Best Nootropics you can Buy on Amazon

Best Nootropics you can Buy on Amazon

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
16 minute read

I get asked frequently the best nootropics you can buy on Amazon. Especially by people new to nootropics.

Because the term “nootropics” is starting to go mainstream. More and more people are finding you can heal and optimize your brain with certain dietary supplements.

And supplement manufacturers are noticing the increased interest in brain and cognitive health. New products and nootropic stacks are introduced nearly every week.

You can find a large and growing selection of individual nootropic supplements and pre-formulated nootropic stacks by established supplement companies on Amazon.

I’ll share with you names of the nootropic companies selling product on Amazon in this post.

For the serious neurohacker, Amazon is likely part of your monthly shopping for nootropics.

This post will help guide you in using Amazon for finding nootropic supplements. And what you won’t find on Amazon but need to shop elsewhere.

NOTE: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Nootropics Going Mainstream

When you walk into a natural health food or vitamin store today, you’ll likely find a row of shelves labeled “brain health” or “cognitive support”. That section wasn’t labeled 3 or 4 years ago.

And go to the website of any major supplement manufacturer and you’ll find a section in their menu for “brain health” or “mood support”.

Companies like Thorne Research, Solgar, Natrol, Nature’s Bounty, NOW Foods, Doctor’s Best, and Irwin Naturals. But search their website for “nootropics” and you get a blank return.

But a few supplement companies are picking up on the trend. And it’s only happened recently.

Type the word “nootropics” in the search bar for Gaia Herbs, Puritan’s Pride, Life Extension, Swanson Vitamins, or the Vitamin Shoppe and you’ll get their version of nootropics or pre-formulated nootropic stacks.

The term nootropics is not yet part of our everyday vocabulary. But interest in brain health and cognition has now taken the lead over other health concerns in the alternative and natural health market.

More and more people are proactively taking charge of their own brain health. And discovering nootropic supplements to support alertness, depression, mood, memory and even longevity.

The good news is you can now find individual, and some pre-formulated nootropic stacks in the Amazon marketplace.

best nootropics on amazon

Amazon Buyer’s Guide to Nootropics

Founded in Seattle in 1994, Amazon began as an online seller of books. The company has since expanded into selling electronics, software, games, clothing, furniture, food, toys, jewelry, and dietary supplements.

Amazon offers most of the nootropics reviewed on the Nootropics Expert List. A much wider selection that you’ll find at stores like Walgreen’s, Walmart or even your local vitamin store.

But you will not find supplements that the American FDA has not officially declared “safe” ingredients. Including nootropics like Picamilon, Phenibut, and lately Vinpocetine.

And you certainly will not find controlled ‘smart drugs’ that normally require a doctor’s prescription. Drugs like Adderall or Modafinil.

Another important thing to be aware of is Amazon is not the only seller of supplements in the Amazon marketplace.

Many of the individual supplement manufacturers like Puritan’s Pride and NOW Foods have their own stores on Amazon.

And finally, be aware of whom you are buying from. Sometimes you’ll come across a 3rd party storefront or seller you’re not familiar with who are selling supplements from one of the major brands.

Here you must be cautious because counterfeit supplements have been found on the Amazon marketplace.[ii] Including major label counterfeits that are labeled “fulfilled by Amazon”. Meaning they are shipped from an Amazon fulfillment center.

It’s safer to purchase directly from the manufacturer’s storefront on Amazon. To ensure you are getting what you are paying for.

“Amazon Elements” Nootropic Supplements

Amazon has introduced their own private label Amazon Elements line of nootropic supplements.

The Amazon Buyers Guide to NootropicsLimited to only a couple dozen supplements when this post was published, the line includes products like Amazon Elements Coenzyme Q10 and chelated magnesium. (Amazon)

Amazon Elements tests every batch of supplement for potency, verifying ingredient identity and non-GMO, and for microbes and heavy metals.

Amazon also details the company of origin for each ingredient in the product listing. And how each ingredient is produced.

You can also use the Amazon app on your phone to scan the code on the bottle and view test results for that bottle of supplements.

Amazon uses Arizona Nutritional Supplements located in Chandler, Arizona as their supplement manufacturer.

“Amazon’s Choice” Nootropic Supplements

Search for the keyword phrase “nootropic supplements” on Amazon, and you’ll get a list of pre-formulated nootropic stacks. Some from companies you may have heard of and many you’ve never seen before.

But one of these listings will include the black badge “Amazon’s Choice”. The Amazon’s Choice product designation began in 2015 as a way for the company to support Alexa voice-operated devices.

This purely algorithmic based decision appears to be based on the following factors:

  • Competitively priced
  • Bestseller in its category
  • Highly rated from user reviews
  • Available to ship immediately
  • Eligible for Prime delivery
  • Lower return rate that similar products

The Amazon’s Choice result I got when writing this post was for Neuro-Peak by Zhou Nutrition. The product is advertised as supporting “memory, focus and clarity”. The stack contains Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, Rhodiola Rosea, DMAE and Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin).

Like many other pre-formulated stacks on the market this product may help some people. But I suggest finding out the quality of the ingredients used in this stack from Zhou Nutrition. And pay close attention to the user reviews.

“Best Seller” Nootropic Supplements

best nootropics 2019Do a search for the keyword phrase “nootropic supplements” on Amazon, and several products will have an orange “Best Seller” badge.

The Amazon Best Seller’s rank, also known as the “Amazon Sales Rank” is a score that Amazon assigns a specific product based on sales and historical sales data which fluctuates hourly.

But this score doesn’t tell us much if you are looking for a well-rounded pre-formulated nootropic stack.

For example, my search returned a list of supplements which included neuroIGNITE by Havasu Nutrition which was tagged as a “Best Seller” in my search results. Look more closely and you realize it’s a “#1 Best Seller” in “Gingko Biloba Herbal Supplements”.

The next nootropic stack in my search results tagged as a “Best Seller” was “Vital Brain Booster”. Look more closely and it’s a “#1 Best Seller” in “Kava Kava Herbal Supplements”. This product has nearly the same ingredient list as Neuro-Peak mentioned above. And contains zero Kava Kava.

The only way Amazon’s Best Seller rank may help you in your search for a nootropic stack is it generally flags a product with a lot of reviews.

I’ve found verified user reviews on products to be very helpful as one part of my buying decision.

“Sponsored” Nootropic Supplements

Amazon “Sponsored” products help nootropic supplement manufacturers promote their stack on the first page of Amazon’s search results. The manufacturers pay an advertising fee to Amazon to be featured.

Sponsored” products appear at the top of the first row of your search result.

Sponsored nootropic stacks do not reflect the quality of the product. Only that the company paid Amazon for it to appear at the top of your search results.

Amazon Customer Reviews

In a perfect world, customer reviews should give you a good indication on what buyers of that product genuinely thought of the product’s quality.

While many customer reviews are genuine, again this is a case of “buyer beware”. Because you don’t need to purchase a product to leave a review. Anyone can leave a review including competitors wanting to do harm to a company’s reputation.

Amazon attempts to make this review process legitimate by including a “verified buyer” tag alongside the name of a reviewer if they bought the product.

But there is no way to verify the legitimacy of the review. Because the review process can easily be abused by competitors’ marketing teams.

Use discretion on how much weight you put on customer reviews when making your buying decision. With practice, and reading a lot of reviews, you get better at identifying real customers with legitimate praise or concerns.

Why Buy Nootropics on Amazon?

The most obvious reason for buying nootropics on Amazon is convenience. And you can often find nootropics on the Amazon marketplace that you can’t find in your local store.

best nootropic powderIf you pay for a yearly Amazon Prime account, it includes free one-day or two-day shipping.

I’ve also found many individual nootropic supplements manufactured by companies I trust are priced lower on Amazon compared to my local store.

You also have access to customer reviews and a simple, quick way to research a product. Which is not easy to do in your local vitamin store.

Amazon also makes returning a product fairly easy if you are not happy with a purchase.

But the downside is it’s so easy to hit the buy button. Leaving it entirely up to you and your research ability to choose the best nootropic supplements.

Fortunately, you have Nootropics Expert® to help you do your research before making your buying decision.

Use the Nootropics Expert Guide and scroll through the post titles to find topics that relate to your cognitive health issues. Each post provides several nootropic supplement options for you to try.

And make sure you read “How to Determine a Nootropic Company Reputation” before deciding which company to buy from.

So what are the best nootropic supplements to buy on Amazon? We’ll cover that next.

genius consciousness

Best Pre-Formulated Nootropic Stacks on Amazon

Do a search for “nootropic supplements” on Amazon and you’ll get several pages of pre-formulated nootropic stacks.

