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As people all over the world have become more health conscious and focused on good nutrition in recent years, there has also been a rise in the number of people who take supplements to meet their needs. Collagen is one of the best-selling supplements in Japan.
Collagen is a kind of protein which accounts for 30%~40% of whole proteins included in our body and plays an important role in producing and maintaining tissue such as skin, bones, muscles, eyes, hair, joints. Collagen generally starts to deplete with aging.
It decreases sharply in our late twenties or early thirties, and once there is a lack of collagen in our bodies, problems such as skin trouble, joint disease, and weakened bone formation tend to arise. To combat these issues and reduce signs of aging, a high-quality collagen supplement is the perfect solution.
Japan is known for its wide selection of collagen supplements presented in many forms; collagen powders, tablets, jelly, candies and even ready-to-drink collagen. In fact, most Japanese supermarkets and drug stores have a dedicated space entirely filled with collagen products. With such a large selection of collagen items, we would like to introduce some of the best and most popular Japanese collagen supplements.
For a complete list of Japanese collagen supplements available at Japanese Taste you might want to check here.
How we decided
- Collagen Content & TypeThe amount of collagen per serving and whether it’s low-molecular, high-density, or from fish/pork/beef sources for better absorption
- Additional Active IngredientsExtra nutrients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamins, coenzyme Q10, placenta extract, or probiotics that support skin, joints, and overall health
- Form & Convenience The supplement format (powder, tablet, drink, jelly) and ease of consumption for everyday use or travel
- Taste & OdorFlavor, smell, and palatability, including odorless powders or flavored drinks that make supplementation enjoyable
Shiseido The Collagen Powder
This product is made by Shiseido and is one of the best-selling collagen supplements at Japanese Taste. Generally, collagen is extracted from animal foods such as chicken, beef, pork, fish, and even bone broth. If not properly processed it smells bad, but this collagen powder is odorless and free of artificial flavorings. This makes the flavor simple and bland, so it naturally blends with any food or drink.
Shiseido The Collagen Powder contains 5,000mg of collagen per serving and 2 patented Shiseido's ingredients to help boost your beauty. The wide product variation of The Collagen series is another advantage: Shiseido The Collagen is available in powder, beverage and pills. Check your most convenient and preferred Shiseido Collagen supplement.
Pros
- High 5,000mg collagen per serving
- Odorless and easy to mix
- Available in multiple forms
Cons
- Not targeted for joints
- Not for vegetarians or vegans
Meiji Amino Collagen Powder Premium
Another best-selling collagen supplement at Japanese Taste is the Meiji Amino Premium Collagen Powder. It’s also the most long-selling Meiji supplement in Japan. Why "Premium"? It not only contains 5,000mg of low-molecular fish collagen, but also hyaluronic acid, ceramide, coenzyme Q10, amino acids, glucosamine and vitamin C, key nutritional components for improving your health and vitality.
Furthermore, Meiji invented the technology to remove the fishy smell from fish collagen (patented). You don't have to worry about the nasty smell of collagen, just add a spoon of this powder into your beverage and enjoy your refreshment. This quality collagen supplement will give you a beauty boost!
Pros
- Includes hyaluronic acid ceramide, coQ10, vitamin C
- Low fish smell
- Quick absorption
Cons
- Not ideal if you want simple formula
- Results may take 2–3 months of daily use
Shiseido The Collagen EXR Drink
Shiseido has another collagen product line called "The Collagen EXR" which is a premium version of The Collagen series. There are three major differences between the EXR series and the normal one.
Firstly, the EXR series contains twice the amount of lingonberry/amla fruit extracts (one of the 2 patented beauty ingredients mentioned earlier) than the regular counterpart. Secondly, compared with the standard version, it has double the amount of ceramide and hyaluronic acid. Finally, bog bilberry, vitamin B2, and Vitamin B6 are exclusively added to the EXR series.
Shiseido The Collagen EXR is available in the form of pills and a drink. Collagen pills or tablets are easy to consume and carry, suitable for those who usually consume supplements at workplace or travel destination. The collagen drink, on the other hand, is flavored (this product has a fruit mix taste). Therefore, unlike the tasteless tablets, you're less likely to get bored and can enjoy consuming it like a juice.
Pros
- Double beauty actives vs standard
- Drinkable flavor
- Ceramide + hyaluronic boosted
Cons
- Smaller drink size
- Higher cost
Eisai Chocola BB Collagen Beauty Supplement
This collagen supplement is produced by a pharmaceutical company called Eisai. In Japan, Eisai is famous for its “Chocola” series, the company’s flagship product brand specially designed for reducing skin troubles. Although the Chocola BB contains no more than 600mg of low-molecular collagen, it also contains vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, niacin, and pantothenic acid.
