Noocube Review

In today’s world, maintaining concentration is more challenging than ever. We’re constantly distracted by smartphones, televisions, computers, and other devices, not to mention the non-technical distractions we face daily. Even things like background noise, quick conversations with co-workers, or your own thoughts can take you further off course than you intended.

As people feel increasingly overwhelmed and mentally exhausted, more and more are looking for a solution. For some, that means trying nootropics — dietary supplements for brain health, also called “smart drugs” — a market estimated to surpass 65 billion dollars by 2033.1 But can these supplements really boost memory and cognition? Can they help reverse the mental decline that accompanies aging?

We’ve recently tested Noocube, a nootropic that promises to improve memory, focus, and motivation while reducing mental fatigue. In our review, we’ll cover all of Noocube’s pros, cons, and details (including the research behind its ingredients) to help you determine if it sounds like the solution for you.

A caffeine-free formula, good customer support, and a 60-day money-back guarantee can make Noocube an appealing option for many people looking to try their first nootropic. It’s not the cheapest option available — and its prices have gone up recently — but bulk purchases can still bring Noocube’s price into a more affordable range. And, even though a majority of the ingredients are underdosed when compared to successful studies, this nootropic still has the potential to help some people.

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions about staying healthy and living healthier lifestyles.

For this review of Noocube — specifically its Brain Productivity nootropic — our team spent well over 100 cumulative hours researching and testing this product. We pored over 60 scientific studies on nootropics and each of the various ingredients found in this potentially “brain-boosting” supplement. We also purchased Noocube’s nootropic for ourselves, navigating the customer experience from start to finish, and we tried it for two weeks to document the effects we personally experienced.

Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this review was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.

When evaluating Noocube’s Brain Productivity — or any nootropic we’ve reviewed — we examined it in a similar manner to how we would other supplements. In this case, we graded Noocube on its safety, effectiveness, cost, and convenience.

Safety

Some nootropics can contain risky or even dangerous ingredients, which is why it’s always important to speak with your doctor before starting one. As an example of a nootropic with a risky ingredient, Noocube competitor Focus Factor Original contains an unspecified amount of vinpocetine, a chemical the FDA has issued warnings about in the past. In a 2019 statement, the FDA advised women of childbearing age to avoid vinpocetine entirely, as it may lead to a miscarriage or harm fetal development.2 But while Noocube’s Brain Productivity doesn’t contain vinpocetine or anything as risky, there are still some ingredients that certain populations should avoid. A few of these include:

• Bacopa monnieri: This botanical may increase thyroid hormone levels, so those taking thyroid medications should proceed with caution (and a doctor’s approval) or avoid it entirely.3
• VitaCholine: Choline shouldn’t be used by those with conditions like bipolar disorder or low blood pressure, and it may interact with cholinergic or anticholinergic medications.4
• Cat’s claw: Studies are limited, but due to its potential effects on the immune system, those with autoimmune diseases, leukemia, tuberculosis, or organ transplants should not take cat's claw. It may also lower blood pressure and thin the blood, so it should be avoided by those with hypotension or who are on blood pressure medications or blood thinners.5

On the topic of ingredients, Noocube’s are almost all underdosed (a common trait shared among most nootropics). While this doesn’t bode well for efficacy, it does improve the supplement’s safety score. And in recent formula revisions, Noocube removed ingredients containing soy and gluten, meaning the current v3.0 iteration should be safe for those with soy or gluten allergies.

For more information, we cover additional potential drug interactions and other safety concerns under the “Is Noocube safe?” section later on.

Effectiveness

As mentioned above, Noocube’s ingredients are almost all underdosed (some more significantly than others). This is common among nootropics, but it almost always results in us deducting some points in efficacy when reviewing them.

That being said, nearly all of Noocube’s ingredients have been studied for their effects on cognition, mood, or brain health. And the recent formula change to v3.0 removed an understudied ingredient, oat straw extract, and replaced it with the much more promising addition of Panax ginseng. While this ingredient is also underdosed, it at least has research suggesting improvements in memory and recall.6

Certain ingredients, particularly the B vitamins (B1, B7, and B12), likely won’t be of much help to most adults who eat a mixed diet. The possible cognitive benefits of supplementing with these vitamins are mainly seen in those with deficiencies (which are rare in the U.S.).

