Ritual claims to provide a wide range of supplements that may help enhance your gut function and immune health and manage stress.
The brand's product line includes protein powders, probiotics, and specialized supplements tailored to various life stages and dietary needs. Ritual claims that its products are vegan, non-GMO, and free from major allergens.
In this review, we will explore Ritual's product options, limitations, and advantages, as well as compare it with similar brands, to help you make an informed decision.
Founded in 2016 by Katerina Schneider, Ritual is a wellness brand that claims to maintain transparency in its formulations with scientific research and third-party testing, helping you make informed choices about your health.
The brand's offerings include multivitamins tailored to specific life stages and gender needs, such as Essential for Women 18+, Essential for Men 18+, prenatal and postnatal vitamins, along with supplements that support gut health, skin, sleep, and stress. Ritual also offers plant-based protein powders designed to complement a healthy diet.
Ritual claims to use packaging made of 100% post-consumer recycled materials, and the company strives to reduce environmental impact through eco-friendly shipping practices and minimal packaging waste.
Ritual's Essential Prenatal Multivitamin is specifically for women who are thinking about, trying to conceive or are currently pregnant. It contains key nutrients essential for pregnancy, including folate (provided in the active methylated form 5-MTHF), choline, omega-3 DHA, calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin K2, magnesium, and boron. These nutrients may support crucial aspects of fetal development, such as neural tube formation, brain health, and bone health. The formulation uses 5-MTHF, the biologically active form of folate, which the body can utilize directly without needing to convert it from folic acid.
As per the official website, the Essential Prenatal is also formulated with a patented nutrient delivery technology. The capsules are delayed-release, designed to dissolve in the small intestine, where nutrient absorption is optimal. This design makes the vitamin gentler on the stomach and easier to swallow, which many pregnant women find helpful since nausea and digestive discomfort are common during pregnancy. Ritual also adds a fresh citrus or mint essence tablet in every bottle to improve the daily experience of taking vitamins.
The makers state that the Essential Prenatal is rigorously tested against heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead) using highly sensitive ICP-MS technology, meeting strict purity standards verified by the Clean Label Project.
As per the official website, Ritual's Essential Multivitamin for Women Over 50 is made for post-menopausal women. After menopause, a woman's nutritional needs change significantly, and the brand claims to address those unique requirements through its multivitamin to support healthy aging.
Essential Multivitamin by Ritual contains vegan-certified Vitamin D3 sourced from lichen, which plays an essential role in regulating the immune system. Vitamin D may also help your body defend against infections and reduce inflammation, which is especially important as immune function can decline with age.
The makers also added Omega-3 DHA derived from microalgae in Essential Multivitamin, a plant-based source of this crucial fatty acid. DHA is well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health by helping maintain healthy blood vessels and heart rhythms. Vitamin K2 in Essential Multivitamins could help direct calcium to bones and prevent its buildup in arteries, while magnesium might support bone density.
The Ritual Gut & Skin Set combines Synbiotic+, a unique 3-in-1 formula that combines prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to promote a balanced and healthy gut microbiome, and HyaCera, a clinically studied skin hydration supplement that targets wrinkle support and helps maintain youthful, hydrated skin. This bundle by Ritual may help address the vital connection between gut health and skin health by promoting a balanced microbiome that can positively influence skin appearance.
Gut & Skin Set may help replenish and diversify your microbiome and support gut barrier health and immune function. It might also help improve digestion, support immune defenses, and foster your gut health.
Ritual's Synbiotic+ may support a balanced and healthy gut microbiome. It combines prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, making it a 3-in-1 gut health formula. The probiotic blend in Synbiotic+ features LGG® and BB-12®, which are known for their ability to support digestive regularity and alleviate occasional digestive discomforts such as mild bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This carefully selected blend contains 11 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) to promote healthy gut flora.
As per the official website, Synbiotic+ also combines PreforPro, which might help address harmful bacteria in the gut and aid in the growth of beneficial bacteria. This prebiotic is included at a dose of 15mg in one capsule serving of Synbiotic+, which may potentially support gut bacterial health.
