Ritual Review: Does This Clean-Label Brand Live Up to the Hype?

Ritual offers various formulations to support nutritional and fitness needs. It offers a wide range of product options that include multivitamins for different age groups, prenatal and postnatal formulas, gut health supplements, and protein powders.

Ritual also offers skin and stress support capsules. These products may support energy, immunity, digestion, bone strength, and cognitive function.

The brand also provides specialized supplements to support sleep, skin hydration, brain health, and protein intake. Does the brand actually help in supporting your daily wellness?

In this review, we cover everything you need to know about Ritual, including its product lineup, pros/cons, advantages, and potential limitations.

About Ritual

Founded in 2016 by Katerina Schneider, Ritual was created to provide clean and research-backed formulations. Ritual launched with Essential for Women, a daily multivitamin formulated to fill common nutrient gaps using bioavailable ingredients like methylated folate (instead of synthetic folic acid) and omega-3 DHA from microalgae (instead of fish oil).

At the core of Ritual’s philosophy is its Made Traceable® standard. Every nutrient is sourced from a specific location and partner. For example, vitamin D3 is sourced from the UK, and vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) comes from New Jersey. These choices are openly shared with customers, including supplier names and ingredient origins.

Ritual also invests in clinical testing, including a double-blind, placebo-controlled university-led study that supports the effectiveness of Ritual’s Essential for Women formula. Every formulation from Ritual also undergoes third-party testing to ensure it remains free of heavy metals, contaminants, or harmful substances.

Ritual Offering Products

1. Multivitamin

   • Prenatal Multivitamin

     The Prenatal Multivitamin could support both pre-pregnancy and pregnancy needs by providing nutrients essential for fetal development and maternal health. Ritual’s prenatal multivitamin contains 12 ingredients, including folate, choline, omega-3 DHA, and vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7), among others.

     Folate and choline in the Prenatal Multivitamin may support neural tube development, while vitamin D and omega-3 DHA could support bone density and fetal brain development.

     The Prenatal Multivitamin comes in delayed-release capsules, which are gentle on the stomach and formulated for effective absorption. The Prenatal Multivitamin comes in citrus and mint essence.

   • Women’s Multivitamin 50+

     The Women’s Multivitamin 50+ aims to support healthy aging in post-menopausal women. It features traceable vitamin D from lichen, vitamin K2, omega-3 DHA from microalgae, magnesium, folate, and vitamin B12. These ingredients could help support immune function, cardiovascular function, bone integrity, and muscle function.

     According to its official site, one bottle of Women’s Multivitamin 50+ is available for $44 as part of a one-time purchase. Opting for a monthly subscription of Ritual reduces the cost per bottle to $23.40. The makers suggest taking two capsules together one time daily, with or without food.

2. Gut Health

   • Gut & Skin Set

     The Gut & Skin Set combines a 3-in-1 probiotic blend called Synbiotic+ with a daily skin hydration support product called HyaCera. The bundle aims to provide comprehensive support for digestive support and skincare.

     Synbiotic+ in the Gut & Skin Set features probiotic strains (LGG® and BB-12®), prebiotics (PreforPro® blend), and postbiotics like Tributyrin (CoreBiome®). The formulation could help support digestion and gut microbiome balance, which may help minimize common digestive concerns like bloating and indigestion. HyaCera in the Gut & Skin Set contains sodium hyaluronate, which may help fade the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

   • Synbiotic+

     Synbiotic+ contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics that may support a balanced gut microbiome. Its formulation may support bowel regularity, reduce bloating, and alleviate occasional gastrointestinal discomfort.

     The probiotic blend in Synbiotic+ includes strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis (BB-12®), which features 11 billion CFUs per serving to support beneficial gut bacteria growth and immunity. Prebiotic blend (PreforPro®) contains strains like LH01 and T4D, which may nourish the beneficial probiotic strains, supporting their proliferation and resilience.

     Synbiotic+ also features tributyrin (CoreBiome®) as a postbiotic, which could fuel the gut lining cells and strengthen barrier function.

3. Skin

   • HyaCera

     HyaCera aims to support skin hydration and delay premature signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. The formulation contains hyaluronic acid and wheat oil extract to provide moisture deep into the skin, helping to support skincare from the inside out.

     The makers state that HyaCera could help increase skin elasticity and suppleness while improving skin smoothness. HyaCera also employs moisture control technology to protect the delicate, hygroscopic hyaluronic acid, ensuring maximum efficacy. Consistent use of HyaCera may help fade the appearance of crow’s feet and support a more radiant complexion.

