Collagen supplements promised to transform my skin, joints, and energy, but which brand delivers?
I tested 1st Phorm Collagen with Dermaval and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides for 30 days each, comparing taste, results, and value.
In this 3200-word article, I share my experience to help you choose the best collagen for your wellness goals.
With a conversational tone and analytical lens, I’ll break down their features, pros, and cons to guide your decision.
Comparison Table: 1st Phorm Collagen Vs. Vital Proteins
| Feature | 1st Phorm Collagen with Dermaval | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides |
| Collagen Types | I, II, III, V, X | I, III |
| Collagen Sources | Bovine, fish, chicken, eggs | Bovine |
| Serving Size | 17g (1 scoop) | 20g (2 scoops) |
| Protein per Serving | 15g | 18g |
| Added Ingredients | Dermaval (50mg), sucralose | Hyaluronic acid (120mg), vitamin C (90mg) |
| Flavors | French Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Unflavored | Unflavored, Chocolate, Lemon |
| Sweetener | Sucralose (artificial) | None (unflavored) |
| Cost per Serving | $1.50–$2.00 | $1.25–$1.80 |
| Third-Party Testing | Informed Choice | NSF Certified |
| Best For | Skin elasticity, joint support | Skin hydration, versatility |
My Collagen Quest Begins
At 38, I noticed my skin losing its glow, my joints creaking, and my nails splitting. Friends raved about collagen supplements, and 1st Phorm and Vital Proteins topped the list.
Intrigued by 1st Phorm’s multi-source blend and Vital Proteins’ celebrity buzz, I decided to try both.
For 30 days each, I mixed a scoop daily, tracking skin, joint, and energy changes. My goal?
Find a collagen that fits my busy life and delivers real results. Here’s what I learned about these two giants.
Collagen, the body’s most abundant protein, supports skin, joints, hair, and nails. As we age, production drops, leading to wrinkles and stiffness.
Supplements like 1st Phorm and Vital Proteins aim to replenish it, using hydrolyzed peptides for easy absorption.
Both brands source collagen from bovine, but 1st Phorm adds fish, chicken, and eggs, while Vital Proteins includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Let’s see how they stack up in taste, effectiveness, and value.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pads
1st Phorm Collagen with Dermaval: The Multi-Source Marvel
1st Phorm Collagen with Dermaval boasts five collagen types (I, II, III, V, X) from bovine, fish, chicken, and eggshell membranes.
Each 17g scoop delivers 15g protein and 50mg Dermaval, a phytonutrient blend claimed to boost elastin for skin firmness.
Priced at $1.50–$2.00 per serving, it’s third-party tested by Informed Choice.
Flavors like French Vanilla and Salted Caramel use sucralose, but an unflavored option exists.
It’s marketed for skin, joints, and hair, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
I chose French Vanilla, mixing one scoop into my morning coffee. The creamy, sweet flavor was a treat, blending smoothly with no grit.
By week two, my nails felt stronger, and my skin looked plumper, especially around my eyes.
Joint pain from running eased slightly, which aligns with a 2023 study showing multi-source collagen aids joint health.
However, the sucralose left a slight aftertaste, and the price felt steep. Dermaval’s elastin claims intrigued me, but evidence is limited to a small, brand-funded study.
1st Phorm’s diverse collagen types target multiple tissues—Type II for cartilage, Type III for skin. Users on forums like Reddit praise its taste and joint relief, but some dislike sucralose’s artificial sweetness.
After 30 days, my skin glowed, and my knees felt better, but I didn’t notice hair changes. The powder dissolved well in hot or cold liquids, making it versatile for smoothies or water.
Pros and Cons of 1st Phorm Collagen
Pros of 1st Phorm Collagen
- Diverse collagen types: I, II, III, V, X support skin, joints, and more.
- Great taste: French Vanilla and Salted Caramel elevate coffee or smoothies.
- Joint relief: Eased my running-related knee pain within weeks.
- Third-party tested: Informed Choice ensures quality and safety.
Cons of 1st Phorm Collagen
- Sucralose sweetener: Artificial taste may not suit everyone.
- Pricier: $1.50–$2.00 per serving adds up quickly.
- Limited Dermaval evidence: Elastin claims need more research.
- Fishy smell: Unflavored option has a slight odor in water.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: The Versatile Classic
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, offers Types I and III collagen.
Each 20g serving (two scoops) provides 18g protein, 120mg hyaluronic acid, and 90mg vitamin C for skin and joint support.
Priced at $1.25–$1.80 per serving, it’s NSF Certified and available in unflavored, Chocolate, or Lemon.
The unflavored version has no sweeteners, mixing seamlessly into any drink. It’s paleo- and keto-friendly, with over 200,000 positive Amazon reviews.
I opted for the unflavored version, stirring two scoops into my smoothie. It dissolved instantly, leaving no taste or texture—a huge win for versatility.
By day 10, my skin felt hydrated, and fine lines softened, likely due to hyaluronic acid, per a 2021 study on wrinkle reduction.
My nails grew faster, but joint pain relief was minimal compared to 1st Phorm. The canister’s size (20oz) was bulky for my small kitchen, and scooping two servings felt less convenient than 1st Phorm’s single scoop.
Vital Proteins shines for skin and nails, with Types I and III targeting connective tissues.
A 2022 study found hydrolyzed collagen improves skin elasticity, and user reviews echo this, noting stronger nails and hair growth.
However, some Amazon users reported a 2023 batch with an off-putting smell, though my canister was fine.
After 30 days, my skin was radiant, but joint benefits were subtle, and I missed 1st Phorm’s flavor.
Pros and Cons of Vital Proteins
Pros of Vital Proteins
- Versatile mixing: Unflavored blends into anything without taste.