Synbiotic+ also contains a postbiotic called Corbiome® Tributyrin, which is a short-chain fatty acid shown to nourish the cells of the gut lining, thereby supporting the gut barrier's health and function. This 300mg dose of tributyrin might help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, which is important for preventing unwanted substances from passing through the gut wall and for overall immune support.
HyaCera by Ritual may help improve skin hydration and combat signs of aging. The makers state that HyaCera could help reduce wrinkles, improve skin smoothness, and enhance elasticity and radiance, promoting a more youthful and hydrated complexion.
As per the official website, HyaCera contains Hyabest, which is a bio-fermented, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid sourced from Japan. Hyaluronic acid may help attract and retain water, which keeps the skin hydrated and plump. Ceratiq in HyaCera is a plant-based extract rich in glycolipids and ceramides, sourced sustainably from France. Ceramides are essential lipids that maintain the skin's protective barrier and help lock in moisture. To preserve ingredient potency, HyaCera's packaging uses moisture-control technology that protects the hyaluronic acid from absorbing moisture from the environment.
According to the official website, Ritual's Sleep & Stress Relief product line may help you realign your body's natural rhythms, particularly focusing on how your body manages stress and sleep. BioSeries™ 3-in-1 capsule technology used in these supplements delivers key ingredients in a controlled, timed manner to maximize their effectiveness throughout the day and night.
Stress Relief capsule under this category contains Shoden® Ashwagandha, a specially patented extract known for its ability to help regulate cortisol levels. Your body produces cortisol hormone in response to stress, and keeping it balanced is crucial for reducing anxiety, promoting calm, and preventing the harmful effects of chronic stress. These capsules can help you feel more relaxed and better able to manage daily stressors by supporting healthy cortisol levels.
Ritual also offers Sleep Melatonin capsules, which are scientifically designed to enhance your natural sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin hormone is produced by your body in response to darkness, signaling that it's time to sleep. However, many people's melatonin production is disrupted by factors like screen exposure, irregular schedules, or aging. Ritual's melatonin formula is made to release melatonin gradually, mimicking your body's natural pattern, which helps you fall asleep and also stay asleep, leading to better overall sleep quality and feeling more refreshed the next day.
Ritual also encourages combining their Stress Relief and Sleep capsules with other supplements like Synbiotic+ for gut health or HyaCera™ for skin health, creating bundles that support your energy levels throughout the day and help you unwind at night.
Ritual's Omega-3 DHA & EPA is a vegan omega-3 formula that may support brain and heart health by providing a daily dose of 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids in a science-backed 2:1 ratio of DHA to EPA. It may promote cognitive function, memory, and cardiovascular health. DHA plays a critical part in maintaining brain structure and function, while EPA helps reduce inflammation and supports heart health.
Ritual states that its Omega-3 DHA & EPA is vegan and sustainably sourced. Instead of relying on fish oil, the omega-3s in this product come from microalgae, the original natural source of DHA and EPA in the food chain.
As per the official website, Ritual's Omega-3 DHA & EPA provides a plant-based alternative that avoids the environmental concerns linked to overfishing and ocean pollution by using microalgae oil. The microalgae are sustainably harvested and processed in La Forêt-Fouesnant, France, with an extraction method designed to minimize environmental impact.
Ritual mentions that its Omega-3 DHA & EPA formula infuses the omega-3 oil with natural citrus oils and uses patented technology that reduces oxidation, which is a key cause of fishy aftertaste and burp-back.
Ritual's Essential Protein Daily Shake may support muscle health, recovery, and strength. It provides 20 grams of protein per 31-gram serving, which can stimulate muscle protein synthesis and help develop lean muscle mass.
As per the official website, the Essential Protein Daily Shake is made with a complete amino acid profile, including 8 grams of EAA or essential amino acids and around 4 grams of branched-chain amino acids. The protein in this formula is derived from organically farmed regenerative yellow peas grown sustainably in North America, which helps reduce environmental impact and potential heavy metal contamination. The formula also includes coconut MCT oil for added healthy fats and sunflower lecithin for better mixability and texture.
