Best melatonin: comparison & buying guide (2025)

Best melatonin brand: our review

We analyzed 11 dietary supplements among the best-selling online and selected the Sleep Formula with Plant-based Melatonin from the Novoma laboratory.

All the supplements we selected are made in France and contain no excipients or additives.

Our selection criteria

• Dosage: amount of melatonin contained in a capsule. A dose between 0.3 and 1.9 mg is recommended depending on the sleep issue.
• Origin: melatonin can be natural, i.e., extracted from plants, or synthetic.
• Other ingredients : the other ingredients included in the supplement, also intended to improve sleep.
• Price / day: the price for 1 day of treatment, based on the daily dose recommended by the brand.
• Customer reviews: this average of customer reviews for the brand comes from the manufacturer’s website, review platforms, or marketplaces such as Amazon.
• Our opinion on the brand: following the tests of dietary supplement brands that we perform each month and the analysis of 6 criteria such as transparency and expertise.

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Best melatonin

Novoma’s sleep formula is composed of plant-based melatonin, extracted from St. John’s wort, and four plants that have a targeted action on sleep.

This supplement aims to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and to promote deeper, more restorative sleep.

Each capsule contains 0.95 mg of melatonin, allowing dosing according to individual needs (1 or 2 capsules, in the evening before bedtime).

Novoma is a quality French brand offering supplements concentrated in active ingredients at controlled prices (read our full review here).

Use promo code DARWIN-5 to get €5 off your order (minimum purchase of €50).

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Best value for money

We selected the melatonin offered by Dynveo because it is 100% plant-based and natural, unlike many products on the market.

The melatonin is extracted and concentrated from St. John’s wort using an eco-friendly extraction process (water and ethanol).

Two dosages are offered: 0.3 mg for long-term use, effective and safe, and 1.9 mg for short-term use, for example after a significant time zone change.

Dynveo is a dietary supplement laboratory recognized for the concentration of active ingredients in its products. We have tested and approved its after-sales service, responsive and relevant (read our full review here to learn more).

Use promo code DARWIN101 to get a 10% discount (minimum purchase of €75).

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Best entry-level

Nutrimea’s melatonin is a good entry-level alternative. The melatonin is synthetic this time, and two capsules contain 1.8 mg.

The capsules also contain plants known for their beneficial effects on sleep: extracts of valerian, passionflower, and lavender.

Nutrimea is a quality French brand offering concentrated active-ingredient supplements at controlled prices. (our test here). Its product range is particularly wide.

Use promo code DARWIN10 to get 10% off (no minimum order).

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What is melatonin ?

It’s commonly called ‘the sleep hormone’. The body naturally produces melatonin in the pineal gland, located in the brain.

It is synthesized from a neurotransmitter, serotonin, itself formed thanks to tryptophan.

It plays a major role in sleep by regulating the circadian rhythms, that is, the alternation between wakefulness and sleep.

It adjusts our internal clock, facilitates falling asleep, and ensures quality, restorative sleep.

Melatonin secretion is synchronized with the light/dark cycle. Thus, it begins shortly after nightfall, in response to the absence of light.

This helps prepare the body for sleep and facilitates falling asleep.

It then gradually increases until reaching its peak around 3 a.m.. Secretion decreases during the second half of the night.

In the early morning, another hormone replaces it, cortisol, which activates wakefulness and alertness.

In some people, this natural cycle is disrupted. Melatonin secretion is then too late or, conversely, too early in the day.

This leads to difficulties falling asleep or sleep disorders: insomnia, night-time awakenings…

A decrease in blood levels of melatonin can also be observed. Stress, age, lack of light during the day, exposure to screens at night… are all contributing factors.

Diet can help increase the secretion of the sleep hormone. Opt for foods rich in melatonin but also in serotonin and tryptophan: dairy products, eggs, basmati rice, pistachios…

It is also possible to take dietary supplements to restore normal levels.

What are its benefits?

It helps with falling asleep

Melatonin acts in particular on sleep onset, the transition phase between wakefulness and sleep. The start of its secretion tells the brain and body that its time to sleep. It induces yawning, a feeling of tiredness and heavy eyelids.

It therefore helps you fall asleep more quickly while promoting relaxation and calmness at bedtime.

In this study, it reduced the time to fall asleep in shift work.

It relieves sleep problems

Melatonin ensures a beneficial and restorative nights sleep. When the cycle is disrupted or blood levels are low, sleep problems can occur.

It is particularly effective at relieving early awakenings and insomnia. Taking melatonin helps to “resynchronize” the internal clock.

It is also recommended to prevent and/or relieve the effects of jet lag or “jet lag”. It helps restore a healthy, good-quality sleep rhythm.

This review examines the action of melatonin on various sleep disorders: insomnia, hypersomnolence, parasomnia…

Where to buy melatonin ?

• Pharmacies and parapharmacies
• Organic stores
• Specialized shops (sports nutrition, dietary supplements…)
• Specialized e-commerce sites

What criteria should be considered ?

1. Form

Melatonin dietary supplements can be fast-acting, regular, or extended-release (extended-release melatonin).

• Fast-acting melatonin is indicated to fall asleep more quickly and easily. Thanks to sublingual absorption (spray, drops, or orodispersible tablets), it takes effect in just a few minutes.
• Regular-acting melatonin, meanwhile, is the most common and also promotes falling asleep. It comes in capsules or tablets. The effects are felt 30 to 50 minutes after taking.
• Extended-release melatonin (tablets) is intended for people who suffer from nighttime awakenings or more significant disorders. The hormone is released later and diffuses gradually. Its duration of action can extend beyond 4 hours after intake.

2. Melatonin concentration

The concentration of dietary supplements ranges between 0.3 mg and 5 mg of melatonin.

As a general rule, it is recommended not to exceed 2 mg/day. There is therefore no need to choose an overly concentrated product that could cause effects opposite to those intended.

It’s better to start with small doses before gradually increasing over several days or weeks (2 to 3 months maximum) depending on the results.

Melatonin should always be taken under medical supervision.

3. Synthetic or natural ?

Synthetic melatonin is produced in a laboratory, using a chemical process. It involves the use of numerous solvents and additives.

Natural melatonin, or phytomelatonin, comes from plants. It is found notably in rice, alfalfa, chlorella or St. John’s wort. This form is compatible with vegetarian and vegan diets.

4. Composition

The product’s composition should be as natural as possible. Avoid supplements containing excipients, preservatives, or GMOs. Also prefer capsules with a plant-based shell.

Since melatonin is a hormone and because of its method of extraction, it cannot be certified organic.

It can be found combined with plants that help improve sleep: valerian, griffonia, passionflower, California poppy…

5. Price

The price varies depending on the form, the brand, the concentration of active ingredients, or the manufacturing process.

Generally, expect between €10 and €26 for 60 capsules.

Naturally sourced melatonin is more expensive than the synthetic form.

To summarize

To make sure you choose quality melatonin, check:

• Form: choose between fast-acting, regular, or extended-release depending on your needs ;
• Melatonin concentration : you should not exceed 2 mg of melatonin per day ;
• Origin: prefer a natural, plant-based source rather than a synthetic one ;
• Composition : it should be natural, without excipients or preservatives. It may contain a blend of plants ;
• Price : it ranges between €10 and €26 for 60 capsules.

The supplements selected below are made in France and contain no excipients or additives.

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Best melatonin

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Best value for money

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Best entry-level

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Best sleep gummies

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