What is the compound that gives superheroes their powers in The Boys?

The compound that gives superheroes their powers in The Boys is Compound V.

Vought International secretly develops and administers the blue serum, usually to children, to create superpowered people known as “Supes.” The resulting abilities vary widely, producing heroes such as Homelander, A-Train, Starlight, and Queen Maeve.

In the series’ backstory, scientist Frederick Vought develops the compound during World War II. Vought later conceals the serum’s existence while marketing superheroes as naturally gifted celebrities and public protectors. That deception is central to the conflict between Vought, the Supes, and the Boys.

Compound V is often confused with Temp V or V24. Those are temporary variants designed to grant powers for a limited period, while standard Compound V creates lasting abilities in most recipients. The show also establishes unusual cases, including people born with powers because Compound V became part of their biology.