Type III collagen works side by side with type I. It is found alongside type I in many tissues. It is especially common in blood vessels, and it may play a role in tissues that stretch. In skin, type III collagen helps keep skin elastic. Collagen peptides have been tested in many skin trials for firmness, elasticity and hydration.
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From Anirva, the maker of Multi Collagen Complex. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- Type III works alongside type I. It is found in many tissues that also contain type I collagen [1].
- Type III supports skin elasticity. A 2025 review of collagen in skin aging describes this role [2].
- Skin elasticity improved. In several trials, collagen peptides improved skin elasticity, wrinkles and hydration [3][4][5][6].
- Deeper skin layers changed too. Skin and dermis density rose [7][8].
- Skin collagen content rose. This was seen in a trial of hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage [9].
Here is what that research shows, and how type III collagen fits into Multi Collagen Complex.
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Type III collagen [1][10] |
| Collagen sources in Multi Collagen Complex | Bovine hide, chicken bone broth, fish and eggshell membrane [10] |
| Amount in Multi Collagen Complex | 1,600 mg of collagen from four sources, in 3 capsules a day [10] |
| Main research areas | Skin elasticity, wrinkles, hydration and collagen density [3][4][7] |
| Kinds of evidence | A review of collagen in skin, and trials in people [2][3][4][9] |
| Allergens in the product | Fish and egg [10] |
What is type III collagen?
Type III collagen is a fiber-forming collagen made of three matching chains. It is found widely in tissues that also contain type I collagen. It is especially common in blood vessels, and it may play a role in tissues that stretch [1].
Type I collagen is the most common form in the body. It is a major part of skin and bone [11].
Types I and III in your skin
A 2025 review looked at the role of each collagen type in skin aging. Type I collagen gives the deeper layer of skin, the dermis, its strength. Type III collagen helps keep skin elastic [2].
The review also describes collagen loss as one of the main causes of skin aging. It describes collagen peptides as one way to support the skin's own collagen [2].
Where type III collagen comes from in Multi Collagen Complex
Multi Collagen Complex uses four collagen sources: hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides, chicken bone broth collagen concentrate, hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides and eggshell membrane collagen [10].
Together, the four sources provide collagen types I, II, III, V and X [10].
Skin firmness and elasticity: what the studies show
Many trials have tested collagen peptides for skin. These trials measured elasticity, wrinkles, hydration and collagen density.
| Study | Who took part | Length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim 2022 [3] | 100 adults with sun-aged, dry skin | 12 weeks | Crow's feet, eye wrinkle volume, roughness, elasticity and hydration improved compared with placebo |
| Seong 2024 [4] | 100 healthy adults | 12 weeks | Wrinkles, three measures of elasticity and hydration improved compared with placebo |
| Lee 2023 [5] | 100 women aged 30–60 | 12 weeks | Hydration and skin flaking improved by week 4. Wrinkles and elasticity improved by week 12, compared with placebo |
| Lee 2025 [6] | 70 healthy adults | 8 weeks | Wrinkles, elasticity, hydration and skin density improved. Effects held 2 weeks after stopping |
| Inoue 2016 [12] | People in a placebo-controlled trial | 8 weeks | Collagen peptides richer in two key peptides improved moisture, elasticity, wrinkles and roughness compared with placebo |
| Miyanaga 2021 [13] | 99 women aged 35–50 | 12 weeks | Skin water content rose and water loss fell. The skin's natural moisturizing factor rose. Elasticity and skin thickness did not change |
Collagen density in the skin
In two placebo-controlled trials, collagen peptides raised skin hydration by week 8. Collagen density in the dermis rose, and breaks in the collagen network fell, by week 4. Both effects lasted to week 12 [7].
In an 84-day trial, 85 women aged 43–65 in East Asia used the same face cream and took collagen peptides or placebo. Skin density and moisture rose compared with placebo. Elasticity and wrinkles looked better by day 28 in the collagen group, and by day 84 in the placebo group [8].
Skin collagen content
In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, 128 women aged 39–59 took hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage or placebo. Skin elasticity and skin collagen content rose. Facial lines and wrinkles were reduced compared with placebo. Skin dryness and redness fell. The researchers concluded that the supplement supports the build-up of types I and III collagen in skin [9].
How much collagen is in Multi Collagen Complex?
Three capsules provide 1,600 mg of collagen from four sources, plus 50 mg of the DigeSEB® enzyme blend [10].
Five types of collagen from four sources
Multi Collagen Complex is a daily three-capsule collagen supplement with types I, II, III, V and X collagen from bovine hide, chicken bone broth, fish and eggshell membrane, plus the DigeSEB® enzyme blend. Every ingredient and amount is listed on the label.
