Primal Collagen Review 2025: Can This Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen Supplement Support Skin, Joints, and Hair?
Looking for a simple bovine collagen supplement? Read our unbiased Primal Collagen review, covering its effectiveness, side effects, value, and what real users are saying.
Fact Checked
Collagen supplements are now becoming more popular. This is because more people are looking for natural and effective ways to keep their skin and hair healthy and their joints strong.
Primal Collagen by Primal Harvest is a supplement that people are beginning to notice. This is mainly because it claims to be a source of pure, grass-fed bovine collagen.
Primal Collagen uses hydrolyzed collagen peptides that supply Types I and III collagen. It claims not to include any flavors, sweeteners, or artificial fillers. So, it’s marketed as an unflavored, easy-to-mix powder that can be added to coffee, smoothies, or virtually any beverage.
But how does Primal Collagen truly compare to other collagen products? Does its minimalist formula make users miss out on many things? And what do people have to say about the product?
In this unbiased review, we’ll take a closer look at the formula used in Primal Collagen. We’ll also dig into the available research and see how it performs against best collagen supplements.
So, keep reading to see our own testing insights and how we can help you find the best value if you’re considering trying it for yourself.
Primal Collagen Ingredient Analysis
Supplement Facts
The Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen
Primal Harvest claims to use hydrolyzed bovine collagen that serves as a source of Types I and III collagen. So, what do we have to say about these claims?
In terms of structure, Type I collagen is the most abundant in the body and is vital for maintaining the firmness of skin and the strength of hair, tendons, and ligaments. Type III collagen often works alongside Type I, contributing to the flexibility of blood vessels and other soft tissues.
So, both of these collagen types are abundantly found in the skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissues. Plus, they’re the most widely researched forms when it comes to maintaining youthful skin, promoting joint flexibility, and keeping hair healthy.
Dr. Neal Schultz, a NYC dermatologist, states that Hydrolyzed bovine collagen's enhanced absorption supports skin elasticity and hydration, making it a well-researched foundation for skin health.
These findings are encouraging for individuals hoping to see visible improvements in their skin, joints, and hair. We’re also pleased to see that Primal Collagen uses a hydrolyzed form of collagen. Why? Because hydrolyzation breaks collagen into smaller peptides, making it much easier for the body to digest and absorb.
So, from a foundational standpoint, Primal Collagen provides a solid starting point for individuals who want to naturally replenish their declining collagen levels.
We approve of this ingredient choice because Primal Collagen uses hydrolyzed collagen peptides.
But this doesn’t mean that Primal Collagen couldn’t have been made a better product. Here are some things that the brand failed to do which in turn reduced how much this product can help people.
What the Primal Collagen Formula Misses…
While Primal Collagen provides hydrolyzed Types I and III collagen, it misses the broader spectrum found in more advanced formulas. To say this more simply, they shouldn’t have relied on Bovine collagen alone.
And here’s why:
Some competing products like Super Derm Complex include collagen from different sources like marine, chicken, eggshell and avian. This makes them a more superior formula.
Marine collagen is naturally rich in Type I collagen, has a smaller molecular size, and is easier for the body to absorb. Collagen from eggshell membrane (a source of Type I collagen) and avian sternum (rich in Type II collagen for cartilage support) would have made the product better.
And if they had added essential nutrients like Vitamin C (which plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis and stability), we would have had the ultimate formula. Unfortunately, they didn’t.
We Tried Primal Collagen
Primal Collagen
I decided to try Primal Collagen myself as a 42-year-old fitness buff dealing with post-workout joint pain. I wanted to see if adding collagen daily would help my recovery and overall joint health.
Every morning, I added one scoop to my protein shake after hitting the gym. In hot drinks, the powder mixed perfectly with no taste, making it easy to stick with. I did notice it would clump a bit in cold smoothies unless I stirred really hard.
By my third week, I felt less tightness in my knees and shoulders after lifting weights. My skin, especially on my hands and forearms, seemed more hydrated than usual. The improvements came gradually but stopped progressing after about a month of use.
I found Primal Collagen convenient and my body handled it well. However, I think someone wanting more complete benefits for joints, skin, hair, and faster recovery might need a formula with different collagen types or added nutrients for better long-term results. I also considered Collagen Elixir, as it appears to offer a different blend that might suit some people’s needs better.
Overal rating 5/10
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Side Effects & Safety
or sensitive users. Primal Collagen appears to be generally well-tolerated by most users, especially given its clean formula with no artificial additives, gluten, dairy, or soy. Many customers report easy digestion and positive effects without major complications, suggesting the product is safe for the majority of healthy adults.
However, a small but noticeable number of users have reported experiencing side effects. Some individuals described severe stomach cramps, heartburn, or digestive upset after starting the supplement.
In rarer cases, reviewers mentioned needing to stop taking Primal Collagen temporarily to let their body recover. These reactions seem uncommon but are important to note.
As with any dietary supplement, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before beginning use, particularly for individuals who are pregnant, nursing, have underlying health conditions, or are sensitive to dietary changes. If any significant side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic symptoms, occur, discontinuing use and seeking medical advice is recommended.
