Ingredients

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5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring, non-proteinogenic amino acid that appears as an intermediate in L-tryptophan metabolism. In the body it is formed from tryptophan and is then further converted to 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) as part of a well-described biochemical pathway. In supplements, 5-HTP is commonly used either as an isolated ingredient or as a standardised constituent from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, where extracts may be assayed to different 5-HTP percentages (e.g., 20–98%). The raw material is typically supplied as an off-white to light powder and then formulated into capsules, tablets, or measured powders. On labels it may appear as “5-HTP” or as “Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract” with the declared amount of 5-HTP per serving. In cosmetics, 5-HTP use is less common and is generally limited to specialised formulations where a precisely identified chemical substance is required.

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Hyaluronic acid is a high–molecular weight polysaccharide (a glycosaminoglycan) that occurs naturally in connective tissues and body fluids. In cosmetic products it is very often present as the more water‑soluble salt Sodium Hyaluronate, and also as modified forms such as Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, selected for molecular weight and skin feel. The raw material is commonly obtained via biotechnological fermentation and supplied as a powder or as an aqueous solution for easy incorporation into formulas. In skincare it is used in serums, creams, masks and eye products, where it contributes to texture and a smooth application sensorial. In food supplements it may appear as hyaluronan or sodium hyaluronate, typically in capsules or tablets, frequently alongside other structural ingredients. Modern formulations often combine multiple molecular weights or crosslinked derivatives (crosspolymers) to fine‑tune viscosity and product stability.

4 claims

B vitamin that supports coenzyme A synthesis and mental performance.

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Salicylic acid is an aromatic organic acid (2‑hydroxybenzoic acid) that occurs naturally in some plants and is widely used as a functional cosmetic ingredient. In formulations it appears as a crystalline powder and is typically incorporated via suitable phases/solvent systems, used either as the free acid or as salicylate salts (e.g., sodium salicylate, potassium salicylate, TEA‑salicylate). In skincare it is found in both leave‑on and rinse‑off products such as gels, serums, toners, creams, and cleansers, where the level is commonly expressed as “acid” (salicylic‑acid equivalent). In haircare it can be present in shampoos and scalp products. In some formulations it may also be used as a preservative, under specific regulatory conditions. pH selection and solubilisation strategy are part of the formulation design to keep the ingredient stable and compatible with other components.

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Ashwagandha is the common name for Withania somnifera, a shrub in the Solanaceae family, also known in English as “winter cherry”. In supplements it is most often supplied as dried root powder or as a concentrated root extract, frequently standardised by its withanolide content. The raw material may be presented as capsules, tablets, loose powder for mixing, or liquid extracts, depending on the manufacturer’s specification. In cosmetics it appears as a botanical root extract, where the usual INCI name is “Withania Somnifera Root Extract”, and it may be carried in glycerin, water, or lipid carriers. On labels you may also see the Latin botanical name, or notes indicating extraction ratio (e.g., 5:1) and the plant part used (root).

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Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid, a fat-soluble red‑orange pigment that occurs naturally in certain microalgae and then enters the marine food chain. In supplements it is most commonly used as natural astaxanthin sourced from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, typically supplied as an oleoresin extract rich in astaxanthin, where a portion is present as fatty‑acid esters. Because it is oil‑soluble, it is frequently formulated in softgels with carrier oils (such as olive or sunflower/safflower oil) or as a standardised powder for capsules and tablets. On labels it may appear as “astaxanthin (from Haematococcus pluvialis extract)” or as a standardised algae extract with a declared astaxanthin percentage. In cosmetics it can be found in lipophilic formulas such as serums or creams, often encapsulated or dissolved into the oil phase to improve stability. As a carotenoid pigment it is sensitive to light and oxidation, so formulations commonly include technological antioxidants for protection.

8 claims

Trace mineral required for immunity, connective tissue, and pigmentation.

