Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for roughly 30% of your total protein mass. It provides structure, strength and elasticity to skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons and ligaments. As we age, collagen production slows and quality declines, leading to fine lines, sagging skin, brittle nails, weaker joints and slower recovery from exercise. Supplements aim to replenish these structural proteins, but the type of collagen you choose, and how it’s made, can influence your results.
Types of Collagen
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Type I: Makes up ~90% of your body’s collagen. It’s densely packed and critical for skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
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Type II: Found mainly in cartilage, supporting joint cushioning and flexibility. It’s typically sourced from chicken or eggshell membrane and is not present in either marine or bovine collagen.
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Type III: Found in muscles, arteries and organs. It works with Type I to support deeper skin layers and blood vessels.
Marine vs Bovine Collagen – What Really Sets Them Apart?
Source and Composition
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Marine collagen is extracted from fish skin and scales, often from wild-caught fish that would otherwise be waste. It consists almost entirely of Type I collagen, with a slightly higher glycine content, which supports skin hydration and elasticity.
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Bovine collagen comes from cow hides or bones. It contains both Types I and III collagen, giving it a broader amino acid profile. This combination is beneficial for not just skin but also gut and joint tissues.
Bioavailability and Hydrolysis
Many marketers claim marine collagen is absorbed better because it has smaller peptides. There is some truth here, marine peptides are naturally smaller, but the decisive factor is hydrolysis, the process that breaks collagen into tiny peptides for absorption. High-quality hydrolysed bovine collagen can be just as bioavailable as marine collagen. In other words, look for “hydrolysed collagen peptides” from reputable brands and don’t assume fish automatically means better absorption. Thankfully both CanGro's marine and beauty collagen are hydrolysed collagen peptides!
Skin, Hair and Nail Benefits
Type I collagen supports skin’s structure and hydration. Marine collagen’s concentration of Type I may make it effective for surface-level improvements like wrinkle reduction and improved skin hydration. However, bovine collagen isn’t far behind: its Type III helps maintain deeper skin layers and the blood vessels that nourish them. Results vary widely, and improvement often depends on consistent daily use over several weeks.
Joint, Bone and Gut Support
If your priority is joint comfort, bone strength or gut health, bovine collagen generally has the edge. The mix of Types I and III supports connective tissues in joints and bone, and Type III is particularly helpful for maintaining the intestinal lining. Marine collagen still contains glycine and other amino acids that aid joint health, but bovine collagen’s broader profile covers more bases.
Amino Acid Profiles
Both marine and bovine collagen deliver essential amino acids like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are vital for collagen production, detoxification and skin health. The differences in amounts are subtle, marine collagen tends to have slightly more glycine, while bovine collagen’s mix of Types I and III offers a more varied profile.
Sustainability and Ethics
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Marine collagen can be sustainable if it uses by-products of wild-caught fish. However, it may be exposed to heavy-metal contamination depending on the water source, so third-party testing is crucial, which has been done here at CanGro.
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Bovine collagen can also be sustainable if sourced from grass-fed cattle raised on existing pasture. European or Australian pasture-raised cattle often adhere to strict environmental standards, and modern products are tested to ensure safety.
Dietary and Allergy Considerations
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Marine collagen suits pescatarians and often meets Kosher/Halal standards. It’s neutral in taste and blends well into drinks and recipes.
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Bovine collagen is suitable for those with fish/shellfish allergies and is usually more affordable. It’s also free from common allergens if sourced responsibly.
Do Collagen Supplements Work?
Hydrolysed collagen peptides have shown promising results for improving skin hydration, elasticity and wound healing. Expect to take supplements consistently for 4–6 weeks to notice changes.
Making an Informed Choice
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Define your goals: For surface-level skin hydration and a pescatarian-friendly option, a high-quality marine collagen may deliver quick beauty benefits. For comprehensive support of joints, bones, gut health and deeper skin layers, bovine collagen could be a better fit.
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Check sourcing and testing: Look for sustainably sourced products that publish testing results for heavy metals, pesticides and contaminants.
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Ensure hydrolysis. Choose products labelled “hydrolysed collagen peptides” to maximise absorption.
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Mind allergies and dietary needs. Avoid fish-based supplements if you’re allergic to fish and avoid bovine collagen if you follow a pescatarian, Kosher or Halal diet.
Final Thoughts
Collagen isn’t a miracle cure, but high-quality, hydrolysed collagen peptides may support skin, hair, nails, joints and gut health when taken consistently. Marine and bovine collagen serve different roles: marine is often regarded as a beauty specialist, while bovine is an all-rounder for structural support. Both can coexist, many people choose to take them together to get a broader spectrum of benefits. Whatever you choose, prioritise products that are responsibly sourced, third-party tested and backed by transparent quality standards.
Collagen FAQs – Get the Facts Before You Buy
What makes CanGro Collagen different?
CanGro Collagen is proudly Australian-made and formulated with high-quality hydrolysed collagen peptides for maximum absorption. It contains Types I & III collagen, supporting skin, hair, nails, joints, and gut health in one convenient daily dose.
Is CanGro Collagen marine or bovine based?
Both! CanGro offers two premium collagen options: a marine collagen, sourced from sustainably wild-caught fish, ideal for beauty-focused benefits like skin hydration and elasticity; and a bovine collagen (beauty collagen), sourced from pasture-raised cattle, known for supporting joints, gut health, and deeper skin layers. Choose the one that suits your lifestyle, or combine them for a complete collagen boost.
Is it suitable for daily use?
Yes! For best results, we recommend taking CanGro collagen daily. Most customers notice visible improvements in skin texture, nail strength, and hair health within 4–6 weeks of consistent use.
Does CanGro Collagen have any taste?
Our unflavoured collagen is tasteless and blends easily into coffee, smoothies, juice, or even water, making it simple to stick to your daily routine.
Can I take it alongside other CanGro products?
Absolutely. In fact, pairing CanGro Collagen with our lash, brow, and hair serums gives your body both internal and external support for natural beauty and regrowth.
Is CanGro Collagen free from allergens and nasties?
Yes. It’s free from gluten, dairy, soy, hormones, parabens, sulphates, and artificial additives and fillers. Plus, it's non-GMO and cruelty-free and Halal certified, Australian made clean beauty you can trust.
What results can I expect?
Results vary by individual, but many of our customers report glowing skin, thicker hair, stronger nails, improved gut comfort, and reduced joint stiffness within the first month. Consistency is key!
Where can I buy CanGro Collagen?
You can order directly from our Collagen Collection page. We offer free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $99 and bundle options for added savings.
