Is Essential for Women 18+ USP Verified? What other independent testing do you do?

We go above and beyond, and when we say transparency, we mean it. Essential for Women 18+ is USP Verified, Non-GMO Project Verified, and in a clinical trial, Essential for Women was shown to increase Vitamin D and Omega-3 DHA levels in 12 weeks.* Learn more about our university-led clinical trial [here](/clinical-study). Having this trifecta of independent testing was important to us, and it sets us apart: None of the five best-selling women’s multivitamins are USP Verified, Non-GMO Project Verified, and disclose their clinical study information on their site.*†

Additionally, each batch of our multivitamins is tested for identity, purity, strength, and composition, so we can be sure that what’s on the label is what’s in the capsules. We also complete third-party testing to help ensure our products are compliant with regulations and guidelines for heavy metals, microbes and major allergens and to help assure the quality and safety of our products.

†Based on the top 5 US women’s multivitamin brands by 2019 & trailing 12 month retail sales (through April '20).

Can Essential for Women help support normal immune function?

More than 97% of women age 19-50 are not getting enough Vitamin D from their diet. That’s why we include 50 mcg of vegan-certified Vitamin D3 in Essential for Women 18+ to help support normal immune function. Better yet, Essential for Women 18+ was [shown](/clinical-study) to increase vitamin D levels 43% over 12 weeks, as compared to no change in a placebo group in a university-led clinical study.*

Have you done any scientific studies to measure the efficacy of your product?

Yes, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study Essential for Women 18+ was shown to increase Vitamin D, Omega-3 DHA, and Folate levels in 12 weeks.* Most recently, our gold standard clinical study was published in Frontiers In Nutrition — a leading, internationally recognised, peer-reviewed journal. Getting published in Frontiers in Nutrition means our clinical study passed the rigorous review of experts in nutrition. From the design and implementation, to the accuracy of our results, our clinical study was put through the quality control ringer. Having a clinical study published in a peer reviewed journal is one of the highest awards scientific research can achieve.

Do you have any proprietary technology?

Our formula is so unique that the United States Patent and Trademark Office awarded us a patent (# U.S. 11,083,738 B2). Below is a breakdown of our technology:

1. Beadlet in oil. Our patented beadlet in oil design combines oily and dry ingredients in one capsule. Get key nutrients, like Omega-3 DHA, in 2 pills daily.*
2. Delayed-release. Delayed-release capsules are designed to dissolve later in the small intestine, an ideal place to absorb nutrients.*
3. Essenced with mint. The mint tab in every bottle helps keep things fresh, so taking multivitamins daily can be a more enjoyable experience.

How long will it take for me to start seeing results?

The benefits you feel—happier mood, maintained energy—are just bonuses when it comes to improving your long-term health. While many people feel a difference within 1-2 weeks, some don’t notice any difference and that’s okay. It’s what’s happening inside that counts. The water-soluble nutrients (Fe, Mg, folate, B12, boron) start working right away to support your heart, nerves, and more. Fat-soluble nutrients take longer, except for D3, which helps your brain the next day if you have low levels. All in all, it takes 3-4 months for your body to reach a new equilibrium. By the time Essential For Women reaches neurons—the cells in your brain that signal mood—it’s already helping your heart cells, bone cells, and more.*

Why is Essential for Women a great value?

For decades, mainstream vitamins have been formulated with two primary goals: low cost and long shelf life. Made with low quality ingredients, the resulting products are not only less effective, but are often filled with harmful materials to help them "keep". At Ritual, we put quality and efficacy above all. We use obsessively researched nutrients, in forms identical to those found in healthy foods. We use clean alternatives to traditional preservatives. And we ship our product fresh--it never sits on a shelf. Our ingredients aren’t cheap. Purchased separately, they would cost $200/month. The omega-3s alone would set you back $25. But our scale, our capsule technology, and our direct-to-consumer model allow us to deliver everything your body needs in a single bottle for $30/month, or $1/day.

How does my subscription work? How can I update my preferences every month?

It’s your Ritual: we’ll send you an email each month, a few days before we charge you and ship your next bottle. You’re free to rush or delay an order, or cancel your subscription, at any time, right from your account page. You’re in control.

What is your packaging made from?

We have gone to great lengths to select ingredients that help to support our bodies. We also select materials that are better for the planet, too. For packaging that meant finding new use for old matter. For example, mailers are made from recovered newsprint and plant fibers, and bottles made from 100% recycled content. Sharing these choices with you is at the core of our mission; It’s why we created the first visible supply-chain of its kind. This is just the beginning of a more traceable future—and we’re committed to keeping you in the loop with every step forward.