Qualia Mind 2.0 Review: Ultimate New Nootropic to Unleash Your Brain’s Potential?

If you’ve heard of nootropic brain enhancing supplements, you’ve likely come across a product called Qualia Mind.

For a decade, it’s been dubbed the closest thing we have to a universal Limitless pill—one that unlocks the full potential of the user’s mind.

Letting you enjoy both noticeably powerful short-term effects and long-term brain health support.

Recently, the MDs, NDs, and PhDs behind Qualia unveiled their new Qualia Mind 2.0 formula.

Each capsule contains clinical dosages of 32 handpicked, evidence-based ingredients.

Because of tremendous human bio-individuality, I’m generally not a fan of universal one-size-fits-all nootropics.

I’ve tried about 200 different brain supporting ingredients and nootropics. So when their team offered me a sample, I gave it a shot regardless.

What follows is everything you need to know about the new Qualia Mind 2.0 nootropic.

I’ll share some background, review my personal experience, and help you decide if this premium brain supplement is right for you.

What is Qualia Mind?

Qualia Life Sciences (previously called Neurohacker Collective) is a popular brand that formulates evidence-based supplements.

What sets them apart is their approach to formulation.

Instead of overriding the body’s built-in regulatory systems, Qualia supplies the raw materials and precursors to support the body’s innate self-regulatory mechanisms.

That’s exactly the approach they took with Qualia Mind; a supplement they launched in 2016 that quickly topped the charts of the best nootropics.

The Qualia Mind formula is designed with daily use in mind, providing a safe but effective mental boost of brain clarity, information processing, and enhanced attention for hours—with no crash Share on X

Plus, although their formulas contain up to 32 different ingredients, they don’t compromise on quality at all.

Qualia chooses both the latest science-backed ingredients and the safe-proven favorites of ancient medical practices.

They use the optimal (but premium) patented versions of ingredients and study the interactions between substances to ensure they complement each other.

Simple nootropic science

Nootropic brain supplements work primarily by influencing the activity and production of certain key brain chemicals (neurotransmitters and neuromodulators) associated with particular behaviors and goals.

People use nootropics to improve their:

• Focus
• Creativity
• Reasoning
• Energy
• Motivation
• Clarity
• Productivity
• Learning
• Memory

And much more.

To be considered a true nootropic (rather than a “smart drug”), a substance must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Cognitive Enhancement: They improve mental functions like memory, creativity, and focus
2. Neuroprotection: They protect the brain from damage and support brain health
3. Low Toxicity: They have minimal side effects and are safe for long-term use
4. Non-Addictive: They do not cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms

Top product formulas contain multiple ingredients that work together to help your brain perform better.

Key ingredients in the new Qualia 2.0

In September 2024, Qualia released their new Mind 2.0 formula. It largely builds on the previous version, with a few key upgrades.

They removed several redundant ingredients that took up a lot of capsule space and added little value.

The new formula contains:

• 13 new ingredients
• 21 brain nutrients
• 2X the trademarked ingredients
• Vision and hearing support

All in fewer capsules.

I was pleased to see that they now include some of the very best upcoming ingredients and underrated nootropics.

The Qualia Mind 2.0 ingredients include:

