I’ve been on a collagen journey for a while, chasing that glowy skin, stronger nails, and maybe even happier joints. With so many brands out there, I kept circling back to two heavyweights: Codeage and Vital Proteins.
My goal here is to break down what makes each tick—their ingredients, benefits, downsides, and how they stack up for real users like me and you. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which might fit your vibe, whether you’re a smoothie blender or a coffee stirrer.
Let’s get into it.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides |
| Collagen Types | I, II, III, V, X | I, III |
| Sources | Bovine, chicken, fish, eggshell | Bovine (grass-fed, pasture-raised) |
| Serving Size | 9g collagen | 20g collagen |
| Additional Ingredients | Biotin, vitamins C/D3/B6, hyaluronic acid, keratin | Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid (in Advanced formula) |
| Flavors | Unflavored | Unflavored, chocolate, vanilla, lemon, others |
| Price (20 oz) | ~$39.99 | ~$44.88 |
| Certifications | Non-GMO, gluten-free, cGMP | NSF-certified, Whole30-approved |
| Mixability | Good in hot/cold liquids | Excellent in hot, decent in cold |
| Best For | Multi-benefit seekers | Skin, hair, nail focus |
My Collagen Quest: Why These Two Brands?
Collagen’s been a buzzword for years, and I’m not immune to the hype.
I started taking it a couple of years ago when my knees creaked more than my old wooden stairs, and my hair seemed to thin out overnight.
I wanted something to support my body from the inside out, and after trying a few duds, I landed on Codeage and Vital Proteins.
Both have rabid fan bases, slick packaging, and promises of better skin, joints, and vibes.
But which one’s worth my daily scoop?
I decided to analyze them head-to-head, looking at everything from ingredients to how they mix into my morning coffee.
I’m not a scientist, just a curious user who wants results without breaking the bank or choking on a gritty shake.
My approach was simple: use both for a month each, track how I felt, and dig into what makes them different.
Spoiler alert: they’re not twins, and your choice might depend on what you’re after—whether it’s a multi-collagen boost or a straightforward skin-and-nails fix.
Codeage Multi Collagen: The All-in-One Contender
When I first grabbed Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides, I was intrigued by the “multi” part. Five types of collagen—types I, II, III, V, and X—sounded like a party for my body. It’s sourced from grass-fed bovine, chicken bone broth, wild-caught fish, and eggshell membranes.
That’s a lot of animals in one tub, but I liked the idea of covering multiple bases: skin, joints, gut, even hair.
Pros of Codeage
The ingredient list is where Codeage flexes. Besides the collagen quintet, it packs 10,000 mcg of biotin, which is a massive dose for hair and nail growth. I noticed my nails felt less brittle after a few weeks, which was a win since I’m a chronic nail-biter.
There’s also vitamin C for collagen synthesis, vitamin D3 for bones, and hyaluronic acid for skin hydration. It’s like a multivitamin met a collagen powder and had a super baby.
At 9 grams of collagen per serving, it’s not the highest dose, but the variety makes up for it. Type II is great for cartilage, which my achy knees appreciated, and type V supports hair follicles, which I’m desperate to keep thriving.
The powder’s unflavored, so I tossed it into everything—smoothies, tea, even soup—without a weird aftertaste. It’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and made in a cGMP-certified facility, so I felt good about the quality.
Price-wise, it’s around $39.99 for 20 ounces, which stretches to about 63 servings. That’s roughly 63 cents per scoop, a solid deal for the extras you’re getting. I also liked that it’s keto- and paleo-friendly, which matters if you’re into those diets.
Overall, Codeage felt like a Swiss Army knife—versatile and packed with tools.
Cons of Codeage
But it’s not perfect. The 9-gram serving feels light compared to competitors like Vital Proteins.
If you’re chasing big doses for skin or joint benefits, you might need two scoops, which burns through the tub faster.
Mixability is decent but not flawless; I got some clumps in cold water if I didn’t stir like a maniac.
And while the multi-collagen approach is cool, some experts argue you don’t need all five types to see results—types I and III cover most bases for skin and hair.
The biotin dose is another double-edged sword. At 10,000 mcg, it’s overkill for most people (the daily recommended intake is around 30 mcg).
I didn’t get any side effects, but high doses can mess with lab tests or cause breakouts in some folks.