Our personal testing experience with Noocube’s Brain Productivity was generally positive. None of our testers were admitted to MENSA overnight, but most experienced increased mental clarity. Some also found their moods improved and memories sharpened. Our testers’ favorite nootropic experience, however, was with Thesis.

We delve further into the research behind Noocube’s ingredients and their effectiveness under the “How does Noocube work?” section.

Cost

Cost is a critical factor in evaluating any supplement, especially those that require consistent, long-term use to maximize efficacy. While there are certainly more expensive products among nootropics, Noocube is still not cheap. And the prices have only gone up since we last reviewed this nootropic.

With Noocube, the only reliable way to reduce its cost is to buy it in bulk. Unlike many competitors (such as Thesis, Onnit Alpha BRAIN, and Qualia Mind) there isn’t an option to subscribe. On top of that, Noocube’s bulk options have changed recently; you used to be able to choose from three different options: a 1-month supply, a 3-month supply, or a 6-month one. However, now the 6-month supply has become a 5-month supply — and the price has gone up. A 6-month supply cost $180 in the past, but now the 5-month option costs $195, meaning you’re paying an additional $15 and getting one less bottle than before. And this price increase applies to all of the purchase options. Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs as of this writing:

• 1-month supply: $64.99
• 3-month supply: $129.99 ($43.33 per bottle)
• 5-month supply: $194.99 ($39 per bottle)

If you try Noocube and determine that it works for you, a bulk purchase still makes sense (despite the recent price increase), as it greatly reduces your cost per bottle. But spending that much up-front on a product you haven’t tried might be a bit daunting. This is why we appreciate Noocube’s 60-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to try the nootropic for 60 days before sending it back. This guarantee applies to single- and multiple-bottle purchases; if you buy more than one, the company asks that you just return two empty bottles and any remaining unopened ones. If you do this, you’ll get 100% of your purchase price back. Onnit has a similarly flexible policy for Alpha BRAIN, but it allows you to try it for 90 days and keep your first bottle.

Additionally, Noocube offers free shipping worldwide, which is rare among nootropics or most other supplement brands. Most companies require you to hit a certain spending threshold before free shipping kicks in. Focus Factor, for instance, charges about $7 or more for shipping if you don’t spend $50.

Convenience

When we consider convenience, we examine things like a website's intuitive design and the ease of purchasing and taking a product. In Noocube’s case, the website is easy to navigate, and the dosing schedule and pill size make taking the supplement straightforward. With Noocube, you only need to take two capsules per dose; this is in stark contrast to some nootropics on the market. For example, Qualia Mind requires you to take seven capsules a day, and BrainMD’s Brain & Body Power Max supplement is divided into a whopping 14 pills per day.

Our testers also generally had good experiences with customer support via chat. You can chat, email, or call Noocube’s customer service. We appreciate when companies offer multiple avenues to contact customer service — especially when they all result in quick replies. Our experience contacting competitor TruBrain was the exact opposite, with our questions through all modes of communication being flat-out ignored, even when we followed up multiple times. Thankfully, we didn’t experience anything like that with Noocube.

The big hit that Noocube takes in this category comes from the lack of a subscription option. Not only does this prevent an opportunity for added savings, but it also means that you have to manually order a new bottle any time you’re close to running out. And if you don’t time it just right, you might go a day or more without your daily regimen, which could temporarily dull any benefits you may be experiencing.

Noocube (or “Noocube’s Brain Productivity”) is a nootropic dietary supplement manufactured by Wolfson Brands (UK) Limited, a Glasgow-based company with a wide variety of athletic, health, and wellbeing brands in its catalog — like XYZ Smart Collagen, PhenQ, and TestoPrime.

