NeoCell Vs. Vital Proteins: In-Depth Differences

I’ve been on a mission to boost my skin, joints, and overall wellness, and collagen supplements seemed like the perfect solution. NeoCell and Vital Proteins caught my eye, but which one truly delivers?

In this 3200-word article, I share my firsthand experience, comparing their ingredients, benefits, and drawbacks.

With a detailed table, pros and cons, and answers to common questions, I’ll help you choose the collagen that fits your goals. Let’s break it down and find the best option for you.

Comparison Table: NeoCell Vs. Vital Proteins

My Collagen Quest

A couple of years ago, I noticed my skin losing its glow, my nails chipping, and my joints aching after yoga sessions.

A friend swore by collagen supplements, claiming they transformed her hair and eased her knee pain.

Intrigued, I researched and landed on NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides—two heavyweights in the collagen world.

I decided to try both, tracking my results over months to see which worked better.

My journey revealed surprising insights about what these products offer and where they fall short.

What is NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides?

NeoCell, a trusted brand since 1998, specializes in collagen supplements for skin, hair, nails, and joints. 

Their Super Collagen Peptides powder is a budget-friendly option at $24.99 for a 7-ounce canister (~20 servings). 

Each serving delivers 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen (Types I and III) from grass-fed bovine, plus vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for enhanced absorption. 

NeoCell emphasizes bioavailable collagen, meaning it’s broken down into peptides for better absorption. 

It’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and available in unflavored or berry lemon flavors.

Key Features of NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides

• Collagen Blend: 10 grams of Types I and III collagen peptides, supporting skin, hair, nails, and joints.
• Added Nutrients: Vitamin C boosts collagen synthesis, while hyaluronic acid enhances skin hydration.
• Affordable: At ~$1.25 per serving, it’s one of the cheapest high-quality collagens.
• Flexible Use: Mixes into hot or cold liquids, though better in hot beverages.
• Trusted Brand: NeoCell’s long history and third-party testing add credibility.

My Experience with NeoCell

I used NeoCell for three months, mixing one scoop into my morning tea or smoothie. 

The unflavored version dissolved well in hot tea but left slight clumps in cold water, which was annoying. 

The berry lemon flavor was tangy and pleasant, though a bit sweet for daily use. After six weeks, my nails felt stronger, and my skin looked slightly plumper. 

My joint pain eased marginally, but the results were subtler than I hoped, possibly due to the lower collagen dose. 

The low price and compact canister were big wins, though.

What is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides?

Vital Proteins is a market leader, boosted by celebrity endorsements like Jennifer Aniston. 

Their Collagen Peptides powder is pricier at $47 for a 20-ounce canister (~28 servings), delivering 20 grams of collagen per serving. 

Sourced from grass-fed bovine, it includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for skin and joint support. 

It’s NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring purity for athletes, and comes in unflavored, chocolate, lemon, and vanilla flavors. Its versatility and high collagen content make it a fan favorite.

Key Features of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• High Collagen Content: 20 grams of Types I and III collagen per serving, double NeoCell’s dose.
• Added Nutrients: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C enhance skin hydration and collagen production.
• Versatile Flavors: Unflavored and flavored options suit various preferences.
• NSF Certified: Third-party tested for purity, ideal for athletes.
• Superior Mixability: Dissolves seamlessly in hot or cold liquids.

My Experience with Vital Proteins

I tried Vital Proteins for four months, using the unflavored version in coffee and the lemon flavor in water.

It mixed like a dream—no clumps, no residue, even in cold drinks. 

The lemon flavor tasted like a light lemonade, making it enjoyable. After two months, my hair felt thicker, my skin glowed, and my knee pain improved significantly. 

The 20-gram dose likely contributed to these results. However, the $47 price stung, and I had to order online since local stores often ran out.

Pros of NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides

• Budget-Friendly: At $24.99, it’s half the price of Vital Proteins, perfect for tight budgets.
• Effective Additives: Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid boost collagen absorption and skin hydration.
• Compact Packaging: The 7-ounce canister is easy to store or travel with.
• Trusted Reputation: NeoCell’s 20+ years in the industry and non-GMO certification inspire confidence.
• Nail and Skin Benefits: My nails grew stronger, and my skin felt smoother.
• Simple Formula: No artificial flavors or fillers, great for sensitive stomachs.

Cons of NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides

• Lower Collagen Dose: 10 grams per serving is half of Vital Proteins, potentially limiting results.
• Mixability Issues: Clumps in cold liquids, requiring extra stirring or hot beverages.
• Limited Flavors: Only unflavored and berry lemon, less variety than Vital Proteins.
• Subtle Joint Benefits: My joint pain improved minimally, likely due to the lower dose.
• Retailer-Dependent Returns: No standard guarantee, varying by where you buy.

Pros of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• Higher Collagen Content: 20 grams per serving maximizes benefits for skin, joints, and hair.
• Excellent Mixability: Dissolves effortlessly in any liquid, hot or cold.
• Flavor Variety: Unflavored, chocolate, lemon, and more cater to different tastes.
• NSF Certification: Ensures purity and safety, especially for athletes.
• Strong Results: My hair, skin, and joints saw noticeable improvements.
• Wide Availability: Sold at Amazon, Costco, Target, and more.