4. Sleep & Stress Relief

   • Stress Relief

     The Stress Relief by Ritual utilizes the BioSeries™ technology to deliver a three-phase release (instant, extended, and prolonged), providing all-day cortisol support. Stress Relief aims to help lower stress/anxiety levels and maintain calmness and focus throughout the day.

     As per its official site, Stress Relief contains Shoden® ashwagandha, which could help stabilize cortisol levels to lower stress. The formulation also features Suntheanine® L-theanine for its quick calming effects, while Affron® saffron is included to help elevate mood.

     Ritual’s Stress Relief aims to reduce stress both immediately and over time, promoting a balanced mood and resilience against daily pressures. One bottle of Stress Relief is available for $60 as part of a one-time purchase.

   • Sleep

     Ritual’s Sleep leverages BioSeries™ technology, which could help optimize and maintain a sustained melatonin release throughout the night and mimic the body’s natural sleep rhythm. One capsule of Ritual Sleep contains 5mg of melatonin, which could help support deeper, uninterrupted sleep with morning wakefulness.

     The Ritual Sleep formula contains melatonin sourced from Chignolo d’Isola, Italy, which may indicate high standards of purity and potency. The makers suggest taking one capsule of Ritual Sleep before bedtime, with or without food.

5. Brain & Heart

   • Omega-3 DHA & EPA

     According to its official site, one capsule of Ritual’s Omega-3 DHA & EPA delivers 500 mg of omega-3s, including 154mg of EPA and 308mg of DHA. Sourced sustainably from microalgae, the formula offers a clean, vegan-friendly alternative to omega-3 formulations extracted from fish oils.

     The Omega-3 DHA & EPA capsules are infused with citrus oil, which aims to minimize burp-back and oxidation to ensure a pleasant taste. DHA could support brain and heart function, making the Omega-3 DHA & EPA formula particularly beneficial for people seeking cognitive and cardiovascular support.

6. Protein

   • Daily Shake

     The Ritual Daily Shake offers a plant-based protein powder to support muscle-building and recovery goals. As per its official site, every 5 tbsps (about 31g serving) of Daily Shake provides 120 calories, 20g of protein, 150mg of choline, and 120mg of calcium. It also provides 8 grams of essential amino acids and 4 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to support faster post-exercise recovery.

     Ritual’s Daily Shake sources its protein from organically farmed regenerative peas, which undergo regular screening for heavy metal transparency and ingredient integrity. The Ritual Daily Shake could help support muscle protein synthesis, a process that could accelerate the repair of damaged muscle fibers and aid in muscle growth.

     The makers state that the Ritual Daily Shake is non-GMO, vegan, and free from artificial colorants or flavors. The formulation is also certified by the Clean Label Project and contains traceable ingredients.

   • Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum

     The Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum is a plant-based protein powder that is specifically made to support the heightened nutritional needs of women during pregnancy and lactation.

     Ritual’s Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum provides 20g of protein per serving (about 31g). The protein content may help support lean muscle development and bone strength, which are essential during stages like pregnancy and postpartum. The shake also offers 250mg of choline, a vital nutrient that could support fetal neurodevelopment.

     Other ingredients in the Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum include calcium to support bone strength, iron to boost energy levels, and L-methionine to support amino acid balance.

Ritual Advantages

1. Strong Brand Identity

   As a brand, Ritual appears to have a strong and recognizable identity. The brand maintains a signature sunny yellow color on its website, minimalist design on product labels, and transparent packaging. These features may help create instant recognition and emotional resonance with the Ritual brand. Ritual also actively engages with potential consumers on multiple social media handles to gain traction, which may help make the Ritual brand more recognizable digitally. The brand also has maintained a strong presence on genuine review platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Reviews.io, and Trustpilot, further solidifying the brand’s identity.

2. Covers Multiple Fitness Categories

   The brand Ritual offers formulations that cover multiple wellness categories, making it easy for you to find offerings that fit your needs. Ritual initially started with Essential for Women, a daily multivitamin supplement for women. However, Ritual now offers formulations to target different aspects, including gut health, skincare, sleep and stress relief, protein powders, and brain and cardiovascular function.

   Ritual’s offerings may cater to various needs and demographics, whether you’re looking for a daily multivitamin, a prenatal formula, or a specialized daily support formula for women over 50 years of age. Ritual emphasizes clean, traceable ingredients and holds certifications such as USP Verified and Non-GMO Project Verified, so you can feel confident about what you’re putting into your body.

3. Commitment to Sustainability

   Ritual remains committed to sustainability, as the brand prioritizes its Made Traceable program. Under the program, consumers get complete access to all details about the sourcing origins, sustainability practices, third-party testing results, and packaging details for every batch of Ritual’s offerings.