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Horny goat weed refers to several species of the genus Epimedium (Berberidaceae) used as a botanical ingredient in food supplements and, less commonly, in cosmetics. In products it is typically present as powdered aerial parts or as a concentrated extract, often standardised to an icariin content (a marker flavonoid), for example 10% or 20%. Because composition varies by species and extraction method, labels may state “Epimedium spp.” or name a specific species such as Epimedium brevicornum, E. sagittatum, or E. grandiflorum. In supplements it is most often supplied in capsules or tablets as a dry extract, sometimes blended with other botanicals. In cosmetics it may appear as a leaf/stem extract under an INCI name, used in water- or hydroglycol-based formulations.

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Berberine is a yellow isoquinoline alkaloid that occurs naturally in several plants, including species of the genus Berberis and other botanicals. In food supplements it is most commonly used as an isolated substance or as a salt, most often berberine HCl, typically standardised to a high berberine content. It may also appear as part of botanical extracts where the label declares the berberine amount or a standardisation percentage. Typical product formats include capsules, tablets and powders, with the daily portion stated in milligrams. In cosmetics it can be present as a discrete ingredient or linked to a botanical source, and on INCI lists it may also be found as “Berberine Chloride”. Because it is a plant-derived isolated compound, labelling can vary between “berberine”, “berberine HCl”, and the names of root/bark extracts that supply it.

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Bifidobacterium refers to a genus of Gram‑positive, anaerobic bacteria that naturally occur in the human and mammalian gastrointestinal tract. In food supplements it is typically present as live cultures identified at species level and often at strain level, shown on labels with a Latin name plus a strain code or number. Because many bifidobacteria are sensitive to oxygen and moisture, common presentations are capsules or powders using protective technologies (e.g., protective matrices or microencapsulation) and the amount is usually expressed as CFU. In cosmetics, the genus name is most often encountered through fermentation-derived materials, such as Bifida Ferment Lysate or related ferment filtrates, which are not necessarily live microorganisms. These fermented materials are used in water-based formulas such as serums and creams as soluble biotech ingredients. In practice, “Bifidobacterium” on an ingredient list may indicate either an oral probiotic culture or a topical ferment derivative, so the exact meaning depends on the form stated on the label.

7 claims

Water-soluble B7 vitamin; supports energy metabolism and the health of hair, skin and nails.

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Cranberry is the fruit of Vaccinium macrocarpon (Ericaceae), a tart red berry used as a food and as a raw material for supplements. In products it appears as dried fruit powder, juice concentrate, or fruit extract, often standardised for polyphenols, especially proanthocyanidins (PACs), with A‑type PACs frequently highlighted. Its natural composition also includes anthocyanins, flavonols and organic acids, while the levels of these constituents vary with cultivar and processing. Cranberry is most commonly presented in capsules, tablets, drink powders and liquid formats; in cosmetics it may be used as a fruit extract or as a plant-derived aromatic component in formulations.

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Centella asiatica is a herbaceous plant from the Apiaceae family, widely used in cosmetics as a source of botanical extracts. In formulations it most often appears as extracts from aerial parts or leaves, declared under INCI names such as Centella Asiatica Extract or Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, alongside other closely related centella-derived entries. Extracts may be prepared in water, glycerin, or other cosmetic solvents and are frequently standardised to characteristic triterpene fractions often referred to in cosmetic literature as “centellosides” (e.g., asiaticoside, madecassoside) or as a titrated extract. In skincare it is incorporated into a range of textures including creams, serums, gels, and emulsions, typically as a botanical component of the water phase or as a solubilised extract. Labels may also list cell-culture derived materials (e.g., callus/meristem cell culture) or leaf water, which remain centella-derived materials from the same botanical source. When used in food supplements, it is generally presented as a plant extract in capsules or powders, with specifications that vary by manufacturer.

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D-mannose is a monosaccharide (a simple sugar) in the aldohexose family and a structural isomer of glucose, occurring naturally in some plants and also in the body as part of carbohydrate structures attached to proteins. In food supplements it is typically used as purified D-mannose supplied as a powder, capsules, or sachets, where it serves as a source of this specific sugar. Chemically it has the formula C6H12O6 and can exist in different ring forms in aqueous solution (e.g., mannopyranose). In cosmetics it may appear on the INCI list as MANNOSE and is used as a humectant, meaning a water-binding ingredient within the formula. You will see it in products such as creams, serums, or masks, usually at low percentages as part of a broader sugar-based moisturizing complex.

