Nootropic use is becoming increasingly popular amongst athletes, entrepreneurs, and college students to improve memory, cognition, and brain health.
Nootropics can work by supporting blood flow to the brain, increasing the production of neurotransmitters, and in several other ways. In general, nootropics use a synergistic blend of plants, herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals.
If you’re an older adult, a worker in a competitive field, a college student, an athlete, or just someone looking to gain an edge, then nootropics might be right for you.
While hundreds of nootropic supplements are available, it can be difficult for you to pick the right one. After all, it is increasingly more challenging to find a legitimate, safe nootropic.
We’ve researched hundreds of nootropic supplements and compiled a list of the 33 best nootropic supplements to improve your cognition. If you’re looking for nootropic supplements, here are the 33 best for 2021 and beyond.
The Top 33 Nootropic Supplements
There are hundreds of nootropic supplements available for purchase nowadays. Some of them can genuinely work while others will not.
Sane Vitaae | Helps in better and clear thinking |
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Mind Lab Pro | Enhances brain health and calms the mind |
Nuzena Nuero Focus + | Soothes the mind to reduce stress and anxiety |
NooBru | Promotes better mental performance |
Nootrogen | Reduces fatigue and increases energy level |
Ageless Brain | Saves the brain from cognitive decline |
Onnit Alpha Brain | Reduces the chances of age-related brain illness |
Hunter Focus | Works as a great cognitive enhancer |
Qualia Mind | Boost mental performance and clarity |
Mind | Promotes memory and focus alertness |
Brain Boost | Increases self-confidence and gives mental clarity |
NeuroActiv6 | Helps in reducing oxidative stress and anxiety-related issues |
Synapse XT | Helps in getting rid of toxins |
NooCube Brain Productivity | Improved memory and problem-solving abilities |
Mind &Mood | Reduces depression and enhances sleep quality |
PureHealth Research Ageless Brain | Improves overall quality of life and well being |
Brain Essense | Supports clear thinking and problem-solving abilities |
Neuro Fuel | Maximizes memory and concentration |
Cymbiotika Golden Mind | Allows faster rate of memory processing |
Elm & Rye Nootropics | Eliminates the chances of memory loss and promotes overall health |
CogniBiotics | Improves mental clarity and gut health |
Brain C13 | Supports cognitive health and mental performance |
Amy Myers MD Neuro Live | Optimal brain health and mental clarity |
Opti Mind | Improves mood and sleeping quality |
Neuro | Decreases social anxiety and depression |
Youthful Brain | Prevents neurological disorders |
Brain Pill | Improves brain function and boost memory |
Remind Solution | Reduces inflammation for overall health and well being |
Oweli Neuro | Promotes better mood and reduces stress levels |
Memory Hack | Prevents short term memory loss problem |
Pro Mind Complex | Instantly boost memory and helps in achieving better mood |
Memo Defend | Recovers from memory loss and ensures better blood circulation |
Memosurge | Protects the brain from cognitive damage |
Here are our 33 best scientifically-backed nootropics:
Sane Vitaae
Vitaae is one of the best nootropic supplements. It is manufactured by Sane Laboratories, one of the most trusted names in the supplement industry.
According to SANE, their formula can increase brain energy utilization up to 13.6% to boost brain function and increase membrane turnover by 26% for better cognitive performance.
Ingredients present in the formula work to improve mental clarity, brain function, memory recall, mood, and much more.
Ingredients | Folate, acetyl-L carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids, citicoline, CoQ10, vitamin D |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $47 |
Other Perks |
Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro is one of the most popular brain supplements that improve long-term brain health. Mind Lab Pro comes from Opti-Nutra, a trusted supplement manufacturer with a compressive medical board.
Mind lab pro is among the best nootropic supplements due to its 11 unique ingredients that focus on 6 pathways of brain- circulation, energy, chemicals, regrowth, protection, and signals. The supplement uses nootropics to support mental function and cognitive health.
Ingredients | Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Citicoline, Bacopa monnieri, Organic lion’s mane mushroom, Phosphatidylserine, and N-acetyl L-tyrosine. |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69 |
Other Perks |
Nuzena Neuro Focus+
Nuzena Neuro Focus+ is an elite brain supplement that supports memory recall, focus, and overall cognitive function. It is specially designed by healthcare professionals to optimize brain health and provide natural support to enhance cognitive performance.
