Thorne Collagen Plus Review: Premium Collagen for Skin & Hair

Introduction

Collagen powders continue to gain attention as people search for easier ways to support skin hydration, hair growth, and nail strength. Instead of adding multiple products to a routine, many turn to all-in-one supplements that promise visible results. Thorne Collagen Plus is one of such products that has been highlighted in this category.

Thorne Collagen Plus combines bovine collagen peptides with red currant, black currant, peach extract, and nicotinamide riboside, claiming it can improve skin hydration in just two weeks, strengthen hair and nails in one month, and reduce fine lines with ongoing use.

The claims sound impressive, yet they raise important questions. How well does this powder align with the research on collagen and its added ingredients? Can it truly deliver on promises of smoother skin and stronger nails, or does it lean more on branding than results? And is the price reasonable compared to other collagen supplements available today?

This review breaks everything down in plain language. We’ll look closely at the ingredients, mixability, taste, convenience, safety, customer experiences, and pricing.

We’ll also compare it with similar products so you can decide if Thorne Collagen Plus is the right choice for you.

Ingredient Analysis – Thorne Collagen Plus

We took a close look at the ingredients in Thorne Collagen Plus to determine if they truly help with skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkle reduction, and overall skin health. Here, we present our findings:

Thorne Collagen Plus Supplement Fact

Collagen Peptides (Bovine)

Collagen peptides give the skin pieces of protein that the body uses to build new collagen. We like bovine collagen because it is rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These support skin firmness, smoothness, and moisture. Results often appear within two to three months.

In a 12-week randomized controlled trial, adults who took 1 g of low-molecular-weight collagen per day showed improved skin hydration, increased elasticity, and fewer wrinkles compared to the placebo group. The gains were measurable on standard tests, and effects built over time through weeks eight and twelve.

We approve of this ingredient.

According to Dr. Ohara Aivaz, Dermatologist -

Collagen peptides have not been found to cause noticeable side effects in healthy people... Collagen supplementation is a promising area of research but right now it is in its infancy regarding efficacy, safety, formulation and dosing

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

We like nicotinamide riboside because it raises NAD⁺, the molecule cells use to make energy. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, older adults taking NR had significantly higher blood NAD⁺ and related metabolites versus placebo, showing clear biological activity in humans.

This matters for skin support and overall cellular function because NAD⁺ powers repair and stress responses. Trials also report good tolerability. Together, these findings support NR as a smart add-on for formulas that target cell energy and resilience. Benefits build over several weeks in controlled settings.

We approve of this ingredient.

We looked all over online for clear, reliable info. And then, we finally found this YouTube video from Dr. Matt and Dr. Mike. They do such a great job explaining what NAD is and how it works in your body. Check out the youtube video.

Betaine Anhydrous (Trimethylglycine)

We reviewed betaine (trimethylglycine) for its claims related to skin health, including hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction. Human skin trials are lacking. In a 6-week randomized trial, adults taking 2.5 g/day showed no change in either intra- or extracellular hydration or total body water compared with the placebo group.

This matters for a collagen supplement that promises better skin moisture or elasticity. If 2.5 g/day of betaine failed to shift hydration markers, a tiny amount of betaine is unlikely to improve those outcomes. Based on current evidence, we don’t see oral betaine supporting these skin claims.

We disapprove of this ingredient.

HydroPeach™ Ceramides (Peach-Derived Glucosylceramides)

We evaluated HydroPeach for its claims regarding skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction. The most cited work is a lab model, not a human trial: a 3-D human skin model study showed peach glucosylceramides raised skin ceramides in vitro. Lab gains don’t prove that an oral dose helps with real face or fine lines.

We searched for placebo-controlled human trials on peach ceramides and found none. Without RCTs, and with no accepted oral dose that matches the 20 mg used here, we can’t link HydroPeach to better hydration, elasticity, or fewer wrinkles. Strong human data is still missing.

We disapprove of this ingredient.

MitoHeal® (Redcurrant & Blackcurrant Extract)

We looked for strong human proof. The best study we found was a 30-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study that reported improved skin quality, as assessed by photos and self-ratings. But it was small, short, and lacked objective tests for hydration, elasticity, or transepidermal water loss.

For big claims like better hydration, firmness, and fewer wrinkles, we expect longer trials and objective measures (corneometry, cutometry, TEWL), not only photos or surveys. A month-long pilot can’t confirm a durable, visible change across skin types. Based on current evidence, we’re not convinced.

We disapprove of this ingredient.

We Tried Thorne Collagen Plus

We Tried Thorne Collagen Plus

To see how Thorne Collagen Plus works in practice, one of our team members added it to her routine for several weeks. She wanted a collagen powder that could support skin hydration and hair health without adding extra steps to her day.

