5 ELLE Editors Share Their Honest Thoughts on Vitamin Patches
Does anyone actually like taking vitamins? You either have to chew up a gummy that is almost like candy but not quite, choke down a chalky pill that gets caught in your throat, or consume a diet largely composed of antioxidant-rich fruits and leafy greens—practical, but boring. We need vitamins, so we begrudgingly pick one vehicle. But what if there were an easier way to get your daily requirements? Vitamin patches may offer a unique new option.
These stickers shrink vitamins like D and B down into particles too small for the human eye to see and deposit them onto a sticky sheet that can be worn like a pimple patch anywhere on your skin. The jury is still out on how well they work—a 2023 review in Experimental Dermatology found that they might increase vitamin absorption, but more research is needed. Dermatologists agree that vitamin patches are low risk, but you should talk to your doctor before trying them. Patches are by far the easiest way to get your vitamins—just smooth them on and let them do their thing. Plus, many of them look like delicate tattoos that wouldn’t be out of place on Zoë Kravitz’s fingers.
Because of how easy these patches are to use, and how nice they look, the ELLE staff was more than happy to give the Barriére vitamin patches a spin. Keep reading for our unfiltered thoughts.
“I recently got bloodwork done and found out I was vitamin D deficient. It was a long winter! I am abysmal at taking pills (I really, no matter what, cannot force myself to take a daily pill), so I was hoping for another solution. I started putting on these vitamin D patches, which I am much better at doing, since they are cute and easy to use. While I’d need a blood test to confirm whether or not they boosted my vitamin D levels, I felt like I had more sustained energy throughout the day. I was skeptical that they would stay on for long periods of time, but I’m impressed—they’ve lasted through sweaty workouts, saunas, and even showers. I also tried the melatonin patch, hoping it would help me get a solid eight hours of sleep. I often take melatonin before bed as a sleep aid, and I feel like it works for me, but I didn’t notice a difference with the patches. While I feel like the vitamin D patch did something for me, the jury’s still out on the melatonin patch, though it’s super cute. I’ll keep trying it to see if it works, and in the meantime, I’ll continue wearing my vitamin D patch. I’ve already recommended these to my friends.” —Katie Berohn, beauty editor
“When I first heard about these vitamin B12 patches, I was skeptical, but the adorable designs were enough to get me to try them. The small designs stuck easily to my wrist and blended in with my other hand and arm tattoos. Though it’s hard to say definitively, I can say that I’ve had a bit of an energy boost since using the patch. I was much less sluggish and tired, even during days when I didn’t get much sleep the night before. At least my doctor can be impressed by this newfangled vitamin technology the next time I pay her a visit. I’d recommend these, especially if you don’t like pills.”—Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
“Like most people who work indoors all day, I have a vitamin D deficiency. I found the patches a lot more enjoyable than having to remind myself to take a daily oral supplement. They also stayed on for a good while, although next time I think I’ll put them on my shoulder or further up my arm; they fell off, due to my bracelets! I didn’t feel any specific side effects from these patches, so I was able to go about my day as I usually would. I’ve been in a better mood than usual, but I don’t know if that’s from the spring sunshine or the patch. I would recommend these, but only if you remember to use them.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
“I’m a sleepy girl whose body refuses to get adequate rest at night; I often feel sluggish in the morning and find relief at the bottom of a daily matcha or latte. However, part of adulting is understanding that a caffeinated beverage can’t provide the necessary nutrients and energy that vitamins can. In short: These patches have been a lifesaver. Formulated with B12 and folate, one vitamin B12 patch a day on the wrist provided a jolt of energy sans any jitters, and made me feel capable of completing my to-do list. I felt more lively and eager, compared to my previously lethargic, stressed self. I’ll keep using these; I like that they’re a fun alternative way to get your vitamins in.” —Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
“Whether anything was actually happening or not, I at least felt like the patches were working. After such a long and dark winter, I was really struggling to find sources of vitamin D, and the patches were such an effortless way to get some extra nutrients in. A few people even noticed them, and when I told them what they were they were, they seemed pretty mesmerized by the concept. I would recommend friends try them for themselves, half because I believe they actually work and half because I would be curious to see if they notice a difference.” —Emma Noel, designer
For a deeper dive on vitamin patches, read this story from our May 2025 issue.
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