SWIISH has been on my radar for a while now, boasting rave reviews and a large community following. I reviewed two products from their range – Hair and Metabolism Support and Sleep Superfood Powder– and rated these vitamin subscription products based on formula quality, taste and value for money.
Who are SWIISH?
SWIISH is an Australian wellness brand that prides itself on creating products to inspire you to be your authentic self and to seize each day with a glowing, healthy confidence.
Founded in 2012 by sisters Sally Obermeder and Maha Corbett, SWIISH supplements are scientifically formulated using high-quality ingredients, without preservatives and fillers.
What do SWIISH offer?
SWIISH offers a range of lifestyle products and services. Their offerings include health and wellness products – including their wide range of vitamin supplements and vitamin subscriptions, fashion and accessories, beauty products, as well as online programs and resources focused on living a healthy, balanced and fulfilling life.
Can vitamins help me get healthier?
SWIISH offers a range of vitamins and supplements that are designed to support health concerns and contribute to overall health and well-being. While incorporating these products into a balanced and healthy lifestyle may contribute to improved health, it’s important to note that individual results may vary. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your specific needs and goals.
How much is a SWIISH vitamin subscription?
When you sign up for a SWIISH vitamin subscription you automatically save 20% off the product and the product is automatically delivered at the time interval of your choice (1, 2 or 3 months). The price varies between products for example the Sleep Superfood Powder is $55.96/month with fast, free delivery Australia-wide.
| The Good: | The Not So Good: |
| Subscription service available | Sleep Superfood Powder is a simple formula |
| Use of wholefood ingredients | High price point for products |
| Research-backed ingredients | No quantities or ratios are listed on the pack for ingredients |
Sleep Superfood Powder Review
This powder retails for $129.95 for 375g (136.4 serves per pack). I can’t lie when I say I was quite shocked at the price of this product – this might be one of the most expensive sleep formulas on the market! However, when calculated, each serve equates to 95c, which sounds a lot more reasonable! Furthermore, on subscription, you can save 20% which is a good option for those who are looking to take this consistently.
Nutrition Overview of Sleep Superfood Powder
The formula contains tart cherry (prunus cerasus), banana, cherry, cacao, honey, date, ginger, turmeric, Siberian ginseng, cinnamon, natural vanilla flavour, and claims to:
- Support natural melatonin production
- Improve sleep depth and quality
- Promote a steady state of relaxation
- Support the circadian rhythm
- Support feelings of stress and anxiety
- Help regulate the nervous system
- Will have you waking refreshed not sluggish
I was initially quite sceptical when reading the ingredient list on this product. It is advertised as a sleep formula yet contains very few therapeutic nutrients for nervous system support. One of the first nutrients that should be considered when looking at the nervous system and sleep is magnesium – and yet there is no magnesium in this formula, only wholefood ingredients that contain a small amount of naturally occurring magnesium.
They also do not list the quantity or ratio of the ingredients included which raises questions as to the efficacy of the product.
The main ingredient in this formula is tart cherry which SWIISH cites research to support its inclusion in the formula. Tart cherry contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is used by the body for the production of melatonin (sleep hormone) and serotonin (happy hormone). Tart cherry also has antioxidant properties. It is worth noting that they do not cite evidence for other ingredients included in the formula.
Banana is a source of magnesium, potassium and tryptophan, however, there is little evidence to support its use for sleep promotion. Furthermore, the average banana contains 27mg of magnesium per 100g which is a very small amount. A therapeutic dose of magnesium is typically 300mg. As it is unclear how much banana makes up the formula and therefore the total magnesium content, its therapeutic benefit is questionable.
Cacao is a good antioxidant and source of magnesium and is suggested to support healthy circadian rhythms and sleep, despite the fact that cacao does contain caffeine.1 Ginger and turmeric both have strong anti-inflammatory benefits which may benefit nervous system health, however, there are limited studies on their use for sleep promotion. Siberian Ginseng was the one ingredient I was pleased to see in this product – it is a high-quality adaptogen that has been found to support nervous system health.2
My Experience
The directions for use are 1 or 2 scoops in ½–1 cup of warm milk (the is a scoop included in the package however I could not locate it until I was more than halfway through the bag!). Personally, I am not a fan of banana or cherry flavours, so this formula isn’t for me, it was too sweet, however, if you enjoy these flavours then this product is for you! When mixing the powder in milk it was very lumpy and created an unpleasant texture when consumed. I found I had to use a blender or a small whisk to create a smooth mixture. Whilst I did not notice a difference in my sleep after taking this product, my partner tried it for a week and found that he had improved sleep.
I was unable to find another product similar to the Sleep Superfood Powder on the market, as many sleep products come in capsules or are magnesium based, so if you are looking for a wholefood-based sleep powder (and enjoy something sweet before bed), this could be a good option for you. However, in my opinion, a magnesium-based formula is a more effective option if you are looking for sleep and nervous system support, as magnesium is well researched.3 Some of my recommendations include:
- Vitable Magnesium Night Powder. This product retails for $29.00 for 105g (30 servings). You can check out my review of Vitable’s Powdered Supplements including the Magnesium Night Powder here.
- The Healthy Chef Magnesium Powder. $79.95 for 500g (100 serves).
