Let's clear up a common confusion: collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen are the exact same thing. They're just two names for collagen that's been broken down through hydrolysis. The supplement industry sometimes uses different terms to create perceived differences where none exist.
Why They're Identical
Hydrolysis is the process of using water and enzymes to break large collagen molecules into smaller pieces called peptides. So "hydrolyzed collagen" describes the process, while "collagen peptides" describes the result. Same product, different naming convention.
Think of it like "grilled chicken" vs "chicken that was grilled." Same thing.
What Actually Matters When Choosing Collagen
Instead of worrying about peptides vs hydrolyzed (same thing), focus on:
Source: Bovine (types I and III), marine (type I), or chicken (type II for joints)
Dose: At least 5g per serving, ideally 10-15g
Quality: Third-party tested, grass-fed/pasture-raised for bovine, wild-caught for marine
Additives: Avoid unnecessary fillers. Vitamin C added is actually helpful.
UC-II is Different
One exception: UC-II (undenatured type II collagen) is NOT the same as hydrolyzed collagen. UC-II is a small dose (40mg) of intact collagen that works through immune modulation for joints. It's a completely different mechanism than the amino acid supply from hydrolyzed collagen.
Types Matter More Than Names
Type I: Skin, hair, nails, bones (most common) Type II: Cartilage, joints Type III: Skin elasticity, blood vessels
Bovine collagen typically contains Types I and III. Marine is mostly Type I. For joint-specific benefits, look for Type II (chicken) or UC-II.
The Bottom Line
Don't overthink this one. Collagen peptides = hydrolyzed collagen. Pick based on source, dose, and quality, not whether it says "peptides" or "hydrolyzed" on the label.