Type I, II & III Collagen: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Share
If you have ever looked at a collagen supplement label and seen “Type I”, “Type II”, or “Type III” and wondered what on earth the difference is — you are not alone. Most people just grab the first collagen they see and hope for the best. But understanding collagen types is the difference between targeted, effective supplementation and wasted money.
Here is your plain-language guide to the three main collagen types — what they are, where they are found in your body, and which Purple Cushhh SA products contain them.
Type I Collagen — The Most Abundant & Versatile
Type I is the most abundant collagen in the human body, making up approximately 90% of your body's total collagen. It forms thick, tightly packed fibres providing exceptional tensile strength — gram for gram, stronger than steel.
Found in: Skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, hair, nails, cornea, gut lining.
Best for: Skin firmness, bone strength, hair & nail health, general structural support.
🛒 Purple Cushhh SA products rich in Type I:
Collagen Original 60 Capsules | Collagen with Baobab Vitamin C 60 Capsules | Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen Powder 200g | Collagen Coffee Creamer 75g
Type II Collagen — The Joint & Cartilage Specialist
Type II collagen is the primary structural protein of cartilage — the smooth, cushioning tissue that covers the ends of bones in your joints. It forms a looser, more flexible network of fibres designed to absorb compression and allow smooth movement.
Found in: Articular cartilage (knees, hips, shoulders), intervertebral discs, ear and nasal cartilage, vitreous humour of the eye.
Best for: Joint pain, stiffness, osteoarthritis, cartilage protection and mobility.
🛒 Purple Cushhh SA products rich in Type II:
Collagen Bone Broth 60 Capsules — the richest Type II source in our range
Type III Collagen — The Soft Tissue & Gut Collagen
Type III collagen is the second most abundant collagen in the body and is almost always found alongside Type I. It forms a finer, more flexible network of fibres — providing elasticity and softness to tissues that need to stretch and recoil.
Found in: Gut lining, blood vessel walls, skin (alongside Type I), muscles, and soft organs.
Best for: Gut lining integrity, skin elasticity, cardiovascular structural support.
🛒 Purple Cushhh SA products rich in Type III:
Collagen Original 60 Capsules | Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen Powder 200g | Collagen with Baobab Vitamin C 60 Capsules
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Type I | Type II | Type III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abundance in body | ~90% of total collagen | Mainly in cartilage | 2nd most abundant |
| Primary location | Skin, bone, tendons | Cartilage, joints | Gut, blood vessels, skin |
| Main benefit | Firmness, strength, structure | Joint cushioning & mobility | Elasticity, gut integrity |
| Best for | Skin, hair, nails, bones | Joint pain, osteoarthritis | Gut health, skin elasticity |
| Source | Bovine, marine | Chicken (bone broth) | Bovine |
Do You Need All Three Types?
For most people, a combination of Types I and III (found in bovine collagen) covers the majority of daily needs — skin, hair, nails, bones, gut, and blood vessels. Adding Type II from bone broth collagen provides targeted joint and cartilage support.
The ideal approach for comprehensive coverage: combine a bovine collagen product (Types I & III) with a bone broth collagen product (Type II).
🛒 Full-spectrum combination: Collagen Original + Collagen Bone Broth
The Bottom Line
Type I is your structural and beauty collagen. Type II is your joint and cartilage collagen. Type III is your elasticity and gut collagen. Understanding which type addresses your specific health goals allows you to supplement with precision — and get results faster.
Shop the full Purple Cushhh SA collagen range — available online with delivery across South Africa, and in-store at Shop 108 Hibernian Towers, Beach Road, Strand, Cape Town.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement.