Excipients & Allergen Information
- Ingredient Transparency
- Allergen Notes
- Capsule Materials
- Label Guidance
A practical glossary for common excipients, capsule materials, sweeteners, colours, preservatives and allergen-related ingredients found in supplement labels.
Supplement Label Guide
Understand What’s Behind the Active Ingredients
Non-active ingredients can affect how a supplement looks, tastes, holds together, dissolves and stays stable. This guide explains common excipients and source-related notes so labels feel easier to read.
… wondering what magnesium stearate actually does?
… checking whether a capsule is vegan, gelatin-based or source-dependent?
… comparing labels because of soy, gluten, dairy or other sensitivities?
Plant-derived binder and emulsifier that adds body and can act as soluble fibre. Common in powders and some tablets.
High-intensity sweetener used in very small amounts, often blended with sucralose or stevia to smooth taste.
Solvent used to extract herbs. The final product may contain residual alcohol, so check the per-dose amount on the label.
Major allergen. May appear through flavour oils or cross-contact in mixed facilities. Avoid if nut-allergic unless the product is clearly suitable.
Natural colour from achiote seeds. Rare sensitivity has been reported, but it is generally well tolerated.
Ring-shaped carbohydrate used to improve solubility and taste by forming complexes with active ingredients.
Bulking and sweetening agent for powders and chewables. It contributes mild sweetness and body.
Inert mineral filler and binder. Helps tablets compress and hold shape while adding calcium mass.
Mild acidity regulator and chelator used in powders and liquids. It can support flavour balance.
Anti-caking and flow aid similar to silicon dioxide. Helps keep powders free-flowing.
Plant-derived tablet or capsule polish that adds sheen and surface protection.
Red colour made from insects. Not vegan or vegetarian, and may trigger reactions in sensitive people.
Seaweed-derived thickener and stabiliser used in liquids and softgels to help keep texture uniform.
Enteric coating that resists stomach acid and releases in the intestine. Some clean-label brands avoid phthalate-based coatings.
Controls acidity, improves flavour and supports stability. Common in powders and liquids, including effervescent products.
Super-disintegrant that helps tablets break apart quickly after swallowing for better dissolution.
Common filler and diluent that improves tablet compression and hardness. Sometimes used in capsules for flow.
Simple sugar used as a bulking agent, sweetener and flavour carrier in powders and chewables.
Major allergen. May appear in specific enzyme products such as lysozyme. If egg-free is needed, confirm on the label.
Enteric coating polymer that protects active ingredients from stomach acid and releases further down the gastrointestinal tract.
Low-calorie sweetener that typically causes less gastrointestinal upset than some other sugar alcohols. Common in powders and chewables.
Emulsifiers used to help oil-based formulas stay uniform, especially in softgels and liquids.
Prebiotic fibre used for bulk and mouthfeel. May cause bloating for some individuals at higher intakes.
Gelling and stabilising agent that helps suspend particles and improve texture in liquids and gels.
Capsule or softgel shell from animal sources, typically bovine or porcine. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Often made from crustacean shells, so it may not be suitable for people with shellfish allergy. Shellfish-free forms also exist.
Protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Some starches may be wheat-derived, so verify gluten-free status where needed.
Humectant that retains moisture and keeps softgels flexible. Usually plant-derived, but check the label if source matters.
Common “vegetable” capsule shell made from cellulose. Often used as a vegan alternative to gelatin capsules.
Film-forming tablet coating that can reduce aftertaste and, in some systems, help control release.
Major tree-nut allergen. May appear through flavour oils or cross-contact. Avoid if nut-allergic unless the product is clearly suitable.
Inorganic pigments used to colour capsules and tablets. Common alternative in titanium dioxide-free formulations.
Occasionally used as a neutral-tasting carrier or filler in powders and capsules. In other products, it may be an active ingredient.
Low-calorie sugar alcohol used to sweeten and structure lozenges and chewables. May cause gastrointestinal upset in excess.
Viscous soluble fibre used as a thickener or binder. Can affect tablet disintegration times and powder mouthfeel.
Milk sugar sometimes used as a filler. Avoid if dairy-allergic or lactose-intolerant unless the product is clearly suitable.
Emulsifier. If soy-derived, it may be relevant for soy avoidance. Sunflower lecithin is a common soy-free option.
Common source of cholecalciferol derived from sheep’s wool. Not vegan, and relevant for strict avoidance preferences.
