9 Best Mood Boosting Supplements
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We’ve researched and tested dozens of clean supplements — these are our top choices for mood-boosting formulations to turn around your day.
More and more supplements that support mental wellbeing are hitting shelves, targeting the sweet spot between physical and mental health. So, how do these supplements help regulate our daily moods and emotions? Let’s begin with a short lesson: Chemicals called neurotransmitters initiate “dialog” throughout our body at all times of the day. Consider them the town criers that ensure our brain properly guides our bodily functions. We don’t necessarily feel this process occurring, but it manifests through our emotions and moods.
When our neurotransmitters are in balance, we can cope with daily stress, achieve better sleep quality, and experience feelings of peace and happiness. On the contrary, an imbalance of neurotransmitters can cause anxiety, mood swings and dysfunctions, and even depression. And who wants that?
How do mood-boosting supplements work?
Mood-boosting supplements are designed to work with your body’s natural chemistry to create the optimal balance of all our neurotransmitters, especially targeting the following —
- GABA: calms a hyperactive nervous system wrestling with stress and fear response
- Serotonin: regulates mood, sleep patterns, healing, digestion, and feelings of well-being
- Dopamine: our internal reward system that gives us boosts of motivation and a sense of satisfaction and pleasure
- Acetylcholine: crucial to our involuntary functions, memory, attention, and even arousal
While various vitamins and amino acids can support moods, many of these mood-boosting supplements rely on nootropics to stimulate neurotransmitters. They also use adaptogens, which act similarly to neurotransmitters.
Commonly used adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola are well-studied, and offer stability among the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the system that regulates the stress response. Nootropics, on the other hand, is a broad term used to refer to synthetic and natural substances that boost brain power, like caffeine. They are known to reduce inflammation, increase brain blood circulation, and boost neuroplasticity, which is essential for memory. Taken in tandem with vitamins like B6 and B12, as well as L-theanine, a neuroprotective amino acid derived from green tea leaves and mushrooms, these compounds can offer your brain better tools to deal with the stimuli of everyday life.
Why consider clean mood-boosting supplements?
The majority of mood-boosting supplements are considered safe — which is why, like all other supplements, they aren’t regulated by the FDA. However, it’s of prime importance that you get the most effective, bioavailable versions of your supplements. For this reason, clean supplements are key. Prioritizing clean supplements means you can be sure you’re taking in no added fillers or unwelcome chemicals from the production process that could detract from the benefits. We only recommend brands that offer third-party verification and transparency in ingredient sourcing as a testament to their quality, purity, and eco-consciousness.
Our criteria:
We’ve personally used and researched the best brands in the wellness space. These are our favorite supplements offering support for your moods, from trusted brands that use clean ingredients. We’ve experienced the benefits firsthand — and we regularly update this list with our emerging favorites that meet the following criteria.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS | The supplements below use natural or organic ingredients that have been checked for quality and efficacy. They are transparent about ingredient sourcing or offer lab testing. In addition, there are no fillers — only the good stuff.
- TRUSTED BRANDS | The brands are all reputable. They leverage clinical research to inform their practices and test formulas via third parties for efficacy and safety.
Looking for more ways to support your wellbeing? Check out our favorite women’s multivitamins and longevity supplements for aging gracefully. 🫶
1. Sakara Life Energy Effervescents
Best For | Energy and sexual health
Active Ingredients | B12, maca, ginkgo biloba, velvet bean, L-theanine, ginger
Sugar | No sugar (contains monk fruit)
Prices Starting At | $26 for 15 packets (Subscribe & save on 2 boxes)
Sakara Life Energy Effervescents may be touted as providing a caffeine-free boost of physical and mental energy, but this passion fruit-lemonade-flavored bubbly formula is also a powerhouse for mood-boosting abilities. For instance, velvet bean was historically used in India as a nerve tonight but is also considered an herbal aphrodisiac, awakening the brain’s pleasure center. Ginkgo biloba is a well-studied herb shown to relieve anxiety and prevent cognitive decline. Maca is a Peruvian plant utilized throughout history to provide sustainable energy and improve sexual health and libido. Energy Effervecents also contain ginger for digestion as well as L-theanine and B12 for better stress response and controlled energy. The powder packets are great on the go and can be added to filtered water for mood-boosting energy and hydration. Energy Effervescents don’t contain sugar, but they do take advantage of monk fruit to sweeten the deal. Unlike sugar, monk fruit does not cause a spike in blood sugar and is said to provide anti-inflammatory qualities. Feeling lifted yet?
Customer Review | “Energy Effervescents is a great uplifting and sparkling drink mix. The weather in Florida is mostly hot and humid and I find the Energy Effervescents give my a boost without caffeine. I feel great when I have a nice, cool Energy Effervescent drink.” – Joann D (Read more reviews.)