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Green tea extract is a concentrated preparation of naturally occurring constituents from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, typically obtained with water, ethanol, or mixed solvents and then supplied as a dry powder or a standardised liquid. In food supplements it is commonly presented as an extract standardised to polyphenols/catechins, with particular focus on (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and it may be decaffeinated or retain part of tea’s naturally occurring caffeine. Composition varies with plant material, processing and extraction ratio, so labels may declare percentages of catechins, EGCG or total polyphenols. In cosmetics it is used as a botanical raw material under the INCI name Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, often delivered in aqueous, glycerinic or hydro-glycolic bases and incorporated into serums, creams, toners and masks. It may also appear as “green tea water” or as catechin-enriched fractions depending on the formulation approach. Although it comes from the same plant used for green, white, oolong and black tea, the extract’s profile is defined by the chosen extraction and standardisation.

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Fennel seed refers to the dried fruits (often called “seeds”) of the aromatic plant Foeniculum vulgare, naturally rich in essential oil and characteristic aroma compounds typical of the Apiaceae family. In supplements it is used as ground seed, powder, standardised extract, or tincture, with profiles that vary by variety and extraction method. In cosmetics it most commonly appears as a seed extract under the INCI name Foeniculum Vulgare Seed Extract, typically a solvent extract (e.g., glycerin/water) incorporated into fluid formulations. Its aromatic composition may include naturally occurring constituents such as estragole, so different preparations can differ noticeably in organoleptic character. In practice it is found in capsules, herbal infusions, drops, and in skincare products where the extract is used at low concentrations. As a botanical ingredient, quality is closely linked to origin, the plant part used, and control of naturally occurring essential-oil constituents.

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Fenugreek refers to the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum L., an aromatic legume widely used as a culinary spice and as a botanical raw material in wellness products. In supplements it is most often found as seed powder, seed extract, or a standardised extract, presented in capsules, tablets, or drink-mix powders. The seed naturally contains fibre and mucilaginous polysaccharides, alongside saponins and other characteristic plant constituents of this species. In cosmetics it is mainly used as a seed extract under the INCI name Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract, incorporated into water- or glycerin-based systems for skin and hair products. It may also appear as an aromatic derivative (e.g., an absolute) in fragranced formulas. On labels it can be listed as “seed”, “seed powder”, or “seed extract”, depending on the chosen form.

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Milk thistle is the plant Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., best known for its fruits/seeds, which are used to obtain botanical extracts containing a characteristic group of constituents referred to as silymarin (a complex of flavonolignans). In food supplements it is typically used as a seed/fruit extract, often standardised to a declared percentage of silymarin, and presented as capsules, tablets, powders or liquid drops. In cosmetics it may appear as a Silybum marianum extract in aqueous or glycerinic media, or as a lipid-linked derivative/ester designed for oil-based systems. On cosmetic ingredient lists it is usually named using INCI, such as Silybum Marianum Extract or Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract. Extract composition can vary with plant part, extraction method and degree of standardisation, so products carrying the same botanical name are not necessarily comparable. In finished products, milk thistle may be used alone or alongside other botanical extracts and common formulation antioxidants.

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Glucosamine is an amino sugar (aminomonosaccharide) that occurs naturally in the body as a building block within certain connective-tissue structures. In food supplements it is most commonly used as glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride, often stabilised as a salt with sodium chloride or potassium chloride, and presented as tablets, capsules, powders, or sachets. The raw material may be sourced from marine materials (e.g., crustacean shells) or produced via microbial fermentation, depending on the manufacturer and purity specifications. On labels it may also appear as “glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride” or “glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride”, which describe stabilised sulfate forms. In cosmetics, glucosamine-related derivatives may be used as functional ingredients in water-based formulas, while supplements typically focus on oral dose forms. Products frequently combine it with other ingredients from the same category, such as chondroitin, and declare the amount either as the salt form or as a glucosamine equivalent.

