What’s the difference between PatchMD & Patch Aid vitamin patches?

Have you ever noticed that we stock PatchMD AND Patch Aid vitamin patches? Our customer service team is often asked if there is any difference between the two types of patches. In fact, we'd go so far as saying it's our most common FAQ!

The short answer is: that there's very little difference between the two types of vitamin patches, and the variations that are there, don't impact how effective they are. You can rely on both types to provide the nutrients you need in easy-to-use patch form.

Both brands contain the exact same, high quality ingredients, and use an innovative slow-release system to deliver the nutrients into your bloodstream throughout the day. Both types of patches are made from high quality, hypoallergenic, medical tape suited to sensitive skin and don't include any latex, lactose, sugar, gluten, or genetically modified ingredients. Even better, we receive equally excellent feedback on the effectiveness of both brands from our customers!

But there are some small differences, which you can find out more about here:

1. PatchMD and Patch Aid vitamin patches report the amount of each ingredient differently:

Looking at our Omega 3 patch as an example, both vitamin patches contain the exact same ingredients. However, PatchMD reports the physical amount of each ingredient, while Patch Aid reports the bio-equivalent amount. 'Bio-equivalent' means the amount of each ingredient displayed is what you'd expect to find in an equivalent oral supplement. So that customers can easily compare the patch to oral products:

If you directly compare the nutrient quantities of each patch, it looks like Patch Aid contains a larger amount of each nutrient, but both brands will actually deliver exactly the same amount. So you don't need to buy Patch Aid to get a higher dose. You'll get the same expertly formulated amount from both brands and the same excellent results – phew!

2. PatchMD is manufactured in an FDA facility:

The teams behind both brands of vitamin patches include doctors and specialists in the medical aid industry. So when you buy either type of patch, you can feel confident that each product has been formulated by experts in the field. The only difference is that PatchMD's manufacturing headquarters in Nevada have been approved by and registered with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration – a US government agency responsible for protecting public health). While Patch Aid's New York factory isn't currently FDA-approved.

This doesn't mean there is anything wrong with Patch Aid products, vitamin patches don't legally need to be manufactured in an FDA facility. There is no difference in the quality or safety of the two patch brands.

Association with the FDA is an extra layer of peace of mind for some consumers. But, as experts in the vitamin patch industry, we can reassure customers that both brands are equally safe and effective.

3. Patch Aid vitamin patches include the product name on the backing plastic:

A fan of using multiple vitamin patches at once, but keep muddling them up? Patch Aid could be the best choice for you, because this brand features the product name on the backing plastic of each patch. This is especially helpful in differentiating between products if you're using more than one type of patch and you've taken them out of the packet. PatchMD doesn't have this feature, so it’s sensible to keep your patches in the packet if you opt for this brand and are buying multiple products.

4. Patch Aid has little icons/symbols printed on each patch:

Struggle to remember which patches you've popped on each day? Patch Aid vitamin patches are printed with tiny symbols (using vegetable dye, to keep things as natural as possible) to help differentiate between patches once you have applied them. In comparison, PatchMD patches are plain white patches, ideal if you prefer a more minimalist look for the patches you wear – and have a good memory!