1. 50mg Sabroxy® (Oroxylum indicum bark extract): Supports nerve health and dopamine signaling, which helps with motivation and focus
2. 370mg Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract (3% rosavins, 1% salidrosides): An adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress, enhances mood, and supports cognitive function
3. 300mg Nutricog®: A proprietary Ayurvedic blend that may contain various Haritaki and Shallaki with neuroprotective, brain growth, and learning & memory-enhancing properties
4. 120mg Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract (24% glycosides): Promotes blood flow to the brain, supports memory and cognitive function
5. 100mg Polygala Tenuifolia Root Extract: Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support cognitive function and memory
6. 90mg SmartSeed™ (Celastrus paniculatus seed extract): An herbal extract thought to enhance memory and cognitive function
7. 28mg Saffron Stigma Extract: Known for powerfully enhancing mood and cognitive function, as well as its antioxidant properties
8. 10mg Lutein (from Lutemax Brain marigold flower extract): An antioxidant that supports eye health and likely benefits cognitive function
9. 2mg Zeaxanthin (from Lutemax Brain marigold flower extract): An antioxidant that supports eye health and may have neuroprotective effects.
10. 115mg L-alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC): A choline source supporting acetylcholine production, vital for memory and learning
11. 50mg Cognizin®: A source of choline and cytidine that aids in producing acetylcholine, important for memory, learning, and attention
12. 10mg Pyrroloquinoline Quinone disodium (PQQ): An antioxidant that benefits brain function by supporting blood flow and energy production
13. Coffeeberry® Whole Coffee Fruit Extract: Contains 100mg of natural caffeine and polyphenols that boost energy and promote neurotransmitter release, enhancing mood and alertness
14. Guarana Seed Extract: A caffeine-rich plant that enhances energy and supports neurotransmitter release for improved mood and performance
15. Caffeine (anhydrous): Widely used stimulant that boosts energy metabolism and neurotransmitter release, improving alertness
16. 100mg Phosphatidylserine (from sunflower lecithin): A key brain nutrient that supports cell membranes and neurotransmitter functions related to memory
17. 500mg Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl (ALCAR): A form of L-carnitine that supports brain energy production and neurotransmitter synthesis, helping with cognitive function
18. 250mg N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine: Provides L-tyrosine, a building block for dopamine, promoting focus, motivation, and executive functions
19. 200mg Taurine: An amino acid that supports brain health and functions related to memory, GABA transmission, and neuroprotection
20. 200mg L-Theanine: An amino acid found in tea that promotes relaxation without drowsiness, enhancing focus and mental alertness
21. 3mg Boron (as boron glycinate): A trace mineral that may enhance brain activity and cognitive performance
22. 45mg Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid): An antioxidant that protects neurons and aids in neurotransmitter regulation
23. 600IU Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol from VegD3®): Important for neuron health and function, supporting neurotransmitter signaling
24. 2.5mg Thiamine (as thiamine HCl): A B-vitamin essential for brain energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis
25. 2mg Riboflavin: Supports energy production in the brain and is important for antioxidant function
26. 16mg Niacin (as Niacinamide): Supports energy production and protects the nervous system
27. 2mg Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal 5′-phosphate/P5P): Important for neurotransmitter production related to mood and cognition
28. 333mcg Folate (as L-5′-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium): Supports nerve cell function and neurotransmitter production
29. 100mcg Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin): Essential for nerve health and neurotransmitter synthesis
30. 30mcg Biotin: Supports glucose metabolism and dopamine neurotransmission
31. 5mg Pantothenic Acid (as calcium pantothenate): Important for energy production and neurotransmitter synthesis
32. 84mg Magnesium (as magnesium aspartate): Supports neurotransmitter functions and is crucial for brain energy production

Many of these are brain nutrients, in the ideal and most absorbable forms. Others, like Sabroxy and Saffron are potent nootropics on their own.

Benefits & Effects I Notice From Qualia Mind 2.0

Qualia Mind has always supported both long-term brain health and neuroplasticity, while simultaneously producing immediately noticeable effects.

Most other formulas only do one or the other.

I’ve taken a lot of Qualia Mind. 100+ doses of the old formula, and about 15 doses of the new 2.0 version.

I’ve noticed some significant benefits of Qualia Mind including improvements to:

1. Focus & concentration: Helps improve attention and the ability to concentrate on tasks
2. Memory: Supports memory retention and recall
3. Energy: Boosts mental stamina and reduces feelings of fatigue
4. Mood: Slightly enhances mood and reduces stress levels
5. Motivation & drive: Helps you beat procrastination and get more done
6. Neuroprotection: Protects brain cells from oxidative stress and damage
7. Information processing speed: Improves the speed at which you can process information
8. Verbal fluency & sociability: Helps you to communicate more eloquently
9. Mental clarity: Enhances overall mental clarity and cognitive sharpness
10. Stress resilience: Helps the body and mind adapt to stress more effectively
11. Creativity: Allows you to discover patterns and form novel insights
12. Learning ability: Supports better learning capabilities and cognitive performance

Within about 30 minutes of popping a capsule, I notice a marked uptick of energy, motivation, focus, mood, and processing speed.

This formula seems to enhance my reasoning & logic abilities slightly more than creativity. My productivity certainly increases, as long as I stay focused on the right tasks

For me, the effects peak at about 90 minutes, and last about five hours.

The mood effects become more apparent with regular usage. As do the learning, memory, stress resilience, mental clarity.

Although I cannot yet quantify it, any brain health or neuroplasticity benefits would take several months of regular usage to optimize.

Best of all, it’s a safe formula with no real crash or come down.

How to Use Qualia Mind For Max Effects

To avoid sleep disturbances, I like to take 1-6 capsules early in the morning—preferably before 10 AM.

You’ll want to use it even earlier if you’re sensitive to:

• Caffeine
• Stimulants
• Energizing substances

I recommend beginning with one capsule to gauge your response.

For the best effects, take it away from food (especially protein/amino acids). This ensures max absorption and thus stronger effects.

They recommend taking it no more than five consecutive days to prevent habituation and to retain max potency.

The usual protocol is five days of use, followed by two days off. But that’s not a requirement.

Qualia Mind will potentiate other substances you ingest, including caffeine Share on X

I choose the caffeine-free version so that I can enjoy it alongside my morning Genius Coffee recipe.

Get the caffeine-free Qualia Mind with a discount:

Side effects

Everyone reacts differently to supplements, and even more to nootropic brain supplements.