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Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is a tropical climbing plant from the Apocynaceae family, used in supplements mainly as leaf powder or as a leaf extract. On labels, the raw material commonly appears as “Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract” or “Gymnema sylvestre extract”, with extracts often standardised by their gymnemic acids content. Extract composition varies with the extraction method and extract ratio, so different products can have different profiles of the plant’s naturally occurring constituents. In cosmetics, it is used as a botanical ingredient under the INCI name “Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract”, typically supplied in water- or glycol-based solutions and incorporated into serums, creams, and skin-care formulas. In supplements, it is most often presented in capsules or tablets as a dry extract or powdered herb.

7 claims

Essential mineral for haemoglobin and oxygen transport in the blood.

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Garlic (Allium sativum) is the aromatic bulb of an Allium plant, widely used as a food and as a botanical raw material in supplements. In foods and supplements it may appear as dried garlic powder, as an extract (e.g., water- or alcohol-soluble), as an oil/oleoresin, or as preparations standardised to characteristic sulfur constituents. Its composition varies with processing, because sulfur compounds are formed and transformed during crushing, drying and extraction. In cosmetics, garlic-derived materials are used under INCI names such as Allium Sativum Bulb Extract or Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, typically in skin and hair formulas. Garlic can be incorporated as an encapsulated extract, as a glycerin/water-based botanical complex, or as controlled aromatic fractions to limit odour. On labels it may be listed as “garlic powder”, “garlic extract”, or by the plant’s Latin name depending on the product category.

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Inositol is a six‑carbon polyol (sugar alcohol), chemically a cyclohexanehexol, occurring naturally in the human body and widely in plant foods. It exists as several stereoisomers, with myo‑inositol being the most prevalent form, while D‑chiro‑inositol is less abundant and is used either alone or in defined combinations in supplements. In foods and food supplements, inositol is typically supplied as a soluble powder or as capsules/tablets, most often as myo‑inositol, D‑chiro‑inositol, or as phosphorylated derivatives such as inositol hexaphosphate (IP6/phytate). In cosmetics it appears under the INCI name “INOSITOL” and is used in face, body, and hair formulas, usually at low levels within the water phase. Owing to its strongly hydrophilic character, it is easy to incorporate into serums, creams, toners, and leave‑in hair products. In formulations it may also be present as part of complexes alongside other humectant or conditioning ingredients.

5 claims

Essential mineral for thyroid hormone synthesis.

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Natural stimulant of the central nervous system.

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The most abundant mineral in the body; essential for bones, teeth, and normal muscle function.

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Electrolyte mineral essential for the nervous system, muscles, and blood pressure regulation.

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Cinnamon is the aromatic dried bark of several Cinnamomum species (Lauraceae), used as a spice and as an ingredient in foods, supplements, and cosmetics. On the market, “Ceylon/true cinnamon” (Cinnamomum verum, synonym C. zeylanicum) and several types commonly referred to as “cassia” (e.g., C. cassia/C. aromaticum, C. burmannii, C. loureiroi) are most common, and labels may simply state “cinnamon” without specifying the species. In supplements it is typically found as bark powder or as an extract (for example 4:1, 10:1, or standardised extracts), and less often as bark or leaf essential oil, presented as capsules, tablets, powders, or drops. In cosmetics, cinnamon-derived aromatic materials are mainly used, such as essential oils or fragrance fractions, incorporated into perfuming systems and body products. Chemical composition varies by species and plant part; notably, “cassia” types can contain higher levels of coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon.

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Coenzyme Q10 is a lipophilic benzoquinone (ubiquinone-10) that occurs naturally in human cells and in many foods in small amounts. In food supplements it is typically provided as ubiquinone (the oxidised form) or ubiquinol (the reduced form), commonly dispersed in oils or microencapsulated for softgels, capsules or powders. In cosmetics it is most often declared under the INCI name “Ubiquinone” and is used in emulsions such as face creams, eye-area products, serums and body lotions. As a fat-soluble molecule, it is usually formulated into the oil phase and paired with other formula antioxidants to support stability. On labels it may also appear as “ubidecarenone”, a naming variant used in some markets for the same substance. Cosmetic- and supplement-grade material may be produced by fermentation or synthesis and then standardised for purity.