SWIISH Sleep Superfood Powder
Hair and Metabolism Review
Hair and Metabolism retail for $49.95 for 60 capsules, or $39.96 on subscription which reflects the price point of similar products on the market. Beauty Chef has a product called Metabolism and Sugar Balance which retails for $47.00 for 60 capsules and JSHealth Vitamins has a very popular product called Hair and Energy which retails for $44.99 for 60 capsules. I was initially confused by the name of this product – ‘Hair and Metabolism’ – for me, these are two very different health concerns, and quite frankly, anything with the word ‘metabolism’ in the title has me thinking that it’s just a marketing ploy.
Nutrition Overview of Hair & Metabolism
SWIISH’s Hair and Metabolism is scientifically formulated to support hair growth and metabolism function and is made up of Ascophyllum nodosum whole plant powder (250mcg iodine), zinc amino acid chelate (15mg zinc equivalent), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin. It is gluten-free, vegan and tree nut free. The formula claims to support:
- Hair growth and health
- Metabolism
- Energy production
- Nail health
- Healthy thyroid gland support
- Skin support
Research is cited on their website for the key ingredients included which is great to see and adds to the product’s credibility. Read more on SWIISH website.
Iodine is a crucial nutrient required by the body for optimal thyroid health. Our thyroid hormones are responsible for several processes including growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction. It is worth noting that caution is needed with pregnant women who might already be taking an iodine supplement and those with pre-existing thyroid conditions. Consult with your healthcare practitioner before taking this product. Whilst most of us get enough iodine in our diets if we consume iodised salt, additional iodine support may be required in some individuals. 150mcg is the recommended daily intake, and this product provides 250mcg which falls under the upper limit for iodine intake.4 SWIISH also use a plant source of iodine, like JS Health which is a good quality source of iodine.
Zinc is an essential nutrient for hair, skin and nails, and is a great addition to this formula. The form of zinc used is absorbed well by the body and each capsule provides the equivalent of 15mg of zinc, which is a supportive dose. Some people can experience nausea after taking zinc so I would recommend taking this product with food (preferrable in the morning with breakfast).
B2 is a water-soluble B vitamin that has strong antioxidant functions and plays an important role in metabolic reactions – specifically the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The formula contains 5mg, which is higher than the daily recommended intake of 1.1mg for women, however, there are no risks associated with higher intakes of B2. B2 is a good addition to this formula and is not included in the JS Health Hair and Energy or Beauty Chef Metabolism and Sugar Balance.
Biotin is required by all organisms and acts as a cofactor in metabolic reactions within the body. Biotin is commonly referred to as the key nutrient for hair and nail support, and whilst the research is limited, the available evidence supports its use.5 However, higher doses (1,000mcg+/day) have been reported as more effective for hair loss – SWIISH’s Hair and Metabolism provide 75mcg with each capsule.
This is a good formula for hair, skin and nails and provides some of the key nutrients required by the body for healthy metabolism however, there are other variables that need to be considered when it comes to metabolism – diet and exercise. We must eat a balanced diet, eat regularly (extended periods of fasting can disrupt our metabolism) and move our bodies often. If you aren’t already doing these things, this supplement alone will not improve your metabolism. If you are currently prioritising your diet and exercise, this supplement may provide additional support for healthy metabolism.
My Experience
After taking one capsule each day for four weeks, I did not notice any visible difference in my hair, skin or nails, however, I have seen a number of success stories from other women who have used this product for hair growth, so there is a reason this product is often sold out! If you choose to take this product, I also recommend pairing it with a collagen powder to maximise the hair, skin and nail benefits.
SWIISH Hair and Metabolism
References
- Garbarino S., Garbarino E., Lanteri P. (2022). Cyrcadian Rhythm, Mood, and Temporal Patterns of Eating Chocolate: A Scoping Review of Physiology, Findings, and Future Directions. Nutrients, 14(15):3113. doi: 10.3390/nu14153113.
- Lee S., Rhee D.K. (2017). Effects of ginseng on stress-related depression, anxiety, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. J Ginseng Res, 41(4):589-594. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2017.01.010.
- Schwalfenberg G.K., Genuis S.J. (2017). The Importance of Magnesium in Clinical Healthcare. Scientifica (Cairo). doi:10.1155/2017/4179326.
- Nutrient Reference Values, (2014). Iodine. Retrieved from https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/iodine
- Patel D.P., Swink S.M., Castelo-Soccio L. (2017). A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disord, 3(3):166-169. doi: 10.1159/000462981.
FAQs
Yes, SWIISH provide a variety of quality health supplements made from wholefoods and plants that are designed to support a variety of health concerns.
The best vitamin to take depends on individual needs, health conditions, and deficiencies. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalised guidance on the most suitable vitamin supplementation for an individual.
The effectiveness of hair, skin, and nail vitamins in improving the health and appearance of these aspects varies among individuals. While some people may experience positive results, it is important to note that a balanced diet, overall health, and addressing any underlying deficiencies play significant roles in the health of hair, skin, and nails.
SWIISH’s products have a higher price point compared to other wellness brands such as the Beauty Chef. Their powdered products are particularly expensive ranging from 95c – $2+ per serving. However, on subscription, these products are better value for money.
Yes, given the price point of some of their products, SWIISH is positioned as a premium service.
Yes, Vitable and JSHealth Vitamins all offer subscription services and a range of powdered and capsule supplements.
