Do wellness patches work? A writer tests energy, sleep, acne and period stickers

A Guardian writer tested a range of coin-sized wellness “patches” that claim to treat everyday problems including fatigue, stress, acne, low libido and menstrual pain. The wearable patch market was estimated at $9.95bn in 2024 (approx £7.45bn) and, according to the Financial Times, is predicted to grow significantly in the next five years.

Patches the writer tried contained ingredients such as vitamins B5 and B3, microdoses of caffeine, ashwagandha, berberine and essential oils; guidance on placement and duration varies and some makers promise instant effects. Experts and the writer report mixed, subjective results.

John Tregoning of Imperial College warned that “it’s not like a vaccine… it is: do you feel better?” and described some effects as a potential “drifting placebo.” The writer felt briefly fresher after an energy patch, experienced a tingling sensation and calmer cramps with one maker’s period patch, and felt light-headed after a berberine patch; the writer also noted caffeine-containing patches disrupted sleep on one night.

Pharmacist Pupinder Ghatora said transdermal delivery “can absolutely be effective but only when the science supports it,” while Dr Deborah Cohen highlighted how price and marketing may shape expectations and noted wellness patches do not face the same regulatory scrutiny as medicines.

Key Topics

Health, Wellness Patches, Kind Patches, Ross J Barr, Berberine, Ashwagandha