Excipients & Allergen Information
Plain-English explanations of non-active ingredients: what they do, typical sources, and who should take note. Use the search and filters below. Always check your product’s label—formulas can change.
Plant-derived binder/emulsifier that adds body and can act as soluble fibre. Common in powders and some tablets.
High-intensity sweetener used at tiny amounts, often blended with sucralose or stevia to smooth taste.
Solvent to extract herbs. Final product may contain residual alcohol — check the per-dose amount on label.
Major allergen. Can appear via flavour oils or cross-contact in mixed facilities. Avoid if nut-allergic.
Natural colour from achiote seeds. Rare sensitivity reported; otherwise broadly tolerated.
Ring-shaped carbohydrate used to improve solubility and taste by forming complexes with actives.
Bulking/sweetening agent for powders and chewables; contributes mild sweetness and body.
Inert mineral filler/binder. Helps tablets compress and hold shape; adds calcium mass.
Milder acidity regulator/chelator used in powders and liquids; can support flavour balance.
Anti-caking/flow aid similar to silicon dioxide; helps keep powders free-flowing.
Plant-derived tablet/capsule polish that adds sheen and surface protection.
Red colour made from insects. Not vegan/vegetarian; can trigger reactions in sensitive people.
Seaweed-derived thickener/stabiliser used in liquids/softgels to keep textures uniform.
Enteric coating that resists stomach acid and releases in the intestine. Some clean-label brands avoid phthalates.
Controls acidity, improves flavour and stability. Common in powders and liquids (including effervescents).
Super-disintegrant that helps tablets break apart quickly after swallowing for better dissolution.
Common filler/diluent that improves tablet compression and hardness; sometimes used in capsules for flow.
Simple sugar used as a bulking/sweetening agent and flavour carrier in powders and chewables.
Major allergen. May appear in specific enzyme products (e.g., lysozyme). If egg-free is needed, confirm on label.
Enteric coating polymer that protects actives from stomach acid and releases further down the GI tract.
Low-calorie sweetener with typically less GI upset than other polyols. Common in powders/chewables.
Emulsifiers used to help oil-based formulas stay uniform, especially in softgels and liquids.
Prebiotic fibre used for bulk and mouthfeel. Can cause bloating for some individuals at higher intakes.
Gelling/stabilising agent that helps suspend particles and improve texture in liquids and gels.
Capsule/softgel shell from animal sources (bovine/porcine). Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans.
Often made from crustacean shells—avoid with shellfish allergy. Shellfish-free (e.g., corn-derived) forms exist.
Protein in wheat/rye/barley. Some starches can be wheat-derived—verify “gluten-free” status if required.
Humectant that retains moisture and keeps softgels flexible; usually plant-derived.
“Vegetable” capsule shell (cellulose). Vegan alternative to gelatin capsules.
Film-forming tablet coating that can reduce aftertaste and, in some systems, modulate release.
Major tree-nut allergen. May appear via flavour oils or cross-contact; avoid if nut-allergic.
Inorganic pigments used to colour capsules/tablets (reds, yellows, blacks). Common TiO₂-free colouring option.
Occasionally used as a neutral-tasting carrier/filler in powders/capsules. Note: inositol can also be an active in some products.
Low-calorie sugar alcohol used to sweeten/structure lozenges and chewables; gentler on teeth, may cause GI upset in excess.
Viscous soluble fibre used as a thickener/binder; can affect tablet disintegration times and powder mouthfeel.
Milk sugar sometimes used as a filler. Avoid if dairy-allergic or lactose-intolerant.
Emulsifier. If soy-derived, it requires soy allergen labelling; sunflower lecithin is soy-free. Also used to make liposomal blends.
Common source for cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) derived from sheep’s wool. Not vegan; generally not a listed allergen, but relevant for strict avoidance preferences.
Declared allergen in Australia. Cross-contact may occur where lupin flour or fibres are handled.
Manufacturing lubricant/flow agent, typically plant-derived. Some shoppers prefer “stearate-free” products.
