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Ingredient Deep-Dive: What Is Actually in Evaly Products?
By Tashiro, Founder of Evaly. A transparent review of the active ingredients in our product lineup. Updated May 2026.
TL;DR
- This page exists because we think you should be able to trace every claim to a source. We review 9 key active ingredients across the Evaly product lineup.
- Most ingredients here have solid evidence at the doses we use. Where evidence is limited or mixed, we say so explicitly.
- Some ingredients have interaction or contraindication considerations that marketing typically omits. We list them here.
- If you are on medications or have a health condition, check the contraindications section for each relevant ingredient. When in doubt, consult your doctor.
AnaGain (Pea Sprout Extract)
Source: Organic pea sprout extract (Pisum sativum), standardized active developed by Mibelle Biochemistry, Switzerland.
What it does: AnaGain works on the dermal papilla cells in hair follicles, activating specific signaling molecules (Noggin and FGF-7) that control the anagen-to-telogen cycle. By upregulating these signals, it extends the active growth phase and promotes the transition of resting follicles back into active growth.
Clinical evidence: A company-sponsored in-vivo study of 20 volunteers showed a 78% improvement in the telogen-to-anagen ratio after 3 months of daily topical application. The study is manufacturer-sponsored, which is a limitation. No independent large-scale RCT exists as of 2026 (1).
Dose in Evaly products: 1% concentration in Hair Saviour Serum, aligned with the concentration used in the clinical study.
Contraindications: No known contraindications for topical use. Avoid if allergic to legumes (pea family) as a precaution, though reported reactions are rare.
Evidence quality: Moderate. Promising mechanism and positive initial study. Limited by single manufacturer-sponsored trial.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Source: Synthetic D-biotin (the biologically active form). Identical to the biotin produced by gut bacteria and found in food.
What it does: Biotin is a cofactor for five carboxylase enzymes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which is involved in fatty acid synthesis. Fatty acids support the cell membrane integrity of follicle cells. The keratin synthesis pathway depends on adequate biotin availability. See full mechanism in Biotin Science guide.
Clinical evidence: Strong for deficiency reversal. Moderate for supplementation in borderline-deficient populations. Limited in fully sufficient individuals (2).
Dose in Evaly products: 5000mcg (5mg) per daily serving of Biotin Gummies. Evidence-aligned dose range.
Contraindications: None established for oral supplementation. Critical interaction: biotin above 1000mcg can interfere with immunoassay-based thyroid and cardiac troponin tests. Stop 48 to 72 hours before these lab tests and inform your doctor.
Evidence quality: Strong for deficiency, moderate for borderline populations.
L-Glutathione
Source: Reduced L-glutathione (the active reduced form), produced by fermentation. Evaly products use reduced glutathione, not the oxidized GSSG form.
What it does: Glutathione is the body's primary intracellular antioxidant. It protects cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals and recycling other antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E). In the skin context, glutathione is associated with reduced melanin production through inhibition of tyrosinase, supporting a brighter, more even skin tone over time.
Clinical evidence: A 2014 randomized controlled trial by Weschawalit et al. in Thailand showed statistically significant skin brightening at 4 weeks with 500mg oral glutathione daily (3). Multiple smaller studies support the melanin inhibition mechanism. Bioavailability of oral glutathione was historically questioned, but a 2015 Richie trial showed measurable increase in blood glutathione levels at 500mg daily for 6 months (4).
Dose in Evaly products: 300mg per serving in the Glow Complex supplement. Conservative dose with a reliable effect ceiling.
Contraindications: Generally well-tolerated. Not recommended for people with active asthma (may affect cysteine metabolism). Some sources suggest avoiding high-dose glutathione in people with zinc or selenium deficiency as it can affect mineral balance. Consult your doctor if you are on chemotherapy.
Evidence quality: Moderate. Growing body of evidence for oral bioavailability and brightening effects. Dose optimization studies are ongoing.
Marine Collagen Peptides
Source: Hydrolyzed collagen from fish scales or skin (tilapia or cod depending on batch). Type I collagen peptides, molecular weight 3,000 to 5,000 Daltons for enhanced intestinal absorption.
What it does: Hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides are absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the dermis, where they stimulate fibroblast production of native collagen (Type I and Type III) and hyaluronic acid. The peptides act as signaling molecules, telling fibroblasts to increase synthesis (5).
Clinical evidence: A 2019 systematic review by Proksch in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology analyzed 19 randomized controlled trials and found statistically significant improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle depth at 2.5g to 10g daily for 4 to 12 weeks. Stronger evidence base than most topical collagen products (6).
Dose in Evaly products: 5000mg per daily serving in Collagen Peptide powder. Within the evidence-supported range.
Contraindications: Fish allergy: avoid marine collagen if allergic to fish or seafood. For those with fish allergy, bovine (beef-source) collagen is an alternative, though not available in the current Evaly lineup. Kosher and halal dietary considerations: marine collagen from fish scales is not pork-derived and is generally considered halal when certified.
