Do vitamin patches work? We get the expert low-down
They are the new cool way to take your supplements but are stick-on vitamin patches as effective as their tablet and liquid counterparts? Here’s everything you need to know
Any products in this article have been selected editorially however if you buy something we mention, we may earn commission. Image: Instagram @kind.patches
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Once upon a time, the only way to take your vitamins was with a glass of water and a good gag reflex. However, there has been a huge shift in the supplement world, and as well as powders, gels and liquids there is now a new vitamin delivery mechanism on the market in the form of vitamin patches. But this begs the huge question: do they work? Let’s find out.
What is a vitamin patch?
Vitamin patches are thin, plaster-like patches that are akin to nicotine or HRT patches and utilise the same transdermal patch technology. The science behind how medical transdermal patches work is relatively simple. The patch contains multiple thin and semi-permeable layers infused with medication, which, when applied to the skin, allows the medication to pass through the skin and into the bloodstream, circulating the body until it gets to where it needs to get to work. Numerous medical studies have proven the efficacy and extol the virtues of medical transdermal patches.
Vitamin patches are designed in the same way but Kelly Gilbert, founder of vitamin patch brand The Whatsupp Co, urges us to pay attention to the materials used. “Medical applications – HRT patches for example – use a layered protective, water-resistant plastic patch. This is the gold standard and is important for pushing the ingredients into the skin and keeping the adhesive mix, where the vitamins are placed, stable. Fabric patches cannot hold the ingredients safe or protect the vitamins from degrading from outside contaminants and moisture. So my advice to anyone is to avoid patch companies using fabric patches as they are not reliable.”
Vitamin patches: just peel, stick and go
What are in vitamin patches?
As the market in vitamin patches grows, more and more vitamins may become available to wear in patch form.
However, not all vitamins should be delivered in patch format. “It is commonly agreed within the scientific community that molecules over 500 daltons cannot effectively penetrate the skin barrier,” explains Gilbert. “I set this as a non-negotiable bar so even if an ingredient is fantastic – vitamin B12 say, which is 1300 da, I exclude it from my blend.”
It’s a sentiment with which registered nutritionist and award-winning supplement formulator, Aliza Marogy, founder of Inessa, agrees. “The skin absorbs fat-soluble ingredients more readily so while vitamins such as A, D, E, and K may have some potential for transdermal delivery, water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins C and B(s), face significant challenges in penetrating the skin. Some companies bypass this issue using penetration enhancers, but there is insufficient evidence to show how much of the vitamin is actually absorbed.”
Are vitamin patches better than taking tablets?
When it comes to choosing between taking vitamin tablets or vitamin patches, there are a few factors to consider.
Ease and convenience
There’s no faffing about with vitamin patches, unlike vitamin tablets. You simply stick the patch on clean and dry skin and leave it there for the day or night. The most amount of thinking required is to apply it to a different patch of skin the next day to avoid potential irritation. They don’t need to be taken with or without food and can be stuck on at any time of the day. If all that means you are more likely to use them regularly then there is potentially an economic benefit, as it will mean less money wasted, and no tablets unused and lingering at the back of the cupboard getting dusty.
And just as it’s de rigueur to now show off, not conceal, a pimple patch, the same is true of vitamin patches, which are currently plastered all over social media. And certainly in the GTG offices vitamin patches are worn on visible parts of the skin rather than being stuck where clothing or accessories will hide them.
Wearing a patch with pride: does yours match your outfit?
Absorption levels
“Differences in skin biology, health and lifestyle can all impact how well vitamins are absorbed through the skin, making the results of transdermal patches highly variable from one person to another,” says Marogy. However, that is also true of tablet vitamins. Factors such as poor gut health and low stomach enzymes can inhibit how much of a tablet vitamin someone can absorb.
Gilbert says of patches: “Direct bloodstream absorption ensures the body can grab what it needs without recruiting first-pass liver metabolism [ie the reduction in concentration of anything – be it medication, vitamin or supplement – when taken orally] which means even tiny doses through the skin can have a subtle but effective benefit.” It’s comparable to the fable of the tortoise and the hare, with vitamin patches taking on the role of the slow, steady and lower-dose absorbing tortoise compared to potentially better absorbed vitamin tablets that are reliant on a consistent schedule. Therefore if you have previously struggled to keep taking vitamin tablets, a lower absorbed vitamin patch that is used reguarly may prove more effective.
It’s important to add that it’s hard to find masses of scientific research on the absorption levels of any vitamin type – tablet, gummy, patch or otherwise – because as supplements aren’t classed as medication, the demand and need for full testing just isn’t there.
When it comes to anecdotal evidence, the GTG team has experienced benefits from vitamin patches (more on that below).
Consistency
When it comes to the efficacy of vitamins, so much of it comes back to this. Everyone knows taking vitamins consistently is key to their effectiveness, and making it part of your daily routine is crucial. And that’s where vitamin patches arguably have the edge for most people, as they are far easier to incorporate than tablets.
Marogy does not currently have a vitamin patch within the Inessa range but she is not closed off to the idea of creating one. “There are people who struggle with pills and liquids, and may benefit from having an alternative route to take their supplements, so in the future, as technology changes and transdermal patches demonstrate comparable absorbability to other delivery methods, I would consider patches.”
To return to pitching vitamin patches against tablets, the answer then perhaps is: if you are the personality type that can remember to take a good-quality vitamin tablet daily, then carry on as you are. If you struggle to take vitamins, for whatever reason, vitamin patches will tick all the boxes that tablets don’t for you.