Three or four brands stand out with a couple thousand user reviews. While the rest have less than 100 reviews.

Pricing ranges from less than $20 USD to over $60 USD. But pricing doesn’t seem to reflect number or quality of ingredients. And several stacks by different manufacturers seem to have very similar or the same ingredients.

And most companies offer their product in capsules while two major sellers with several different formulations offers tubs or bags of powder.

Some of the most popular pre-formulated nootropic stacks on Amazon include:

The Genius Brand

The Genius Brand comes in several different formulations offered as a tub of powder or capsules. The company details exact amounts of each ingredient in the bottle.

Nootropic products include Genius Joy, Genius Consciousness, Genius Burn, and even individual powders such as Creatine and L-Arginine.

The Genius Brand uses patented ingredients when they can and are price competitive with other quality nootropic stacks.

HVMN Rise + Sprint + Yawn

Formerly Nootrobox, HVMN offers three nootropic supplement stacks; Rise, Sprint, and Yawn. As well as an Omega-3 called Kado.

Each nootropic stack generally addresses the time of day that the company suggests you take them; Rise in the morning, Sprint for the afternoon, and Yawn as a sleep aid.

See my full review of HVMN’s nootropic products.

Neuro-Peak

Neuro-Peak by Zhou Nutrition is considered an “Amazon Choice” on the day I’m writing this post. The company has several different supplements that are also sold in local supermarkets and vitamin shops.

The Neuro-Peak supplement that appears on the first page of my search result is a slimmed down nootropic stack for memory, focus, and clarity. It contains Bacopa Monnieri, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Ginkgo Biloba, Rhodiola Rosea, DMAE and Vitamin B12.

Brain Plus

Brain Plus by Arazo Nutrition has a higher number of user reviews than most other nootropic stacks in my search. And is cheaper than most other stacks which is clearly reflected on their ingredients label.

This stack is primarily a multivitamin with a loaded but very weak “proprietary formula” of various nootropics which I’ve reviewed individually here on Nootropics Expert.

There are several nootropic stacks like this one on Amazon. All with the same or very similar ingredient list.

It’s the kind of pre-formulated nootropic stack that I would NOT recommend and only include it here because of its prominence on Amazon.

Natural Stacks CILTEP

Introduced by its founder in a Longecity.org thread, the CILTEP® formula by Natural Stacks has been around since 2012. Which attests to the longevity of this stack.

The founder Abelard Lindsey was going back to graduate school. And was looking for a way to make it easier for him to learn new material.  

Thus, began his study of long-term potentiation and how it works in your brain to encode long-term memory.

Lindsey found that the enzyme PDE4 breaks down cAMP molecules which are messenger systems that relay brain signals. If you inhibit PDE4 you increase cAMP which in turn boosts long-term memory, wakefulness, cognition and neuroprotection.

Artichoke Extract is the safest and most effective PDE4 inhibitor. And Forskolin is the only nootropic known to naturally increase cAMP levels.

CILTEP contains Artichoke Extract, Forskolin, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, L-Phenylalanine, and Vitamin B6.

Alpha Brain

Alpha Brain by Onnit is one of the more well-known nootropic stacks. Made with “Earth Grown Ingredients”, Alpha Brain contains low doses in 3 “proprietary blends”.

Alpha Brain includes L-Theanine, Oat Straw, Phosphatidylserine (PS), L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Cat’s Claw, Alpha GPC, Bacopa Monnieri, Huperzia Serrata, and Huperzine-A. All in very small doses.

The dosages of each ingredient are far too low for cognitive enhancement. And it’s reflected in its 3/5 average user reviews.

Qualia Mind + Focus

Qualia is made by the Neurohacker Collective and the combination of these two stacks (Qualia Mind + Qualia  Focus) contains nearly every nootropic I’ve reviewed here on Nootropics Expert.

Qualia Focus is 7 capsules first thing in the morning. And Qualia Mind is another 7 capsules in the morning. A total of 14 capsules for both stacks.

The company uses quality ingredients at dosages that work. But to get the benefit of both stacks will cost you about $200 USD.

One interesting thing to note is Qualia Mind is an “Amazon’s Choice” under the category “Qualia Mind”.

I didn’t realize that was considered a “category” unless the Neurohacker Collective has a special marketing arrangement with Amazon.

Bulk Supplements

Bulk Supplements is a leading manufacturer of dietary supplements that sell direct to consumer on Amazon as well as bulk shipments to other supplement companies.