Wolfson Brands’ nootropic, Noocube’s Brain Productivity, is designed to support your brain. Nootropics, also called “smart drugs,” are a class of substances that may be able to boost cognitive function, memory, focus, creativity, and more, depending on the formula. Prescription nootropics exist, like ADHD medication (such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse) or certain treatments for dementia (like piracetam). However, we’ll be focusing on nootropic supplements since that’s the category Noocube falls under — and supplements are most often what people are referring to when speaking about nootropics.

Some common ingredients you’ll find in nootropic supplements include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, botanicals, caffeine, and choline, among others.7 Now, in comparison, Noocube’s ingredients include:

• Vitamin B1: 1.1mg
• Vitamin B12: 2.5mcg
• Biotin: 50mcg
• Choline: 100mg
• Bacopa monnieri extract: 250mg
• L-Tyrosine: 250mg
• Cat’s claw: 175mg
• L-Theanine: 100mg
• Panax ginseng: 20mg
• Lutemax 2020: 20mg
• Trans-resveratrol: 14.3mg
• Pterostilbene: 140mcg

Note: Noocube is caffeine-free, meaning it could be a good option for those with a sensitivity to the ingredient. Some other caffeine-free nootropics include Focus Factor Original, Mind Lab Pro, and Thesis (you can choose whether your Thesis order comes with caffeine or not).

Among the ingredients of Noocube’s Brain Productivity are vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and botanicals intended to help improve your:

• Problem-solving skills
• Motivation
• Focus
• Brain fog
• Memory
• Mood
• Sleep
• Stress levels and feelings of “brain overwhelm”

The company also claims its nootropic can protect your eyes from “electronics-related ‘screen-fatigue.’” If you’re curious about the validity of these statements, we delve into the research behind these potential benefits in the following two sections: “Does Noocube work?” and “How does Noocube work?”

Noocube online reputation

Currently, Noocube does not have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) page, but the company does have a Trustpilot profile. This profile is unclaimed and has only eight reviews in total — all 1-star and culminating in a “Poor” label. A majority of the reviews are from customers who didn’t notice any effects from the nootropic, with a few others complaining about issues with shipping or the company’s return policy.

The question of whether or not a nootropic works isn’t the easiest one to answer. A nootropic that improves one person’s focus and memory may not do the same for you — and vice versa. But, based on the ingredients in Noocube’s Brain Productivity, it does have the potential to work for some people.

The main drawback is that nearly all of its ingredients are underdosed when compared to those used in successful studies. This isn’t out of the ordinary for a nootropic, as most nootropics generally have a select few ingredients that hit the mark. In Noocube’s case, these two ingredients are L-theanine and cat’s claw. Its Lutemax 2020 dose adds an almost-adequate amount of lutein at 10.72mg, but the 2.16mg zeaxanthin falls pretty short. Overall, we’d always prefer to see more ingredients at doses used in successful research. Thesis, for example, also doesn’t always use ideal amounts of its ingredients, but many more of them do reach (or get very close to) potentially helpful doses.

Noocube’s use of B vitamins (B1, B7, and B12) also likely won’t provide much benefit to anyone who’s not deficient — and most healthy people in the U.S. who eat mixed diets aren’t at risk. Mind Lab Pro uses similar B vitamins, but adds in B6 and B9 (folic acid). The former is a vitamin that’s essential for normal brain development,8 while the latter promotes healthy nervous system functioning, proper brain function, and the production of DNA and RNA.9

Additionally, some of Noocube’s claims about its potential benefits aren’t supported by scientific evidence. For example, the company claims that Lutemax 2020 promotes eye health specifically when it comes to blue light exposure. As we’ll discuss later on, the components of Lutemax 2020 may very well benefit your eye health, but the medical community’s understanding of blue light effects is nascent, at best. Claiming that this ingredient can somehow protect against that specific stressor borders on dishonesty.

Noocube aims to support your focus, memory, eye health, and more through the use of vitamins, antioxidants, botanicals, and other nootropic ingredients. Below, we’ll look at the science behind Noocube’s ingredients and how they may be able to improve your mental clarity and focus.

