Buying a Supplement Online? 7 Things to Check First

Updated Oct 4, 2026 · Buyer's guide

Most bad supplement purchases come from skipping the fine print. This checklist takes five minutes and works for any product.

1. Read the full label, not the ad

Look for the "Supplement Facts" box. If most items sit inside one "proprietary blend", you can't see how much of each one you get. That is legal, but it makes products hard to compare.

2. Know who is selling it

Many products sold online are only meant to be bought from the maker's site. Listings on big marketplaces may come from other sellers. The maker's refund policy usually covers only orders from its own checkout.

3. Read the refund terms closely

• When does the refund window start: on the order date or on delivery?
• Do you need a return number before you ship?
• Who pays return postage? Are shipping fees refunded?
• Are opened or empty bottles accepted?

4. Check for autoship

Some offers turn into a monthly subscription. Look for words like "subscribe", "autoship" or "every 30 days" near the order button. A one-time payment should say so clearly.

5. Compare shipping time with the refund window

If shipping takes two weeks and the refund window is 30 days, you only get about two weeks to try the product. Longer windows give you a fairer test.

6. Read health claims the right way

Supplements can say they "support" a body function. They can't say they treat or cure a disease. The FDA does not approve supplements. "Made in an FDA-registered facility" describes the factory, not the product.

Countdown timers and "last chance" prices are sales tactics. If a price only exists for the next ten minutes, check again tomorrow before you rush.

7. Ask about your medicines

Plants and amino acids can interact with prescription drugs, including drugs for blood pressure, blood sugar, mood and blood thinning. Take the label to your pharmacist. It is free and takes a few minutes.