The preparation was simple. One scoop mixed with 8-12 ounces of water blended fairly well, though it needed extra stirring to fully dissolve. The flavor had a light fruity taste from the peach extract. It tasted mild and easy to drink, with no aftertaste, making it easy for her to use every day. She mentioned that for some people, the flavor could be too strong, though.

Within the first few weeks, her skin felt more hydrated in areas that often looked dry. Her nails appeared stronger, and her hair had a healthy shine. The results were gradual and noticeable, but they did not match the dramatic improvements the brand suggests.

She described it as convenient and easy to include in her daily routine. In the end, she rated it 6/10. She considers it a decent choice for steady support, though not one she would continue using long-term.

Orgain Collagen Peptides are another strong contender, also claiming to be superior. For a deeper dive into all the benefits, ingredients, and user experiences, make sure to explore our comprehensive article Orgain Collagen Peptides Review.

Side Effects & Safety of Thorne Collagen Plus

Thorne Collagen Plus is safe for most healthy adults who follow the suggested use. The formula combines hydrolyzed bovine collagen with redcurrant, blackcurrant, peach extract, and nicotinamide riboside. These ingredients appear often in dietary supplements and are commonly included for skin and hair support.

Some people may experience mild digestive issues, such as bloating or stomach upset, during the first few days of use. These effects usually fade as the body adjusts.

The presence of bovine collagen makes it unsuitable for those who avoid animal products. Individuals with sensitivities to fruit extracts should take care before using them. Anyone who is pregnant, nursing, or under medical supervision is advised to consult a healthcare provider first.

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Real Customer Reviews of Thorne Collagen Plus

Thorne Collagen Plus is available through its official website and also on Amazon, where verified buyers have shared their experiences. Thorne as a company holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), although it is not BBB-accredited. Currently, there is no dedicated Trustpilot profile for Thorne Collagen Plus.

On Amazon, reviews reflect a mix of positive and critical feedback. Some customers highlight noticeable benefits, while others point out downsides related to flavor and calorie content.

A top positive review comes from an Amazon customer who gave the product 5 out of 5 stars:

Although I initially began using Thorne's Collagen Plus product for hair and skin benefits, it has also amazingly addressed minor knee joint discomfort. I highly recommend this product.

Not all feedback is glowing. Another verified buyer left a more critical review, rating it just 1 out of 5 stars:

This product is flavored, which was not mentioned in the description. The flavor is very strong, even overwhelming, and reminds me of cough syrup. It adds an unpleasant taste to smoothies.

These reviews show that while many users are satisfied with improvements in hair, skin, and even joint support, others feel disappointed with its flavor and added calories.

Where to Find the Best Value

Thorne Collagen Plus is available for purchase through the official Thorne website. Each container provides 30 scoops, intended for daily use.

One-time purchase option:

• One container costs $63.00

Subscription option (Subscribe & Save):

• Customers can save up to 20% with a subscription.

Compared to other collagen supplements, Thorne Collagen Plus sits in the premium price range. The subscription plan offers meaningful savings. This makes it a better choice for those planning long-term use.

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Thorne Collagen Plus Vs. Super Derm Complex

Thorne Collagen Plus and Flawless Bloom Super Derm Complex target skin, hair, and nail support. Both sit in the collagen category but use different approaches.

Thorne Collagen Plus uses a lean base of bovine collagen peptides. The label adds MitoHeal® redcurrant and blackcurrant extract, HydroPeach™ ceramides, betaine, and nicotinamide riboside. The blend aims at hydration, elasticity, and fine lines. Collagen works, but other ingredients show limited human data for their effect on wrinkle depth or long-term firmness.

Flawless Bloom Super Derm Complex, on the other hand, widens support with five collagen types: bovine, chicken, marine, eggshell membrane, and avian sternum. This multi-source approach covers more areas of skin structure, elasticity, and firmness. The brand states third-party testing. Buyers feel more confident with clear claims and a design that targets several beauty outcomes at once.

Price also sets these two apart. Thorne Collagen Plus costs $63 for a 30-scoop container, with a subscription option that saves up to 20%. Super Derm Complex is available as single bottles or bundles, with the per-bottle price dropping to $47.50. Many long-term users prefer bundles, so Super Derm Complex proves more budget-friendly over time. Both brands sell directly online and offer repeat order discounts.

Thorne Collagen Plus keeps a clean focus on bovine collagen with select extras. Super Derm Complex adds multiple collagen sources and supportive nutrients for broader coverage. For shoppers seeking deeper, multi-angle skin support, Flawless Bloom’s Super Derm Complex stands out as the stronger, more complete choice among the best collagen supplements.

Pros and Cons of Thorne Collagen Plus