Vitamin B1 (1.1mg)

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is intrinsically linked to neurological health. As long ago as the 1930s, researchers identified correlations between thiamine deficiency and gross memory defects. Severe thiamine deficiency contributes to the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a degenerative brain disorder.

While thiamine supplementation has not demonstrated the ability to reverse the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders, it has shown potential to improve working memory and executive functions in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.10

A 2024 study found that older adults with a higher daily vitamin B1 intake (over 1.82mg) had better cognitive functioning than those with a lower daily intake (under 0.97mg).11 The amount in Noocube is closer to the lower end of the B1 intake studied, but the average daily thiamine intake from food and supplements for adults 20+ is about 4.9mg — so the additional 1.1mg from Noocube may not do too much for those not at risk for deficiency.12

Groups at risk for a vitamin B1 deficiency include older adults, people who have had bariatric surgery, and those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or alcohol dependence.12

Vitamin B12 (2.5mcg)

B vitamins play a critical role in cellular energy production and oxygen transport. Inadequate supplies of B vitamins, including B6, B9, and B12, can lead to anemia and inhibit metabolic and functional pathways.

Research shows that these micronutrients are essential in establishing and maintaining brain structures and enabling intercellular connections during brain development and aging.13 Supplementation of vitamin B12 in the deficient also improves energy and exercise tolerance and reduces fatigue.14

Like vitamin B1, Noocube’s inclusion of B12 may only benefit those with a clinical or subclinical deficiency. Most people in the U.S. get enough B12 from their diets, but vegetarians, vegans, older adults, and those with pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal disorders are at risk for B12 deficiencies.15

Biotin (50mcg)

Also known as vitamin B7, biotin may have a connection with mitochondrial functioning and dementia. A 2020 study on fruit flies found that biotin depletion appears to cause “mitochondrial pathology and neurodegeneration” in neurons.16 Of course, large-scale human studies need to be done before this can be suggested as fact.

A separate 2022 study linked a biotin deficiency to a worsening of short-term memory and locomotor activity in rats.17 Again, human studies are needed to confirm this finding. But, similar to the other vitamins mentioned above, it seems like supplementation of biotin could mainly benefit those who have deficiencies — but a biotin deficiency is rare. According to the National Institutes of Health, a severe biotin deficiency in those eating a normal, mixed diet has never been reported. The groups at risk include people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with biotinidase deficiency (a rare genetic disorder) or chronic alcohol exposure.18

If we turn to mood, however, a research survey of 7,387 adults found that higher intakes of B vitamins — particularly biotin — were associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. More research is needed, but this could mean that Noocube’s inclusion of biotin may help your mood or stress levels.19

VitaCholine (100mg)

In previous formulas of Noocube’s Brain Productivity, the company included 50mg of soy-derived alpha-GPC. For the current v3.0 formula, Noocube has swapped that out for an allergen-free alternative called VitaCholine. Choline is believed to protect against cognitive decline and may reduce dementia risk by “preserving neurons, brain volume, and neuronal transmissions” according to a 2011 paper in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.20 Choline also has an effect on how well your neurotransmitters function, with some animal studies suggesting that supplementation might improve memory impairment due to an increase in dopamine receptor densities.21

VitaCholine is a proprietary formulation of choline created by the health and wellness company Balchem Corporation. This specific ingredient was used in a randomized controlled trial at Cornell University to see how choline supplementation impacted docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in pregnant women.22 (DHA is essential for the proper development of the fetal brain.)23 There were two groups of study participants: moms who took 480mg of VitaCholine daily and moms who took 930mg. The babies born to the moms of the latter group had “significantly faster” information processing speed and reaction time.22

Seven years later, the same children were brought back to Cornell to complete sustained attention tests (SAT) and the 930mg group still “showed superior performance” when compared to the 480mg group.24

However, these tests using VitaCholine were partially funded by Balchem Corporation, meaning there is a risk of bias. And Noocube only contains 100mg of VitaCholine compared to the 480mg and 930mg used in the initial study. The recommended amounts of choline for adults of different groups are as follows:25