Each serving of this brain pill contains an extensive blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts.
Ingredients | Bacopa extract, DMAE, Niacin, Glutamic Acid and Magnesium |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $30 |
Other Perks |
NooBru
NooBru is a daily nootropic drink designed to support focus, creativity, and produce brain cells to improve cognitive function, considered one of the best nootropic supplements. NooBru is quickly becoming one of the most popular nootropics supplements, thanks to its tasty flavors, natural ingredients, and extensive media marketing campaigns.
Each version is designed to support immunity, energy levels, focus, clarity, and improve overall cognitive function.
Ingredients | Alpha GPC, Astragalus Membranaceus Extract, Ginger extract, Panax Ginseng, Caffeine Extract, Piperine, Zinc, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, Taurine |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $ 47.95 |
Other Perks |
Nootrogen
Nootrogen is one of the unique brain supplements, designed to support cognition, boost energy levels, relieve stress, and improve focus.
Nootrogen makes similar claims we’ve seen with other nootropics on our list, and it contains several ingredients that can back up its claims. It is one mind-boosting supplement that offers various nutritional and mental benefits.
Ingredients | L-tyrosine, Magnesium, Vitamin B3, Amino acid, DMAE, Bacopa extract, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B5, Phosphatidylserine |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $29.99 |
Other Perks |
Ageless Brain
Ageless Brain is a brain supplement designed to improve memory, clarity, and focus. It also helps to reduce brain fog. It is manufactured by Organixx, a leading supplement manufacturer of high-quality nutritional products.
The Ageless Brain works in several ways to improve cognition. It can enhance blood flow to the brain, increase brain cell regeneration, various cognitive benefits, and reduce brain inflammation that causes brain fog.
Ingredients | Camu camu, cat’s claw, bacopa monnieri, cinnamon, pau d-arco, cacao, dragon’s blood resin, guayusa |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $55 |
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Onnit Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain promises to support memory, focus, and overall cognition that is why it comes under the list of popular nootropics supplements.
The supplement is proven to be best as a cognitive enhancer amongst all the participants in the study. This gives Onnit a considerable advantage over the competition.
The ingredients present in this supplement are specifically meant to improve your focus, energy levels, memory recall, overall cognitive and brain function.
Ingredients | Vitamin B6, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Oat straw extract, Phosphatidylserine, Cat’s claw extract, Alpha-GPC, Bacopa monnieri extract, Huperzia serrata extract, L-Leucine, Pterostilbene |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $34.95 |
Other Perks |
Hunter Focus
Hunter Focus is a slightly new nootropic supplement that claims to help you unlock your mind’s potential to achieve more. It claims it can improve focus, creativity, and concentration, keys to modern-day success at home and work.
Each bottle of Hunter Focus contains 120 capsules, which equal a 30 day supply. In month supply, one can achieve many cognitive benefits and improve brain function naturally without any adverse effects.
Ingredients | Lion’s mane mushroom, Ashwagandha, Citicoline, Passionflower, Baccopa Monnieri, L-Theanine, Phosphatidylserine, Maritime pine bark extract, and Vitamin B12 |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $75 |
Other Perks |
Qualia Mind
Qualia Mind is also one of the popular nootropics and smart drugs, specially designed to enhance brain function Although it is relatively new, Qualia Mind already has thousands of positive reviews and satisfied customers.
This brain pill is specially designed to support the body’s own ability to produce brain chemicals and other brain functions that plays a vital role in overall cognitive health. All of the ingredients present in the composition work to boost cognition and to improve brain function.
Ingredients | Huperzia Serrata Leaf extract, Celastrus Paniculatus seed extract, Theobromine, Bacopa Monnieri leaf extract, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Velvet bean, Organic Coffeeberry |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $59 |
Other perks |
Mind
Performance Lab Mind is the flagship product from Performance Lab, one of the premier nootropic companies on the market. According to the manufacturer, this performance lab mind can boost brain energy up to 13.6%, supports healthy focus, memory, speed, and motivation, and help recovery from intense cognitive exertion.
Ingredients | Cognizin citicoline, Sharp-PS phosphatidylserine, Ajipure L-Tyrosine, and maritime pine park extract. |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69 |
Other Perks |
Brain Boost
Brain Boost is a nootropic supplement manufactured by Vital Plan and created by Dr. Bill Rawls, MD. According to the manufacturer, you can improve your memory, focus, mental clarity, energy, mood, stress, overall cognitive functions, and even your gut microbiome by taking Brain Boost.
Unlike other nootropics that have dozens of ingredients, there are only five ingredients found in Brain Boost. All of the ingredients are proven to support cognitive function.
If you’re looking for a simple, proven nootropic that actual medical professionals back, then Brain Boost may be the right choice for you.
Ingredients | Lion’s mane extract, cat’s claw, bacopa extract, Sensoril ashwagandha extract, and Ginkgo Biloba |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $48 |
Other Perks |
NeuroActiv6
NeuroActiv6 is a premium nootropic powdered formula under the category of brain supplements, designed to enhance and protect the brain. It is manufactured by NaturalCell, a popular nutritional supplement company.
According to the manufacturer, mixing just one scoop of NeuroActiv6 can restore healthy brain function, increase BDNF levels, support healthy cortisol levels, promote neural communications, and prevent oxidative stress in the brain.
Overall, NeuroActiv6 is a solid choice of nootropic because it not only boosts brain power – it protects the brain as well.
Ingredients | Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Active B energy Complex, Citocoline, Coffee Fruit extract, fruit and vegetable blend, Organic Mediterranean berries |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $46 |
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SynapseXT
SynapseXT is a unique brain pill in that it claims to support both brain health and hearing health. It is explicitly targeted towards older adults who are suffering from impaired hearing and cognition.
According to the manufacturer, SynapseXT can support your hearing, memory, and focus. It claims to eliminate brain inflammation, which is purportedly the cause of brain aging and hearing issues. It uses a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts like hawthorn berry, garlic, and hibiscus. Although not common ingredients, there is some evidence these ingredients can work.
Ingredients | Hibiscus extract, Garlic, Hawthorn berry, amino acid and Vitamins |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69 |
Other Perks |
NooCube Brain Productivity
NooCube claims to be a “synergistic blend of nootropics which help support and enhance your focus, mental speed, and memory. It uses a combination of vitamins, amino acids, and other essential building blocks for a healthy, well-functioning brain. It was developed by top neuroscientists and uses clinically studied and proven ingredients.
NooCube uses some of the most well-known nootropic stacks, which can significantly enhance your memory, focus, concentration, learning ability, and overall cognitive function.
NooCube is a solid nootropic, and if you decide to buy three, get three free, you can significantly enhance the value of your purchase.
Ingredients | Bacopa monnieri extract, L-tyrosine, cat’s claw concentrate, oat straw concentrate, L-theanine, Alpha GPC, marigold extract, resveratrol and amino acids |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69.99 |
Other Perks |
Mind & Mood
Mind & Mood is a unique nootropic compound in that instead of targeting cognition, Mind & Mood focuses on the emotional side of things. Instead of increasing blood flow or improving neurotransmitter production, Mind & Mood is meant to relieve stress and anxiety to improve brain health. The adaptogenic ingredients of this nootropic supplement work to calm your mind, relieve your stress & anxiety and improve your mood.
Although not a traditional nootropic, theanine, GABA, and passionflower have been shown to improve cognition. Therefore, Mind & Mood can be reliably used to improve your overall comprehension in conjunction with severe stress and anxiety relief.
Ingredients | Rhodiola, 5-HTP, GABA, saffron extract, L-theanine, passionflower extract, L-tyrosine, Amino acid, and Vitamin B6 |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $66.66 |
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PureHealth Research Ageless Brain
Ageless Brain from PureHealth Research is the second “ageless brain” on our list. However, don’t confuse it with Ageless Brain from the product sold by Organixx.
PureHealth Ageless Brain is a supplement formulated by Dr. Holly Lucille. It contains several proven ingredients that are proven to support cognition, support brain health, and eliminate inflammation in the brain. It is targeted towards those struggling with an aging brain, but it can help anybody support their cognition.
Ingredients | GABA, huperzine A, caffeine, L-Theanine, Amino acid, Niacin, Pyridoxine, L-Tyrosineand B vitamins |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $44 |
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BrainEssence
BrainEssence is a brain pill that claims to “combine the world’s most profound nootropic nutrients and botanicals to create an exquisite mental support system. It is manufactured by Pure Essence, a health and wellness company that sells various nutritional supplements.
To reap the benefits of BrainEssence, all you have to do is take two tablets daily with water. The manufacturer claims their product undergoes heavy metal testing and potency testing to ensure you have the very best brain-boosting ingredients.
Ingredients | Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Bacopa Monnieri, Organic Ashwagandha, Mucuna Pruriens, Schizandra Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Phosphatidylserine, Gotu Kola Extract, Rhodiola, Fisetin Extract, Chinese Club Moss Extract |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $30 |
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NeuroFuel
NeuroFuel from Natural Stacks is one of the nootropic supplements that relies on a patented blend of natural ingredients to support healthy cognition and neuroprotection. According to Natural Stacks, NeuroFuel works as fuel for your neurotransmitters, supporting greater signaling between brain cells. This can improve cognitive functions like memory, critical thinking, learning ability, and more.
One of the more unique aspects of NeuroFuel is that they provide complete transparency about their ingredients and formula. It traces all of the ingredients and its sources directly on the blockchain, which makes it the only “open source” nootropic on the market right now.
Ingredients | Artichoke Extract, Forskolin, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, L-Phenylalanine, Vitamin B6 and amino acids |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $29.95 |
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Cymbiotika Golden Mind
Cymbiotika Golden Mind is a unique nootropic tincture in liquid form instead of a powder or capsule. It comes in a gourmet vanilla chai flavor, making Golden Mind as tasty as beneficial. It is formulated to strengthen the brain’s structure, protect against cognitive decline, and spark peak mental performance.
To benefit from Golden Mind, you should take seven pumps of the tincture twice per day. This brain pill supports your memory recall, critical thinking, focus, productivity, and overall brain health.
Ingredients | Phosphatidylserine, green tea extract, bacopa powder extract, l-theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, ginseng, organic sea buckthorn oil, Gotu kola extract, amino acids and lion’s mane powder extract |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $59 |
Other Perks |
Elm & Rye Nootropics
Elm & Rye is a premium supplement manufacturer that sells a nootropic product simply called “Nootropics.” Nootropics come in tablet form and are designed to improve memory & focus, support increased attention, and increase productivity and stamina.
Elm & Rye is incredibly transparent with their products as they offer third-party lab tests directly on their website. They also claim to routinely test their ingredients to ensure only the most potent ingredients are used.
Ingredients | Caffeine, bacopa, GABA, rhodiola rosea, Alpha GPC, phosphatidylserine, Huperzine A, and theanine |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $84.99 |
Other Perks |
CogniBiotics
CogniBiotics IMAGE
CogniBiotics is a potent nootropic supplement that improves brain health, mental clarity, learning, memory, and focus. It is unique because it primarily functions by improving your gut flora, unlike most of the nootropics we reviewed. However, it also improves the balance of neurotransmitters, improves blood flow to the brain, and improves BDNF and NGF.
There are a large number of ingredients in CogniBiotics, which are broken up into three blends. The probiotic blend comprises 30 Billion CFUs with nine individual strains of bacteria. The prebiotic complex contains two compounds that feed the gut bacteria in your gut. Finally, the Chinese herbal blend comprises 17 different adaptogenic and herbal extracts that promote cognition and overall brain health.
Ingredients | Cristaria plicata shell, Eclipta prostrate, Citrus reticulata, Paeonia Lactiflora, Schisandra Chinensis, Cristaria plicata shell, Prebiotic complex |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69 |
Other Perks |
Brain C-13
Zenith Labs developed Brain C-13, and it is said to provide advanced brain health support. According to the manufacturer, its ingredients can support mental awareness, boost clarity and focus, and improve mood and brain energy levels.
All of the ingredients of this brain pill are designed to work together to enhance your cognitive abilities in some way.
Zenith Labs is very transparent about its ingredients and doses, and most of the amounts are well within the normal range used in clinical studies.
Ingredients | Ginkgo Biloba, bacopa monnieri, Rhodiola Rosea, DMAE, and turmeric, phosphatidylserine, huperzine A |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $49 |
Other Perks |
Amy Myers MD NeuroLive
NeuroLive is among the best nootropic supplements from Amy Myers, MD. Amy Myers MD is a premium nutritional company that sells various supplements, protein powders, bars, and collagen products. NeruoLive is their physician formulated a nootropic with seven brain-supporting micronutrients.
Ingredients in this nootropic supplement are proven to support cognition & brain health in some way. By taking this NeuroLive, these ingredients can help your focus, memory, thinking, and learning ability. If you’re looking for a doctor-formulated and approved formula, then Neurolive from Amy Myers MD is a solid choice.
Ingredients | Vitamin B6, Theanine, N-acetyl tyrosine, bacopa monnieri, mucuna pruriens, Ginkgo Biloba, Sharp PS phosphatidylserine |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $49.97 |
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OptiMind
OptiMind is a popular nootropic designed to improve mental focus, mental energy, and overall cognition. It contains several proven ingredients, all of which can enhance some form of your cognitive functions. All of the ingredients in the formula are common in the nootropic industry.
There’s nothing exceptional about OptiMind; it’s just a solid nootropic product. If you’re looking for an affordable option, it may be right for you.
Ingredients | Phosphatidylserine, bacopa monnieri , rhodiola rosea, maritime pine bark extract, taurine, vinpocetine, GABA, and caffeine |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $30 |
Other Perks |
Neuro
Neuro is the only nootropic we’ve reviewed that comes in the form of edible gums and mints. According to the manufacturer, by taking Neuro, you can focus your mind, energize your brain, and calm your nerves.
Neuro sells three individual gums and mints – Energy & Focus, Calm & Clarity, and Ideal State. No matter your goals for cognitive enhancement, Neuro has a product that can support your goals.
Neuro is not only one of the more unique nootropics on our list, but it’s one of the most affordable too.
Ingredients | Sorbitol, Gum Base, L-theanine, Natural Flavors, Natural Caffeine, Calcium Stearate, Spirulina Flakes, Sucralose, Monk Fruit, Stevia, Pyridoxine |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $21 |
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Youthful Brain
Youthful Brain is a nootropic supplement made by Vitality Now. It claims to fight memory loss, boost focus & concentration, and eliminate those “embarrassing” senior moments. It comes in tablet form and is taken twice per day.
According to the website, Youthful Brain was created by a brain health specialist and former NASA scientist, Dr. Sam Walters. He is reportedly a world-renowned memory expert who developed Youthful Brain to help seniors restore their memory recall.
Ingredients | Bacopa monnieri, phosphatidylserine, rhodiola rosea, Ginkgo Biloba, and huperzine A |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $64.95 |
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BrainPill
BrainPill is a popular nootropic supplement manufactured by Leading Edge Health, a well-respected supplement company based in Canada. According to the manufacturer, BrainPill is designed to give you an “unfair advantage” over the competition. It claims to eliminate brain fog, fight mental fatigue, boost memory, sustain cognitive energy, and improve learning abilities.
BrainPill contains proven nootropic ingredients such as citicoline, tyrosine, theanine, vitamin b12, and other proven nootropic ingredients. The formula was also recommended by Dr. Dave David and many other medical professionals, which is a bonus.
There’s a lot to like about BrainPill. It is doctor recommended, uses premium & proven ingredients, and offers a lengthy money-back guarantee.
Ingredients | Citicoline, tyrosine, theanine, vitamin b12, Bioperine, Folic acid and Cognizin |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $70 |
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Remind Solution
Remind Solution is a nutritional supplement that promises to reverse brain aging and restore healthy memory recall & brain health. According to the official website, Remind can help you fit stress & anxiety, calm your mind, and increase your focus and attention.
Ingredients | St. John’s Wort, L-Glutamine, Phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, N-acetyl L-carnitine (NALC or NAC), vinpocetine, and Huperzine A |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69 |
Other Perks |
Oweli Neuro
Oweli Neuro simply referred to as Neuro, is a unique nootropic product that supposedly reports zen-like focus. According to the official website, Oweli Neuro can deliver six main benefits. It can support concentration, optimize productivity, improve your mood, fight stress, improve memory recall, and boost your cognitive function.
Oweli Neuro contains eight main ingredients, all of which are proven to support cognitive performance. Oweli claims their products are routinely tested during and after manufacturing to ensure quality ingredients are used.
Ingredients | B vitamins, n-acetyl-l-tyrosine, zinc, DMAE, bacopa monnieri, Huperzine A, phosphatidylserine, and inositol |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | Price- $30 |
Other Perks |
Memory Hack
Memory Hack is a nutritional supplement designed to enhance cognition and, more specifically, your memory recall. It is made by Nutrition Hacks, a reasonably new but reputable supplement manufacturer.
Memory Hack doesn’t disclose any of the ingredients in its’ formula, but it does claim its’ product can restore “total restoration of memory in just six months” to people even with the most significant memory problems. Few nootropics claim this, and restoring full memory is a serious claim to make. It seems highly unrealistic to revive memory in just six months, which is a red flag.
Ingredients | L-theanine Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 Ginkgo Biloba Phosphatidylserine |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69 |
Other Perks |
ProMind Complex
ProMind Complex is a newer nootropic formula supposedly developed by a researcher named Carl Henderson. He claims to have used his decades of experience and research to create the “perfect nootropic supplement.” Despite the fact ProMind uses clinically proven ingredients, the dosages are not listed, which is highly problematic in the supplement world.
Ingredients | Bacopa monnieri, vinpocetine, Huperzine A |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69 |
Other Perks |
Memo Defend
Memo Defend is a nootropic supplement that is specifically designed to support better memory recall. It was developed by a researcher named Thomas Taylor, who searched to improve his memory recall.
Ingredients | Juniper berry, hibiscus, green tea extract, vitamin C, niacin |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69 |
Other Perks |
Memosurge
Memosurge is the final nootropic product on our list. It claims to use a natural formula to improve cognition in three ways. According to the manufacturer, Memosurge can fire up neurotransmitters in your brain, repair damaged brain cells, eliminate anxiety, and boost energy levels. It claims this process can improve your cognition and overall well-being.
Ingredients | Phosphatidylserine St. John’s Wort, N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Bacopa Monnieri extract, Vegetable magnesium stearate, Gelatin (bovine), Silicon dioxide, Microcrystalline cellulose. |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $69 |
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How We Ranked the Best Nootropics
Virtually every nootropic makes the same promises. They all claim they can significantly enhance your cognition and brain health. However, only the best nootropics can deliver upon these promises.
Our research team considered several factors when researching individual nootropic products to figure out which nootropics were legitimate and which were not. Here are some of the most critical factors we used to determine the best nootropic compounds:
Science-backed ingredients
Certain ingredients have been clinically proven to support cognition. There are decades of research on various vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts that have proven these ingredients work when taken in specific doses. We gave credit to products that used more science-backed ingredients and dosages and ranked them higher on our list.
Proper dosages
Many weak nootropics are only ineffective because they contain the right ingredients with the wrong dosages. For example, a nootropic compound might have a dozen clinically studied ingredients at dosages that are too weak to be effective. This is why we gave credit to nootropics that used the right ingredients at the proper dosage.
Clinical trials
Some companies have gone the extra mile to invest in actual clinical trials for their products. These trials are expensive and take a long time, but they give us the best idea of whether a product can work. Many of the companies on our list have gone through the clinical trial process and had their products peer-reviewed and published in medical journals. We gave these products a higher ranking if they could demonstrate a clear benefit.
Clear advertised benefits
Many companies make outlandish claims about their products because the supplement industry isn’t regulated. Some companies claim that their products can make your brain “decades younger.” Others claim to restore your memory and cognition in just a few weeks. The best nootropic compounds are very honest and transparent about their benefits. They also make clear benefits as to what their product can do for you.
Clear ingredient list
Many supplement companies hide their ingredient list by listing them in the form of “proprietary blends.” These products often use proprietary blends to hide weak or ineffective dosages. Others use them to hide the use of stimulants such as caffeine. This is why we preferred companies that had a clear list of ingredients along with their dosages.
Manufacturer reputation & third-party testing
Any supplement should be third-party tested to verify the purity, safety, and potency of said product. We looked at manufacturers with a long-standing reputation for creating effective nootropic products that were safe and effective. We also looked for manufacturers that could verify their products with third-party lab tests.