   The brand also claims to use 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and 100% post-industrial recycled (PIR) caps for the packaging of its products. Ritual goes further by offsetting carbon emissions through partnerships with organizations like ClimeCo, aiming to achieve the goals of net-zero emissions by 2030. Ritual continuously improves its manufacturing processes to minimize waste and lower environmental impact.

Ritual Limitations

1. Restrictive Return Policy

   Ritual promotes a “happiness guarantee” on orders, although the guarantee only applies to your first order of a product, and only within 30 days of purchase. Suppose you decide to try another product or reorder an existing one. In that case, you will not be covered by Ritual’s 30-day refund policy.

   To qualify for a refund, you need proof of purchase, and the order must be from Ritual or an authorized reseller. Even if you somehow meet all these conditions, refunds beyond the 30-day window are uncertain, left to Ritual’s discretion. For a brand that claims to prioritize customer satisfaction, Ritual’s narrow refund window feels limiting and discouraging.

2. Premium Pricing

   Ritual positions itself as a premium supplement brand with a strong emphasis on clean formulations and ingredient traceability through its Made Traceable® supply chain. However, this commitment to transparency comes at a higher cost.

   The brand’s products, like the Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+, start at $33, Synbiotic+ and HyaCera™ are priced from $54, and the Daily Shake begins at $44. While Ritual offers 20% off subscriptions and 30% off bundles, these discounts still place many products above comparable options in the market.

   Meanwhile, HUM Nutrition delivers similarly targeted, clinically backed products at lower prices, such as Collagen Love, priced at $40 for 90 capsules, Flatter Me, ranging from $26 to $33, and Gut Instinct at $26.

   Persona Nutrition also provides value through personalized packs like the Sharp Mind Vitamin Pack at $34.99 for 28 days, which comes to about $1.25 per serving. Thus, Ritual’s elevated cost may not always reflect a proportional increase in functional benefit.

Ritual Alternative Brands

1. Persona

   Ritual and Persona both offer various nutritional and wellness supplements, but the brands differ in their scope and personalization. Persona builds daily supplement packs tailored through a detailed questionnaire and consultation with licensed nutritionists. These packs may include essential vitamins like B12, D3, and calcium, but the formulations may vary on the basis of the user’s needs and fitness conditions.

   Meanwhile, Ritual provides non-customized multivitamin formulas with traceable nutrients targeting common gaps. For example, methylated folate for women of childbearing age or omega-3 DHA from microalgae for heart and brain support. The supplements provided by Ritual do not undergo any customization by nutritionists.

   In the gut care category, Ritual offers a single formulation called Synbiotic+. It pairs prebiotics, probiotics (like BB-12®), and postbiotics in one delayed-release capsule designed to support digestion and immune function. On the other hand, Persona provides multiple formulations with different elements to support gut microbiome balance and digestion. For instance, gut support formulations provided by Persona include Daily Probiotic, Digestive Enzymes, Ginger, and Aloe Plus.

   Persona also provides customizable skin support formulations, such as Astaxanthin, CoQ10 200mg, and Hair, Skin. & Nails. In contrast, Ritual primarily offers a formulation called HyaCera, which contains sodium hyaluronate and wheat oil extract. The formulation aims to support skin hydration and minimize wrinkles and fine lines.

   In the category of sleep support, Persona offers multiple formulations with sleep-supporting ingredients. These include formulations like ashwagandha, melatonin 3 mg, magnesium glycinate, Herbal Rest, and CBD hemp extract. On the other hand, Ritual’s sleep support includes a dual-action melatonin formulation called Sleep BioSeries™ Melatonin. The formulation provides 5mg of melatonin and may support the body’s circadian rhythm.

2. HUM Nutrition

   HUM Nutrition emphasizes personalization, offering an online quiz to suggest formulations based on specific fitness goals, such as skincare, energy, and digestion. Meanwhile, Ritual focuses on standardized formulations designed for specific life stages and genders, such as prenatal, postnatal, and age-specific multivitamins. The Ritual brand does not offer the flexibility of customization in the same way as HUM Nutrition.

   HUM Nutrition offers the Gut Instinct, which features 25 billion CFUs and 10 beneficial probiotic strains. The Gut Instinct formulation may help support digestion, nourish the gut, and boost immunity, although the formula does not include prebiotics/postbiotics for added digestive support. In contrast, Ritual’s Synbiotic+ offers clinically studied probiotic strains (LGG® and BB-12®), the prebiotic PreforPro®, and CoreBiome® postbiotic (tributyrin), with a delivery system targeting the colon and offering comprehensive gut support.