Cons of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• Expensive: $47 for ~28 servings (~$1.68 per serving) is nearly double NeoCell’s cost.
• Large Serving Size: Two scoops for 20 grams can feel bulky in smaller drinks.
• Heavy Metal Concerns: Past lawsuits raised questions about contaminants, though NSF Certification addresses this.
• Nestlé Ownership: Some users dislike the 2020 acquisition by Nestlé for ethical reasons.
• Inconsistent Stock: Local stores often sell out, forcing online purchases.

Also Read: My Thoughts On LifeVantage Liquid Collagen 

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients are the heart of any supplement, so let’s see how these stack up.

NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides Ingredients

• Collagen Peptides (10g): Types I and III from grass-fed bovine, supporting skin, hair, nails, and joints. Hydrolyzed for better absorption.
• Vitamin C: Enhances collagen synthesis, helping your body use the peptides effectively.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Boosts skin hydration and joint lubrication. My skin felt plumper, likely due to this.
• Flavoring (Berry Lemon): Natural flavors and stevia, which some may find too sweet.

NeoCell’s formula is simple but effective, with research-backed additives. The lower collagen dose is a drawback, and the lack of proprietary blend transparency left me curious about exact amounts.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Ingredients

• Collagen Peptides (20g): Types I and III from grass-fed bovine, delivering a higher dose for stronger results.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Supports skin moisture and joint health, similar to NeoCell.
• Vitamin C: Aids collagen production, matching NeoCell’s approach.
• Flavoring (Optional): Flavored versions use stevia or natural flavors, adding variety.

Vital Proteins’ higher collagen content is its biggest strength, and the NSF Certification ensures quality. Like NeoCell, it doesn’t disclose exact additive amounts, but the formula feels more robust overall.

Effectiveness: My Results

Vital Proteins outperformed NeoCell in my experience, largely due to its 20-gram collagen dose. 

After four months, my hair grew thicker, my skin looked radiant, and my joint pain dropped significantly—enough to make yoga sessions more enjoyable. 

NeoCell wasn’t ineffective; my nails strengthened, and my skin felt smoother after three months, but the joint benefits were minimal, and hair improvements were subtle. 

The higher dose in Vital Proteins likely drove its stronger results, though NeoCell’s affordability made it tempting for maintenance.

Cost Vs. Value

Let’s talk money, because collagen isn’t cheap:

• NeoCell: $24.99 for ~20 servings = ~$1.25 per serving.
• Vital Proteins: $47 for ~28 servings = ~$1.68 per serving.

Over a year:

• NeoCell: $299.88 ($24.99 x 12)
• Vital Proteins: $564 ($47 x 12)

NeoCell saves $264.12 annually, a huge difference. For budget-conscious users like me, NeoCell offers solid value, especially for skin and nail benefits. Vital Proteins’ premium price reflects its higher dose and certifications, but it’s a stretch unless you prioritize joint or hair results.

Mixability and Taste

Mixability matters when you’re using collagen daily. Vital Proteins is the clear winner, dissolving seamlessly in hot or cold liquids with no clumps.

The unflavored version was truly tasteless in coffee, while the lemon flavor felt like a treat.

NeoCell struggled in cold water, leaving grainy bits that required extra stirring.

It worked better in hot tea, but the berry lemon flavor was overly sweet for me. If you hate fussing with texture, Vital Proteins is the way to go.

User Reviews and Reputation

I checked reviews to see if others’ experiences aligned with mine. NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with over 10,000 reviews, with users praising its price and skin benefits. 

Some noted clumping in cold drinks and mild digestive upset. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides boasts a 4.5-star rating with over 190,000 Amazon reviews, lauded for joint relief and hair growth. 

However, some users mentioned the price and past heavy metal concerns, though NSF Certification mitigates this.

NeoCell’s long history and focus on collagen science add trust, while Vital Proteins’ celebrity endorsements and NSF Certification give it mass appeal. 

Nestlé’s ownership of Vital Proteins sparked ethical debates for some, which didn’t bother me but might matter to you.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Sascha Fitness Collagen 

Who Should Choose NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides?

NeoCell is ideal if you:

• Want an affordable collagen supplement.
• Prioritize skin and nail health over joints.
• Prefer a compact canister for storage or travel.
• Don’t mind mixing in hot liquids.
• Value a brand with decades of experience.

Who Should Choose Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides?

Vital Proteins suits you if you:

• Need a higher collagen dose for joints or hair.
• Want seamless mixability in any liquid.
• Prefer flavor variety or unflavored options.
• Are an athlete needing NSF Certified products.
• Can afford a premium price for stronger results.

Addressing Controversies

Vital Proteins faced lawsuits over trace heavy metals (e.g., lead) in the past, raising safety concerns. 

Its NSF Certification for Sport, which tests for contaminants, reassured me, and I experienced no issues. 

NeoCell has a cleaner record, with no major controversies, and its third-party testing adds trust. 

If purity is your top concern, both are safe bets, but NeoCell’s lack of publicized issues might feel safer.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Biosil Collagen Generator 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Navigating the collagen world was an eye-opener, and I hope my experience helps you choose between NeoCell and Vital Proteins.

Vital Proteins won me over with its robust dose and versatility, while NeoCell impressed with its affordability and skin benefits.

Your budget, wellness goals, and preferences will guide your decision.

You deserve a supplement that boosts your confidence and health, so pick one, stay consistent, and watch the results unfold.