Lastly, the packaging isn’t the most user-friendly. The tub’s wide mouth made scooping messy, and I spilled powder more than once. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying when you’re half-asleep in the morning.
Vital Proteins: The Skin-and-Nails Darling
Vital Proteins is the Beyoncé of collagen—everyone knows it, and it’s got a cult following. I picked up their Collagen Peptides, which focus on types I and III from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine.
It’s simple but targeted, aiming at skin, hair, nails, and joints. They’ve got an “Advanced” version with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which I tried, and a slew of flavors like chocolate and lemon.
Pros of Vital Proteins
The 20-gram collagen dose per serving is a standout. That’s double Codeage’s, and I felt like I was giving my body a serious boost. After a month, my skin looked plumper—less dull, more “I drank water all day” vibes.
My hair didn’t magically grow a foot, but it felt stronger, and I shed less in the shower.
The Advanced formula’s extras—100% daily value of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid—helped with skin hydration, and I noticed fewer dry patches.
Mixability is Vital Proteins’ superpower. It dissolved like a dream in hot coffee, leaving no clumps or weird texture.
In cold water, it was mostly smooth, though I’d give it a B+ there.
The unflavored version is truly tasteless, which I loved for versatility.
I threw it into oatmeal, yogurt, even pancake batter, and it never screamed “collagen’s here!” They also offer flavored options, and the chocolate one was a treat in almond milk—think healthy hot cocoa.
At $44.88 for 20 ounces (about 28 servings), it’s pricier at $1.60 per scoop, but the quality feels worth it.
It’s NSF-certified, meaning it’s been third-party tested for purity, which is huge for athletes or anyone paranoid about contaminants.
It’s also Whole30-approved and gluten-free, so it fits a lot of lifestyles. The brand’s been around since 2013, and their rep for consistency kept me confident I wasn’t wasting my money.
Cons of Vital Proteins
But even Beyoncé has off days. The biggest gripe is the price. At nearly double Codeage’s cost per serving, it stings if you’re on a budget. You’re paying for the brand name and certifications, but I wondered if I could get similar results for less.
The collagen types are limited to I and III, which are great for skin and hair but skip joints-specific type II. If your knees are begging for relief like mine, you might not get the full joint support you want.
The tub’s design is another nitpick. It’s sleek, but the scoop gets buried, and I spent too much time digging for it. Some users report a slight “bone broth” flavor in the unflavored version, though I didn’t notice it much.
In cold liquids, it can leave a thin film if you don’t mix well, which bugged me during rushed mornings. Lastly, while the Advanced formula adds nice extras, it’s not standard across all products, so check the label if you want those perks.
Head-to-Head Comparison of Codeage Collagen And Vital Proteins
Now that I’ve lived with both, let’s break it down by key factors that matter to us users.
- Ingredients and Benefits
Codeage is like a buffet—lots of options, something for everyone.
Five collagen types, biotin, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid make it a one-stop shop.
I felt it worked holistically: my nails got stronger, my skin felt decent, and my joints didn’t complain as much.
But the lower collagen dose per serving meant I sometimes doubled up, which wasn’t ideal for my wallet.
Vital Proteins keeps it focused.
Types I and III are skin-and-hair superstars, and the 20-gram dose felt like a heavyweight punch.
My skin glowed more noticeably than with Codeage, and my hair seemed happier.
The Advanced formula’s vitamin C and hyaluronic acid were nice, but without type II, my joints didn’t feel as pampered. If you’re all about visible results like glowy skin, Vital Proteins might edge out.
- Taste and Mixability
I’m picky about texture. Codeage’s unflavored powder was fine—neutral in hot drinks, slightly gritty in cold ones if I slacked on stirring. It never ruined a smoothie, but I had to be deliberate. Vital Proteins was the smoother operator.
Hot drinks?
Perfect. Cold drinks? Pretty darn good, though not immaculate. The flavored options are a bonus if you like variety, but I stuck with unflavored for flexibility.
- Price and Value
Here’s where it gets real. Codeage’s $39.99 for 63 servings is a steal—less than a buck a day for a nutrient-packed scoop. Vital Proteins’ $44.88 for 28 servings feels like a splurge, especially if you’re scooping daily.