• Men 19+ (550mg)
• Women 19+ (425mg)
• Pregnant teens and women (450mg)
• Breastfeeding teens and women (550mg)

According to the National Institutes of Health, most people in the U.S. do not get enough choline in their diets, even when their intake is a combination of food and supplements. So, the amount in Noocube may at least help you get closer to the recommended daily intake, which could potentially help your cognition.25

Bacopa monnieri extract (250mg)

Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, water hyssop, or just “bacopa,” is a botanical ingredient with a long history in Ayurvedic medicine; it’s used to treat insomnia, epilepsy, and anxiety, and to improve memory and cognition.3

In a 2016 randomized, placebo-controlled trial on 60 medical students, researchers found that subjects taking 300mg of Bacopa monnieri daily experienced improved working memory, recall, and focus, as well as a decrease in distractibility (this was measured separately from focus).26

In a 2021 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on healthy adults over 55, researchers found that those who supplemented with 320mg of Bacopa monnieri daily over 12 weeks demonstrated significantly faster memory retrieval than those taking a placebo. However, neuroimaging results conflicted with the behavioral results, meaning that larger studies are necessary to determine how Bacopa monnieri may affect brain microstructure.27

Some successful research used the same 250mg dose of Bacopa monnieri as Noocube, including a small trial on older adults with age-associated memory impairment.28 That being said, most research does use 300mg or more.

L-Tyrosine (250mg)

Tyrosine (often listed as N-acetyl-L-tyrosine or “NALT” in supplements) is an amino acid and precursor of both dopamine and norepinephrine. Studies suggest that tyrosine supplementation may benefit healthy individuals under stress or cognitive demand by enhancing mental performance and mood.29

Experts haven’t determined an ideal supplementation dose, and the amount used in studies has varied greatly — all the way up to 20g (80 times Noocube’s 250mg).30 In a 2015 review of tyrosine supplementation for mitigating stress in healthy adult humans, a majority of the studies used 50-150mg/kg.31 This would mean a dose of about 3.9-11.6g for a 170lb human. Additionally, the researchers noted that the evidence is mixed, but tyrosine may benefit cognitive performance.

Ultimately, the L-tyrosine in Noocube might help with cognitive performance under stress, but it’s such a low dose that this effect may be unlikely.

Cat’s claw extract (175mg)

Cat’s claw is a woody vine with antioxidant properties. It’s native to the Amazon rainforest and other locations in Central and South America. In those regions, cat’s claw has long been used as a treatment for arthritis, stomach ulcers, inflammation, dysentery, and fevers. In vitro studies suggest the vine might stimulate the immune system, dilate blood vessels, kill cancer cells, and act as a diuretic, among other things.5

A 2019 study found that a specific Peruvian source of cat’s claw — “PTI-00703 cat’s claw” — appears to act as a strong inhibitor of the plaques and tangles that contribute to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.32

And a 2020 study on middle-aged rats found that doses of 5mg, 15mg, and 30mg of cat’s claw per kilogram of body weight reduced neurodegeneration and enhanced memory. In a 170lb human, this would be doses of about 63mg, 187mg, and 375mg. Noocube’s 175mg of cat’s claw falls in this range, so it may be able to help memory — but human studies using cat’s claw for cognition are needed to support this.33 The few, small human studies using the ingredient have been limited to treating rheumatoid arthritis or reducing chemotherapy side effects.34

L-Theanine (100mg)

Found in tea leaves, especially green tea,35 L-theanine is an amino acid that may have several health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing focus (particularly when paired with caffeine).36 37

In a 2021 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, researchers concluded that L-theanine may benefit middle-aged and older adults by improving focus, enhancing working memory, and improving behavior under stress. In this study, participants were given 100.6mg of “Suntheanine” brand L-theanine per day for 12 weeks.38 This is only 0.6mg more than the amount of L-theanine in Noocube.