The company is Hard Eight Nutrition LLC dba BulkSupplements.com and based in Henderson, Nevada with a large manufacturing facility.

They do inhouse testing of their supplements. And will even send you a Certificate of Analysis (COS) upon request for specific batch numbers of product.

The company ships primarily bulk powders in zip-lock bags and is competitively priced. I’ve been buying bulk powders from them for years and have found their product consistently good quality.

individual nootropic supplements on Amazon

Individual Nootropic Supplements on Amazon

One of the primary reasons to buy nootropics on Amazon is it’s often one of the only, and certainly the easiest way, to find many individual nootropic supplements.

Nearly any nootropic that I’ve reviewed and that’s on the Nootropics List is available from any of several sellers on Amazon.

A few supplements are sold by Amazon under their Amazon Elements brand which I mentioned earlier in this post. Bulk Supplements sells nearly every nootropic I’ve reviewed here on Nootropics Expert.

And other major supplement manufacturers sell everything from amino acids to adaptogens to vitamins and minerals. And even some of the racetams.

Here’s a tip: when it’s hard to find a nootropic like Saffron in the correct dosage. Or you question it’s the purity and quality of an ingredient. Look for that nootropic in a pre-made formula from a reputable company.

For example, Gaia Herbs® has introduced a new nootropic line of supplements. Including a product called Gaia Herbs Nootropic Focus which contains Lemon Balm, Spearmint, Ginkgo Biloba and the correct daily dosage of Saffron (32 mg).

Another tip: please study and become familiar with my post “How to Determine a Nootropic Company Reputation” before making a buying decision.

There is a lot of low quality and even fraudulent product sold on Amazon. Learn how to assess the reputation of a company and its products before buying from them.

Nootropic Supplements NOT Sold on Amazon

Unlike every one of its major competitors, Mind Lab Pro®  and Performance Lab® has chosen not to sell Amazon.

As they explain in their FAQ’s, “We choose to not sell Mind Lab Pro® on Amazon for a few reasons. Amazon is not always discerning about which nootropics can be featured on its site, and we do not want Mind Lab Pro® to appear alongside (and therefore be associated with) low-quality junk products. Amazon is also a “Wild West” environment in ways, where reviews are easily manipulated by jealous competitors.”

If you find Mind Lab Pro® or any of the Performance Lab® supplements on Amazon, DO NOT buy them. Because these are unauthorized sellers and are likely a fraudulent product.

For detailed reviews of each of these pre-made nootropic stacks, please see my reviews:

Mind Lab Pro® Review – Why it’s my preferred nootropic stack

Performance Lab® Review

Conclusion

The nootropic supplement marketplace has exploded since I founded Nootropics Expert®.

Dozens of new companies trying to grab their share of this rapidly growing market.

And older, well-established dietary supplement companies have recognized an opportunity as well.

Even companies like Gaia Herbs has introduced a new nootropic line of supplements.

So now more than ever before it’s “buyer beware”. While quality companies like  Gaia Herbs is a welcome competitor to the nootropic supplement marketplace, a lot of junk as shown up as well.

One of the largest online marketplaces in the world, Amazon does their best to only allow legitimate companies to sell. But it’s still up to you to carefully vet each vendor.

Ensure each bottle contains what it says on the label. Read the “user reviews” and see what others are saying about a product. And ask for proof or a Certificate of Analysis (COS) if you are still not 100% sure.

Use the reviews here on Nootropics Expert® as a guide on what to buy including the correct forms of each nootropic.

Amazon is a great place to search for and buy individual nootropic supplements. But it doesn’t carry everything. For Mind Lab Pro and Performance Lab products, use these links on Nootropics Expert.

Never before in human history has it been easier to help heal ourselves. And optimize our brain and our health with the help of nootropic supplements.

Amazon is one more way to find nootropic supplements to help you get better.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] Debter L. “Amazon Surpasses Walmart As The World’s Largest Retailer” Forbes May 15, 2019 (retrieved July 3, 2019) (source)

[ii] Semuels A. “Amazon May Have a Counterfeit Problem” The Atlantic Magazine theatlantic.com April 20, 2018 (retrieved Jun 06, 2019) (source)

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Join The Discussion - 27 comments

Ryan Smith
March 21, 2023

Thanks for another great article
What are your thoughts on these brands sold on Amazon
Double wood
Life extensions
Jarrow
NOW

    David Tomen
    March 22, 2023

    Ryan, all four a good companies who put out quality product. Each has a robust testing program in place to ensure you are getting what you are paying for.