If that has tempted you to give patches a whirl, then here are some that members of the GTG team have tried:
The magnesium and creatine vitamin patch
What's That Patch Creatine Patches, £19 for 30
Once regarded as the supplement of choice for gym bunnies and exercise obsessives, creatine is now seen as so much more. It is widely regarded as an excellent addition for anyone in perimenopause thanks to its ability to sharpen focus, improve sleep and stabilise moods. I haven’t found a creatine powder that I get on with, so these patches have been the next best thing. They are combined with vitamin C to support tissue repair and boost immunity (which I always need), as well as other supplement ingredients such as magnesium and zinc, which work really well with creatine to support muscle recovery and guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), which boosts the efficacy of creatine and supports brain health and boosts energy levels.
Buy NowThe vitamin C and echinacea immunity-boosting vitamin patch
Tocu Call For Back Up Immunity Patches, £22.50 for 30
Feel like you’re always getting ill? It might be worth sticking these patches on to help boost your immune system. They contain all the things we know we’re meant to take to feel better, but we so often forget, such as vitamin C, echinacea, zinc and gingko bilboa. They also are made from the preferred water-resistant material for ultimate absorption.
Buy NowThe vitamin B energy vitamin patch
The Whatsupp Co Protect Your Energy Patches, £18 for 15
These are a firm favourite of mine. I am low on time and energy and always have the best intentions with vitamin tablets but I’m one of those people who start off strong with a new routine and by day three, it’s all over. Patches are far easier for me to get on board with. This blend (there are four vitamin patches to choose from) has been formulated to maintain energy levels throughout the day and contains three types of B vitamins, which help calm and balance the nervous system, 5-HTP, which boosts serotonin for focus, as well as lots of other vitamins and natural ingredients such as ashwagandha and green tea extract. Plus, all The Whatsupp Co patches have complementary aromatherapy scents infused to enhance the specific vitamin patch’s aim, for which I am very much here.
Deputy editor Kerry is also a fan: “I tried these on a day when a combination of being pre-menstrual and over-training at the gym had made me horribly tired. But somehow I nailed my work to-do list, whizzed through a bunch of chores and then played a gruelling game of tennis. Placebo effect? Could be but I don’t care either way.” She also loves the sandalwood fragrance: “The fact the patch is scented reminds me of the scratch’n’sniff stickers of my 1980s childhood.”
Buy NowThe craving-reducing vitamin B patch
Kind Berberine Patches, £12 for 30
These patches went viral – and not in a good way – as they were originally misleadingly called GLP-1 Patches. GLP-1 are the hormones mimicked in weight-loss jabs – but these don’t contain any. The name has subsequently been changed but they remain marketed as ‘appetite management patches’, designed to curb cravings. They contain berberine, pomegranate, cinnamon, and promise to balance the appetite and boost energy, and a vitamin-B complex to up energy levels and increase metabolism. Sugar fiend Kerry also gave these a whirl: “The first week I used them I definitely ate less sugary food. Maybe I was willing them to work? Afterwards I was less consistent with using them, paid less attention and the mid-afternoon biscuits made a comeback. But I wonder if there’s something in a patch being a visual prompt to be more mindful and change our behaviour? I see it on the my wrist as I’m working at my desk, and perhaps it reminds me that it’s supposed to curb my appetite. For me, the jury’s out as to whether this works but for just £12 for a month’s supply it’s worth a punt if you’re hopelessly addicted to sweet treats like I am.”
Buy NowThe mood-boosting (and very cute) vitamin D3 patch
Barriere Hello Sunshine Vitamin D3 patch, £12 for 36
With finely illustrated line designs, Barriere vitamin patches look like tiny tattoos, and the great news is they come with none of the commitment of one: you can choose different designs every day. There are a few vitamin varieties to choose from, but if you’re looking for a vitamin patch to help boost your mood, energy levels and immunity, then these are a great option. They contain vitamin D3 as well as vitamin K2, which work together to increase immunity and energy and strengthen bone health. They are also completely recyclable.
Buy NowThe vitamin D3 hangover cure patch
Kind Patches Recover Patches, £12 for 30
Kerry, resident office party animal, was all over these, which contain vitamin B12 and a B-complex that help reduce tiredness as well as boosting focus. There is also magnesium and potassium in the mix; essential salts your body needs, post-drinking, to help with hydration, reduce bloating and ease muscle cramping. There is also a blend of natural ingredients such as anti-inflammatory, tumeric and milk thistle which is known as the hangover supplement thanks to its ability to support good liver health.
Says Kerry: “These have been extensively tested by my husband and I on recent lads’ and girls’ holidays! In Tenerife, my friends and I used them religiously – I only got mild hangovers throughout the trip and no headaches at all (my usual key symptom). My husband and his friends covered themselves in the stickers on a tennis holiday in Italy last week. They apparently worked well after a moderate night of drinking, but the patches’ capabilities were severely tested after they went clubbing until 4am. Nothing could save them the next day.”
Buy NowThe vitamin B and D sleep inducing patch
The Whatsupp Co Dip Out Chill Patches, £18 for 15
Content coordinator Isla was stunned when she tried these fully-recyclable sleep patches: “I recently went through a really bad stage of not sleeping well. I tried everything – a warm bath, meditation, cutting out caffeine – and nothing was working. When these came into the office, I thought, ‘What have I got to lose?’. That night, I slept really well. It could be a placebo effect, but I don’t care because they worked. They contain natural ingredients that are known to help with sleep,, such as magnesium, Ashwagandha extract and valerian root, and there’s vitamin B2, which is a stress regulator and vitamin D, which helps make you feel brighter and more energetic. I’m terrible at taking tablets consistently, and these are easier to use more regularly, so it’s a yes from me.”
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