A separate 2019 randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and double-blind trial on 30 healthy adults found that 200mg of L-theanine per day improved focus and executive function scores. Supplementation also seemed to reduce sleep disturbances and the use of sleep medication in the subjects.39

Panax ginseng (20mg)

Panax ginseng was added to Noocube’s v3.0 formula as a replacement for 150mg of oat straw extract. We’re happy to see this change, as oat straw has very little documented benefit for cognition in current research. While some studies found positive outcomes, like improved attention,40 another found that using oat extract for over 12 weeks “did not affect any measures of cognition” in older adults.41

Panax ginseng, on the other hand, has much more positive research behind it as an ingredient that can benefit cognition. A 2019 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on volunteers with mild cognitive impairment found that giving subjects 3g of Panax ginseng daily for six months “significantly” improved their visual memory, immediate recall, and delayed recall versus the placebo group.6

A 2018 study (on 3,918 older adults) investigating the effects of ginseng use on cognitive function later in life found that the “high use group” performed better in cognitive assessments. Ultimately, this study could indicate that those who take ginseng for five years or more may have better cognitive functioning as they get older compared to those who never take ginseng.42

Finally, as explained in a 2024 review, the doses of Panax ginseng used to investigate acute effects on cognitive function typically range from 100-600mg per day.43 With this in mind, Noocube’s 20mg may be too low to provide much benefit.

Lutemax 2020 (20mg)

Lutemax 2020 is a proprietary blend of the naturally occurring carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin derived from marigold flowers. These carotenoids may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.44 So, this ingredient is likely why Noocube’s website suggests its nootropic can protect your eyes. In support of this, a 2020 trial found that supplementing with 12mg of lutein alone for 16 weeks led to improved glare and contrast sensitivity, clearer outlines on visible objects, and a decrease in visual disturbance from light glare.45 Unfortunately, this study wasn’t on Lutemax 2020 specifically, but the dose of lutein in the amount of Lutemax 2020 Noocube uses is about 10.72mg, which is fairly close to 12mg.

Interestingly, these carotenoids appear to have potential benefits beyond eye or vision health. A 2018 placebo-controlled study on supplementation of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin in doses of 13mg or 27mg per day found that both treatment groups had significantly reduced stress, serum cortisol, and symptoms of poor emotional or physical health after six months. And researchers note that these results were either maintained or further improved after 12 months.46

A similar 2024 study in children ages 5-12 found that supplementing with 10mg lutein and 2mg zeaxanthin for 180 days improved their visual and cognitive performance while reducing eye strain and fatigue.47

Trans-resveratrol (14.3mg)

Resveratrol is a polyphenol with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s commonly found in blueberries, peanuts, and grapes (and red wine).48 Trans-resveratrol is the more biologically active form of the compound.49

More studies are needed, but the research that exists suggests resveratrol may be able to improve cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.48 These potential benefits could be due to resveratrol’s antioxidant activity, which allows it to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.50

Clinical trials on resveratrol’s neuroprotective effects found that both 250mg and 500mg of trans-resveratrol increased cerebral blood flow in subjects, but it did not acutely improve cognitive function.50 And a 2021 study with positive results involved postmenopausal women using “low-dose” resveratrol — 75mg twice daily or 150mg total — to improve cognition, cerebral blood flow, and insulin sensitivity.51 Noocube’s 14.3mg is much less than even what that study considered a low daily dose.

Pterostilbene (140mcg)

Pterostilbene is a phenol derived from blueberries and grapevines. Similar to resveratrol, it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Unfortunately, most of the current research on pterostilbene is limited to animal models.

In a 2019 animal study, researchers found that pterostilbene supplementation in rats demonstrated potential as a therapeutic for age-related cognitive decline. The rats in this study were given 22.5mg/kg daily, which is about 281mg for a 170lb human.52

A mouse study from 2023 found that both 20mg/kg and 60mg/kg of pterostilbene may be able to improve cognitive function due to diabetes by alleviating neuroinflammation and suppressing oxidative stress, among other positive changes. The doses used would be equivalent to about 125mg and 375mg for a 170lb human.53

Ultimately, most studies on animals used much more pterostilbene than what you’ll get from Noocube (140mcg is only 0.14mg). However, research on this compound is very much in its infancy, so we aren’t sure what dose would be most effective for humans at this point.

