Collagen supplements have been spewed out by the beauty fountain and it seems like we're greedily slurping up each promise – from reversing aging, to boosting the health of our skin, nails, joints, you name it. Studies sort of back up these claims, but let's not get too excited. The evidence is way too guarded behind a corporate shield - mostly, research handled by supplement manufacturers themselves. Uh-oh, red flag!

Collagen, the star protein of our connective tissues, bones, muscles, and cartilages, does run low as we age (blame it also on poor diet, too much smoky fun, deprived sleep, irresistible sun-tanning). So, taking 2.5 to 10 grams a day might just replenish it, ergo making us the gorgeous gods and goddesses we truly are. Or so they say.

However, locating the best supplement amidst a confusing variety of collagen products almost requires a doctoral degree! To simplify, look for multispectrum products covering most of your collagen needs (we've got almost 30 collagen types, but let's focus on types I-V). Animal sourced? Check for chicken, pig, cow, or seafood-derived collagen.

But wait! Got kosher, halal, vegan, or vegetarian dietary restrictions? Choose wisely! And if you're worried about bovine collagen products giving a punch to deforestation or indigenous populations, go for plant-based or vegan options. They won't give you collagen directly but will offer precursors like vitamin C which send your body into DIY collagen production mode.

Still, don't fall for labels blindly. Detective-mode ON! See if it's real collagen or collagen precursors, and check what else are they sneaking into your supplement. There are also pricier hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptide options that might be a lot easier on your system, especially if you're battling bloating blues after taking collagen.

Now, let me drop an ugly truth bomb. We know that supplements aren't FDA-approved. So, to ensure your bottle isn't selling empty dreams, look for third-party verifications like ConsumerLabs or NSF. If not, you might be popping a pill of heavy-metal surprise (and no, we don't mean the music genre).

Ultimately, picking the right collagen supplement is not just about gulping down the magic protein. See if it partners up with other skin-supporting players like elastin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. So, until they figure out the real deal (how much dose really works or which form is the best), keep scooping, popping, or drinking your collagen supplements, but remember, your bottle might not be the panacea you're expecting.