Declared allergen in Australia. Cross-contact may occur where lupin flour or fibres are handled.
Manufacturing lubricant and flow agent, typically plant-derived. Some shoppers prefer stearate-free products.
Carrier or bulking agent for powders and flavours. Source can matter for some sensitivities or dietary preferences.
Lipid carrier for fat-soluble nutrients. Typically from coconut, so check the source if avoiding coconut or certain oils.
Sugar alcohol with mild sweetness and a cooling effect, common in chewables. Excess may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Very common plant-cellulose binder and filler. Generally inert and well tolerated.
Cellulose derivative used as a binder or thickener. Typically suitable for vegetarian and vegan products.
Antioxidant system or carrier in oils. Source may be soy or sunflower, which matters for soy avoidance.
Non-synthetic colours such as spirulina, turmeric and paprika. Often used instead of artificial dyes or titanium dioxide.
Umbrella term for flavour ingredients. Sources vary, so sensitive individuals should check allergen statements on each product.
Inert gas used to displace oxygen in bottles or softgel fills to protect sensitive ingredients. Packaging step, not an ingredient.
Solubiliser that improves dispersion of active ingredients and flavours. Some shoppers seek PEG-free formulas.
Emulsifier and solubiliser used to disperse oils in liquids and softgels.
Preservative commonly used in liquids and gummies to inhibit spoilage and extend shelf life.
Binder and solubiliser that can improve dispersion and stability of certain active ingredients.
Vegan capsule made from fermented polysaccharide. Offers a stronger oxygen barrier than standard cellulose capsules.
Natural foaming and emulsifying agent used to keep oil-based ingredients dispersed in liquids and gummies.
Simple filler often used in cleaner-label formulas. Generally well tolerated.
Plant-based anti-caking and flow alternative to silicon dioxide. Often labelled as rice hull concentrate or organic rice extract blend.
Antioxidant system used to help protect oils from oxidation and rancidity.
Natural resin used as a tablet polish or barrier coating. Not vegan.
Anti-caking and flow aid that keeps powders free-flowing and helps prevent clumping.
Moisture absorber placed inside bottles as a sachet or canister. It is a packaging aid, not an ingredient, and should not be consumed.
Preservative used in liquids, often paired with potassium sorbate to inhibit spoilage.
Buffer and chelator used to control acidity and improve solubility of some active ingredients.
Tablet disintegrant, often potato-sourced, that helps tablets break apart quickly. Usually gluten-free, but still worth verifying.
Major allergen. Can appear through lecithin or mixed tocopherols from soy oil, so check the allergen statement if avoiding soy.
Tablet lubricant and flow aid with a similar role to magnesium stearate. Typically vegetable sourced.
High-intensity plant sweetener used at very low levels in powders and chewables.
High-intensity sweetener with strong stability. Used at small amounts for palatability.
Preservative group that can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Look for “contains sulfites” when declared.
Neutral carrier oil for fat-soluble active ingredients and a common soy-free alternative to soy oil.
Glidant and anti-caking agent used at low levels to improve powder flow in tablet manufacture.
White pigment historically used to colour capsules and tablet coatings. Some brands now avoid it, so titanium dioxide-free options are common.
Flow aid and anti-caking agent, also used as a light filler in capsules and powders.
Mild sweetener and stabiliser that can improve powder mouthfeel and help support the stability of some active ingredients.
May be used as a binder or disintegrant. Source matters for gluten, so confirm the exact source if gluten-free is essential.
Common thickener and stabiliser that increases viscosity in powders and liquids.
Sugar alcohol sweetener with similar sweetness to sugar. Excess may cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
Glazing and coating agent used in some softgels and tablets. Not vegan.
Plant-derived film former used as an alternative coating or polish. Typically vegetarian friendly.
Less common lubricant and flow agent used in tablet and capsule manufacture.
Note: Ingredient sources, excipient policies and allergen declarations may vary by brand, product and batch. Always check the current product label before use.
This glossary provides general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace professional guidance, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient names, sources and excipient policies can vary by brand, product and batch, so always read the product label and follow directions. If you have allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication, or have a medical condition, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before use. For more information, see our Health Disclaimer & Liability Notice.
Reviewed: May 2026. This glossary may be updated as GhamaHealth continues to refine ingredient transparency, product education and label guidance.
