I sometimes got a headache from the original formula, but never from this new version

Other potential side effects of Mind 2.0 include:

1. Insomnia: Certain ingredients like caffeine can cause difficulty sleeping in some people
2. Anxiety or Jitters: Stimulating effects can sometimes lead to increased anxiety or feelings of restlessness
3. Headaches: Some ingredients could cause headaches, particularly if taken in high doses
4. Digestive Issues: Nausea, stomach cramps, or other gastrointestinal issues may occur
5. Increased Heart Rate: Stimulants can elevate heart rate and blood pressure in some people
6. Dizziness: Although rare, some users might feel lightheadedness or dizziness
7. Mood Swings: Sensitive users may experience larger changes to their mood
8. Allergic Reactions: Rarely, some people might have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients

As with all nootropics, pregnant women, those with medical conditions, and kids should consult with their primary healthcare provider before considering use.

Qualia Mind Alternatives

Of all the nootropics available, Qualia Mind is among the most popular. But it’s not the only choice.

Let’s compare and contrast it to some of the most popular substitutes and competitive products.

Qualia Mind vs Qualia Focus

Qualia Focus is Mind’s little and more affordable brother. At nearly 1/3 of the price, it contains just 14 of the core nootropic ingredients.

Each serving of Focus consists of just two capsules versus the 6 in Qualia Mind 2.0.

As the name implies, Qualia Focus delivers the short-term benefits. Things like energy, focus, and motivation.

The major downsides are that it doesn’t include the ultra-high-quality trademarked ingredients (like affron saffron and Sabroxy).

That, and to cut costs, they added some fillers which you’ll see in the product’s “Other Ingredients” section.

Qualia Mind vs Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro (MLP) is one of the other biggest names in nootropic supplements. Both are great, high-quality products.

Again, a serving of MLP is just two capsules and contains 11 ingredients. MLP is currently on their fourth generation formula, and it costs about half the price of Mind 2.0.

The MLP formula is far simpler, focusing primarily on herbs, vitamins, botanicals. If you want a simple and affordable formula, this is a good option.

Qualia Mind vs Alpha Brain

Joe Rogan popularized the term “nootropics” with his continued promotion of a product called Alpha Brain.

Personally, I can’t stand this formula. It gives me a headache and makes me feel robotic.

It contains the low quality, non-”activated” form of vitamin B6, as well as several proprietary formulas.

The dosages they do list are not ideal and especially not for regular usage (such as Huperzine-A).

Given the premium price, I’d either pick Qualia Focus or MLP over Alpha Brain.

Qualia Mind vs Adderall

Adderall is a potent prescription stimulant used to treat symptoms of neurodivergence like ADD and ADHD.

Tolerance builds, and it requires larger doses over time to maintain efficacy.

Adderall is quite strong, but it does not nourish or protect the brain. In fact, it can actually worsen deficiencies and cause depletion.

It also causes irritability, mood swings, and sometimes insomnia.

That’s why I generally recommend talking to your doctor about these powerful adderall alternatives.

Qualia Mind isn’t nearly as powerful, but it’s effective, safe over the long-term, and has a plethora of brain health supporting benefits.

Should You Buy Qualia Mind?

The original Qualia Mind was quite expensive. Definitely putting it into the class of premium nootropics.

At $159 for a onetime purchase, it’s over-priced. Considering you can buy similar nootropics for about half the price.

Subscriptions knock $20 off the price (75% off on your first purchase), making it slightly more attractive. At that price, it’s still cheaper than most coffees at your local shop.

Personally, I usually only take one capsule and still feel pronounced effects. Bringing the cost per dose down 5-fold. That dosage makes a bottle last months.

You can try it for just $39. If you don’t like it, you can return it for any reason within 100 days of your purchase.

If price is a major concern and you don’t want to reduce dosage, I suggest checking out either Qualia Focus or Mind Lab Pro.

And if you want to take your nootropics journey a step further, take our brain upgrade mini-course.

Qualia Mind 2.0 Review: Final Verdict

Few supplements work for everyone.

Human biology is incredibly complex. And the mind is an entirely different ballpark Share on X

That’s why my favorite brain supplements are the ones generally customized to your unique neurochemistry.

Qualia Mind 2.0 is one of the few exceptions. This formula feels smooth and clean, yet powerful. Yielding both immediately felt effects, as well as long-term brain health benefits.

It contains:

• 32 ingredients
• 21 Brain nutrients
• 8 ultra-high-quality patented ingredients
• Holistic brain support

All backed by a 100-day money-back guarantee.

No wonder it’s the go-to nootropic of most of the top biohackers and influencers.

The catch?

Price. This formulation costs about double most other nootropics. I get around this by taking 1/6 of the dosage, and I don’t feel much drop off compared to larger servings.

If you found this article helpful, please send it to a friend or share it on social media. That’s how I know what kind of articles to focus on for you.

And if you have experience with Qualia Mind, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!