Evidence quality: Strong for 2.5g to 10g daily over 8 to 12 weeks. Systematic review level evidence.
Melatonin
Source: Synthetic melatonin. Chemically identical to the hormone produced by the pineal gland.
What it does: Melatonin regulates the circadian sleep cycle by signaling to the body that it is night time. As a supplement, it reduces sleep onset latency (time to fall asleep), particularly for people with circadian phase delays (7). It is not a sedative in the pharmaceutical sense and does not produce dependence at standard doses.
Clinical evidence: Extensive. A 2017 meta-analysis of 19 RCTs found melatonin reduced sleep onset latency by 7.06 minutes and increased total sleep time by 8.25 minutes compared to placebo. Effect is most pronounced in people with circadian disruption (jet lag, shift work, delayed sleep phase) (7).
Dose in Evaly products: 0.5mg per Sleep Support gummy. This is the lower end of supplementation range (0.5mg to 5mg). Lower doses are associated with more physiological sleep induction with fewer morning grogginess reports than high-dose supplements (8).
Contraindications: Do not combine with blood thinners (warfarin) without medical guidance as melatonin may have mild anticoagulant effects. Not recommended for children or adolescents without medical supervision. Some people on antidepressants (SSRIs) should consult a doctor as there is a potential interaction. Do not drive or operate machinery immediately after taking melatonin.
Evidence quality: Strong for circadian adjustment. Moderate for chronic insomnia. Clear dose considerations at lower doses.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Source: Synthetic niacinamide (the amide form of Vitamin B3). Not niacin (nicotinic acid), which produces flushing. Niacinamide does not cause niacin flush.
What it does: Niacinamide is one of the most well-researched topical skincare actives. It inhibits melanin transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes (reducing hyperpigmentation), supports ceramide production (barrier function), reduces sebum production, and has anti-inflammatory effects at the skin surface (9).
Clinical evidence: A 2003 Bissett RCT showed significant improvement in fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and skin elasticity at 5% niacinamide over 12 weeks. Multiple studies confirm efficacy at 2% to 10% concentrations (9). One of the most replicated active ingredients in cosmetic dermatology.
Dose in Evaly products: 5% in Brightening Serum. The most evidence-supported concentration range.
Contraindications: Generally well-tolerated. At concentrations above 10%, some users experience mild flushing-like sensitivity (distinct from niacin flush). Do not layer with high-dose Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) simultaneously as niacinamide can convert some ascorbic acid to niacin under certain conditions, though this is more relevant at very high concentrations than typical usage.
Evidence quality: Very strong. Hundreds of trials. One of the best-evidenced topical actives in consumer skincare.
Magnesium Glycinate
Source: Magnesium chelated to glycine. The glycinate form has the highest oral bioavailability among common magnesium forms (oxide: ~4%, citrate: ~16%, glycinate: ~24 to 27%) (10).
What it does: Magnesium is a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, energy metabolism, and nerve signal regulation. In the context of sleep and stress, magnesium modulates NMDA receptor activity and GABA pathways, contributing to nervous system regulation and muscle relaxation.
Clinical evidence: A 2012 randomized trial by Abbasi showed significant improvement in sleep quality, sleep onset, and early morning awakening in elderly participants (average age 60+) with magnesium at 500mg daily for 8 weeks (11). Effects in younger populations without deficiency are more modest.
Dose in Evaly products: 200mg elemental magnesium (as glycinate) in Sleep Support capsules. The evidence-supported therapeutic dose for sleep support is 200mg to 400mg elemental magnesium.
Contraindications: Kidney disease: magnesium is cleared by the kidneys and can accumulate in renal insufficiency. People with kidney disease should consult a doctor before supplementing. Magnesium can have a laxative effect at higher doses, particularly with oxide form (less likely with glycinate). May interact with certain antibiotics (tetracycline class) and bisphosphonates by reducing their absorption. Take 2 hours apart.
Evidence quality: Strong for deficiency reversal. Moderate for general population sleep support. Form selection (glycinate) matters for bioavailability.
Hyaluronic Acid
Source: Fermentation-derived sodium hyaluronate. Two molecular weight forms typically present in Evaly topicals: high MW (>1000 kDa, surface hydration, plumping effect) and low MW (50-300 kDa, deeper skin penetration to the upper dermis).
What it does: Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. Topically, it increases surface hydration and provides temporary plumping of fine lines. The low-molecular-weight form penetrates to the upper dermis where it supports the extracellular matrix (12).
Clinical evidence: A 2014 split-face RCT showed significant improvement in skin hydration, firmness, and wrinkle depth at 8 weeks for both 50kDa and 130kDa molecular weight formulas (12). One of the most widely supported topical ingredients in dermatology literature.
Dose in Evaly products: 2% sodium hyaluronate solution in Hydrating Toner. Standard therapeutic concentration.
