Hydrolyzed vs. Non-Hydrolyzed Collagen: Why Hydrolyzed Collagen Matters for Your Health
- Absolute MS
- Apr 28
- 2 min read

Collagen is often called the “glue” that holds the body together — and for good reason. It’s the most abundant protein in your body, making up your skin, joints, bones, and even your gut lining. But not all collagen supplements are created equal. If you’ve been shopping for collagen, you’ve likely seen two types: hydrolyzed collagen and non-hydrolyzed collagen.
Understanding the difference is critical — and could be the key to seeing real results from your supplement.
Here’s why hydrolyzed collagen is the gold standard, and why it's the form you'll find in premium products like Totally Derma Collagen Supplement.
What is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen (also known as collagen peptides) is collagen that has been broken down into smaller pieces through a process called hydrolyis. This process makes the collagen much easier for your body to absorb and use. The molecules are smaller, so they pass through your gut lining and into your bloodstream more efficiently.
👉 Think of hydrolyzed collagen as "pre-digested" — your body doesn't have to work hard to break it down.
What is Non-Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Non-hydrolyzed collagen, sometimes called gelatin, is collagen in its more natural, larger form. It still has benefits, but because of its large molecular size, it's harder for your body to absorb. It may sit in your gut longer, be less efficiently broken down, and in some cases, be less effective at delivering results like improved skin, stronger joints, or better gut health.
Key Differences: Hydrolyzed vs. Non-Hydrolyzed Collagen
Feature | Hydrolyzed Collagen | Non-Hydrolyzed Collagen |
Molecular Size | Small peptides | Large protein chains |
Absorption Rate | High (90%+) | Lower |
Digestibility | Easy on the stomach | Harder to digest |
Mixability | Dissolves easily in water | Clumps easily |
Effectiveness | Faster results | Slower, less predictable |
Why Hydrolyzed Collagen is Better for Your Body
✅ Superior Absorption Studies show hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed up to 90% more efficiently than non-hydrolyzed forms. That means more collagen reaches your skin, joints, gut, and tissues where you need it most.
✅ Faster Results Thanks to better absorption, many people report seeing benefits like improved skin texture, reduced joint pain, and stronger nails much faster with hydrolyzed collagen.
✅ Easier to Use Hydrolyzed collagen dissolves quickly into hot or cold liquids without clumping, making it super convenient to add to your daily routine — whether it’s in your coffee, smoothie, or just water.
✅ Gentler on Digestion
If you have a sensitive gut, hydrolyzed collagen is much less likely to cause bloating or discomfort compared to non-hydrolyzed gelatin forms.
At Totally Derma, we use 10,000mg of premium hydrolyzed bovine collagen in every daily serving. But we don’t stop there. Totally Derma also contains hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, zinc, copper, green tea extract, grape seed extract, and alpha lipoic acid — all clinically dosed to support skin elasticity, joint health, gut integrity, and menopause wellness.
Because we believe absorbing the right ingredients matters just as much as the ingredients themselves.
The Bottom Line
If you're investing in collagen to improve your skin, joints, or gut health, hydrolyzed collagen is the smarter choice. It's better absorbed, more effective, and easier to incorporate into your daily life.
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