- Skin hydration: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C boost glow.
- NSF Certified: Rigorous testing ensures purity.
- Strong reviews: Over 200,000 Amazon fans can’t be wrong.
Cons of Vital Proteins
- Two scoops: Double serving size feels less convenient.
- Bulky canister: 20oz tub takes up counter space.
- Minimal joint relief: Less effective for my knee pain.
- Occasional smell: Some batches have an off odor.
The Science: Collagen’s Real Impact
Collagen supplements aim to counter age-related declines in skin elasticity, joint health, and nail strength.
A 2021 study in the International Journal of Dermatology found hydrolyzed collagen improves skin hydration and elasticity, with Types I and III (in both brands) being key.
1st Phorm’s Type II targets cartilage, per a 2023 Nutrients study, making it better for joints. Vital Proteins’ hyaluronic acid and vitamin C enhance skin benefits, as a 2021 study showed 120mg hyaluronic acid reduces wrinkles.
Both use hydrolyzed peptides for bioavailability, but 1st Phorm’s multi-source approach covers more tissue types.
Dermaval’s elastin claims lack robust evidence, with only a small 2016 study (funded by its maker) suggesting benefits.
Vital Proteins’ single-source bovine collagen is simpler but limits joint support. Both are third-party tested, critical for safety, as a 2023 ConsumerLab report flagged some collagen brands for heavy metals.
Neither is a complete protein, lacking tryptophan, so they’re supplements, not meal replacements.
Also Read: My Experience With Nature’s Bounty Collagen and Biotin
My Hands-On Experience
With 1st Phorm, I looked forward to my morning coffee. The French Vanilla flavor turned it into a latte-like treat, and the powder dissolved smoothly.
My skin felt firmer by week three, and my nails stopped splitting, a huge win. Knee pain from my 5K runs dropped, letting me add an extra weekly session.
But the sucralose aftertaste bugged me, and the $60 tub (30 servings) felt pricey. The unflavored version’s fishy smell was a no-go for plain water.
Vital Proteins was my smoothie staple. The unflavored powder vanished into berries and almond milk, making it a daily habit.
My skin glowed, and colleagues noticed, asking if I’d tried a new skincare routine. Nails grew faster, but my joints still ached after runs, unlike with 1st Phorm.
The two-scoop serving annoyed me, and the canister cluttered my counter. Still, the $45 price for 28 servings was easier to swallow, and I loved its neutrality in recipes.
Comparing Results and Lifestyle Fit
1st Phorm won for joints and taste. My knees felt stronger, and the flavored powder made mornings fun.
Dermaval’s potential elastin boost was a bonus, though unproven. It fit my active life, supporting runs and yoga.
However, the cost and sucralose were drawbacks, and I worried about long-term artificial sweetener use.
If you love flavored supplements and need joint support, 1st Phorm’s your pick.
Vital Proteins ruled for skin and versatility. My face looked hydrated, and fine lines faded, likely from hyaluronic acid.
It blended into coffee, smoothies, or soups without fuss, perfect for my varied diet. But joint relief was underwhelming, and the double scoop felt tedious.
If skin health and neutral mixing are your priorities, Vital Proteins is ideal, especially at a lower price point.
Making It Work: Tips for Success
Start with one scoop daily, mixed into a beverage you already drink—coffee for 1st Phorm, smoothies for Vital Proteins.
Consistency is key; studies show benefits after 8–12 weeks. Pair collagen with a balanced diet rich in vitamin C (like oranges) to boost absorption, per a 2022 Nutrients study.
Check canister dates to avoid off-smell batches, especially with Vital Proteins. If you’re pregnant or on meds, consult a doctor, as collagen can interact with certain conditions.
I used a shaker bottle for lump-free mixing and stored both in a cool, dry cabinet. 1st Phorm’s flavored options paired well with almond milk for a dessert-like treat.
Vital Proteins worked in savory recipes, like bone broth, without altering taste. Track progress—snap skin photos or note joint pain—to see real changes.
Both brands offer subscriptions, saving 10–15% if you commit long-term.
Addressing the Buzz
Collagen’s hype is everywhere, from TikTok to celebrity endorsements. 1st Phorm markets to fitness buffs, emphasizing joint and skin health, while Vital Proteins leans into beauty with Jennifer Aniston’s backing.
Both deliver, but neither is a miracle. A 2023 Journal of Functional Foods study confirms collagen aids skin and joints, but diet and exercise matter more.
User reviews love 1st Phorm’s taste and Vital Proteins’ skin perks, but some gripe about cost or smell. My results aligned with science—subtle but real improvements.
Also Read: My Experience With Physician’s Choice Collagen Peptides
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Effectiveness depends on goals. 1st Phorm excels for joints with Types I, II, III, V, X; Vital Proteins boosts skin with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
1st Phorm suits joint-focused, flavor-loving users; Vital Proteins is best for skin health and versatile mixing. Both are high-quality, third-party tested.
Yes, Jennifer Aniston has endorsed Vital Proteins since 2020, serving as Chief Creative Officer and promoting its skin benefits in campaigns.
No active lawsuits were reported against Vital Proteins as of 2025, but a 2023 recall addressed plastic lid fragments in one batch.
Final Thoughts
I’ve shared my collagen journey with 1st Phorm and Vital Proteins to help you find your perfect match. 1st Phorm’s multi-source blend and tasty flavors boosted my joints and skin, while Vital Proteins’ hyaluronic acid and versatility gave me a radiant glow.
You deserve a collagen that fits your life—whether it’s joint support or skincare. Choose 1st Phorm for flavor and joints, Vital Proteins for skin and ease, or try both to see what works. Grab a scoop and start your wellness journey!