   For skincare support, HUM Nutrition offers the Collagen Love supplement, which contains skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and collagen peptides. The supplement may help improve skin firmness and elasticity while maintaining skin moisture. Ritual has HyaCera that includes ceramide-rich wheat oil extract and hyaluronic acid to help fade the appearance of wrinkles and increase skin elasticity.

   For sleep and stress support, HUM Nutrition offers formulations like Mighty Night and Big Chill, which contain calming herbs like valerian and rhodiola. However, these offerings do not come with release-phase technology or standardized extract disclosure, limiting their effectiveness.

   On the other hand, Ritual’s sleep and stress formulas feature the BioSeries™ technology, which delivers a three-phase release (instant, extended, and prolonged). They also contain research-backed ingredients like Shoden® ashwagandha, Affron® saffron, and Suntheanine® to support stress reduction and sleep quality.

Also Check: Ora Organic Review: Clean Ingredients or Just Clean Marketing?

How Did We Evaluate Ritual?

1. Reputation of the Brand

   In evaluating Ritual’s reputation, we considered several factors, including its brand history, transparency, customer feedback, and industry recognition. Founded in 2016, Ritual quickly established itself as a reputable name in the supplement industry. Its commitment to transparency is evident through the “Made Traceable” program, which provides clear insights into ingredient sourcing, manufacturing practices, and third-party testing.

   For evaluation, we also looked at the user response towards the Ritual brand on authentic review platforms like Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Reviews.io. On Trustpilot, Ritual has a rating of 1.6 out of 5 based on 55+ reviews, primarily due to complaints about subscription management and pricing.

   Meanwhile, Ritual holds an “A+” accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, which may reflect the brand’s ability to resolve customer concerns effectively. On Reviews.io, Ritual holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 65+ reviews, indicating strong customer satisfaction among those who appreciate its clean ingredients and convenient subscription service.

   We also looked at Ritual’s industry recognition, such as its Certified B Corporation status, which underscores Ritual’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

2. User Reviews

   When evaluating the Ritual brand, we took a close look at customer feedback of the brand’s offerings across review platforms like Trustpilot and Amazon. Customer reviews revealed a clear divide between product satisfaction and service experience, highlighting both the strengths and challenges of the brand.

   Ritual’s products, particularly the Prenatal Multivitamin and Synbiotic+, have received positive feedback on Amazon. Many consumers who took the Prenatal Multivitamin praised its use of methylated folate, which could offer essential nutritional support during pregnancy. However, a few customers experienced mild cases of nausea or stomach discomfort after using Ritual’s Prenatal Multivitamin.

   Similarly, many consumers praised Synbiotic+ for offering comprehensive gut support, as it pairs prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in one capsule. Consumers experienced improvements in digestion, reduced bloating, and a pleasant experience with the Synbiotic+’s peppermint aroma. However, some consumers expressed occasional dissatisfaction with Synbiotic+’s premium pricing.

   Ritual’s consumer sentiment on Trustpilot remains mostly negative, largely due to issues with customer service and subscription management. Many customers feel misled by the automatic subscription renewal system, describing it as deceptive and difficult to cancel. Complaints on Trustpilot frequently mention that subscription terms are not made clear during purchase, leaving users feeling trapped in recurring payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Ritual Offer Gift Options?
   Yes, Ritual provides the option to send a Ritual e-gift card up to a value of $1000 with a personalized message and scheduling of email delivery. However, gift card purchases are final and non-refundable.
2. What Kind of Omega-3 Is Used in Ritual Vitamins?
   Ritual uses vegan omega-3 DHA derived from microalgae, an environmentally sustainable alternative to fish oil. Such a composition may be compatible with the dietary needs of vegans and vegetarians.
3. Why Does Ritual Use Delayed-Release Capsules?
   The makers state that Ritual formulations feature delayed-release capsules, as they help protect the bioavailable ingredients and improve absorption. Improved absorption could also make Ritual formulations gentler on your stomach.

Conclusion

Ritual highlights clean formulations, traceable ingredients, and commitment to transparency in its products. The brand has also expanded its supplement range across different areas, including daily support multivitamins, gut support, skincare, and sleep and stress relief, among others.

The brand may also provide access to the Made Traceable® program, which openly details information like ingredient sourcing, manufacturing practices, and third-party lab testing results to consumers. Ritual also offers educational resources through its blogs, which offer insights into nutrition and wellness.

However, Ritual does come with some limitations. The brand’s return policy may feel restrictive, as it only covers the first purchase of a product within 30 days. If you decide to try a different product or reorder, you may not be eligible for a refund.

Although Ritual prioritizes quality and safety, it’s essential to recognize that its vitamins and supplements can still cause digestive discomfort, nausea, or mild headaches.