October 18, 2021

Hangover Patches: Do They Really Work?

User testimonials aren’t exactly backed by scientific research

Closeup of hand holding a small beige patch

It’s 5 o’clock on a Friday and a long-discussed pub crawl with friends kicks off in a few hours. Someone suggested a few breweries to check out. A trendy new bar made the must-visit list, too, along with a few old favorites.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

The more you think of the fun night ahead, the more you realize the next morning may include a rather wicked hangover. But can that head-pounding fate be avoided by sticking a hangover patch onto your arm?

To get the answer, we turn to pharmacist Benjamin Witt, PharmD, MBA, BCPS.

What is a hangover patch?

Hangover patches are marketed as a remedy to that hit-by-a-truck feeling that can follow a night of imbibing. How does this magic happen? Basically, by restoring your body’s depleted nutrients through your skin.

The “patches” are basically stickers infused with gobs of healthy stuff. The list usually includes B vitamins such as thiamine (B1), niacin (B3) and cobalamin (B12) plus a host of other nutrients to help you rally.

And all you have to do to get a healthy dose of that goodness is apply the sticker to your skin an hour or so before cracking open any beer, booze or wine.

Seriously. That’s it.

While you party and for hours afterward, your skin supposedly absorbs nutrients out of the patch. This cutaneous transfer is meant to counteract some of alcohol’s rather negative effects on your body.

Think of the patch as sanding down the rough edges of a hangover to allow for a smooth recovery. Now the big question: Does it really work?

Advertisement

Examining the claims

Let’s begin with the one definite fact: Drinking alcohol — especially too much alcohol — robs your body of nutrients. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you pee. Your body burns a lot of resources while processing all that alcohol.

“That’s the one solid nugget of truth behind hangover patch claims,” says Witt. “We know alcohol use can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Where things get fuzzy is in how these patches address those deficiencies.”

For instance, there’s no evidence to suggest your body soaks in enough vitamins and nutrients from a patch to stop a hangover train in its tracks. “It’s not something that has been backed by science,” notes Witt.

It’s not just the patch method of delivery, either: There’s also no concrete proof that swallowing nutrient-packed multivitamins and supplements can cure or prevent your hangover.

Packing in nutrients through a patch or a pill also doesn’t address problem-causing dehydration issues that follow alcohol consumption. Nor will either do anything to lower your blood alcohol level.

So how can companies make these “cure” claims? Well, hangover patches are not a regulated drug, notes Witt. And given that they’re not considered medication, the product is not required to meet efficacy standards.

That helps explain why various patches can have wildly different ingredient nutrient mixes and concentration levels. In researching patches, for instance, Witt found some with nearly 10x the amount of certain vitamins compared to others. That’s a significant difference.

One product advised applying one patch before drinking but to feel free to stick on two or three if the user really planned to party hard that night.

Advertisement

“It all kind of points to this not being evidence-based,” says Witt.

Can hangover patches harm you?

There isn’t too much to worry about regarding the use of the patches, but Witt does offer a few notes of caution.

If you’re taking a medication, the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink list of ingredients in some patches is cause for concern. Whatever is in the patch could interact poorly with prescribed medications.

The adhesive on the patch also could irritate sensitive skin, says Witt.

But what about all those patch testimonials?

It’s easy to find online testimonials that label hangover patches as stick-on miracle workers. Witt suspects the positive reviews represent a placebo effect — essentially, that people feel better because they think they should feel better.

“These patches have great marketing behind them,” says Witt, “but there’s not a lot of actual evidence behind the claims.”

And if you really want to avoid a hangover, make good decisions and drink in moderation.

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person sitting in a chair holding head and drinking a hot beverage while not fully operational.
September 27, 2023
How To Cure a Hangover

Time and rehydration are the best bet — and no, the ‘hair of the dog’ method isn’t a good idea

help for a hangover
March 7, 2022
Can Coffee Help Cure a Hangover?

Drinking coffee won’t make the pain go away, but it could make it worse

Colonscopy exam showing light inside colon
March 15, 2024
How Safe Are Colonoscopies?

They might not be fun, but colonoscopies are low-risk, high-reward procedures

Female and male waking up with hangovers in aftermath of a party
March 13, 2024
Hangover Pills Aren’t Worth the Hype

Misleading claims, lack of scientific evidence and the risk of over-doing it are all concerns

Counter top with healthy foods and meal prepping
March 11, 2024
Living With Celiac Disease? Make Time for Self-Care

It’s more than just avoiding gluten — it’s also important to focus on your mental and emotional health

person eating a small lunch alone at desk at the office
March 8, 2024
How To Cope With Ulcerative Colitis at Work

Talk to your employer, ask for accommodations and manage your stress

person speaking with healthcare provider in office
March 4, 2024
Ulcerative Colitis and Your Mental Health

Seeking help through therapy can be an important step in improving your quality of life when you have UC

Physician examines oversized colon with giant magnifying glass, with report in foreground
March 1, 2024
Colon Cancer Screenings: When To Start

If you’re at average risk, it’s recommended that you get your first colonoscopy at age 45

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad