What is Fairy-dusting in Supplements—Understanding the Misleading Tactic and How to Avoid it

When it comes to supplements, it's important to be aware of the tactic of fairy-dusting. This is a term used to describe the practice of making a product appear more appealing to consumers by listing a large number of ingredients on the label, even though the actual amount of those ingredients in the product is minimal. This gives the impression that a product is more effective than it actually is.

Fairy-dusting is not a new tactic, it was originally coined by the make-up industry, when brands would include trace amounts of popular ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C—then mislead consumers by hiding behind a “proprietary blend,” protecting them from having to share the amount of each ingredient in the formula. This tactic is used by many companies and it's difficult to know which products are truly effective, and which are just trying to make a quick buck.

3 Tips to Avoid Fairy-Dusted Supplements

1. Look for clinically significant dosages: When looking for a supplement, check the label to see if it includes clinically significant dosages of the active ingredients. This is a term used in research studies to make observations about the effects of a particular treatment. In supplements, this means the active ingredient per dose is proven to have a noticeable effect on the lives of study participants.
2. Avoid proprietary blends: Many companies use proprietary blends to hide the actual amount of each ingredient in a product. This makes it difficult to know if the product contains enough of the active ingredient to be effective. When shopping for supplements, look for products that list the exact amount of each ingredient on the label.
3. Consult with a healthcare professional: Before taking any supplement, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that it is safe for you to do so and to understand the real effective dosage. They can also provide guidance and advice on how to choose the right supplement for you based on your personal health needs and goals.

Here at Knocked, we refuse to partake in fairy-dusting. We use a clinically significant dose of each of our three ingredients. We don’t hide the amounts of our ingredients behind a proprietary blend like many other brands do.

If you're unsure about the effectiveness of your current supplements, you can also reach out to us and we'll give you our analysis.