What is HGH Gel? Side Effects & Reviews

By Dr. Dimitar Marinov

medical reviewed by Best HGH Doctors and Clinics dedicated team.

Evidence basedThis article is reviewed by medical professionals for the relevancy and accuracy of the content. Every article is evidence-based and contains references to peer-reviewed studies and academic research.

There is a growing market share for products labeled as HGH gels and creams. One of the brands has sold over 500 000 bottles in just 12 months while promising miracle effects including anti-aging and weight loss.

Unlike regulated growth hormone (GH) products, these HGH gels are sold as homeopathic supplements that do not require a prescription or medical consultation, the same goes for ipamorelin (growth hormone secretagogue). All you have to do is purchase it online and wait for the delivery.

HGH has a protein structure and it cannot be absorbed through the skin

Popular examples are Somaderm and Dermatropin which stand out with their aggressive multilevel marketing strategies and often persuade people with normal GH levels to spend their money on such questionable treatments.

Yet, most if not all of the positive reviews on the internet about them are posted by the multi-level marketers of the brand.

In this article, we will break down the science about the safety and effectiveness of transdermal HGH gels and suggest reliable options for treating GH deficiency.

What is HGH gel?

Despite being called “HGH gels”, these products contain virtually no HGH. That’s why they are available without a prescription. Still, the manufacturers market them as anti-aging HGH creams for wrinkles, weight loss, etc. in spite of the fact that these products do not work.

HGH gel is not effective as it doesn’t contain therapeutic levels of HGH and transdermal delivery is not studied enough

All commercial HGH gels are homeopathic products meaning that the “active substance” was highly diluted. For example, Dermatropin contains HGH 12X. This means the HGH has been diluted one trillion times (1 with 12 zeros behind it).

Does it actually work?

Some supporters of homeopathy might argue that highly diluted substances are even more potent, but there is no scientific proof to support such claims. Moreover, evidence reveals that there is not a single unbiased study to support the effectiveness of homeopathy for any condition.

Even if HGH gel did contain therapeutic levels of growth hormone, its transdermal delivery into the human body is questionable. That is because of the protein nature of the hormone. The only studies currently available are on mice suggesting that HGH might be absorbed through the skin only when conjugated with hyaluronic acid.

Evidence for the therapeutic effects of transdermal growth hormone in humans is yet to come. Thus, even if HGH gels did contain therapeutic levels of growth hormone, they would not be effective.

Legal and Effective Option for You

Is Somaderm HGH gel safe and legal (FDA-approved)?

Somaderm is also a homeopathic HGH gel. It contains HGH 30X which means the HGH has been diluted one nonillion times (1 with 30 zeros behind it). Such dilution eliminates the chance that there is even a single molecule of growth hormone in the cream.

According to scientific reviews, 24X dilution is the limit where the product might have a reasonable chance to contain a single molecule of the original active substance.

NDC Code of Somaderm Gel

The safety of the product is not guaranteed either.

There are no homeopathic products that are approved by the FDA

The organization states that homeopathic products currently marketed in the U.S. are not reviewed for safety or effectiveness.

Somaderm is not an exception, despite some claims you might stumble upon on the internet. Moreover, the makers of Somaderm (New U Life) were warned by the Better Business Bureau against claiming or implying that the HGH gel is FDA-approved.

According to the authorities, they can only state that the marketer’s facilities are FDA registered.

Somaderm drug label information

What are the real effects of Somaderm gel?

New U Life claims their transdermal HGH gel may improve bone and joint health, may increase muscle and reduce body fat and may improve sleep. However, there is not a single scientific proof to support any of these suggestions.

Furthermore, New U Life mentions a third-party trial that reported that one of the ingredients has increased natural growth hormone by up to 800% in healthy volunteers. The product does contain a few herbal extracts, one of which elevated growth hormone levels briefly by 878% in a study with only 15 men.

However, the velvet bean extract in the trial was taken by mouth, and topical application is not likely to have similar effects.

Besides, some of the promoters of the brand have gone further, claiming that the HGH gel has over 40 benefits. The following magical effects are commonly promised in an attempt to sell the product, even though there is no scientific evidence to support them:

  • Improved sleep
  • Improved mood, energy and memory
  • Increased libido and sexual performance
  • Increased fat loss
  • Increased lean muscle mass
  • Better results from your workouts
  • Faster healing from injuries
  • Help alleviate joint pain
  • Improved immune function,
  • Reduced graying hair
  • Relief of menopause symptoms

 

Customer reviews of Somaderm gel

Promoters often fail to mention that the Somaderm gel might cause negative reactions. Some of the herbal ingredients might trigger allergies or affect hormonal levels and receptors. Due to a lack of regulation for homeopathic products, we do not have official data on the possible adverse reactions after Somaderm gel use.

What is more, there are numerous reviews on the side effects after using HGH cream by real people on a Facebook page called the “Somaderm HGH Gel Scam”. Where people share their stories and what adverse reactions they experienced including:

  • Weight gain
  • Mood swings
  • Skin rashes
  • Hot flashes
  • Headache
  • Hair loss
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia
  • Achy joints
  • Loss of eyelashes
  • Hormonal changes
  • Rectal or vaginal bleeding

 

What treatment option to choose instead of Somaderm gel?

If you have been diagnosed with GHD and are willing to buy HGH treatment, the only reliable option to administer the hormone in your body is via injections. That is because HGH has a protein structure and it cannot be absorbed through the skin. Furthermore, it can be easily damaged and inactivated if the hormone is taken by mouth.

Comparison chart between HGH gel and injections

Legal HGH therapy can be prescribed only by a medical doctor, following a medical exam and testing. The purpose of the therapy is to treat specific medical conditions such as growth hormone deficiency.

In comparison to Somaderm gel, injectable HGH has the following distinctive features:

  • Contains therapeutic levels of HGH
  • Regulated and approved by the FDA
  • Effects are supported by scientific studies
  • Indicated only for specific medical conditions
  • Requires a legal prescription by a medical doctor
  • Effectively increases your plasma growth hormone levels
  • Dosage and safety should be closely monitored by an experienced physician

Legal HGH treatment has several effects which are well demonstrated in multiple studies with GH-deficient patients. They include weight loss, increased muscle mass and strength, improved energy levels, lower blood cholesterol, higher bone density, and better quality of life.

The Takeaway

Beware of products marketed as miracle cures and especially those recommended for serious conditions, which do not even require a doctor’s visit or prescription. They often claim to be FDA-approved and backed up by scientific studies, while in reality, it is a scam.

You can receive a medical examination from an experienced physician. In the case of GH deficiency, you will receive a legal HGH prescription and reliable treatment that will address your symptoms.

Our medical doctors and endocrinologists will carefully evaluate your condition and monitor the dosage, safety, and effectiveness of your therapy.