Noocube’s Sleep Upgrade supplement

Since we last evaluated Noocube, the company has started to offer a new “Sleep Upgrade” supplement. This melatonin-free sleep aid contains:

• Lemon balm leaf powder (600mg): Most studies on lemon balm involve it being mixed with other herbs. However, one study found that 600mg of standardized lemon balm extract improved mood and increased feelings of calm. Mount Sinai recommends a dose of 300-500mg for sleep.54
• Lavender extract (125mg; equivalent to 500mg lavender): A 2010 study on oral lavender for the treatment of anxiety found that 80mg per day had a “significant beneficial” effect on patients’ sleep quality and duration.55
• Vitamin D3 (10mcg): Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of sleep disorders and generally poor sleep quality.56 This vitamin is also involved in the production of melatonin, one of the hormones responsible for maintaining your circadian rhythm.57
• Magnesium (300mg): A small 2012 clinical trial on insomnia in older adults found that 500mg of magnesium per day significantly decreased patients’ Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores. The dose used in this study is almost double what’s in Noocube’s supplement, however.58
• Calcium (300mg): Similar to vitamin D, lower levels of calcium in the body can lead to trouble sleeping.59 Additionally, adequate levels of vitamin D are necessary for your body to absorb enough calcium, so these nutrients work better when paired together.60

For healthy adults who aren’t pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, taking Noocube’s Brain Productivity as directed should be generally safe. However, we always recommend speaking with your doctor first to get the all-clear before starting any new supplement — even just to make sure it won’t interact with any medications or health conditions.

The ingredients used by Noocube are nearly all underdosed, which doesn’t give it much of an efficacy boost but can make it safer. The B vitamins in the formula (B1, B7, and B12) aren’t much of a risk, as they’re all water-soluble,61 meaning your body will likely clear out any excess in your urine.62 Certain other ingredients, however, can still alter how some prescriptions work or may be unsafe for people with specific health conditions.

Here’s a quick look at some of the major safety details for most of the remaining (non-B-vitamin) ingredients:

Noocube states that its ingredients have “no harmful side effects,” but this is apparently not the whole truth — and it’s rather irresponsible for the company to claim this. Even if the majority of its nootropic’s ingredients should be generally safe for most people, there are still risks and possible side effects.

In our testing, our team didn’t experience any adverse effects, but that doesn’t mean someone else wouldn’t. We understand that marketing is important, but basically claiming that the supplement has no possible side effects is dishonest.

Even though you may be able to find Noocube elsewhere on the internet, these are unofficial third-party resellers. The only authorized seller of Noocube is the company itself from its own website, but this buying option is optimal for its 60-day money-back guarantee (double the length of those from competitors Thesis and Mind Lab Pro). If you’re dissatisfied with the product, contact customer service within 60 days of your order for a full refund. This satisfaction promise applies whether you purchase a single bottle or buy in bulk.

Noocube does not provide a subscription program, but purchasing in bulk can net you some significant savings. The company used to offer a 6-month supply (six bottles), but it has recently cut that bundle down to a 5-month supply while increasing the price. (The previous bundle was $180, or about $15 less.) But even though this change is disappointing, the 5-month bundle can still save you a fair bit of money per bottle, as shown in the chart below.

Interestingly, Noocube’s Sleep Upgrade supplement costs the exact same as its nootropic. At those prices, it’s difficult to recommend the company’s sleep aid at this time, especially when you can find similar supplements for much less elsewhere. For example, doing a quick search led us to several alternatives across the internet with similar amounts of lavender, lemon balm, magnesium, and even more potentially beneficial ingredients for sleep (like L-theanine) — all for around $17-$25 per month.67

Pivoting to shipping costs, Noocube (like Thesis) provides free worldwide delivery on all orders. And each shipment comes with “brain guides” containing various resources, including tips and exercises for promoting better clarity, concentration, and focus. In comparison, most nootropics don’t offer free shipping until you hit a certain purchase amount — like $50 or more — and most don’t normally include additional resources.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that neither Noocube nor most other nootropic brands accept insurance or HSA/FSA.