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Collagen is a family of fibrous proteins naturally present in animal connective tissues and, in consumer products, it is most commonly sourced from bovine, porcine, or marine raw materials. In supplements it is frequently used as hydrolysed collagen, also labelled as “collagen peptides”, where the protein is broken down into smaller peptides to improve solubility and ease of use in powders, capsules, tablets, and ready-to-mix drinks. On labels it may appear as “hydrolyzed collagen” or “collagen peptides”, with the origin sometimes specified as marine, bovine, or porcine. In cosmetics, collagen is typically declared under the INCI name “Hydrolyzed Collagen” and is used in water-based formulas such as serums, creams, and masks, often at modest concentrations alongside humectants and film-forming polymers. As a material, it is a mixture primarily composed of amino acids, peptides, and proteins, with properties influenced by the source and degree of hydrolysis. Because it is protein-based, collagen-containing products can have a characteristic taste or odour, so flavoured options are also common.

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Choline is a water-soluble organic compound often grouped with the B-complex family, occurring naturally in foods such as eggs, meat, fish and legumes, and also present in the body as part of phospholipids. In supplements it is used as choline bitartrate, choline chloride, alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) or citicoline (CDP-choline), and also via lecithin as a source of phosphatidylcholine. On labels it may also appear as “total choline” calculated from these sources. In cosmetics, choline derivatives and phospholipids can be used in formulas as components of liposomal delivery systems or within conditioning blends, typically in leave-on or rinse-off products. Choline is commonly presented in capsules, tablets, powders or liquids, often combined with phospholipids or other lipid-matrix ingredients. Composition and concentration depend on the chemical form and on how the raw material is standardised.

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Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan, meaning a long polysaccharide built from repeating disaccharide units, naturally present in connective tissues and especially in cartilage. In food supplements it is most commonly listed as “chondroitin sulfate” or as a sodium salt, supplied as capsules, tablets, powders, or sachets. Traditional raw-material sources include bovine, porcine, avian, and cartilaginous fish cartilage, while some products use chondroitin sulfate made via microbial fermentation followed by sulfation. Composition and molecular weight can vary with the source and purification process, so labels often specify the form and origin. In cosmetics it may appear as a skin-conditioning/humectant ingredient in topical formulas, typically using water-soluble derivatives and low concentrations suited to leave-on or rinse-off products.

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Naturally occurring compound that supports physical performance during high-intensity exercise.

2 claims

Trace mineral that helps macronutrient metabolism and blood glucose levels.

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L-arginine is a proteinogenic amino acid found naturally in protein-rich foods and in the body as part of amino-acid metabolism. In supplements it is commonly used as L-arginine in powders or capsules, and also as different salts/complexes chosen for handling and solubility, such as L-arginine hydrochloride (HCl) or arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG). On labels it may also appear as “free form” (base) or as part of amino-acid blends and pre-workout style formulas. As a raw material, L-arginine is a white crystalline powder, often hygroscopic, that is mixed into drinks or filled into capsules. In cosmetics it is seen less often in water-based formulas as an amino acid/conditioning component, typically at low concentrations and alongside other amino acids.

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L-carnitine is a quaternary amino-acid derivative, chemically described as β-hydroxy-γ-trimethylaminobutyric acid, naturally present in the human body and in foods, especially those of animal origin. In supplements it is commonly used as free-form L-carnitine or as salts/esters that supply L-carnitine, such as L-carnitine L-tartrate, acetyl-L-carnitine, and propionyl-L-carnitine. These forms appear in capsules, tablets, powders, or liquids, with serving amounts varying widely depending on the formula. In cosmetics it may be included as a functional ingredient in leave-on or rinse-off products, typically at low concentrations and declared on the INCI list. On labels it can also appear as “carnitine” or under the specific form name, clearly indicating the source of the active substance. As a raw material it is typically offered with standardized purity and is often used in blended formulas alongside other amino acids, vitamins, or other supplement ingredients.

