Ingredient Transparency Guide

Understanding non-active ingredients can make supplement labels far easier to navigate, especially for those managing allergies, sensitivities, dietary preferences, or ingredient-specific concerns. This glossary explains what common excipients do, where they may come from, and which ones may deserve a closer look.

Magnifying glass highlighting non-active ingredients on a supplement bottle label

Search by ingredient, source, dosage form, or function. Always check the product label, because formulas and ingredient sources can change.


Tip: Combine search + filters. Example: type “soy” and toggle “Allergens”.

Plant-derived binder/emulsifier that adds body and can act as soluble fibre. Common in powders and some tablets.

ExcipientBinderPowdersTablets

High-intensity sweetener used at tiny amounts, often blended with sucralose or stevia to smooth taste.

ExcipientSweetenerPowdersGummiesLozenges

Solvent to extract herbs. Final product may contain residual alcohol — check the per-dose amount on label.

Processing aidLiquids

Major allergen. Can appear via flavour oils or cross-contact in mixed facilities. Avoid if nut-allergic.

Allergen

Natural colour from achiote seeds. Rare sensitivity reported; otherwise broadly tolerated.

ExcipientColourCapsulesTablets

Ring-shaped carbohydrate used to improve solubility and taste by forming complexes with actives.

ExcipientSolubiliserPowdersCapsules

Bulking/sweetening agent for powders and chewables; contributes mild sweetness and body.

ExcipientSweetenerPowdersLozenges

Inert mineral filler/binder. Helps tablets compress and hold shape; adds calcium mass.

ExcipientBinderTablets

Milder acidity regulator/chelator used in powders and liquids; can support flavour balance.

ExcipientBufferPowdersLiquids

Anti-caking/flow aid similar to silicon dioxide; helps keep powders free-flowing.

ExcipientAnti-cakingPowdersTabletsCapsules

Plant-derived tablet/capsule polish that adds sheen and surface protection.

ExcipientCoatingTabletsCapsules

Red colour made from insects. Not vegan/vegetarian; can trigger reactions in sensitive people.

ExcipientColourCapsulesTablets

Seaweed-derived thickener/stabiliser used in liquids/softgels to keep textures uniform.

ExcipientThickenerLiquidsSoftgels

Enteric coating that resists stomach acid and releases in the intestine. Some clean-label brands avoid phthalates.

ExcipientEnteric coatingTabletsCapsules

Controls acidity, improves flavour and stability. Common in powders and liquids, including effervescents.

ExcipientBufferPowdersLiquids

Super-disintegrant that helps tablets break apart quickly after swallowing for better dissolution.

ExcipientDisintegrantTablets

Common filler/diluent that improves tablet compression and hardness; sometimes used in capsules for flow.

ExcipientDiluentTabletsCapsules

Simple sugar used as a bulking/sweetening agent and flavour carrier in powders and chewables.

ExcipientSweetenerPowdersLozengesGummies

Major allergen. May appear in specific enzyme products such as lysozyme. If egg-free is needed, confirm on label.

Allergen

Enteric coating polymer that protects actives from stomach acid and releases further down the GI tract.

ExcipientEnteric coatingTabletsCapsules

Low-calorie sweetener with typically less GI upset than other polyols. Common in powders and chewables.

ExcipientSweetenerPowdersGummiesLozenges

Emulsifiers used to help oil-based formulas stay uniform, especially in softgels and liquids.

ExcipientEmulsifierSoftgelsLiquids

Prebiotic fibre used for bulk and mouthfeel. Can cause bloating for some individuals at higher intakes.

ExcipientFibrePowdersGummiesLozenges

Gelling/stabilising agent that helps suspend particles and improve texture in liquids and gels.

ExcipientStabiliserLiquidsGels

Capsule or softgel shell from animal sources, typically bovine or porcine. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

CapsuleAnimal-derivedCapsulesSoftgels

Often made from crustacean shells, so it should be avoided with shellfish allergy. Shellfish-free forms also exist.

AllergenSource-dependentTabletsCapsules

Protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Some starches can be wheat-derived, so verify gluten-free status where needed.

Allergen

Humectant that retains moisture and keeps softgels flexible; usually plant-derived.

ExcipientHumectantSoftgelsLiquidsGummies

Common “vegetable” capsule shell made from cellulose. Vegan alternative to gelatin capsules.

CapsuleVeganCapsules

Film-forming tablet coating that can reduce aftertaste and, in some systems, modulate release.

ExcipientCoatingTablets

Major tree-nut allergen. May appear via flavour oils or cross-contact; avoid if nut-allergic.

Allergen

Inorganic pigments used to colour capsules and tablets. Common alternative in TiO₂-free formulations.

ExcipientColourCapsulesTablets

Occasionally used as a neutral-tasting carrier or filler in powders and capsules. In other products, it may be an active ingredient.

ExcipientCarrierPowdersCapsules

Low-calorie sugar alcohol used to sweeten and structure lozenges and chewables. May cause GI upset in excess.

ExcipientSweetenerLozengesTablets

Viscous soluble fibre used as a thickener or binder. Can affect tablet disintegration times and powder mouthfeel.

ExcipientFibreTabletsPowdersCapsules

Milk sugar sometimes used as a filler. Avoid if dairy-allergic or lactose-intolerant.

AllergenFillerTabletsCapsules

Emulsifier. If soy-derived, it requires soy allergen labelling; sunflower lecithin is soy-free.

ExcipientEmulsifierSoftgelsLiquids

Common source of cholecalciferol derived from sheep’s wool. Not vegan; relevant for strict avoidance preferences.

SourceCapsulesTablets

Declared allergen in Australia. Cross-contact may occur where lupin flour or fibres are handled.