These 7 active ingredients are believed to generate a synergistic effect to boost the skin turnover, and eventually improve your skin condition. This turnover also helps to create barriers between the skin layers, resulting in long-term skin trouble prevention. For those who have a strong desire to make their skin healthy and beautiful, why not consider this collagen supplement?
Pros
- Synergistic vitamins + collagen
- Good for stressed skin
- Easy tablet form
Cons
- Lower collagen dose (600mg)
- Not as potent for aging signs
Meiji Amino Collagen Powder Beauty Supplement
The standard Meiji Amino Collagen Powder was the most sold collagen supplement in the Japanese market (as of 2020). Just like the premium version mentioned earlier, this one has the same amount (5,000mg) of 100% fish-based low molecular collagen designed to absorb into the body quickly and efficiently.
This collagen supplement also contains glucosamine, vitamin C, and an amino acid called arginine carefully processed through 100-years of knowledge and research.
This collagen powder is also odorless and can be easily consumed with various foods and drinks like coffee, orange juice, yogurt, or soup. This supplement is best suited for those who are trying collagen for the first time and are looking for a high-quality yet economic Japanese collagen supplement.
Pros
- Affordable
- Odorless
- Adds to drinks/food easily
Cons
- Basic formula
- Lacks extra beauty boosters
Asahi Perfect Asta Collagen Powder
This is a pork-based collagen with 11 additional active ingredients. It contains 5,300mg of low molecular collagen per serving, and what makes this product unique is that it has lactic acid bacterium which leads to finer skin, according to studies.
Asahi Perfect Asta Collagen is also helpful in soothing an upset stomach and eventually improving your overall health condition. Asahi's collagen supplement is very consumer-friendly because the powder has little collagen odor so it won't disrupt the taste of foods and drinks when mixed together, and it's designed to dissolve quickly.
If you have no idea which is the best collagen supplement for you, the Perfect Asta Collagen by Asahi is one of the safest and most reliable choices.
Pros
- 5,300mg collagen
- Includes lactic acid bacteria
- Dissolves easily
Cons
- Pork‑based (not preferred by all)
- Less targeted beauty actives
Asahi Perfect Asta Collagen Powder Premier Rich
"Premier Rich" described in this product name isn't an exaggeration. Here are the three reasons that makes this product almost perfect. Firstly, this collagen powder includes as much as 5,500mg per serving of fast absorbing low-molecular collagen.
Secondly, this product includes 1,500mg of placenta extract, an anti-aging ingredient believed to work effectively in skin health improvement.
Finally, the total number of active beauty ingredients included in this product are 16, which is the most among all the Japanese collagen supplements. If you’re seeking a nutritionally rich collagen supplement, this is your best choice.
Pros
- 5,500 mg per serving (low-molecular, fast-absorbing)
- 1,500 mg placenta extract for skin health
- Combines collagen, placenta, antioxidants, and probiotics
Cons
- Some users may notice a mild flavor
DHC Collagen Supplement Tablets
People are always looking for quality supplements for a reasonable price. Among all of the collagen supplement manufacturers in Japan, nobody can match DHC in cost performance. DHC Collagen Supplement Tablets contains 540 pills for 90 days while other collagen packets are normally for 30 days. This means that the DHC supplement's cost per day is cheaper than its competitors.
This supplement contains 2,050mg of fish-based collagen peptides with vitamin B1 and B2, said to be effective in mitigating the signs of skin aging. It's simple to consume, just take 6 tablets per day with water without chewing. There's a saying that little and often fills the purse; once you consume this economy-size-product for 3 months, your overall beauty and health will show positive changes.
Pros
- 5,500mg collagen + 1,500mg placenta
- 16 actives total
- Strong beauty profile
Cons
- Complex formula
- Placenta ingredient not for all
FANCL Deep Charge Collagen Powder
While Japanese supplements are noted for its quality and safeness, FANCL comes out top in terms of manufacturing "clean" products, without artificial additives and substances. FANCL uses technology that enables supplement production without using artificial coloring and preservatives.
As for the nutrition, this product contains 3,000mg/use of patented HTC fish collagen which absorbs more quickly than ordinary low molecular collagens. Furthermore, it has vitamin C, rose bud extract (patented ingredient), and enzymatically modified isoquercitrin designed to synergise the HTC collagen. Two types of FANCL Deep Charge Collagen supplements are available at Japanese Taste: powder and tablet.