See Multi Collagen ComplexType III collagen is one part of Multi Collagen Complex
Multi Collagen Complex is a daily three-capsule collagen supplement. It has five types of collagen (I, II, III, V and X) from four sources: bovine hide, chicken bone broth, fish and eggshell membrane. It also has the DigeSEB® enzyme blend. They were chosen to promote healthy skin, hair and nails and to support healthy bones and joints [10].
When you take Multi Collagen Complex, you are not relying on one ingredient alone.
Multi Collagen Complex is made in Phoenix, Arizona, in a cGMP-certified facility. Every ingredient is listed on the label [10].
- Take 3 capsules a day with a meal, as the directions say [15].
- Multi Collagen Complex contains fish and egg. If you have a fish or egg allergy, ask your healthcare provider before taking it [10].
- If you are pregnant or nursing, or take any medicine, ask your healthcare provider before taking Multi Collagen Complex [15].
If you are deciding
Type III collagen works side by side with type I, and it helps keep skin elastic [1][2]. In trials, collagen peptides improved skin elasticity, wrinkles and hydration [3][4][5]. Skin and dermis density rose [7][8]. Multi Collagen Complex includes type III collagen as one part of a five-type formula [10].
The short version
Type III collagen is found alongside type I, and it helps keep skin elastic [1][2]. Multi Collagen Complex includes it as one part of a formula to help promote healthy skin [10].
Frequently asked questions
What is type III collagen good for?
What is the difference between type I and type III collagen?
Does collagen help skin elasticity and density?
Does collagen help skin hydration?
Where is type III collagen found in the body?
It is found in tissues that also contain type I collagen, and it is especially common in blood vessels [1].
References
- National Library of Medicine. Collagen Type III. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), descriptor D024061. https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/record/ui?ui=D024061 (accessed October 26, 2026).
- Li Y, Sun C, Liu Z, et al. [Roles of different types of collagen in skin aging and their research progress]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao. 2025;42(2):533-546. doi:10.13345/j.cjb.250472. PMID: 41761709.
- Kim J, Lee SG, Lee J, et al. Oral supplementation of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and improves biophysical properties of skin: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Med Food. 2022;25(12):1146-1154. doi:10.1089/jmf.2022.K.0097. PMID: 36516059.
- Seong SH, Lee YI, Lee J, et al. Low-molecular-weight collagen peptides supplement promotes a healthy skin: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(2):554-562. doi:10.1111/jocd.16026. PMID: 37822045.
- Lee M, Kim E, Ahn H, et al. Oral intake of collagen peptide NS improves hydration, elasticity, desquamation, and wrinkling in human skin: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Food Funct. 2023;14(7):3196-3207. doi:10.1039/d2fo02958h. PMID: 36916504.
- Lee E, Ahn DK, Kim JH, et al. Skin anti-aging and moisturizing effects of low-molecular-weight collagen peptide supplementation in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025;35:e2507008. doi:10.4014/jmb.2507.07008. PMID: 40935395.
- Asserin J, Lati E, Shioya T, Prawitt J. The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(4):291-301. doi:10.1111/jocd.12174. PMID: 26362110.
- Vleminckx S, Virgilio N, Asserin J, et al. Influence of collagen peptide supplementation on visible signs of skin and nail health and -aging in an East Asian population: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(11):3645-3653. doi:10.1111/jocd.16458. PMID: 39143887.
- Schwartz SR, Hammon KA, Gafner A, et al. Novel hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract improves facial epidermis and connective tissue in healthy adult females: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Altern Ther Health Med. 2019;25(5):12-29. PMID: 31221944.
- Anirva. Multi Collagen Complex Supplement Facts label (image from Anirva, October 15, 2026).
- National Library of Medicine. Collagen Type I. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), descriptor D024042. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68024042 (accessed October 17, 2026).
- Inoue N, Sugihara F, Wang X. Ingestion of bioactive collagen hydrolysates enhance facial skin moisture and elasticity and reduce facial ageing signs in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. J Sci Food Agric. 2016;96(12):4077-4081. doi:10.1002/jsfa.7606. PMID: 26840887.
- Miyanaga M, Uchiyama T, Motoyama A, et al. Oral supplementation of collagen peptides improves skin hydration by increasing the natural moisturizing factor content in the stratum corneum: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2021;34(3):115-127. doi:10.1159/000513988. PMID: 33774639.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Collagen. The Nutrition Source. Last reviewed May 2021. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/collagen/ (accessed October 17, 2026).
- Anirva. Multi Collagen Complex product page. https://anirva.com/pages/multi-collagen-complex (accessed October 15, 2026).
