Let’s face it: the supplement aisle can be overwhelming. With so many brands and claims, how do you know what’s really in the bottle? That’s where today’s guests, Emily Morrow and Allie Hobson, come in.
They’re the powerhouse duo behind Core Formulas, a brand committed to stripping away the fluff and getting back to the basics of foundational health.
Emily is a Nutritional Therapy and Integrative Health Practitioner and the founder of MBCE, a course teaching functional blood chemistry analysis. With a mission rooted in discipline, rhythms, and bio-individual wellness, Emily brings a deep passion for empowering others to pursue optimal health.
Allie, a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, mom of two, and co-creator of the Root Cause Formula program, entered the holistic health world after her own battle with Hashimoto’s in 2016. She’s since dedicated her career to helping women optimize their health through functional nutrition, lab testing, and protocols that work in real life—not just on paper.
Together, Emily and Allie are on a mission to fill the gaps they saw in the supplement industry during thousands of 1:1 client consultations. They’ve built Core Formulas on the principles of simplicity, transparency, and efficacy—creating products that deliver what your body truly needs without the unnecessary fillers or fluff.
In this conversation, we’re diving into what sets Core Formulas apart, why they focus on foundational health, and the behind-the-scenes process of formulating and manufacturing supplements that stand up to their high standards. Plus, we’ll get a sneak peek into what exciting new products are in the pipeline.
So, whether you’re a supplement skeptic or a health enthusiast looking for your next go-to brand, this conversation is for you. Let’s dive in!
Why Transparency in Supplements Matters
One of the most shocking things I learned in this conversation is that the supplement industry isn’t regulated the way you’d expect.
When you pick up a bottle that claims to have a certain amount of an ingredient, there’s no guarantee that it actually does. Some products are cut with fillers like rice powder or maltodextrin, while others aren’t properly tested for heavy metals or contaminants. That’s why Core Formulas goes the extra mile—they test both raw materials and final formulations to ensure everything is clean and potent.
Allie even mentioned how many manufacturers don’t even properly clean their machines between production runs, meaning cross-contamination is a real issue. Can you imagine thinking you’re taking a pure, high-quality supplement when in reality, it’s mixed with who knows what? That’s why choosing a brand that prioritizes rigorous testing (like Core Formulas) is so important.
The Birth of Core Formulas
Emily and Allie didn’t wake up one day and decide to launch a supplement company just for fun. It actually started with Emily keeping a running list on her phone of supplements she wished existed—ones that were formulated with only the essentials, without the unnecessary additives or problematic ingredients.
So, when a manufacturer reached out asking if she had ever considered starting her own line, she already had her first five products mapped out. She immediately called Allie, and the rest is history.
Core Formulas focuses on foundational health, meaning their products don’t just target one isolated issue—they support overall wellness by addressing root causes. For example, instead of just formulating a gut supplement, they created one that also supports adrenal and brain health, recognizing the interconnectedness of the body.
What Makes Their Products Different?
The simplicity and effectiveness of their formulations are what truly set Core Formulas apart. Many supplements on the market are packed with long lists of ingredients, often in amounts too small to be effective. Instead, Core Formulas focuses on targeted ingredients in optimal doses.
One of my personal favorites is Daily Basics, which I put in my coffee every single morning. It’s a powdered formula with essential nutrients like taurine (for liver and bile support), inositol (for blood sugar balance), selenium (for thyroid health), and a clean coconut milk base that adds the perfect touch of creaminess.
I also take Stress Control, which has been a lifesaver as a busy mom, and Be Happy B’s, their B-complex that’s formulated without biotin or excessive B12—two ingredients that can actually trigger acne in some people. That’s the level of attention to detail Core Formulas puts into their products.
Common Deficiencies and What You Can Do
Emily and Allie shared some eye-opening insights about the most common deficiencies they see in their clients.
Postpartum women, for example, are almost always low in B6, which impacts everything from energy to mood to hormone balance. Many people also struggle with mineral imbalances, which can affect hydration, digestion, and even hair loss.
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode? Test, don’t guess.
While symptoms can tell us a lot, running a blood panel or GI test can help pinpoint exactly what your body needs. And if testing isn’t an option right now, Core Formulas has a ton of free educational resources to help you understand your symptoms and choose the right supplements.
Acne, Blood Sugar, and the Gut-Skin Connection
A huge part of our conversation centered around acne, which is actually how I first discovered Emily. She’s an incredible resource when it comes to understanding the root causes of skin issues, which often tie back to gut health, drainage, and blood sugar balance.
If you’re dealing with persistent breakouts, she suggests taking a close look at common triggers like:
- Excess vitamin D supplementation
- Biotin or B12 in high doses
- Adaptogens like ashwagandha (which can increase testosterone)
- Stevia or monk fruit (which can disrupt gut bacteria and trigger acne for some people)
Instead of blindly throwing skincare products at the problem, Emily emphasizes addressing internal imbalances first. Electrolytes, gut support, and blood sugar regulation can make a huge difference.
What’s Coming Next for Core Formulas?
Okay, now for the part that has me beyond excited—Core Formulas is launching some game-changing new products!
First up: a clean electrolyte powder with whole-food fruit powders and no artificial fillers. It’s going to be perfect for hydration and mineral balance!
Then, they’re rolling out a high-quality protein powder made from beef protein isolate, sweetened naturally with coconut sugar and date sugar. This will be a total game-changer for anyone who wants to add protein to their diet without the junk found in most options on the market.
And for moms—get ready—because a kids’ line is in the works! Imagine a clean, easy-to-mix powder packed with real nutrients that kids actually enjoy. As a mom myself, I can’t wait for this one.
Final Thoughts
This conversation reaffirmed why I trust Emily, Allie, and Core Formulas so much. Their commitment to clean, effective, and actually needed supplements is rare in today’s oversaturated market. If you’re looking for a supplement brand that truly puts your health first, I can’t recommend them enough.
Be sure to check them out at shopcoreformulas.com and follow them on Instagram @coreformulas for more education and updates on their upcoming launches. And of course, if you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review for the Trust Issues Podcast—it helps us bring more conversations like this to you!