Contraindications: No significant contraindications for topical use. Avoid injected hyaluronic acid (dermal filler) without medical supervision. Note: hyaluronic acid is not the same as HA dermal fillers, which are cross-linked for structural use.
Evidence quality: Very strong for topical hydration. Extensive clinical literature across multiple molecular weight ranges.
Retinol Alternatives: Bakuchiol
Source: Extracted from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine. Purified bakuchiol is standardized to the meroterpene phenol compound with retinol-like activity.
What it does: Bakuchiol activates the same retinoid receptors (RARa, RARb, RARg) as retinol without the retinoid chemical structure. This produces similar downstream effects: collagen gene upregulation, reduced MMP activity, and skin cell turnover stimulation. Without the retinoid chemical backbone, it does not produce the photosensitivity and peeling associated with retinoids (13).
Clinical evidence: A 2019 double-blind RCT by Dhaliwal compared bakuchiol 0.5% twice daily to retinol 0.5% once daily in 44 subjects over 12 weeks. Both groups showed comparable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles with no statistically significant difference in outcomes. The bakuchiol group reported significantly less scaling and photosensitivity than the retinol group (13).
Dose in Evaly products: 0.5% in Night Renewal Serum. Matched to the clinical trial dose.
Contraindications: Fewer contraindications than retinol. Generally considered safe during pregnancy (unlike retinoids, which are contraindicated in pregnancy), though the standard advice is to confirm with your doctor before using any active during pregnancy. Not photosensitizing at standard doses.
Evidence quality: Moderate to strong. One well-designed head-to-head RCT with retinol showing comparable efficacy. Growing body of supporting research.
TRANSPARENCY PRINCIPLES
- Every ingredient in Evaly products has a published clinical reference. We do not include ingredients where the only evidence is the supplier's in-house data without independent replication, with the exception of AnaGain which we note clearly.
- Where evidence quality is limited, we say so. "Moderate" evidence means promising but not yet systematic review level. We do not upgrade this language in marketing copy.
- Contraindications are published here even when they reduce purchase intent. We believe you should have this information before you buy.
- If any of the above information is incorrect, email hello@evaly.store with the source and we will update this page.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are all Evaly ingredients natural?
Some are derived from natural sources (AnaGain from pea sprouts, marine collagen from fish, bakuchiol from plant seeds). Others are synthesized chemically but are bioidentical to natural forms (biotin, niacinamide, melatonin, magnesium glycinate). We do not distinguish between "natural" and "synthetic" in our formulations because the chemistry of the molecule matters more than its origin.
Why are the doses lower than some competitor products?
We dose at the level supported by the published clinical evidence. Higher doses are often marketed without proportionally stronger evidence. We avoid exceeding what the data supports, particularly for ingredients with known dose-dependent interaction risks like magnesium and melatonin.
Can I take multiple Evaly supplements together?
Most combinations are safe. The main interaction to be aware of is taking magnesium at the same time as certain antibiotics. Separate by 2 hours. Biotin, marine collagen, and L-glutathione can all be taken together. For personalized guidance based on your medications, consult your doctor.
Where can I see the full ingredient list for each product?
Full ingredient lists (INCI format for topicals, nutrition facts panel for supplements) are on each product page on evaly.store. If you have a specific allergy concern not addressed in this guide, email hello@evaly.store with the ingredient name and we will provide the supplier specification sheet.
Does Evaly test for heavy metals and contaminants?
Yes. All supplement products are third-party tested for heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic), microbial contamination, and label-claim ingredient verification. COA (Certificate of Analysis) results are available on request at hello@evaly.store.
SOURCES
- Mibelle Biochemistry. AnaGain NU clinical study. Pea sprout dermal papilla activation study, 20 subjects, 3 months topical. 2015.
- Patel, D. P. et al. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disorders, 2017.
- Weschawalit, S. et al. Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017.
- Richie, J. P. et al. Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. European Journal of Nutrition, 2015.
- Oesser, S. et al. Oral administration of 14C labeled gelatin hydrolysate leads to an accumulation of radioactivity in cartilage of mice. Journal of Nutrition, 1999.
- Proksch, E. et al. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2014. Systematic review updated 2019.
- Ferracioli-Oda, E. et al. Meta-Analysis: Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary Sleep Disorders. PLOS ONE, 2013. 19 RCTs.
- Brzezinski, A. et al. Effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep: a meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2005. Dose optimization data.
- Bissett, D. L. et al. Niacinamide: A B Vitamin that Improves Aging Facial Skin Appearance. Dermatologic Surgery, 2005.
- Coudray, C. et al. Study of magnesium bioavailability from ten organic and inorganic Mg salts in Mg-depleted rats. Magnesium Research, 2005.
- Abbasi, B. et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2012.
- Pavicic, T. et al. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011.
- Dhaliwal, S. et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology, 2019.
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