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L-theanine is a non‑proteinogenic amino acid, chemically described as N(5)-ethyl‑L‑glutamine, occurring naturally mainly in tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) and in some mushrooms. In supplements it is typically used as purified L‑theanine in powder or capsule form, obtained either from tea extraction or via fermentation/biotechnological production. On labels it may also appear simply as “theanine”, with the L‑form being the most commonly used in finished products. As a water‑soluble ingredient, it blends well into drink mixes, stick packs and soluble powders. In cosmetics it is less common but may be included as a conditioning component in water‑based formulas, generally at low concentrations and alongside humectants and other amino acids.

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Lactobacillus is a genus of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) naturally present in fermented foods and in the human microbiota. In food supplements it is typically used as a probiotic culture identified precisely by genus, species and often a strain code, while the amount is commonly expressed as CFU (colony-forming units). In recent years, many species formerly labelled as “Lactobacillus” have been reclassified into new genera (e.g., Lactiplantibacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Limosilactobacillus), so both legacy and updated names may appear on labels for the same organisms. In products, these cultures are supplied as freeze-dried powders in capsules, sachets or tablets, often combined with prebiotics or additional bacterial strains. In cosmetics, “Lactobacillus” may also appear as part of ferments or ferment filtrates (INCI), where the material is not necessarily a live culture. Because “Lactobacillus” is a broad genus-level term, the exact nature of the ingredient depends on the declared species and strain on the label.

1 claim

Enzyme that helps digest milk lactose.

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Lycopene is a lipophilic carotenoid (a naturally occurring red pigment) found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. Chemically it is a C40H56 tetraterpene hydrocarbon with many double bonds, occurring as all‑trans and cis isomers. In supplements it is used as isolated lycopene or as a standardised tomato oleoresin/tomato extract, commonly formulated in oil-based softgels to keep it solubilised. On labels it may also appear as “E160d” when used as a food colour. In cosmetics it is used in lipophilic systems such as serums and creams, typically dispersed in the oil phase or encapsulated to improve stability and handling. Industrial sources include tomato-derived extracts and, in some products, lycopene produced from microbial sources or supplied in stabilised forms such as beadlets.

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Passionflower commonly refers to Passiflora incarnata L., a climbing plant in the Passifloraceae family; in supplements the aerial parts (herb) are most often used. On labels it may appear as dried cut-and-sifted herb, powdered herb, dry extract, or as a tincture/fluid extract, frequently prepared with water–ethanol mixtures and expressed with an extract ratio (e.g., DER) or as dried-herb equivalent. Extract composition varies with plant part and extraction method, so products may be standardized according to manufacturer specifications. In cosmetics it is used as a botanical extract under its INCI naming, typically supplied in aqueous or hydro-glycolic media for face, body, and hair formulas. It can also be encountered as fruit extract or flower extract depending on the intended profile and the declared INCI. In finished products it is commonly presented as capsules, tablets, tea blends, or dropper liquids for oral use, and as an ingredient in creams, serums, and shampoos.

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Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family, widely found across Europe and beyond. In supplements it is typically used as a botanical extract from the root and/or leaves, presented as a powder, capsule, tablet, or liquid, with specifications that vary by plant part and extraction method. In cosmetics it appears under INCI naming, most commonly as “Taraxacum Officinale Extract”, as well as more specific variants that indicate the plant part (e.g., root or aerial parts). Extracts may be water-based, glycerin-based, or hydroalcoholic and are incorporated into formulas such as serums, creams, toners, and scalp-care products. The plant’s natural composition includes a complex mixture of botanical constituents such as polyphenols and sesquiterpene lactones, which can vary with origin and standardisation. On labels, the Latin botanical name is commonly used to ensure precise identification of the species.

10 claims

Mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions; supports energy, muscles, and the nervous system.