Carrier/bulking agent for powders and flavours. Source (corn vs. tapioca) matters for some sensitivities.
Lipid carrier for fat-soluble nutrients. Typically from coconut; check if avoiding coconut or specific oils.
Sugar alcohol with mild sweetness and cooling effect; common in chewables. Excess can cause GI upset.
Very common plant-cellulose binder/filler; generally inert and well-tolerated.
Cellulose derivative used as a binder/thickener. Typically vegetarian/vegan suitable.
Antioxidant system/carrier in oils. Source may be soy or sunflower — relevant for soy avoidance.
Non-synthetic colours (e.g., spirulina, turmeric, paprika). Used as alternatives to artificial dyes/TiO₂.
Umbrella term for flavour ingredients. Sources vary; if sensitive, check allergen statements for each product.
Inert gas used to displace oxygen in bottles or softgel fills to protect sensitive ingredients. Packaging step, not an ingredient.
Solubiliser that improves dispersion of actives/flavours. Some shoppers seek PEG-free products.
Emulsifier/solubiliser used to disperse oils in liquids and softgels.
Preservative commonly used in liquids/gummies to inhibit spoilage and extend shelf life.
Binder/solubiliser that can improve dispersion and stability of certain actives.
Vegan capsule made from fermented polysaccharide; offers excellent oxygen barrier vs. standard cellulose.
Natural foaming/emulsifying agent used to keep oil-based ingredients dispersed—common in liquids and gummies.
Simple filler often used in “cleaner label” formulas; generally well-tolerated.
Plant-based anti-caking/flow alternative to silicon dioxide. Often labelled as rice hull concentrate or organic rice extract blend.
Antioxidant system used to help protect oils from oxidation and rancidity.
Natural resin used as a tablet polish/barrier coating. Not vegan.
Anti-caking/flow aid that keeps powders free-flowing and prevents clumping.
Moisture absorber placed in bottles as a sachet/canister. Not an ingredient—do not eat.
Preservative for liquids; often paired with potassium sorbate to inhibit spoilage.
Buffer/chelator used to control acidity and improve solubility of some actives.
Tablet disintegrant (often potato-sourced) that helps tablets break apart quickly. Typically wheat/gluten-free, but verify.
Major allergen. Can appear via lecithin or mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) from soy oil. Check allergen statement if avoiding soy.
Tablet lubricant/flow aid with a similar role to magnesium stearate; typically vegetable-sourced.
High-intensity plant sweetener used at very low amounts in powders/chewables.
High-intensity sweetener with good stability; used at small amounts for palatability.
Preservative group; sensitive individuals may react. Look for “contains sulfites” when present on labels.
Neutral carrier oil for fat-soluble actives; soy-free alternative to soy oil.
Glidant/anti-caking agent used at low levels to improve powder flow in tablet manufacture.
White pigment historically used to colour capsules and tablet coatings. Some brands avoid it—choose “TiO₂-free” if preferred.
Flow aid/anti-caking agent; also used as a light filler in capsules and powders.
Mild sweetener/stabiliser that can improve powder mouthfeel and support stability of some actives.
May be used as a binder/disintegrant; source matters for gluten. If gluten-free is critical, confirm the exact source.
Common thickener/stabiliser that increases viscosity in powders and liquids.
Sugar alcohol sweetener with similar sweetness to sugar; excess may cause GI upset in some individuals.
Glazing/coating agent used in some softgels and tablets. Not vegan.
Plant-derived film-former used as an alternative coating/polish; typically vegetarian-friendly.
Less common lubricant/flow agent used in tablet and capsule manufacture.
Note: Ingredient sources and excipient policies vary by brand and batch. Always check the product label.
This glossary is general information only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ingredients and sources can vary by brand and batch—always read the label and follow directions. If you have allergies, are pregnant/breastfeeding, take medicines, or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional. For our full policy, see our Health Disclaimer & Liability Notice.