Is Noocube a good value?

Noocube (like most nootropics) can be on the expensive side. However, Noocube is still a bit less than most of our top nootropics picks, and purchasing it in the 5-month bulk package drops the cost per bottle by about half.

The chart below compares a 1-month supply of Noocube to some competing nootropics. The prices do not consider subscription plans or bulk purchases, which can deliver significant savings. Thesis, for example, drops to $79 per month if you subscribe, bringing it much closer in price to Noocube.

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As the nootropics landscape continues to expand, it’s important to consider the wide range of available alternatives to companies like Noocube. Some offer similar benefits at comparable prices, while others make for great bargain options. And, perhaps not surprisingly, several companies out there charge even more than Noocube for a boost in brain power.

Here’s a quick look at how Noocube compares to some of the top companies in the nootropics space. We’ve used the lowest possible price per bottle, including any available subscription or bulk discounts.

Thesis

Despite its high price tag, Thesis is consistently one of our favorite nootropics companies. It provides outstanding customer service, especially if you like getting support over the phone. Comparatively, Noocube has a pretty good live chat system, but the personal touch Thesis provides over the phone goes a long way in our book.

Thesis’ six blends include generous doses of well-researched ingredients. You can organize a monthly supply of up to four different formulas, with a week's supply of each. You can also choose to include or exclude caffeine from your order.

Thesis is available as a one-time purchase ($119) or a monthly subscription ($79) which makes it a better choice than Noocube if you're liable to forget about reordering before you run out. A quick quiz about your age, health, and goals helps the company assemble your first shipment, which is a mixed sample pack. Like Noocube, shipping is always free.

For a closer look at Thesis, check out our complete review.

Focus Factor

Thanks to its low price and extensive ingredient list, Focus Factor can be an appealing first stop for anyone interested in trying nootropics. The company’s Original formula contains more than 40 ingredients, but most of those are vitamins and minerals. This means that you may not see too much of an improvement if you’re not deficient in any of them. Focus Factor’s nootropic ingredients are all housed in a 640mg proprietary blend, obscuring the doses of each individual component. And the continued inclusion of vinpocetine — an ingredient that can cause birth defects — is a risky move that we aren’t huge fans of (competitor Mind Lab Pro removed this ingredient immediately after the FDA warning went out).2 Focus Factor Original also includes fish and soy allergens.

Of course, having 40+ ingredients also means that you won't know which ones might be making the most significant difference and which aren’t doing much. That's one of the things that makes a big ingredient list frustrating. If you're someone who wants a relatively inexpensive nootropic plus the better part of a multivitamin, then Focus Factor is a fine pick. But Noocube's more streamlined formula offers a lower risk profile and reduces the potential to ingest ingredients you don't need.

In addition to the original formula, Focus Factor offers extra strength options, kids' nootropics, energy shots, and more.

To get a complete picture of Focus Factor's lineup, read our comprehensive review.

Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro is probably the closest nootropic to Noocube on the market. Both contain abbreviated B vitamin complexes, choline precursors, Bacopa monnieri, tyrosine, and theanine. And both are also caffeine-free. There are a few important ingredient differences, though.

Let's take a look at them side-by-side for a clearer picture:

With its 500mg dose, Lion's mane mushroom plays an interesting role in Mind Lab Pro's formula. Studies suggest this mushroom may increase neurite growth, which can help improve learning and memory by encouraging neuroplasticity.68

Noocube doesn't boast ingredients with as much scientific backing to increase neurite growth, but its formula has more neuroprotective ingredients like pterostilbene. That means Mind Lab Pro might be better for someone already experiencing age-related cognitive decline, and Noocube could act more as a prophylactic against it. However, these are all possibilities, not facts, and more research is needed on nootropic ingredients.

You can learn more about Mind Lab Pro in our dedicated review.