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Maca is the dried hypocotyl-root of the Andean plant Lepidium meyenii (Brassicaceae), known as a traditional food crop from high-altitude regions of Peru. In supplements it most commonly appears as whole-root powder, “gelatinised” powder (processed with heat and pressure to modify the starch fraction), or as a more concentrated extract, sometimes standardised to groups of naturally occurring constituents. Raw material may come from different colour types (e.g., yellow, red, black), which are often stated on labels as part of product identity. Its composition includes carbohydrates and fibre alongside plant-specific compounds such as glucosinolates and macamides, which can vary with origin and processing. It is used in capsules, tablets, drink-mix powders, and blended botanical formulas. In the EU, Lepidium meyenii is listed in the Novel Food Status Catalogue as having been used as food to a significant degree before 15 May 1997, so it is generally not classified as a novel food.

4 claims

Antioxidant trace mineral; supports bones and connective tissue.

2 claims

Naturally produced pineal hormone; regulates the sleep–wake cycle.

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N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine in which the amino group is acetylated; on labels it may also appear as N-acetyl-L-cysteine or acetylcysteine. It is a small, water-soluble organosulfur compound that is chemically related to cysteine found naturally in proteins and in human metabolism. In food supplements it is typically supplied as a powder or in capsules/tablets containing NAC as the primary ingredient, sometimes in blends with other amino acids. In cosmetics it may be present under the INCI name “Acetyl Cysteine”, used in water-based formulas such as serums or skin-care products. As a raw material, NAC is commonly identified by its chemical name “acetylcysteine” and standard identifiers such as a CAS number, while specifications can differ by purity grade and supplied form.

6 claims

B vitamin needed for energy metabolism and skin health.

3 claims

3 claims

Macronutrient essential for building and maintaining muscle and bone mass.

9 claims

B vitamin that helps energy metabolism and protects cells from oxidative stress.

6 claims

Antioxidant mineral; supports immunity and the health of hair and nails.

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Turmeric is the dried rhizome of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), recognised for its deep yellow-orange colour and distinctive aroma. In foods and supplements it is used as ground rhizome powder or as an extract standardised in curcuminoids, where the main constituent is curcumin; labels may also list it simply as “curcumin”. In food applications it can also appear as the colouring additive E 100. In cosmetics it is used as milled plant material or as a rhizome extract, commonly supplied in aqueous, glycerinic, or oil-based carriers, and incorporated into formulas such as masks, serums, creams, and cleansers. Because the pigment is intense, formulations often focus on colour stability and reducing the risk of staining fabrics. More concentrated powdered extracts are also widely used for capsules, tablets, and powdered blends.

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Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a herbaceous plant from the legume family (Fabaceae), recognised by its pink flower heads. In supplements it is most often used as a botanical extract from the flowering tops or flowers, frequently standardised to its isoflavone content (e.g., biochanin A, formononetin, daidzein, genistein). Such extracts appear in capsules, tablets, powders or liquid drops, and may be listed on labels as “Trifolium pratense extract” or as flower/leaf-derived extracts. In cosmetics it is used as a flower or leaf extract declared under its INCI name, and may be supplied in aqueous, glycerinic or hydroalcoholic bases. In topical formulas it is found in serums, creams and scalp or skin products, often as part of multi-botanical blends. The exact composition depends on the plant part, extraction method and the degree of standardisation.

4 claims

Water-soluble B vitamin; supports energy metabolism and the nervous system.

0 claims

Rose hip (Rosa canina) is a wild rose species; in products, the main material used is its fruit, commonly called the “hip”, as well as the seeds. In supplements it appears as dried fruit powder, fruit extract (e.g., extraction ratios such as 4:1), or as a standardised extract, typically presented in capsules, tablets, powders, or blended botanical formulas. In cosmetics it is listed under INCI names such as Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, or Rosa Canina Seed Oil, used in oils, serums, creams, and balms. The raw material may be produced with carriers/solvents such as glycerin or glycols for extracts, or by pressing/extraction for oils from the fruit or seeds. On labels it may also be written as “rosehip” or “dog rose”, referring to the same botanical species.

