The Difference Between Colic Calm® and Boiron ColicComfort™

A parent of a colicky baby quickly learns colic is one of the more mystifying ailments of childhood. Conflicting evidence abounds in every area, including its diagnosis, its treatment, and even its cause. It’s enough to make a parent want to cry right along with their infant. ⁠

One of the better-known remedies to help ease infant discomfort is gripe water. Gripe water was originally formulated in 1851, by William Woodward, as a home remedy to treat infant discomfort, colic, and teething pains. The original formulation contained sodium bicarbonate, alcohol, dill oil, water, and sugar and became known as something of a miracle cure among mom’s and doctors alike. Since the introduction of Woodward’s, many of the original ingredients have come under much scrutiny and other brands have come to market with a variety of formulas and flavors.

When choosing the right gripe water for your little one, we understand it can be confusing to decide what option is best for you. A quicks search on Amazon for “Gripe Water” will bring up over 2,000 results. One of the biggest mistake’s consumers make is choosing Boiron’s ColicComfort™ when they intend to purchase Colic Calm®.

Upon first glance you might be tempted to believe that they are the same thing, but a closer look will show you that these two products are not created equal. To help you better discern between them, we’ll discuss the differences of these two homeopathic colic remedies.

Colic Calm, came to market in 2003 as one of the first USA manufactured gripe waters, and the only homeopathic gripe water made in the USA, helping us to this day to stand out from all other “gripe waters". In contrast, Boiron ColicComfort (formerly Boiron Cocyntal®) has only been in market since 2016 and is manufactured in France but distributed in the USA.

Being a homeopathic medicine, as opposed to a dietary supplement, means Colic Calm meets the stringent requirements for the manufacture of homeopathic medicines -- the same as for pharmaceutical drugs. That being said, not all homeopathic medicines are created equal. Colic Calm has revolutionized the gripe water industry with a flagship formula that uses activated charcoal, which binds to gas bubbles and other impurities in your little one's tummy, breaks them down naturally, and passes through their digestive system without any absorption into your precious baby's body.

The 8 natural active ingredients in Colic Calm are specially formulated to provide symptomatic relief for colic. They are prepared at 1X and 3X homeopathic dilutions. A 1X dilution is obtained by mixing 1 part of the medicinal ingredient with 9 parts of a neutral diluting agent then vigorously shaking the solution (succussion). The 3X is obtained by repeating this dilution and succussion process 3 times. Seven of the Eight active ingredients in Colic Calm operate according to homeopathic principles at a 3X potency, 1 part per 1,000, or 0.1%. This level of dilution is found in some non-homeopathic pharmaceuticals in use today. Drugs such as Ergocalciferol, are much more diluted than 1 part per 1000.

Colic Calm’s active ingredients are:

In comparison, Boiron ColicComfort has 3 active ingredients prepared at a 5C and 9C homeopathic dilution. The C term, means the concentration ratio is 1 to 100. The higher the numeral preceding the X or C, the lower the concentration of the active ingredient in the medicine. A 5C dilution has been diluted 500 times and a 9C dilution has been diluted 900 times. Through this method of dilution, the “active ingredients” are barely present within the formulation.

Both products have inactive ingredients. Colic Calm has a sophisticated inactive preservative system that is listed as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA and helps to provide the signature flavor that babies love. The preservatives we have carefully selected keep our product free from undesirable microbiological activity. All of the preservatives we use are on the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) List. Sorbic acid is a natural organic compound commonly used as a preservative in foods and drinks to prevent the growth of mold, yeast and fungi. Benzoic acid is also a nature-identical molecule, found naturally in berries, cranberries, apples and cinnamon. Benzoate preservatives have been tested and considered safe by the Food & Drug Administration. Please note: Benzene formation is only a concern when paired with ascorbic acid, which we do not include in our formula.

Potassium citrate is a potassium salt of citric acid. Citric acid is a weak organic acid, and it is a natural preservative often used in foods and drinks. Citric acid exists in greater than trace amounts in a variety of fruits and vegetables, most notably citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is important as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle and therefore occurs in the metabolism of virtually all living things. We use scientific testing, the USP Preservative Challenge Test, to confirm that our naturally derived preservative system works to our exacting standards. Furthermore, each batch of Colic Calm is tested to ensure purity before release. We disclose each and every ingredient in our labelling.

Inactive Ingredients

Boiron ColicComfort’s inactive ingredients are alcohol (99.688% alcohol-free) and purified water. The original Woodword’s formulation included alcohol and was banned from the USA in 1993 for not meeting the FDA regulations. The use of alcohol, while small, is the reason that ColicComfort’s product can maintain a shelf-life that virtually does not expire. Contrary to the myth that alcohol will help babies sleep better, infant’s health is very delicate, and they can react to substances quickly and heavily. Even trace amounts of alcohol can cause an infant to become sick.

Boiron ColicComfort claims to relieve gas pain, abdominal cramps, bloating and irritability. Understanding that their “active” ingredients are so diluted to the point where there is no efficacy is key when discerning the difference between Colic Calm and Boiron ColicComfort. Colic Calm’s carbo vegetabilis works by a process called adsorption. As it passes through the gastrointestinal system, it collects toxins, waste, and gas – all without being absorbed into the body or system. We have left Colic Calm's rich dark color as Mother Nature intended, without any "pretty" coloring to alter its purity and efficacy. That is why infants who use Colic Calm experience a darkened stool, because all the yuckies are fully excreted through their bowel movement.

When you’re a parent, you will do anything to ensure that your little one is receiving the best care possible. That means purchasing the best product out there to deliver safe & effective relief. Colic Calm is focused on the wellbeing of your family. Our colic relief products can be administered from birth and are gentle enough to be given to premature babies. We are the #1 trusted and recommended brand by pediatricians and are used in NICU’s around the world. Unlike Boiron ColicComfort, which can only be administered from one month up, Colic Calm will not simply suppress symptoms.

If you have further questions, or concerns, please reach out to our customer care department at customercare@coliccalm.com and we’d be happy to assist you in your journey to provide your little one safe and effective colic relief.