Real Customer Reviews
At the time of writing, Primal Collagen has received 4,157 global ratings on Amazon, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This suggests that the majority of users have had a positive experience with the supplement, although a closer look at the feedback reveals a mix of opinions.
A top positive review from a verified purchaser, IDO, stated:
This formula dissolves easily, tastes good and seems to be working. Although I have only been using it for a couple of weeks, I have noticed a glow to my skin that wasn't there before. Haven't seen any improvement in my thinning hair but I am hopeful.
A critical review from another verified purchaser, S. Cutler, warned:
Wanted to love it but after just one dose, I’ve been doubled over with stomach cramps for two days. Not good. I don’t know if this product is defective or if there’s just something in it that doesn’t work with me, but that’s a no for me.
At the time of review, Primal Harvest (the maker of Primal Collagen) was not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but held a B+ rating. There have been 12 complaints filed against the company, and customer reviews on the BBB website average 2.14 out of 5 stars across seven reviews. The brand also does not have an active profile on Trustpilot.
These independent third-party ratings suggest that Primal Collagen (and, by extension, Primal Harvest) may not be as good as they want people to think. We think their strategy is to rely mostly on in-house and Amazon customer feedback, which can easily be influenced or doctored.
Where to Find the Best Value
Primal Collagen is available through the official Primal Harvest website and on Amazon. Here’s how the current pricing breaks down:
From the Official Website:
- One bag (30 servings): $36.95
- Subscribe & Save (monthly delivery): $31.41 per bag (15% off)
- Free U.S. shipping is available on subscription orders.
- Backed by a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee for U.S. customers
From Amazon:
- One bag (30 servings): $36.95
- Return policy subject to Amazon's standard terms
Super Derm Complex Pricing:
- Starter (1 bottle): $65.00
- Most Popular (Buy 2, Get 1 Free): $138.00 total – $46.00 per bottle
- Best Deal (Buy 4, Get 2 Free): $210.00 total – $35.00 per bottle
- Includes free U.S. shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee
While Primal Collagen is a good choice for a simple, affordable supplement, Super Derm Complex offers more effective and broader collagen types, added nutrients, and stronger overall benefits. So, users wanting more complete skin, joint, and cartilage support may find Super Derm Complex a better long-term investment.
The price of Super Derm Complex can be equalled with Primal Collagen by purchasing a bundle package that will ensure you are investing in an effective and long-term safe formula.
Primal Collagen vs. Super Derm Complex
When comparing Primal Collagen to Super Derm Complex, the differences between the two become clear. Primal Collagen uses a single-source formula made with hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, delivering Types I and III collagen to support skin appearance, joint function, hair health, and nail strength.
Its minimalist ingredient list may appeal to users who prefer supplements for ultra-specific needs. But the downside is that it might not offer the same wide-ranging benefits found in more complex collagen blends.
Super Derm Complex, in contrast, combines collagen from multiple sources, including bovine, marine, chicken, eggshell membrane, and avian sternum. This variety supplies Types I, II, III, V, and X collagen, helping to support not just skin and joints but also cartilage, bones, and connective tissues.
The formula is further strengthened by the addition of Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and biotin, which help boost collagen production and improve skin hydration. So, this is good for people who want a more comprehensive formula and benefit from many types of collagen at once.
Primal Collagen is available for around $36.95 per 30-serving bag, with a subscription option that lowers the cost by 15 percent. Amazon pricing is similar, although subscription savings vary.
In comparison, Super Derm Complex is priced at $65.00 for a single bottle, but purchasing bundles reduces the price to about $35.00 per bottle, and all orders include free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Super Derm Complex therefore offers a cheaper price for people who want to enjoy the benefits of many different types of collagen.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Manufactured in the USA in a GMP-certified facility
- Backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee
- Free from gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial additives
Cons
- Single-ingredient formula
- Flavorless and may not mix easily in cold smoothies
- Provides only Types I and III collagen
- May offer limited benefits compared to broader multi-collagen formulas. (Brands like BUBS Naturals Collagen often include a wider range of collagen types.)
- Some users reported digestive side effects such as stomach cramps or heartburn
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Conclusion
Primal Collagen is a clean, single-ingredient supplement aimed at supporting skin, joint, and connective tissue health. It features hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, delivering Types I and III collagen along with a strong amino acid profile.
However, the absence of additional collagen types and missing supportive nutrients like Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid may limit its overall effectiveness over the long term.
While the powder is easy to mix and is generally well-tolerated, customer experiences vary. Some users report subtle improvements in skin hydration and joint comfort, while others mention digestive discomfort or minimal visible results.
Although the product comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, the limited ingredient profile and mixed feedback may make it less appealing for those seeking faster or more noticeable benefits.
For individuals looking for a broader, research-backed collagen supplement, Super Derm Complex stands out as a stronger option. With its multi-collagen blend, additional supportive nutrients, and a satisfaction guarantee, it offers more comprehensive support for skin, joints, hair, cartilage, and overall recovery.
