Collagen vs. Gelatin: What's the Difference and Which Is Better for You?

When exploring supplements for skin, joints, and gut health, two commonly discussed options are collagen and gelatin. While both originate from the same source—animal connective tissues—their differences lie in processing, bioavailability, and how your body can use them. In this blog post, we'll explore the real science behind these supplements and help you decide which one fits best into your wellness routine.

What Are Collagen and Gelatin?

• Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, forming the structure of skin, joints, bones, and more.

• Gelatin is derived from collagen that's been partially hydrolyzed through heat. This process breaks collagen down into shorter chains of amino acids.

Key Differences Based on Science

1. Processing and Bioavailability

• Collagen supplements, particularly hydrolyzed collagen (also known as collagen peptides), undergo enzymatic hydrolysis. This makes the collagen more easily absorbed by the body.

• Gelatin, on the other hand, is only partially broken down and gels in liquids. It’s not as bioavailable and is generally used in food preparation (e.g., jellies, desserts).

  
  

👉 Study Insight: A 2019 review published in Nutrients concluded that hydrolyzed collagen improves skin elasticity, joint pain, and hydration better than gelatin due to higher bioavailability.

2. Usage and Solubility

• Collagen peptides dissolve in both hot and cold liquids without changing texture, making them easy to incorporate into daily routines.

• Gelatin only dissolves in hot liquids and creates a gel, limiting its usability.

3. Health Benefits

• Collagen peptides are clinically proven to support skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, bone density, and gut lining repair.

• Gelatin shares many amino acids with collagen but lacks the same level of clinical research backing its use as a supplement.

  
  

👉 Study Insight: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2014) showed that women aged 35-55 who took hydrolyzed collagen daily for 8 weeks had significantly improved skin elasticity.

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Which One Should You Choose?

While gelatin can offer some minor benefits, hydrolyzed collagen supplements like Totally Derma are far superior in terms of ease of use, absorption, and clinically backed results.

Why Choose Totally Derma Collagen Supplement?

Totally Derma is a UK-made hydrolyzed bovine collagen supplement enhanced with:

• Synovoderma Hyaluronic Acid

• Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

• Zinc, Copper, and Manganese

• Green Tea & Grape Seed Extracts

• Alpha Lipoic Acid

  
  

Together, these ingredients work synergistically to improve skin elasticity, support gut health, alleviate joint pain, and even help with menopause symptoms—something gelatin alone cannot offer.

Final Thoughts

If you're serious about improving your skin, joints, and overall wellness, skip the gelatin desserts and opt for a clinically formulated collagen supplement like Totally Derma. The science backs it—and so does your future glow.