Best Melatonin: Comparison & Buying Guide (2025)

Best Melatonin Brand: Our Opinion

We analyzed 11 dietary supplements among the most sold online and selected the Sleep Formula with Plant-Based Melatonin from Novoma Laboratory.

All the supplements we selected are made in France and do not contain any excipients or additives.

Our Selection Criteria

• Dosage: amount of melatonin contained in one capsule. We recommend between 0.3 and 1.9 mg depending on the sleep issue.
• Origin: melatonin can be natural, meaning extracted from plants, or synthetic.
• Other Ingredients: other ingredients contained in the supplement, also dedicated to improving sleep.
• Price / day: the price for 1 day of treatment, with the daily dose recommended by the brand.
• Customer Reviews: this average of customer reviews on the brand comes from the laboratory’s website, review platforms, or marketplaces like Amazon.
• Our Opinion on the Brand: following the testing of dietary supplement brands we carry out 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 4 plants with targeted action on sleep.

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

Each capsule contains 0.95 mg of melatonin, allowing for dosage according to needs (1 or 2 capsules, in the evening before sleep).

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

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

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Best Quality / Price Ratio

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 ecological extraction process (water and ethanol).

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

Dynveo is a dietary supplement laboratory recognized for the concentration of active ingredients in its products. We have tested and approved their customer service, which is responsive and pertinent (read our full test here for more information).

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

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Best Entry-Level

The melatonin offered by Nutrimea is a good entry-level alternative. This time, the melatonin is synthetic, 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 supplements rich in active ingredients at controlled prices. (our test here). Its range of products is particularly wide.

Use the promo code DARWIN10 to get a 10% discount (no minimum order).

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What is melatonin?

It is 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, which is itself formed thanks to tryptophan.

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

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

The secretion of melatonin synchronizes with the light/dark cycle. Thus, it begins shortly after nightfall, in reaction to the absence of light.

This prepares the body for sleep and facilitates falling asleep.

It then increases gradually until it reaches its maximum around 3 a.m.. The secretion decreases during the second part 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. The secretion of melatonin is then too late or, conversely, too early in the day.

This results in difficulties falling asleep or sleep disorders: insomnia, nocturnal awakenings…

We may also observe a decrease in blood levels of melatonin. 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. Prioritize 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 facilitates falling asleep

Melatonin notably affects falling asleep, the phase of transition between wakefulness and sleep. The beginning of its secretion signals to the brain and body that it is time to sleep. It induces yawning, a feeling of fatigue, and heavy eyelids.

It thus helps to fall asleep more quickly while promoting relaxation and calmness at bedtime.

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

It relieves sleep disorders

Melatonin is the guarantee of a beneficial and restorative night’s rest. When the cycle is disrupted or in case of low blood levels, sleep disorders may occur.

It is particularly effective in 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. It helps to regain a healthy and quality sleep rhythm.

This review focuses on the action of melatonin on different sleep disorders: insomnia, hypersomnolence, parasomnia…

Where to buy melatonin?

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

What are the criteria to consider?

1. The form

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

• Fast-acting melatonin is recommended for falling asleep faster and easily. Thanks to sublingual absorption (spray, drops, or orodispersible tablets), it works in just a few minutes.
• Regular-acting melatonin, on the other hand, is the most classic and also aids in falling asleep. It comes in capsules or tablets. Effects are felt 30 to 50 minutes after ingestion.
• Extended-release melatonin (tablets) is intended for individuals with nighttime awakenings or more significant issues. The hormone is released later and diffuses gradually. Its effects can last beyond 4 hours after ingestion.

2. Melatonin Concentration

The concentration of dietary supplements ranges from 0.3 mg to 5 mg of melatonin.

Generally, it is advised not to exceed 2 mg/day. Therefore, there’s no need to choose a highly concentrated product that could lead to effects opposite to those desired.

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

Taking melatonin should always be done under medical supervision.

3. Synthetic or Natural?

Synthetic melatonin is manufactured in a laboratory using a chemical process. It involves the use of many solvents and additives.

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

4. Composition

The product composition must 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 due to its extraction method, it cannot be certified organic.

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

5. Price

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

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

Melatonin from natural sources costs more than the synthetic form.

To Summarize

To make sure you choose quality melatonin, check:

• The form: choose between fast-acting, regular, or extended-release depending on your needs;
• The melatonin concentration: you should not exceed 2 mg of melatonin/day;
• The origin: favor natural and plant-based sources rather than synthetic;
• The composition: it should be natural, without excipients or preservatives. It may contain a synergy of plants;
• The price: it ranges between 10 and 26€ for 60 capsules.

The selected supplements below are manufactured in France, without excipients or additives.

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Best Melatonin

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Best Quality / Price Ratio

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Best Entry-Level

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Best Sleep Gummies

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When you purchase the selected products, a commission may be paid to us in order to keep the site running, compensate our writers, and ensure you receive quality information. This does not affect prices.