    But you still need to watch out for “toxic ingredients”. Because while each of those companies sell some “pure” product many of their products still include magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide which I suggest avoiding the best you can.

      Sarah
      January 26, 2024

      Have you heard of Best Vite?

        David Tomen
        January 27, 2024

        Sarah, BestVite is a good company but each of their products vary because some are pure and some contain toxic “other ingredients” such as magnesium stearate. Btu all of their supplements are tested for purity inhouse or by a 3rd party testing facility.

        Sarah
        January 27, 2024

        I checked out their L theanine and it has Suntheanine. I don’t see anything on the ingredients that says steerage. Other ingredients it says vegetable capsule and rice flour

Marcie Webber
August 22, 2021

Just emailed Akua Life again for Neuro Stack availability to alert me. Then i also called on the phone. Left message as instructed as usual. No response both ways.

While zooming back to their website I decided meanwhile to order Enlighten.

Continue shopping I scrolled on Sale and was the Neuro Stack samples I wasn’t told is available; pack of 12 caps for 3 days for 3$ and free shipping. I ordered 15 packs.

Then there was an info on discount code JR$15 =$15.

At check out , it didn’t take the discount code and worst it says “an item in your cart can’t ship to CA. Contact the store.” Those NS & Enlighten are identical like MLP and PL Mind.

What store? I was directly in their website. Are they legit? Or someone is impersonating them?

My husband was pissed off. I think we screw Pay Pal. My husband was blaming me on people’s review. I defended u.

On the side: I just realized back to MLP I had a break when I was in the hospital. My brain was also saying for recycling I may opt for 5days on 2days off making weekends and easy to remember. I will start September 1 and see. Thanks again David. This message …Just FYI. Love u always.

    David Tomen
    August 23, 2021

    Marcie, thanks for the update on Akua Life. I have not spoken with the owner for well over a year so not sure what is going on. I’ll try reaching him and see if I can find out if they are still in business or not. Thanks again.

Marcie Webber
August 22, 2021

For the first time with PL sleep seem to work on me waking me @ 4am today rather than waking up @MN and remained awake till probably 4 or 5a to fall back to sleep i guess & wake me up @ 7a which is ok. Not really refresh neither sluggish or groggy.Took 2 weeks.

What I said of MLP was after the first 30 days and taking off supposedly 7 days after, i didn’t last. 3 days after i slowly felt stiffness muscle joint pains i had before and waited another day. Back to MLP the next day till present.
Started 5/18/21- 6/16; off till 6/21 only.
6/21/21-7/20/21 30 days
7/21/21-8/2/21; (8/3-7 hospital)8/8- 8/24/21 30 days
No recycling since.

I am afraid to take off days. really nervous because i am feeling light & airy, limber now & pain free @ the moment for muscle joint pains and leg cramps etc. Balance better & knees stronger than before.

1)Is it safe not to recycle MLP? Or I won’t get benefits of it getting my body immune to it? It’s pricey it it’s otherwise.

That’s the reason maybe Neuro Stack can be in between to take a break.
I pray God heals and restores my body and brain directing me to right nutrition needed.

I credit MLP was the main savior to the host of ills I was suffering.
You, an angel He sent directing us, so many valuable info with my little medical background behind understanding how these nutrients work.

I am still confused of understanding SSRI SNRI interactions & serotonin syndrome. need to study more. But am not on those lethal RX is in my list.

Thank u so much David for your wisdom from above.
2) What are ur thoughts of my plan; no recycling of MLP or once I try Neuro Stack when available, give MLP a break?

I dislike going backwards especially i just had surgery and don’t desire to slide back but rather eradicate each of this challenges one by one.
Please Lord help us all!

David how can I repay u? I trust God showers u with His mercy, all His blessings as an instrument of Him on this earth to help His downtrodden
left behind worn out despised creatures hooked on devils snares.
I hear others cry reading comments section. Many suffering reaching for help. I empathized with them as u do. I love u!

    David Tomen
    August 23, 2021

    Marcie, you do not need to cycle Mind Lab Pro. It is perfectly safe to use every day like I have for the last 5 years. So if Mind Lab Pro works for you then do yourself a favor and avoid trying to cycle it.

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