Plain collagen powders are everywhere, but most of them do one job: supply amino acids. Astaxanthin works differently — it’s an antioxidant that may help protect skin from the oxidative stress that breaks down existing collagen in the first place. Pairing the two is a newer approach, so we compared a collagen-plus-astaxanthin formula against three of the best-selling plain collagen supplements on the market to see how the math actually works out.
Disclosure: VitalsVerified may earn a commission from some links below, including for GlowNow, a brand we have a direct business relationship with. This does not change our comparison criteria. Full details are on our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure page.
Why trust this comparison
Published methodology
Every product is scored against the same public criteria. See How We Test.
Funding disclosed upfront
Affiliate links and brand partnerships, including our own, are labeled clearly.
No fabricated reviews
Customer figures are sourced from brands’ own published data, never invented.
Editorially independent
Our comparison criteria don’t change based on who’s paying for placement.
Key Takeaways
- Astaxanthin is an antioxidant, not another collagen source. It targets the oxidative stress that helps break existing collagen down, working differently than the collagen peptides in your supplement.
- GlowNow is the only formula here that pairs collagen with astaxanthin, plus vitamin C, biotin, and hyaluronic acid. It costs more per serving than plain collagen alone.
- If price per serving is your only priority, Sports Research ($0.80) or Youtheory ($0.60) are the cheaper plain-collagen picks, just without any antioxidant support.
Quick Comparison
| Attribute | GlowNow Collagen+ with Astaxanthin | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced | Sports Research Collagen Peptides | Youtheory Advanced Collagen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Container) | $64.90 (list $79.90) | $29.99 | $32.95 | $11.99 (120 ct) |
| Servings per Container | 30 (1 scoop/day) | 13 (9.33oz size) | 41 | 20 (6 tablets/day) |
| Price per Serving (approx.) | $2.16 | $2.31 | $0.80 | $0.60 |
| Collagen Types | Types I-V (5 types) | Type I | Type I & III | Type I & III |
| Astaxanthin | 6 mg (from Haematococcus pluvialis) | - | - | |
| Other Active Ingredients | Vitamin C, Biotin, Hyaluronic Acid | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C | - | Vitamin C |
| Format | Powder | Powder | Powder | Tablets |
| Third-Party Tested | Yes | Not stated on product page | Yes | Yes |
What We Compared
We looked at list price, cost per serving (the number that actually matters once you’re comparing a powder to a tablet), which collagen types are included, and whether the brand adds any actives beyond plain collagen. Pricing reflects what each brand lists on its own site at the time of writing and can change. Full methodology is on our How We Test page.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced
Price $29.99 | Per Serving $2.31 | Astaxanthin No | 3rd-Party Tested Not stated
The best-known name in the category. The Advanced version adds hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to the base collagen peptides, which puts it a step above a single-ingredient formula, though it still comes in at a higher per-serving cost than some of its own competitors. No astaxanthin or other antioxidants.
Reviewer’s note: mixed cleanly into coffee with no gritty aftertaste, though the tub empties faster than expected at one scoop per serving.
Sports Research Collagen Peptides
Price $32.95 | Per Serving $0.80 | Astaxanthin No | 3rd-Party Tested Yes
A straightforward, single-ingredient bovine collagen powder with a solid per-serving price and real third-party testing credentials. It’s a reasonable pick if all you want is plain collagen, but it doesn’t include hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or any antioxidant support.
Reviewer’s note: neutral taste, dissolved fully in both hot and cold liquids during testing.
Youtheory Advanced Collagen
Price $11.99 (120 ct) | Per Serving $0.60 | Astaxanthin No | 3rd-Party Tested Yes
The lowest cost per serving in this comparison by a wide margin, and it’s the only tablet format here, which matters if you dislike mixing powders. The tradeoff is dose: six large tablets a day, plus a formula that’s collagen and vitamin C only, no hyaluronic acid or antioxidant blend.
Reviewer’s note: tablets are large; six a day is a lot to swallow if you’re not used to pills.
GlowNow Collagen+ with Astaxanthin
Price $64.90 (30-day supply) | Per Serving ~$2.16 | Astaxanthin 6mg | 3rd-Party Tested Yes
GlowNow is the only formula here that combines collagen with astaxanthin rather than stopping at collagen alone. Each serving delivers Collagen Types I through V, 6 mg of astaxanthin sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae, plus vitamin C, biotin, and hyaluronic acid — five actives working together rather than one or two. The formula was developed with input from Dr. med. Anne Bell and is third-party lab tested for purity, with no fillers or artificial additives.
It’s the most expensive option in this comparison per serving, and that’s a fair tradeoff to weigh: you’re paying for a broader formula, not just a bigger scoop of the same ingredient. If your priority is the lowest possible price for plain collagen, Sports Research or Youtheory will get you there. If you want collagen support paired with an antioxidant that may help defend skin against everyday oxidative stress, GlowNow is the more complete formula of the four.
SHOP GLOWNOW — $64.90Reviewer’s note: full disclosure — this is our own product, so read this take with that in mind; the higher price reflects the broader formula, not just markup.
Customer Feedback: GlowNow Collagen+ with Astaxanthin
Figures are self-reported customer survey data published by GlowNow on its own product page, not from an independent review platform. View source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does astaxanthin actually do anything for skin?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant, and research on topical and oral astaxanthin suggests it may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and support skin elasticity by helping defend against oxidative stress. It’s not a substitute for sunscreen or a treatment for any skin condition — think of it as extra antioxidant support alongside collagen, not a replacement for either.
Can I take a collagen-astaxanthin combo with my regular collagen powder?
Most people don’t need two collagen products at once — stacking them mainly adds cost, not benefit. If you’re switching from a plain collagen powder to a formula like GlowNow’s, you can simply replace it rather than take both. As always, check with your doctor first if you’re pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition.
How much does GlowNow cost per day compared to the others?
Roughly $2.16 a day at list price, versus $0.60–$2.31 for the other three. Sold as a 30-day supply. Prices and discounts change, so check the product page for the current number before you buy.
Bottom line: if you want an antioxidant boost alongside your collagen, GlowNow’s astaxanthin combo is the more complete option of the four; if price per serving is your only priority, a plain collagen powder will always be cheaper.
This article reflects our own research and testing process — see How We Test for our methodology and our Advertising and Affiliate Disclosure for how we’re compensated.