Doctor formulated products
Some of the best nootropic products are formulated by real doctors. Others use an in-house medical advisory board to verify the safety of ingredients and formulas. The more professional certifications we could find, the more comfortable we felt ranking a nootropic product higher.
Customer reviews
No nootropic is going to work for everybody – that’s just not how supplements work. That’s why we evaluated customer reviews to determine the experience of the average user. If the reviews were generally favorable, we ranked the product higher. On the other hand, we discounted products that have faked or manipulated their reviews, which is common in today’s eCommerce marketplaces.
Price & overall value
Not everyone can afford to spend $200 per month on a nootropic supplement. Some people can only afford $20 to $40 per month. We preferred nootropic compounds that were priced relatively affordably but also still offered a tremendous amount of value. Whether you want to spend $20 a month or $150 a month, we listed a few nootropics that fit your price range.
Money-back guarantee
Companies should back their products with an explicit money-back guarantee. After all, no supplement has a 100% satisfaction rate. We preferred companies that offered an explicit 30, 60, 90, or even longer money-back guarantee, which indicates they do indeed stand behind their formulas.
Nootropic FAQs
Q. What is a nootropic & what do they do?
A: A nootropic is any supplement, food, beverage, or other consumable product designed to boost cognitive ability. A Romanian psychologist coined the term nootropic in the 1970s who combined three Greek words to create nootropic. Nootropic roughly translates into “mind turner” or “intelligence.”
Nootropic supplements can support brain health and cognitive function in various ways. Some boost memory and cognition. Others increase energy levels by using stimulant ingredients. Some even can enhance executive functioning, or they can adjust brain plasticity in different ways.
Q. How do I take nootropics?
A: Taking nootropics has never been easier. You can order them online, in stores, or through major online marketplaces like Amazon or Wal-Mart. With most nootropics, you simply take one or two capsules per day with water – sort of like you would with basically any other supplement.
Q. Are nootropics legal?
A: Yes, nootropics are legal in the United States and most countries around the world. Nootropics must contain ingredients that use doses “generally recognized as safe” or GRAS to sell in the United States. This means the amounts and components are generally safe when used as directed.
You also do not need a prescription to purchase nootropics either. If you are dealing with a severe issue related to cognitive problems, then a doctor could issue you a prescription-strength drug to manage your condition.
Q. Are nootropics safe – what are the side effects?
A: Generally speaking, most nootropics are safe. As long as you use the recommended dosage instructions on your supplement, you are not likely to experience any side effects or severe adverse reactions. However, when you combine nootropics with drugs, are experimenting with the dosages, nootropics could be unsafe.
You should always speak to your doctor if you are unsure whether or not a nootropic is safe for you or if you have a medical condition.
Some nootropics do contain stimulants, which may cause side effects. These side effects include jitters, mild digestive issues like stomach pain or diarrhea, or nausea. Most people experience these side effects when taking products not as directed.
Q. What are the benefits of nootropics? Who can benefit from nootropics?
A: People commonly take nootropic supplements to improve cognition, memory, and overall brain health. Some nootropics do target specific areas of awareness, such as memory or critical thinking. Others provide general cognitive support.
Anybody can benefit from nootropics if they’re looking for a competitive edge. However, the most common users of nootropic compounds are athletes, college students, busy parents, older adults, or entrepreneurs.
Q. Which is the best nootropic supplement?
A: Any of the nootropic supplements on our list are excellent nootropic supplements and can help support your cognitive abilities in various ways. You can feel very comfortable knowing all of our nootropic supplements have been thoroughly researched and proven safe and effective.
The Top 33 Nootropic Supplements Final Recap
Nootropic compounds continue to increase in popularity and will only likely continue to do so. You can buy nootropics at virtually any popular online or physical retail store.
A good nootropic will optimize your memory, critical thinking, learning ability, focus, and much more. All of the nootropics on our list have been proven to do so and use clinically studied ingredients.
If you’re looking for a nootropic supplement, then you should feel very safe knowing any of the 33 nootropics on our list will be the right supplement for you.
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Disclaimer:
Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely a substitute for sound medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure to consult with a professional physician before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary as the statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.