2. Ritual Stress Relief
Best For | All-day stress support
Active Ingredients | Ashwagandha, L-theanine, saffron
Sugar | No sugar
Prices Starting At | $54
Part of its growing line of focused women’s supplements, Ritual’s Stress Relief capsules contain just three main ingredients to provide extended stress-coping support. Ashwagandha supports and regulates cortisol levels. L-theanine provides a sense of non-sleep-inducing calm. And saffron, which people traditionally think of as a way to flavor food, is actually a functional spice that promotes a positive mood and has antidepressant effects. The stress relief formula is delivered through Ritual’s Bioseries Technology capsule design, which is a three-in-one capsule that optimizes the release of ingredients, starting right when taken and lasting throughout the day over the course of eight hours. All Ritual supplements are designed by scientists and nutritional experts. If you aren’t happy with results (highly unlikely!) after a month of use, Ritual stands by its 30-day money-back guarantee. Ritual’s ingredients are Made Traceable®, which means they provide the supplier, ingredient source, and where manufactured. Ritual products are purchased as part of a subscription only and ship-free, so you don’t have to worry about refilling your order ever again.
3. Seed DS-01 Synbiotic
Best For | Gut-mood connection
Active Ingredients | 53.6 Billion AFU of various probiotics, Indian pomegranate
Sugar | No sugar
Prices Starting At | $50 for 30-day supply
You may have heard by now that gut issues can influence a host of bodily functions and defenses — and that goes for mood and brain health, too! Taking an effective and studied probiotic supplement like Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic can improve your microbiome, and have a positive effect on depressive mood states and sleep quality. DS-01 Synbiotic contains probiotic strains clinically and scientifically studied to provide better gut function, skin health, heart health, gut barrier integrity, and more. In addition to probiotics, DS-01 contains Indian pomegranate, which is rich in polyphenols to calm inflammation and facilitate the repair of mucosal lining damage in the digestive system. The DS-01 capsule’s patented Viacap delivery system is designed to help the probiotics survive the hostile internal gut ecosystem so they are bioavailable where needed most. With Seed, the first month’s shipment is a “Welcome Kit” that includes a reusable glass jar containing that first month’s supply, reading materials, and a travel vial that fits easily into a small purse and holds a week’s worth of your DS-01 capsules. We love how Seed makes feeling better easy and fun.
4. Cymbiotika Liposomal B12 + B6
Best For | B vitamins
Active Ingredients | Vitamins B12 (three forms), B6 (Pyridoxine HCI), B9 (Methylfolate or folate)
Sugar | No sugar (contains blueberry juice powder and konjac root)
Prices Starting At | $48 for a one-time purchase (Subscribe & save 10%)
Liposomal Vitamin B12 + B6 from Cymbiotika delivers three of the most bioactive forms of Vitamin B12 in conjunction with B6 and B9 (aka folate) to boost energy, improve mood, and support heart health. Vitamin B12 is known to support red blood cell production, improve mood and memory, provide cellular energy, and facilitate heart and bone health. At the same time, healthy levels of B9 folate facilitate the use of B12, so these components work synergistically for the best mood-boosting effect. In addition, folate is used for DNA replication, immune system function, and regulation of a host of biological cycles — all while B6 keeps the nervous and immune systems in check. This supplement, which comes in liquid form, is pumped right onto a spoon or directly into the mouth and utilizes a protective liposomal (liposomes are the fatty membranes that line each cell in our body) delivery system. As a result, the nutrients are able to get where they are needed effectively without being broken down by the digestive system in the process. B-eautiful!
Customer Review | “I started taking this supplement along with Golden Mind about a month ago, and I’m happily surprised at how quickly I’ve noticed a change in my overall mood and well-being. Unlike other supplements I’ve tried, I’m happy to report this product definitely does something good to the body and mind:)” – Gloria M (Read more reviews.)
5. Moon Juice SuperYou
Best For | Stress relief + skin health
Active Ingredients | Shatavari, ashwagandha, amla fruit extract, rhodiola
Sugar | No sugar
Prices Starting At | $49 for a one-time purchase (Subscribe & save 10%)
Moon Juice’s SuperYou is a superstar stress reducer backed up with proof that it helps reduce cortisol levels by 24%, among other mood and health benefits. That’s thanks to its strategically formulated composition of four potent adaptogens also used in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine to alleviate stress. Ashwagandha, as we already know, regulates cortisol levels but is also thought to reduce irritability. Rhodiola fights fatigue and increases alertness. Shatavari root is traditionally used as a female tonic to balance hormones and improve reproductive health, while amla fruit is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative stress. This Moon Juice formula is also clinically shown to enhance focus and mental stamina and protect against stress-related weight gain. Moon Juice offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and free shipping when you spend more than $65 on products. You can read our editor’s review of Moon Juice, including Super You, here.
Customer Review | “These are so smooth and have made such a big difference in my mood and outlook. These supplements also help me focus.” – Markiya S. (Read more reviews.)
