A testing-first nootropics brand with a federal black mark
Our Verdict
The truth about Nootropics Depot is a paradox. On one side: a rare degree of transparency—ISO 17025 lab work, a cGMP plant, and COAs attached to lots. On the other: a serious federal case tied to legacy drug-like products that should never have been sold as supplements. Today's ND appears to be a testing-forward operation that sets a high bar for documentation. But the 2017–2021 conduct matters. If you value rigorous QC and can live with unopened-only returns, ND can be a strong choice for well-supported ingredients like Cognizin and bacopa. If brand governance and past legal risk are dealbreakers, consider alternatives.
How we investigated:We mapped the full picture behind the label: certificates and COAs, facility credentials, ownership records, customer sentiment, and the DOJ case. Then we tested whether ND's transparency and testing culture outweigh the risks implied by its legal history. The result is a nuanced verdict: industry-leading openness and QC for supplements they sell today, but a past decision set that demands consumer caution.
Ideal For
- Buyers who want lot-level COAs and deep testing detail
- DIY nootropics users who value named/branded ingredients
- Customers comfortable with unopened-only returns
Avoid If
- You require money-back on opened products
- You're uneasy with the brand's 2017–2021 regulatory history
- You prefer only multi-ingredient blends with brand-run clinical trials
Best Products
- Cognizin Citicoline Capsules
- Bacognize Bacopa Monnieri (ND)
- PrimaVie Shilajit Capsules
Skip These
- Legacy drug-like nootropics (phenibut/racetams/adrafinil/tianeptine)—no longer appropriate as supplements
Investigation finds Nootropics Depot publishes lot-level COAs and runs its own ISO 17025 lab and cGMP manufacturer—yet pled guilty in October 2023 to distributing unapproved drugs and was sentenced in February 2024, a regulatory scar that still shadows the brand.
Ranked by verified review count
Common Questions
Does Nootropics Depot publish Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for each lot?
Yes—many product pages include lot-specific COAs with identity, potency, and heavy-metals data.
Is Nootropics Depot FDA-approved?
No supplement brands are 'FDA-approved'; ND's manufacturer is cGMP-certified for 21 CFR 111 and FDA-registered.
What exactly was the 2023/2024 federal case about?
Centera Bioscience d/b/a Nootropics Depot and its CEO pled guilty to introducing misbranded drugs (e.g., tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, racetams) and were sentenced to probation with $2.4M forfeiture.
Are ND's nootropic blends clinically proven?
Trials typically exist on branded ingredients (e.g., Cognizin), not ND's finished products. Evidence strength varies by ingredient.
Where are ND products made and tested?
Manufactured by Supplement Logistics and tested by Omnient Labs in Tempe, AZ; both entities publish certificates (cGMP and ISO 17025).
What to Watch For
Watch for continued publication of full COAs, any third-party certifications added (e.g., NSF/USP on products), and how the Scientific Advisory Board influences claims. Monitor for exemplary compliance post-probation through Feb 2027.
Most Surprising Finding
The same brand that now advertises ISO-accredited testing and cGMP excellence admitted in court it sold unapproved drugs for years—an uncommon juxtaposition in supplements.
Key Findings
Lot-level COAs are posted widely across product pages, including identity (HPTLC/UPLC), heavy metals (ICP-MS), and physicals—an uncommon level of openness in the category.
ND vertically integrated QC: an ISO 17025 lab (Omnient Labs) and a cGMP manufacturing company (Supplement Logistics) with current certificates shown publicly.
Regulatory scar: federal guilty plea (Oct 2023) and sentencing (Feb 2024) for selling unapproved drugs (2017–2021), including CEO's Reddit involvement noted in DOJ release.
Customer sentiment skews positive (Trustpilot ~4.7/5; 1,358 reviews, 2025) but includes efficacy variability and adverse-effect reports—consistent with many botanicals.
Strict returns: unopened-only within 30 days; no refund on opened product—great for quality control, frustrating for try-and-see shoppers.
What Customers Say
Quality/trust praised; effects vary by person
Trustpilot average 4.7/5 across 1,358 reviews (Aug 2025).
"Great products and service... informative website."
"I got very nauseous from your products."
Expect good QC and fast shipping; start low to assess tolerance and avoid sunk cost if effects are minimal.
Brand reputation strong on Reddit
Frequent recommendations in nootropics communities.
"Nootropics Depot is by far the best."
"Yes, Nootropics Depot is a reputable brand."
Community trust is high, but still evaluate each ingredient's evidence.
Shipping/returns friction at times
Scattered threads mention delays/refund limits.
"Took 8–10 days... tracking was weird."
International orders may lag; opened items aren't refundable—buy small first.
Expert Perspectives
ND's Scientific Advisory Board (launched 2025) formalizes claim vetting and research summaries—useful for translating evidence into consumer language.
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