are usually the main collagen types compared when choosing a supplement.

Type V Collagen

Type V collagen is another collagen type that is less commonly discussed but still important.

It is found in areas such as the cornea of the eye, some layers of skin, hair and other tissues. It also works with other collagen types to help regulate collagen fibre formation.

Type V collagen is sometimes mentioned in multi-collagen supplements. These products may combine different collagen sources, such as bovine, marine, chicken and eggshell membrane.

However, more collagen types do not automatically mean a product is better. It is still important to check the source, quality, serving size and ingredient list.

A product that lists several collagen types may sound more advanced, but the amount and quality of collagen still matter.

Bovine Collagen Types

Bovine collagen usually contains Type I and Type III collagen.

These collagen types are found in areas such as the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels and connective tissue.

Bovine collagen is commonly used in hydrolysed collagen peptide powders because it provides two of the most widely discussed collagen types in one source.

It is also often more affordable than marine collagen, which can make it easier to use consistently as part of a daily routine.

For people with dietary or religious requirements, sourcing matters. For example, anyone looking for halal collagen should check that the collagen is clearly halal certified, not just labelled as bovine.

Marine Collagen Types

Marine collagen is usually rich in Type I collagen. It is commonly sourced from fish skin or fish scales.

Because Type I collagen is strongly associated with skin structure, marine collagen is often marketed towards people interested in skin-focused collagen products.

Marine collagen can be a good option for people who prefer fish-derived collagen. However, it is usually more expensive than bovine collagen and may not be suitable for people with fish allergies.

When comparing marine collagen and bovine collagen, the difference is mainly about source, collagen type, price, dietary preference and suitability.

Marine collagen is usually focused on Type I collagen, while bovine collagen usually provides Type I and Type III collagen.

Chicken Collagen Types

Chicken collagen is most commonly associated with Type II collagen.

This is because Type II collagen is found in cartilage, and chicken collagen products are often sourced from chicken cartilage or sternum.

Chicken collagen is usually used in products that focus more on cartilage and joint support rather than general skin-focused collagen routines.

This does not make it better or worse than bovine or marine collagen. It simply means it has a different collagen type profile.

If you are comparing collagen types, chicken collagen is most relevant when Type II collagen is your main focus.

Are Multi-Collagen Powders Better?

Multi-collagen powders often claim to contain several collagen types, such as Type I, Type II, Type III, Type V and Type X.

This can sound impressive, but more collagen types do not automatically mean better quality.

A multi-collagen product may contain several sources, but that does not always tell you how much of each collagen type you are getting. Some blends may include small amounts of multiple ingredients mainly for marketing purposes.

When comparing collagen powders, it is better to look at the full picture. Check the collagen source, serving size, whether it is hydrolysed, the ingredient list, taste, certifications and how easy it is to take consistently.

A simple collagen powder with fewer ingredients can sometimes be more practical than a complex blend.

 

Read More

If you want to understand why Type I and Type III collagen are often discussed together, read our full guide: Collagen Type 1 and 3 Benefits. It explains where these collagen types are found in the body and why they are commonly used in bovine collagen peptide powders.

You can also compare collagen sources in our guide: Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: Which Should You Choose?. This explains the key differences between marine and bovine collagen, including source, collagen type, price, dietary suitability and everyday use.