Sports Research Marine Collagen Review: Best for Skin?
Complete review of Sports Research Marine Collagen Peptides. Wild-caught fish collagen for skin, hair, and nails. Third-party tested and sustainably sourced.
Overview
Sports Research Marine Collagen offers an excellent entry point into marine collagen without the premium price tag. Sourced from wild-caught North Atlantic cod, this product delivers solid results for skin-focused users.
First Impressions
The container is compact and travel-friendly—a nice change from bulky tubs. Opening reveals a very fine white powder with a faint marine scent (expected with fish collagen).
Mixability Test
- Cold water: Takes about 60 seconds to fully dissolve
- Hot coffee: Dissolves well with minimal stirring
- Smoothies: Blends completely
- Juice: Some slight foaming
Verdict: Good, not great. Marine collagen tends to be slightly less dissolvable than bovine.
Taste & Texture
- Very mild taste—far better than many marine options
- Slight sweetness
- Occasional faint fish note in plain water
- Undetectable in coffee, smoothies, or flavored beverages
Ingredients Analysis
What’s Inside
- Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides: From wild-caught cod skin
- Type I Collagen: The primary type found in skin
Quality Certifications
- Third-party tested
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Sustainably sourced
Effectiveness
After 8 weeks of consistent use (11g daily):
| Benefit | Results |
|---|---|
| Skin hydration | Significant improvement |
| Fine lines | Noticeable reduction |
| Nail strength | Good improvement |
| Hair shine | Moderate improvement |
Marine collagen’s smaller peptide size showed faster skin results compared to bovine in our testing.
Value Analysis
| Metric | Sports Research | Category Average |
|---|---|---|
| Price per serving | $1.00 | $1.80 |
| Collagen per serving | 11g | 10g |
| Type | Pure Type I | Usually Type I |
Exceptional value for marine collagen.
Who Should Buy This
Perfect for:
- Those focused primarily on skin health
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting marine collagen
- Pescatarians avoiding bovine products
- Anyone wanting sustainable sourcing
Skip if:
- You need Type III collagen for gut health
- You’re sensitive to any fish smell
- You prioritize mixability above all
Final Verdict
Sports Research Marine Collagen delivers impressive results at an unbeatable price point. While not perfect in terms of mixability, the effectiveness and value make it our top budget marine collagen pick.
Rating: 4.6/5