Anatomy of a Label: How to Spot "Fairy Dusting" and "Proprietary Blends"

by Jason J. Duke - Owner/Artisan

Fresh Content: December 3, 2025 14:42

What is Label Literacy?

Label Literacy is the consumer's ability to decode the Supplement Facts Panel to distinguish between marketing deception and formulation reality. The Golden Rule: Weight (mg) inside the box implies a solid or dissolved powder. A True Fluid Extract lists the ingredients in the box, but places the Extraction Ratio (e.g., 1:2) and Herb Equivalent (e.g., ~500mg) outside the box to maintain strict transparency.

The Decoder Ring: Industry Terms vs. Reality

Label Term Placement Sovereign Verdict
Proprietary Blend Inside the Box RED FLAG. Hides "Fairy Dusting" (mostly filler).
500mg (Weight) Inside the Box (for Liquid) RED FLAG. Implies a "Dissolved Powder" or sludge.
Spring Water Other Ingredients RED FLAG. Inferior solvent. Already saturated with minerals ("Full Hands").
Distilled Water Other Ingredients GREEN FLAG. The "Empty Vessel" for maximum extraction.
Extraction Ratio Outside the Box GREEN FLAG. Transparency. Shows exactly how the liquid was made.
Herb Equivalent Outside the Box GREEN FLAG. The math of potency, correctly categorized.

 

1. DSHEA & The "Cure" Forbidden Word

You will notice that on our bottles, we never say "Cures Arthritis" or "Treats Insomnia." Instead, we say "Supports Healthy Joint Mobility" or "Promotes Restful Sleep."

This is not just us being poetic; it is federal law. Under DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act), supplements can only make Structure/Function claims. We describe how the nutrient supports the structure of the body or the function of a system.

2. The "Proprietary Blend" Scam

If a label says "Proprietary Stress Blend: 500mg" inside the box, put it back. You have zero way of knowing how much of each herb is in there.

The "Fairy Dusting" Tactic: A manufacturer can put 495mg of cheap Chamomile and 1mg of expensive Valerian in that mix. They get to list Valerian on the label, but you get none of the benefit. This is "Fairy Dusting."

Red Flag vs Green Flag Supplement Label Comparison
Figure 27a: The Label Integrity Test. Note how the Green Flag label lists specs OUTSIDE the box.

3. The Deception of "Weight" in Liquid

If you see "Amount Per Serving: 500mg" inside the box of a liquid extract, it implies you are drinking sludge.

Why? Because 500mg is a measurement of solid mass. To fit 500mg of actual herb powder into a single milliliter of liquid, the product would be thick and gritty. If it's clear, they are misleading you. The Green Flag approach is to list the ingredients in the box, and the Transparency Specs (Ratio and Equivalent) clearly separated below.

4. The DHE (Dry Herb Equivalent)

Look at the Transparency Specs on our label. You will see Extraction Ratio: 1:2 and Herb Equivalent: ~500.

This is the math of honesty. It tells you that for every 2 parts of liquid, we used 1 part of raw herb. This allows you to know exactly how much "plant power" is in that dropper, without pretending the solid plant is physically inside the bottle.

Phase 4: Formulation Architecture (Applied Alchemy)

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