Pros
- No artificial additives
- Patented HTC collagen
- Includes vitamin C & rose extract
Cons
- Lower collagen dose
- More subtle effect
Orihiro Hyaluronic Acid Collagen Powder
If you're looking for a collagen-concentrated supplement, we recommend this one. The product contains 5,500mg of pork/beef originated collagen peptide, and 3.5% of the whole collagen consists of "Densified Collagen".
According to Orihiro, this is a specialty collagen which includes high density dipeptides unique to collagen, and when the collagen content is converted into these dipeptides, this product theoretically contains 11,000mg of collagen per serving! In addition, it includes low molecular hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glucosamine which are helpful in improving cartilage condition.
In this sense, although this collagen supplement is effective against the skin, it's also suitable for alleviating joint ache. Just like the other Japanese collagen products from this list, it's odor-free and dissolves quickly and smoothly when mixed with other foods and drinks.
Pros
- High theoretical collagen dose via dipeptides
- Adds hyaluronic acid & glucosamine
- Odorless
Cons
- Joint benefits may overshadow skin effect for some
- Not a primary treatment for active acne
Morinaga Collagen Skim Milk Powder
If you’re looking for a collagen supplement with a difference, this powder from Morinaga can be used as a replacement for milk so can be added to hot drinks or consumed cold. The collagen powder also contains calcium as its base ingredient which will help to improve your bone health.
This powder has a slight sweetness and milky flavor so it is easy to consume, it’s also easy to prepare, simply add 4 spoons of powder to water and mix well. Morinanga Collagen Skim Milk Powder contains 5,000mg of collagen and is high in protein, and low in fat.
Pros
- Combines protein, calcium, and collagen
- Milky pleasant taste
- Low fat
Cons
- Contains milk and gelatin
- High glycine in collagen might cause drowsiness
Fine Japan Hyaluron & Collagen Premium Supplement
Fine Japan’s Collagen Powder supplement with excellent nutritional balance both in terms of quality and quantity. It is highly recommended for those who already regularly take collagen and are looking for something extra with a bit of flavor.
Besides collagen it also contains a rich and luxurious blend of hyaluronic acid, collagen, adlay extract, and coenzyme Q10 to strongly support your total beauty and health.
Unlike most odorless and tasteless collagen powders, this product has a milk flavor seasoned with a small amount of a sucralose: an internationally approved safe-to-consume sweetener.
Pros
- Includes hyaluronic acid & coQ10
- Slightly flavored
- Balanced nutrition
Cons
- Sweet taste may not suit all
- can have a noticeable, slight smell
Astalift Drink Pure Collagen 10000
Astalift’s beauty collagen drink is famous for its high-quality collagen and quantity. The manufacturer’s special formula contains 10,000mg of low molecular collagen per bottle, its thick texture being a sign of high collagen concentration.
Astalift Pure Collagen exclusively uses collagen extracted in low temperatures, resulting in little quality deterioration. It’s easy to drink, is low in calories and has a tasty peach yogurt flavor. The product also includes ornithine, vitamin C and ceramide to give you a beauty boost.
Pros
- Very high collagen (10,000mg)
- Tasty peach yogurt flavor
- Includes vitamin C & ceramide
Cons
- Expensive
- Thick texture not for all
Asahi Dear Natura Collagen Supplement
This Japanese collagen supplement produced by Asahi's Dear Natura series is an easy to take tablet supplement. Each tablet contains 2,050mg of pork-base low molecular collagen along with vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C to improve your overall health and increase your energy.
Asahi’s Dear Natura brand has over 60 health products including vitamin supplements and protein powders. Dear Natura supplements are free from fragrance, artificial coloring, and preservatives.
Pros
- Easy tablet form
- Adds B‑vitamins
- Low artificial content
Cons
- Moderate collagen dose
- Less beauty‑targeted actives
Hythiol Collagen Bright Drink
Hythiol series is SS Pharma's flagship brand which offers supplements for skin trouble alleviation especially spots, freckles, and rough skin. The Collagen Bright drink is a beverage-type collagen supplement rich in components aimed at improving skin condition.
The drink’s core ingredients are collagen peptide, hyaluronic acid, cysteine peptide, yeast extract, and vitamin B6. This Japanese collagen drink is low calorie, sugar-free, and caffeine-free so it can be consumed as a pre-bedtime beverage.
It also has a delicious and refreshing muscat grape flavor making it very enjoyable to consume.
Pros
- Sugar‑free, caffeine‑free
- Good flavor
- Includes cysteine peptides & collagen
Cons
- Moderate collagen amount
- Drink form may be less convenient
