Buying channels compared
Scroll sideways to see the full table.| Channel | Advantages | Risks | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand website | Documents and stock from the same business; easier to ask for your batch’s COA | Only as good as the brand | Published batch COA, business address, returns policy |
| UK retailer or pharmacy | Established returns; UK consumer law applies | Batch documents may sit with the brand, not the retailer | That the brand publishes batch COAs |
| Marketplace | Convenience and reviews | Third-party sellers, mixed stock, filtered reviews | The seller is the brand or an authorised stockist; see buying on marketplaces |
| Social media shop | Discovery | Unclear seller identity; claims rarely checked | Business name, address, documents |
| Overseas website | Range | May not meet UK labelling and contaminant rules; rights harder to use | See delivery, imports and customs |
Why the seller matters for traditional preparations
Contamination in traditional preparations sold online is documented. A US study of Ayurvedic products bought online found about one in five contained detectable lead, mercury or arsenic.[1] That study wasn’t specific to shilajit, but it’s a good reason to buy where batch testing is published and traceable.
How we bought for our evaluation
For our Nature Elixirs evaluation, we ordered directly from the brand as an ordinary customer. The jar arrived by Royal Mail and carried the batch number in the published laboratory report.
Five checks for any seller
- Who is the seller?A named UK business, or the brand itself; see checking a UK seller.
- Batch COAPublished, or provided on request for your batch.
- Lawful claimsNo disease or “boost” claims; see claims rules.
- Returns policyClear, and consistent with your consumer rights.
- Cost per servingCompared fairly with the calculator.
Sources & further reading
Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.
- Saper RB, Phillips RS, Sehgal A, et al.. Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines sold via the Internet. JAMA 300(8):915–923, 2008. View source (opens in a new tab) [Cross-sectional product survey]