Allergen

Manufacturing lubricant and flow agent, typically plant-derived. Some shoppers prefer stearate-free products.

ExcipientFlow agentTabletsCapsules

Carrier or bulking agent for powders and flavours. Source can matter for some sensitivities.

ExcipientCarrierPowdersLiquids

Lipid carrier for fat-soluble nutrients. Typically from coconut; worth checking if avoiding coconut or certain oils.

ExcipientCarrierSoftgelsLiquids

Sugar alcohol with mild sweetness and a cooling effect, common in chewables. Excess may cause GI upset.

ExcipientSweetenerLozengesTabletsPowders

Very common plant-cellulose binder and filler; generally inert and well tolerated.

ExcipientBinderTabletsCapsules

Cellulose derivative used as a binder or thickener. Typically vegetarian and vegan suitable.

ExcipientBinderTablets

Antioxidant system or carrier in oils. Source may be soy or sunflower, which matters for soy avoidance.

ExcipientAntioxidantSoftgelsLiquids

Non-synthetic colours such as spirulina, turmeric, and paprika. Often used instead of artificial dyes or TiO₂.

ExcipientColourCapsulesTablets

Umbrella term for flavour ingredients. Sources vary, so sensitive individuals should check allergen statements on each product.

ExcipientFlavourPowdersLiquidsGummies

Inert gas used to displace oxygen in bottles or softgel fills to protect sensitive ingredients. Packaging step, not an ingredient.

Packaging aidSoftgels

Solubiliser that improves dispersion of actives and flavours. Some shoppers seek PEG-free formulas.

ExcipientSolubiliserLiquidsSoftgels

Emulsifier and solubiliser used to disperse oils in liquids and softgels.

ExcipientEmulsifierLiquidsSoftgels

Preservative commonly used in liquids and gummies to inhibit spoilage and extend shelf life.

ExcipientPreservativeLiquidsGummies

Binder and solubiliser that can improve dispersion and stability of certain actives.

ExcipientBinderTabletsCapsules

Vegan capsule made from fermented polysaccharide; offers a stronger oxygen barrier than standard cellulose capsules.

CapsuleVeganCapsules

Natural foaming and emulsifying agent used to keep oil-based ingredients dispersed in liquids and gummies.

ExcipientEmulsifierLiquidsGummies

Simple filler often used in cleaner-label formulas; generally well tolerated.

ExcipientFillerCapsulesPowders

Plant-based anti-caking and flow alternative to silicon dioxide. Often labelled as rice hull concentrate or organic rice extract blend.

ExcipientAnti-cakingPowdersCapsulesTablets

Antioxidant system used to help protect oils from oxidation and rancidity.

ExcipientAntioxidantSoftgelsLiquids

Natural resin used as a tablet polish or barrier coating. Not vegan.

ExcipientCoatingTablets

Anti-caking and flow aid that keeps powders free-flowing and helps prevent clumping.

ExcipientAnti-cakingTabletsCapsulesPowders

Moisture absorber placed inside bottles as a sachet or canister. Not an ingredient, and definitely not a snack.

Packaging aid

Preservative used in liquids, often paired with potassium sorbate to inhibit spoilage.

ExcipientPreservativeLiquidsGummies

Buffer and chelator used to control acidity and improve solubility of some actives.

ExcipientBufferPowdersLiquids

Tablet disintegrant, often potato-sourced, that helps tablets break apart quickly. Usually gluten-free, but still worth verifying.

ExcipientDisintegrantTablets

Major allergen. Can appear via lecithin or mixed tocopherols from soy oil, so check the allergen statement if avoiding soy.

AllergenSource-dependent

Tablet lubricant and flow aid with a similar role to magnesium stearate; typically vegetable sourced.

ExcipientFlow agentTablets

High-intensity plant sweetener used at very low levels in powders and chewables.

ExcipientSweetenerPowdersLozengesGummies

High-intensity sweetener with strong stability; used at small amounts for palatability.

ExcipientSweetenerPowdersLiquidsGummiesLozenges

Preservative group that can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Look for “contains sulfites” when declared.

AllergenPreservative

Neutral carrier oil for fat-soluble actives and a soy-free alternative to soy oil.

ExcipientCarrierSoftgelsLiquids

Glidant and anti-caking agent used at low levels to improve powder flow in tablet manufacture.

ExcipientFlow aidTablets

White pigment historically used to colour capsules and tablet coatings. Some brands now avoid it, so TiO₂-free options are common.

ExcipientColourCapsulesTablets

Flow aid and anti-caking agent, also used as a light filler in capsules and powders.

ExcipientFlow aidCapsulesPowdersTablets

Mild sweetener and stabiliser that can improve powder mouthfeel and help support the stability of some actives.

ExcipientSweetenerPowdersLozenges

May be used as a binder or disintegrant; source matters for gluten. If gluten-free is essential, confirm the exact source.

AllergenBinderTablets

Common thickener and stabiliser that increases viscosity in powders and liquids.

ExcipientThickenerPowdersLiquids

Sugar alcohol sweetener with similar sweetness to sugar. Excess may cause GI upset in some individuals.

ExcipientSweetenerLozengesGummiesTablets

Glazing and coating agent used in some softgels and tablets. Not vegan.

ExcipientCoatingSoftgelsTablets

Plant-derived film former used as an alternative coating or polish; typically vegetarian friendly.

ExcipientCoatingTabletsLozenges

Less common lubricant and flow agent used in tablet and capsule manufacture.

ExcipientFlow agentTabletsCapsules

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, so always read the label and follow directions. If you have allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medicines, or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional. For our full policy, see our Health Disclaimer & Liability Notice.