Excipient
ProductionAlso known as: Inactive ingredient, Other ingredient, Non-active ingredient
A non-active ingredient added to a supplement for manufacturing, stability, or delivery purposes.
What It Means
Excipients are ingredients in a supplement that serve purposes other than providing the active nutritional benefit. Common excipients include fillers (microcrystalline cellulose, rice flour), binders (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), lubricants (magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide), disintegrants (croscarmellose sodium), coatings (hypromellose for capsule shells), sweeteners, flavors, and colors. Excipients appear on the label under 'Other Ingredients.' While they are not the reason consumers buy the product, they are essential for manufacturing feasibility, product stability, and consumer experience. Some consumers prefer 'clean label' products with minimal excipients.
What It Is Not
Excipients are NOT fillers in a negative sense — most are necessary for the product to be manufactured, stable, and usable. Magnesium stearate (a common lubricant) is frequently criticized in marketing but is GRAS and used in tiny amounts to prevent ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment. 'No fillers' claims are often misleading because some 'fillers' are necessary for accurate dosing.
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