Beauty Supplements

Do beauty supplements work?

It depends on the ingredient, and for most of the popular ones the evidence is limited. Which? says there is still no scientific consensus that collagen supplements improve skin, that any changes are likely to be small, and that many studies are part- or fully funded by companies.

Collagen, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and horsetail have no authorised health claims. Some vitamins and minerals do, where a product is at least a source of them: for example, "vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin" and "biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin". We don't say any product changes how you look.

What should you compare?

Compare the amount of each ingredient per daily serving and the cost per day, rather than the number of ingredients or the wording on the front of the pack. A long ingredients list with tiny amounts isn't automatically better.

For collagen, check the grams per daily serving: powders usually provide far more than capsules or gummies. See collagen powder, marine collagen and hair, skin and nails formulas, or go back to our collagen and beauty hub.

Are beauty supplements safe to combine?

Add up the vitamins and minerals across everything you take, as Which? notes that added vitamins can add up. Biotin is a common one: the NHS says 0.9mg or less a day of biotin in supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.

Marine collagen comes from fish, so check allergen information. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking supplements if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medication.

We sell the products on this page. That's our commercial interest, and it's why we show the evidence alongside them. This page is general information for adults, not personalised medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet.

Written by Andy Arshad, SupplementHQ. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.