Essential Protein for Pregnancy & Postpartum by Ritual may support the nutritional requirements of pregnant and postpartum women. It provides 20 grams of organic pea protein in a 31-gram serving combined with 250 mg of essential choline, a critical nutrient that supports fetal brain development during pregnancy and helps meet the heightened nutrient demands of lactation.
The protein source in Essential Protein for Pregnancy & Postpartum is derived from organic yellow peas grown through regenerative farming practices in the USA, ensuring sustainability and a lower risk of heavy metal contamination compared to many other protein sources. The formula also contains L-methionine, which might help support muscle protein synthesis, aiding in lean muscle mass development, which is particularly beneficial during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Ritual uses a strong transparency framework known as “Made Traceable®,” which provides full disclosure of each ingredient's source, supplier, and function. This detailed traceability is accessible on their official website, allowing consumers to verify exactly what's included in each formulation. For people concerned about synthetic compounds, allergenic fillers, or undisclosed additives, this approach can give added confidence in Ritual's product integrity and quality.
Unlike many supplement companies, Ritual puts its formulas through scientific testing. Their Essential for Women 18+ multivitamin, for example, has been clinically proven to increase vitamin D levels by 43% and omega-3 DHA by 41% in just 12 weeks. These findings come from peer-reviewed, published studies. Ritual works closely with scientists and health experts to ensure each product is effective, not just trendy. This dedication to evidence-based results gives you confidence in what you're consuming.
Ritual claims that its supplements are vegan-certified, non-GMO, and free from gluten, soy, and other major allergens. The brand also states that its products are third-party tested and verified by organizations like the USP and Clean Label Project. This means you're getting a clean, safe supplement without hidden chemicals or contaminants. It could be suitable for people with dietary sensitivities or those following strict wellness lifestyles.
Ritual has created specific multivitamins for women, men, teens, pregnant and postnatal women, and adults over 50. Each formula is designed to meet the nutritional gaps that exist in those specific life stages. This ensures you're getting the exact nutrients your body needs based on your age, gender, and health status. It's a personalized approach that helps optimize long-term wellness and supports your health journey at every stage of life.
Ritual, while emphasizing using clean and traceable ingredients in its supplements, its product offerings can cause side effects like headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue in some users. These reactions often stem from ingredient sensitivities or dosage levels. The brand's Omega-3 DHA & EPA supplement can cause side effects such as diarrhea, headaches, fishy aftertaste, and digestive discomfort. For example, some people might experience diarrhea or stomach upset due to the fish oil content, especially if taken on an empty stomach or in large amounts.
Ritual primarily focuses on multivitamins, gut health, skin support, and general wellness categories. In contrast, brands like Garden of Life offer an extensive portfolio that includes targeted supplements for joint health, cardiovascular support, hormonal balance, sports performance, and more. Similarly, Thryve provides personalized probiotics for individual gut microbiome profiles, expanding its scope beyond general gut health.
Ritual's narrow, curated lineup reflects its commitment to clinical research and traceable sourcing, but this also means fewer options for consumers seeking specialized or personalized supplementation. While ideal for those wanting clean, essential formulas with clearly disclosed ingredients, Ritual may fall short for users with more complex fitness goals.
Thryve Nutrition is a UK-based wellness brand founded by Sarah Ormerod. The company focuses on offering natural supplements and emphasizes a holistic, accessible approach to fitness. Thryve Nutrition also provides workshops and personalized nutrition advice, aiming to foster a community-centered approach. Thryve's product range is limited to supplements, such as Vitamin Defense, which combines vitamin D3, vitamin K2, Mushroom Neuro Boost, featuring a blend of 10 mushrooms, and Organic Ashwagandha, aimed at reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The brand also offers products like Magnesium Glycinate 250 mg for muscle and nerve function and Turmeric Gold Blend for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ritual, on the other hand, is recognized for its science-backed approach, high standards of ingredient transparency and traceability, publicly listing ingredient sources, and sharing the scientific rationale behind its formulations. The brand offers multivitamins tailored for different life stages, as well as supplements for gut health, skin hydration, and protein intake. The company is a Certified B Corporation, and its products are Clean Label Project Verified, vegan, and non-GMO.