6. Needed Stress Support
Best For | Pre-conception and postpartum
Active Ingredients | Shatavari Root Extract, holy basil, milky oat straw, rhodiola, ashwagandha, schizandra berry
Sugar | No sugar
Prices Starting At | $50 for one time (Order multiple subscriptions & save)
Needed’s Stress Support is clinical-strength stress support tailored to a woman’s pre- and postpartum needs. And, buckle up for this, it’s recommended by more than 4,000 health practitioners! Stress support contains a blend of six adaptogenic botanicals used in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and herbalism and is designed to nourish and support the central nervous system. It includes holy basil, otherwise known as tulsi – an adaptogen that has benefits akin to a daily yoga practice, i.e. “nurturing and nourishing the body, mind, spirit while fostering a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.” While there is limited research on milky oat straw, it is used to replenish and fortify the body with vitamins and minerals depleted from substance use, protect the body against stress, and strengthen the nerves, in addition to improving mood and fighting insomnia. Schizandra berry is yet another adaptogen that protects against oxidative stress and is good for protection against skin damage caused by chronic stress, a thoughtful perk of Needed. (If you have an issue with swallowing capsules, just consider that the serving size is four capsules a day!)
Customer Review | “I love that I can take this in the evening for bed and allow my body not to get stressed about having to wake up to feed my little guy. So needed!” – Natasha C. (Read more reviews.)
7. Mary Ruth’s Women’s Organic Multivitamin Liposomal
Best For | Supporting overall health
Active Ingredients | Vitamins A, B and D, omega fatty acids, proprietary botanical blend (organic common yam tuber extract, organic goji berry extract, organic ashwagandha root extract, and organic maca root extract
Sugar | No sugar
Prices Starting At | $30 for a one-time purchase (Subscribe & save 10%)
Mary Ruth’s Women’s Organic Multivitamin Liposomal is a liquid offering a highly bioavailable option to support cognitive function, mood, and overall health by utilizing liposomal technology for better absorption. It comes in a vanilla-peach flavor and includes all eight B vitamins that further support skin health and metabolism in addition to neurochemical and immune health. The multi-faceted supplement also includes vitamin D3 — aka the sunshine vitamin — to keep us sunny and bolster healthier bones. And the benefits don’t stop there. Other key ingredients include omega fatty acids 3 and 9, to ignite cognitive function and cellular health. This formula doubles as a multivitamin with eleven essential vitamins so if you are looking for a fortified option to support overall health and keep you uplifted, this is the one. While some complain about the taste, it’s certainly worth taking down the hatch for the 360 support it offers.
Customer Review | “So the taste isn’t great (probably due to the omega 3) but you get used to it. Since taking this I have so much more energy and my mood is also so much better.” – Florence H (Read more reviews.)
8. Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies
Best For | Cost and convenience
Active Ingredients | Ashwagandha extract
Sugar | 4g
Prices Starting At | $14
As we’ve mentioned, ashwagandha is one of the most widely used and effective adaptogens around. We included Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies on our list for those who want convenient access to its singular but effective mood-boosting and stress-alleviating capabilities. As a gummy, these are a great option for someone who struggles to swallow capsules but wants to give adaptogens a try (and there’s minimal financial commitment, too!). With that said each serving contains 4 grams of added sugar, so users should be conscious if trying to avoid the sweet stuff. These gummies are manufactured in a GMP Compliant and FDA Registered Facility and, at 1200mg per serving, they deliver a hefty dose of ashwagandha. Perfect for those who want to get a sense of what the superstar adaptogen can do.
Customer Review | “I love the flavor of the gummies and I feel more relaxed and able to focus better during my day. I eat 2 in the morning to have enough energy to take care of my baby and to feel less stressed.” – Rocio T. (Read more reviews.)
9. Thesis Confidence
Best For | Calm and focused energy
Active Ingredients | Saffron, ashwagandha, caffeine, sage, magnesium, L-theanine, DHHB (magnolia bark), zembrin
Sugar | No sugar
Prices Starting At | $119 for a one-time purchase (Subscribe & save $40)
Thesis Confidence is the priciest item on the list, especially for a one-time purchase, but it’s packed with mood-boosting adaptogens and nootropics to balance brain chemistry. According to Thesis, this formula supports mental flexibility, creating a calm state and promoting a positive outlook. The ingredient list even includes caffeine for an added boost. (For those going caffeine-free, there is a decaffeinated option for you!) All of Thesis’s ingredients are present in clinically studied doses to be sure you are getting optimal benefits from taking them. In addition to more ubiquitous ingredients, Thesis contains additional mood-boosting players like sage and magnolia tree bark to balance GABA and offer a sense of subtle relaxation. Everything is backed by the brand’s 30-day money-back guarantee so taking the plunge is that much easier.
Customer Review | “I love the mood Confidence puts me in. I am happier, more calm, and sharp-minded. I love this on days when I have a lot of errands to run and start to tire out. Keeps me going!” (Read more reviews.)
Featured image is from Ritual
