Today I’m gathering my notes on wellness patches; transdermal vitamins. Why? Because I love supplements, but I can’t swallow pills. Besides, I’ve been bad about taking any vitamins lately, so I’m really attracted to the idea of wearing my vitamins instead so I can “set it and forget it.”
Be advised that I’m allergic to latex. So the following patches are latex-free! This post will be updated as I try different patches, so if this topic resonates with you – bookmark this page (or pin it for later) and come back periodically.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; I may earn a tiny commission from purchases.
My general intent is to have more tools in my toolbox.
When I have a specific problem, I want a specific solution available.
For example – I get anxious before traveling. It isn’t the actual travel that gets me, it’s all the details that need attention before I feel confident leaving. Details include childcare, dog boarding, plant care, mail holds, house cleaning, etc. I would love a sleep aid patch to help me get good rest, some calming patch for the morning as I scramble to pack and load the car, antioxidant patches for flying, and general multivitamins for general wellness.
My searches have revealed so many specific patches – so I can definitely try specific supplements for targeted use, as well as general supplements for general health.
Since I want to know how these various patches interact with my body I simply need to buy and try several to gain the first hand experience. Especially since bioindividuality is real; supplement reactions may have a general trajectory, but each person will metabolize compounds differently. So one person’s “useless” patch may positively affect my mood and wellbeing. Only one way to find out!
When I try a new patch, I will try it alone and for three consecutive days. This way I can suss out any incompatibilities. Detailed notes are below.
Usage note: After my three-day trials I intend on cycling my patches daily to maintain low levels of each compound in my body. But I won’t be super strict; if I feel like having a certain compound I will apply it, regardless of its place in my patch cycle.
I’m a fan of variety, so I am avoiding trying same brand or same purpose. For example the anti-aging patches (two different brands) will not be sampled back to back, and same brands will be spaced out for initial trials.
Just for fun I am going to highlight the most unique ingredient in each patch because I think it’s interesting to see what makes certain formulations different. These interesting compounds will be bolded in the ingredient listing that I provide.
While on the topic of contents I will list the contents below in order from the label, but I’m not going to stress about the quantities. This is partially because I take that information with a grain of salt anyway, but also because not all ingredients are specific about the quantities – especially in the proprietary blends. Most patches do list quantities online, so the supplied Amazon links should provide label photos if you require those specifics.
I’ve been taking notes for months on the following patches:
The patches (in order of use)
1. Dr. Steven Gabriel Anti Aging no longer available
2. Veru Wellness Vitamin B-12
3. Trio Best Defense
4. Dr. Steven Gabriel Cleanse no longer available
5. Patch Aid Anti-Aging no longer available
6. Nutri-Patch Multi-Vitamin
7. Dr. Steven Gabriel Antioxidant no longer available
8. Patch Aid Vitamin C Plus no longer available
9. Trio Nervous Wreck
10. Patch Aid Multivitamin no longer available
11. Health Esteem Chill The F*ck Out
12. Patch Aid Sleep Aid
13. LivetoShine Turmeric Curcumin Plus
14. Nutri-Patch Sunshine D no longer available
15. Patch-Aid Garcinia Cambogia no longer available
16. Nutri-Patch Antioxidant
17. Patch Aid Focus & Clarity
18. Trio Scatter Brain
19. Patch Aid Advanced Collagen Plus
20. Patch Aid CoQ10 Plus
21. Patch Aid Keto BHB Plus
Dr. Steven Gabriel Anti Aging patch (click here to see it on Amazon)
— No longer indexed on Amazon [September 2021]
Contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, Choline. Plus proprietary blend containing Indian gooseberry extract, curcumin, clove extract, ginger root extract, L-carnitine, lecithin, coq10, resveratrol, NAC, glutathione, nicotinamide riboside, alpha-lipoic acid, grapeseed extract, red wine extract, green tea extract.
First impressions:
1. You might need tweezers to pick the patch off of its sheet!
2. Very sticky – applied before bed, and went to sleep normally.
3. Woke up feeling normal. Higher energy later! Instead of a mid-morning slump, I did squats to make my toddler laugh.
4. 23 hours later, slight headache has presented…not sure if it’s related.
5. 24 hours later, swapped patches. The patch didn’t leave any residue. (Headache dissipated after ibuprofen)
6. I’ve had hot red ears the nights that I wear this patch. Probably niacin flush from the B6. I might need to simply avoid daily B6 supplementation.
7. No severe reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Second impressions:
1. Better at removing patches from sheet.
2. No headache (so initial headache was likely unrelated).
3. Single day wear = no niacin flush for me.
4. Definitely improves my energy – I love that!
Veru Wellness Vitamin B-12 (click here to see it on Amazon)
Contains vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid, guarana, vitamin B3, garcinia cambogia.
The box says to “remove when desired (up to 10 hours per day).” Non-fabric patch.
First impressions:
1. Non-fabric patch worried me, but I’m not allergic to the plastic-like patch.
2. Did have more energy two hours after initial application, but not later in the afternoon when I needed the energy. B12 patch did not hinder my nap.
3. My expectation may have been too great – I needed afternoon naps on these days.
4. No reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Second impressions:
1. Beginning to suspect that this patch makes me sleepy instead of alert.
2. After a nap I searched and learned that B12 can make people sleepy because your body may begin to produce more red blood cells with that extra B12 – a process that also uses potassium and other electrolytes. So the fatigue is just a byproduct of cell neogenesis and disproportionate electrolyte use. I’ve read that supplementing potassium and such the day before B12 supplementation (classically an intramuscular injection) can curb the sleepies.
3. I removed my patch and drank two cups of warm water with himalayan salt. I felt significantly more awake within 20 minutes.
4. I will try to only use this patch after a potassium-heavy meal, and at bedtime – now that I know that it works as a downer for my body. Not a bad thing, but I was hoping for improved energy.
Third impressions:
1. Not a good sleep patch for me. I did sleep easily, but woke up groggy and with a headache. I felt better after removing the patch, drinking plain water, and taking a nap.
2. Temporarily removed from rotation because I can’t afford to be groggy in the day time.
3. I’ll try this one again after I donate blood (and can go home afterwards for salt water and naps) to support red blood cell production.
Trio Immunity Support (click here to see it on Amazon)
Contains vitamin D, olive leaf extract, turmeric, vitamin C, ginger root extract, goldenseal, American ginseng, IU eleuthero, rose hip extract, Asian ginseng, elderberry, propolis extract, vitamin B2, vitamin C, garlic extract, oregano oil, vitamin B6, rosemary oil, vitamin A, black seed oil extract, echinacea, zinc.
Up to eight hours of wear, no timing suggestions (day or night wear). I’ll probably save this one for daytime use – so I don’t fight two forms of ginseng. I’ll email Trio about their ingredient label because vitamin C is listed twice, and turmeric was spelled incorrectly. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. Energizing! Instead of an afternoon nap I gathered donations for a local charity (for the record I did get good rest last night, so I may have not needed the nap in the first place).
2. No reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Second Impressions:
1. I want all of the ginseng all of the time. When I’m tired it perks me up, and I still feel great with coffee after a full night’s rest.
2. Already bought another set of patches because I’m sharing these with Mister Jupiter (he likes the immune support, but hasn’t noted increased energy like I experience).
Dr. Steven Gabriel Cleanse patch (click here to see it on Amazon)
— No longer indexed on Amazon [September 2021]
Contains vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6 (HCl), vitamin B6 (5-phosphate), vitamin B9, vitamin B12, magnesium, potassium. Plus proprietary blend to include pantethine, choline, N-acetylcysteine, taurine, milk thistle extract, ginger root extract, curcumin, alpha lipoic acid, prickly pear leaf, picrorhiza kurroa extract, grapeseed extract.
Daily patch (24 hour wear) – I prefer the long wearing patches because they are super easy to add a new patch and remove the old one at the same time. No clock watching at all. I remove a patch, take a shower, then apply the new patch; easy! Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. It made me feel better within about 20 minutes of application.
I woke with (obviously unrelated) menstrual cramps, so feeling better was a welcome change.
2. No reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Second Impressions:
1. Already bought another set of these because the energy improvements after application is perfect. Let’s say that I slept badly and wake to a whiny toddler and a headache. One Cleanse patch, a pint of water, and a hot coffee later – I have the energy and wherewithal to deal with a fussy kid because I feel like a well rested adult.
Patch Aid Anti-Aging patch (click here to see it on Amazon)
— No longer indexed on Amazon [September 2021]
Contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, folic acid, selenium. Plus proprietary longevity blend of fish oil, trans-resveratrol, CoQ10.
This one says to “wear as long as you like, eight hours recommended.” Personally I’ll probably wear this all day like a 24 hour patch because the daily patch change is an easy habit. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. No particular changes – not more awake, nor sleepy, nor anything else.
2. No reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Nutri-Patch Multi-Vitamin Patch (click here to see it on Amazon)
Contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K2, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, potassium, chloride, boron.
Daily patch = intended for 24 hour wear. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. Good! I did feel generally more alert and with better energy – however I did take these while on vacation so I was getting a lot of sleep and eating a ton of amazing food.
2. Temporary redness when patch is removed, but not painful or distracting.
3. No reaction to patch, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Dr. Steven Gabriel Antioxidant Patch (click here to see it on Amazon)
— No longer indexed on Amazon [September 2021]
Contains vitamin C, riboflavin R5P, magnesium, molybdenum, L-glutathione, N-acetyl cysteine, CoEnzyme Q10, PQQ (pyrroloquinone) disodium salt.
Daily patch = 24 hours each patch. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. Good! Not particularly energizing, but that’s okay because I’m well rested.
2. No reaction to patch, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Patch Aid Vitamin C Plus Patch (click here to see it on Amazon)
— No longer indexed on Amazon [September 2021]
Contains vitamin C, rose hips, alfalfa powder, barley grass powder, citrus bioflavonoid complex, rutin.
Eight hours recommended, one per day. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. Made my urine highlighter-yellow – common for me and vitamin C supplements, so I can tell that I am getting a large enough dose to have a systemic effect.
2. No reaction to patch, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Trio Nervous Wreck Patch (click here to see it on Amazon)
Contains calcium, vitamin B1, vitaminB3, vitaminB6, vitamin B12, vitamin B5, vitamin D3, magnesium, lemon balm leaf, and proprietary formula (containing lavender, ashwaganda root powder, passion flower, GABA, l-tryptophan, ashwaganda extract, l-theanine, brahmi, green tea extract, chamomile flower, black pepper, rhodiola root, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, coneflower/echinacea, kava kava, inositol, eleuthero.
Eight hours recommended, one per day. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. Great patch! Good mood and good energy all day.
2. Top five patch so far – instead of my usual downward worry-spiral, I was able to think about other things when I could have been worrying – that’s pretty big.
Second Impressions:
1. Still a favorite patch! I don’t know if it’s a certain ingredient or a combination – but something in this really does make me feel calm and happier.
Patch Aid Multivitamin (click here to see it on Amazon)
— No longer indexed on Amazon [September 2021]
Contains biotin, boron, calcium, chloride, chromium picolinate, copper, folate, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K2, zinc.
Eight hours recommended, one per day. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. No particular changes – not more awake, nor sleepy, nor anything else.
2. No reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Health Esteem Chill The F*ck Out (originally purchased on Amazon)
Contains hemp seed oil, L-theanine, gamma-amniobutyric acid, vitamin D3.
Eight hours recommended, one per day. Plastic-like patch.
First Impressions:
1. No particular changes – not more awake, nor sleepy, nor anything else.
2. No reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Patch Aid Sleep Aid (click here to see it on Amazon)
Contains magnesium, valerian root, hops, 5-HTP, melatonin, L-tryptophan.
Eight hours recommended, one per day. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. No particular changes – not more awake, nor sleepy, nor anything else.
2. No reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
LiveToShine Turmeric Curcumin Plus (click here to see it on Amazon)
Contains curcumin from turmeric, gingerol, shoagol, carvacrol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, holy basil, baicalin, acetyl-11-keto boswellic acid from boswellia.
Twenty-four hour recommended, rotating locations.
First Impressions:
1. No particular changes – not more awake, nor sleepy, nor anything else.
2. No reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Nutri-Patch Sunshine D (click here to see it on Amazon)
— No longer indexed on Amazon [September 2021]
Contains vitamin D3, vitamin K2, magnesium.
Apply daily to a hairless area, no minimum or maximum hours provided. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. No particular changes – not more awake, nor sleepy, nor anything else.
2. No reaction to patch or adhesive, will add to my new patch-wearing routine.
Patch-Aid Garcinia Cambogia (click here to see it on Amazon)
— No longer indexed on Amazon [September 2021]
Contains garcinia cambogia extract, potassium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCl), vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-phosphate), vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D3. Proprietary blend fucoxanthin extract, pomegranate oil, green tea extract, african mango seed extract, magnolia officinalis, phellodendron amurense.
Eight hours recommended, daily patch. Fabric patch.
First Impressions:
1. Super sticky! Patch removal always leaves a red tacky patch, but it’s not itchy or painful.
2. I like to think that garcinia c. reduces the likelihood of my body using carbs instead of storing them.
3. It’s early and I haven’t noticed any change in weight or size – I do like all of these B vitamins though (not enough B12 to make me sleepy).
4. I’ll keep this in the current rotation for now, I’ll probably take a break and bring it back in for the summer.
September 2021 Update
Since original publish date [February 2021], my favorite Dr. Steven Gabriel patches are no longer available, and I started buying Patch Aid patches on their website because they have a wider range and better deals off of Amazon. I’m still loving all of these patches, and I love trying different formulations!
Nutri-Patch Antioxidant (Click here to buy on Amazon)
Contains vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin B3, coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, acai berry extract, curcumin, quercetin, nicotinamide riboside, alpha-lipoic acid, grape seed extract, red wine extract.
First impressions:
1. Typical fabric patch, good adhesion.
2. Unofficially saving this one for nighttime wearing
3. Good patch! I often wake feeling refreshed, but it’s not as noticeable as the Dr.SG patches were.
4. Keeping in the rotation, but may not replenish.
Patch Aid Focus & Clarity (click here to see it on Amazon)
Contains vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, chromium, zinc citrate, magnesium malate, molybdenum, choline, 5HTP, bacopa monnieri extract, dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, L-theanine, Lion’s mane extract, lemon balm, N-acetyl carnitine, omega 3 DHA, omega 3 EPA, passion flower, phosphatidylserine, rhodiola rosea extract, saffron stigma extract.
First impressions:
1. Fabric patch on plastic sheet (instead of wax-like paper) easily comes off of sheet – yay!
2. I only apply this one upon waking, so the ginkgo and ginseng are wanted [for the record I typically do wake up feeling refreshed, but the herbal boost helps me keep up with my toddler].
3. Helps me feel generally good, happy that it has a touch of saffron that boosts my mood.
4. Keeping in the rotation because I like the blend – very likely to replenish.
Trio Scatter Brain (available on Amazon)
Contains biotin, magnesium malate, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, acetyl-l-carnitine, n-acetyl cysteine, omega 3 DHA, omega 3 EPA, ashwaganda, L-theanine, ginseng, wood betony root, lemon balm, zinc citrate, passionflower, lion’s mane mushroom, phosphatidyl serine, potassium citrate, pterostilbene, rhodiola rosea.
First impressions:
1. Fabric patch on wax-like paper, good adhesion to skin [remember, I wear my patches under my bra].
2. Not a surprise that Scatter Brain has a lot of same compounds as Focus & Clarity.
3. Doesn’t make me feel particularly focused, but that’s okay. I probably have undiagnosed Inattentive ADHD so I’m not expecting miracles here. #ExpectationManagement
4. Keeping in the rotation, but will likely replace with Patch Aid’s similar Focus & Clarity because all of Patch Aid’s ingredients are listed with mg/patch instead of hidden behind the proprietary blend declaration.
Patch Aid Advanced Collagen Plus (on Amazon)
Contains vitamin C, vitamin D3, collagen I & III, collagen II, glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, black pepper extract, aloe vera.
First impressions:
1. Fabric patch, normal adhesion.
2. I don’t feel any different, but I’m in it (this patch in particular) to get a nip of collagen while I sleep.
3. I already bought a second pack!
Patch Aid CoQ10 Plus (Patchaid.com, not Amazon)
Contains vitamin C, zinc, CoQ10, resveratrol, astaxanthin, black pepper extract.
First impressions:
1. ***pending! New patch, haven’t tried yet. Saving this for nighttime use.
Patch Aid Keto BHB Plus (Patchaid.com, not Amazon)
Contains calcium, magnesium, sodium, magnesium beta-hydroxybutyrate, calcium beta-hydroxybutyrate, sodium beta-hydroxybutyrate, apple cider vinegar, green tea, garcinia cambogia extract.
First impressions:
1. ***pending! New patch, haven’t tried yet. Saving this for daytime use.
- That’s all for now!
- New patches will be added as I try them.
Lady Jupiter 