Garden of Life was founded by Jordan Rubin with a foundation in whole-food nutrition, prioritizing supplements made from organic, real food ingredients rather than synthetic vitamins and minerals. This approach aims to improve bioavailability by harnessing the natural synergy of whole foods. Garden of Life claims to maintain transparency and traceability as well, sourcing organic and non-GMO ingredients globally while maintaining strict clean-label standards with no artificial fillers, colors, or preservatives. The brand is a leader in sustainability, too, being carbon neutral, with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly packaging and sustainable farming. Their product range is extensive and diverse, including organic multivitamins like the mykind Organics line, clinically studied probiotics, plant-based and grass-fed protein powders, collagen, and herbal supplements.
On the other hand, Ritual focuses heavily on scientific credibility and transparency. The brand's hallmark is its “Made Traceable®” initiative, which allows you to see the exact source, supplier, and manufacturing location of every ingredient in their products. Ritual emphasizes clean, vegan, and non-GMO formulations with highly bioavailable nutrients such as microalgae-derived Omega-3 DHA, methylated B12, and vegan vitamin D3 from lichen.
Recommended: Seed Probiotics Review: Is DS-01® More Hype Than Help?
To assess Ritual, we looked at key factors that reflect both trustworthiness and product quality. Founded in 2016, Ritual is a relatively young company but has quickly positioned itself as a leader in clean, science-backed supplements. The brand emphasizes transparency, sourcing traceable ingredients, and prioritizing third-party testing.
We also reviewed customer trust signals, including its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This rating reflects Ritual's strong record in handling customer complaints, ethical business practices, and responsiveness, an important indicator of credibility and consumer trust.
We looked closely at customer complaints submitted to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to identify common themes in how Ritual operates, particularly around subscriptions, billing, and customer service. These firsthand accounts revealed a pattern of recurring issues that shaped our impression of the brand.
A major source of dissatisfaction stems from Ritual's subscription model. Many customers reported thinking they were making a one-time purchase, only to be charged again weeks later without realizing they had enrolled in a recurring service. Several also noted that the subscription terms weren't disclosed during checkout, and in some cases, no reminder was sent before another charge hit their account.
Cancellation difficulties came up repeatedly. Even when people said they reached out weeks in advance, Ritual often stuck to a rigid 24-hour policy before order processing, refusing refunds or order changes. Some customers even mentioned submitting proof that they tried to cancel earlier but were told the request either wasn't received or had been sent to the wrong email address.
Many complaints described long response times, no way to speak with a real person by phone, and frustrating back-and-forth via email that led nowhere. While Ritual occasionally issued refunds as a courtesy, these seemed inconsistent and often required multiple escalations to resolve.
In rare cases, product quality was also flagged, such as a report of a dead bug found in a capsule. However, the overwhelming majority of complaints focused on billing practices and poor communication. Ritual's policies are in place, and the company does provide reminder emails and account tools, but based on these reviews, those systems aren't enough to prevent widespread confusion or frustration.
These patterns suggest that while Ritual may offer a decent product, the overall customer experience is undermined by unclear practices and limited support. If you're considering trying Ritual, it's important to read the fine print, monitor your account closely, and cancel early if you decide it's not the right fit.
Ritual claims to offer supplements backed by scientific research and full ingredient transparency, focusing on essential nutrients tailored to different life stages.
While Ritual's formulas are clean, vegan-friendly, and allergen-free, the products come at a higher price point and require a subscription, which may not suit everyone. Some people may experience mild side effects, particularly from omega-3 supplements.
Natural approaches, such as consuming nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fatty fish, can also support gut health, immune function, and better skin appearance.
However, it is important to consult with a doctor before making changes to your diet, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or nutritional requirements.
Contact us at [email protected] or follow @leafsnap on Twitter! View our Privacy Policy.