But the higher dose and certifications might justify it if you prioritize quality and visible skin results. I leaned toward Codeage for budget, but Vital Proteins felt like a premium treat.
- Certifications and Trust
Vital Proteins wins on trust. NSF certification and Whole30 approval mean it’s been vetted for purity, which matters if you’re cautious about supplements.
Codeage’s cGMP facility and non-GMO status are solid, but it lacks that third-party badge. I trusted both, but Vital Proteins gave me extra peace of mind.
- Lifestyle Fit
If you’re keto, paleo, or gluten-free, both work. Codeage’s multi-collagen and extras suit someone wanting broad support—think joints, gut, and hair in one go. Vital Proteins is for the skin-obsessed or anyone who loves a simple, high-dose routine.
I mix collagen into everything, so Vital Proteins’ dissolve-ability was a slight edge, but Codeage’s versatility kept it in the game.
Real-User Moments: My Experience
Let me get personal. With Codeage, I started noticing changes around week three.
My nails stopped splitting, which was huge since I’m rough on my hands. My joints felt less cranky after yoga, though not life-changing.
Skin-wise, I looked hydrated, but I didn’t get that “new face” glow some folks rave about.
Mixing it was easy enough, but I had to shake my iced coffee like I was auditioning for a bartender gig.
Vital Proteins hit differently. By week two, my skin looked like I’d been guzzling water 24/7—dewy, even without moisturizer.
My hair felt thicker, and I swear I lost fewer strands brushing.
Joints?
Still creaky, but I wasn’t expecting miracles. Stirring it into hot tea was seamless, and I loved sneaking it into recipes like banana bread. The price made me wince, but the results kept me hooked.
I also polled friends who use collagen. My buddy Sarah swears by Vital Proteins for her post-workout shakes, saying her nails are “Instagram-worthy” now.
My coworker Jake tried Codeage and liked it for his runner’s knees but grumbled about the tub’s messy scoop. Real users seem split: Vital Proteins for beauty, Codeage for all-around support.
The Science Angle: Does Collagen Even Work?
I’m no doctor, but I dug into the research to make sure I wasn’t just drinking expensive dust. Studies suggest collagen peptides can improve skin hydration and elasticity, especially types I and III, which both brands offer.
A 2019 review found collagen reduced wrinkles in older adults, and a 2022 study linked it to less joint pain. Type II, in Codeage, may help cartilage, per a 2020 trial.
But it’s not magic. Results take weeks, and not everyone sees them. I felt benefits, but my cousin tried collagen and shrugged—nothing. Your diet, age, and lifestyle play a role.
Both brands use hydrolyzed collagen, which is easier to absorb, so they’re legit in theory. It’s about consistency and realistic expectations.
Who Should Choose What?
If you’re like me—wanting a bit of everything—Codeage is your pick. Its multi-collagen blend and nutrient extras make it a jack-of-all-trades. It’s budget-friendly and great if you’re eyeing joint health or hair growth alongside skin perks.
Go for it if you don’t mind a smaller dose and some mixing effort.
Vital Proteins is for the glow chasers. If skin, hair, and nails are your jam, the high dose and silky mixability deliver. It’s pricier, but the quality and visible results might make you forget the cost. Pick it if you want simplicity and don’t need joint-specific support.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
No one-size-fits-all answer here. Vital Proteins packs a higher dose for skin and hair, while Codeage’s variety targets broader benefits. It depends on your goals—try both and see what clicks.
As of now, I couldn’t find any active lawsuits against Vital Proteins. Always check recent news for updates, but they seem in the clear.
Khloé Kardashian has backed Dose & Co., but the family’s also been linked to Vital Proteins in posts. Celeb endorsements don’t guarantee quality, though.
She’s their ambassador and says she uses it, but I can’t peek into her kitchen. Her glow suggests she’s doing something right, so maybe!
Conclusion: Your Collagen, Your Call
I’ve scooped, stirred, and sipped my way through Codeage and Vital Proteins, and both have their charms. Codeage feels like a trusty multitool—affordable, versatile, and packed with extras for your whole body.
Vital Proteins is the polished star, delivering big on skin and hair with a premium vibe. You can’t go wrong, but think about what you need most: a budget-friendly all-rounder or a high-dose beauty boost.
Whatever you choose, stick with it, and you might just see that glow we’re all chasing. What’s your pick—ready to scoop?