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Tribulus terrestris is a herbaceous plant from the Zygophyllaceae family, widely known in botanical literature as “puncture vine”, with product uses typically involving the fruit, aerial parts, and root. In food supplements it is most often found as a plant powder or as a dry extract, frequently standardised for steroidal saponins (e.g., furostanol glycosides) and sometimes declared with a percentage of protodioscin, depending on plant part and origin. The chemical profile of extracts can vary markedly with chemotype, extraction method, and standardisation approach, so labels may also specify an extract ratio (e.g., DER) or percentages of defined fractions. In cosmetics it may appear as a botanical extract for topical use, listed under an INCI name that specifies the plant part (for example, a root extract or a fruit/stem extract). In formulations it is commonly combined with other botanicals and carriers such as maltodextrin, while in topical products it may be included in serums, creams, or toners featuring plant extracts.

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Pumpkin seed oil is a plant oil obtained from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, typically by cold pressing or by pressing after seed roasting, depending on the production tradition. It is a natural mixture of triglycerides rich in unsaturated fatty acids, commonly dominated by linoleic and oleic acids, alongside smaller unsaponifiable fractions. In food supplements it is found as a neat oil in softgel capsules, or as part of blends with other vegetable oils. In cosmetics it is used as an emollient oil in serums, creams and body products, often refined for stability and a more neutral odour. On cosmetic ingredient lists it most commonly appears under the INCI name “Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil”. Its colour can range from golden yellow to deep green, depending on the raw material and processing method.

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Krill oil is a marine oil obtained from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a small planktonic crustacean. In food supplements it is used as a source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, mainly EPA and DHA, which in krill are often present in phospholipid-bound forms alongside a fraction of triglycerides. Commercial products are typically standardised for their EPA+DHA content and are most commonly presented as softgel capsules, more rarely as a liquid oil. As an animal-derived ingredient, its composition can vary with extraction and purification methods. In formulations, krill oil may be combined with added antioxidants to support oxidative stability and with other marine oils.

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Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is a perennial herb; in products the dried root and rhizome are most commonly used and may appear on labels as “valerian root” or Valerianae radix. The plant material is typically processed as root powder, a dry extract, or a hydroalcoholic extract, and it may be standardised to characteristic constituents such as valerenic acids. In food supplements it is commonly presented in capsules, tablets, or liquid drops, either alone or blended with other botanical extracts. In cosmetics it can appear as a botanical ingredient or fragrance-related component, with INCI names such as Valeriana Officinalis Rhizome/Root Extract. The botanical species and plant part matter, because the name “valerian” is sometimes used more loosely for other Valeriana species.

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Vitamin C

6 claims

Fat-soluble vitamin; essential for vision, immunity, and skin.

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Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally present in the body and in some animal-derived foods. In dietary supplements, it is commonly used as cholecalciferol, dissolved in oil and measured in micrograms (µg) or international units (IU), in soft capsules, drops, or tablets. The raw material can come from lanolin (sheep wool fat) or from vegan sources through fermentation and subsequent processing. In cosmetic formulations, it may appear as an ingredient in small amounts, usually listed on the label with the INCI name "Cholecalciferol." As a substance, it is a derivative of sterols with a lipophilic structure, often combined with oil carriers for stability and distribution. In products, the designation "D3" is used to distinguish it from vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which is another form of vitamin D.

1 claim

Fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.

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Fat-soluble vitamin; essential for blood clotting and bone health.

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Vitamin K2 is the name for a group of vitamin K forms called menaquinones, sharing the same 2‑methyl‑1,4‑naphthoquinone core and differing by the length of their isoprenoid side chain. It occurs naturally in certain fermented foods and in animal-derived foods, and in the body some vitamin K can be converted into specific menaquinone forms. In supplements, vitamin K2 is most commonly provided as menaquinone‑7 (MK‑7) or menaquinone‑4 (MK‑4), typically dissolved in oil and filled into softgels, or deposited onto carriers such as microcrystalline cellulose for tablets and capsules. On labels it may appear as “menaquinone”, “MK‑7”, or “MK‑4”, with amounts usually declared in micrograms. In cosmetics, vitamin K and related derivatives may be used in low-percentage topical formulas, often in oil-soluble or encapsulated delivery systems. As a fat‑soluble vitamin, it is commonly formulated with lipid ingredients to support stability and dispersion within the product.

18 claims

Essential mineral for immunity, wound healing, and the health of skin, hair, and nails.