Patches — topical supplement formats for discreet, no-water daily-use ranges.
A topical patch concept reviewed feasibility-first. Active suitability and skin-adhesive compatibility are confirmed before spec lock so the patch behaves the same in spec as it does on skin.
- Options
- Custom
- Documentation
- 4 review steps by project stage
- Target markets
- EU · UK · US
- Options
- 2
- private-label catalogue · qualified custom development.
- Review steps
- 4
- brief · spec · artwork · release.
- Target markets
- EU · UK · US
- reviewed per market framework.
Patches earn their place when discretion, a no-water format and a novel delivery story are the brand promise. Active suitability is constrained by the topical carrier and adhesive — DAT confirms feasibility before any spec lock and publishes no absorption or therapeutic claims.
When a patch fits
Patches suit discreet, no-water, novelty-led daily-use SKUs where the format itself is part of the brand story. They are a poor fit for high-dose oral nutrition — feasibility is reviewed against the target active list before any spec lock, and DAT makes no transdermal absorption claim.
- Discreet daily-use SKUs where a no-water format is the brand promise.
- Novelty and gifting-led ranges where the patch format carries the story.
- Wellness and beauty ranges adding a topical patch SKU alongside a hero format.
- Sampling SKUs paired with a hero range in another format.
How a supplement patch is configured
A patch is a topical format that carries an active in a skin-adhesive matrix worn against the skin. The configuration is reviewed feasibility-first: active suitability for a topical carrier, skin-adhesive compatibility, patch size, wear time and outer pouch are confirmed per project before any spec lock. Active selection is the platform constraint — the topical carrier and adhesive limit what the format can carry, and DAT publishes no transdermal absorption or therapeutic claims. The brief reviews the target active list against the carrier and adhesive system, and confirms whether the concept is feasible before quoting. Brands choose patches when discretion, a no-water format and a novel delivery story carry the positioning — a discreet daily-use SKU, a gifting-led novelty range, a wellness or beauty line adding a topical patch alongside a hero format. The format trades oral nutrition payload for a discreet, worn, no-water experience; feasibility, active suitability and adhesion are confirmed at sample stage before the configuration is locked.
Pick the option that matches the brief.
Every project moves through one of two options. Final routing is confirmed inside the portal — the option shapes the documentation set and the timeline.
Reviewed concept, your brand.
Pick a reviewed concept from the catalogue and add your brand. The fastest path from brief to launch — packaging, claims and documentation are reviewed against the target market. Project-specific packaging, flavour, colour or shape adjustments may be reviewed after order start.
- Best for
- First SKU · short timelines
- Lead time
- From 5–12 weeks
Bespoke formulation and dieline.
Fully bespoke formulation, custom flavour profile and packaging dieline for qualified 5,000+ unit projects. Available after a paid feasibility/R&D review — the right option for category-defining launches with longer planning windows and committed quantities.
- Best for
- Category-defining launch · committed quantities
- Lead time
- Final timeline is confirmed during order setup.
What each option looks like for patches
Private-label availability is reviewed per project — patch launches typically need active-suitability and adhesion review, so a true private-label drop-in is not the default route. Where a reviewed patch concept exists and the brand can adopt the configuration as-is, private-label can apply; DAT confirms in the brief.
Custom patch development covers novel actives, bespoke carrier and adhesive systems, and custom patch sizes or multi-patch presentations. First runs land at the 5,000-unit MOQ tier and timelines are confirmed per project after the feasibility and adhesion review.
Foil sachet · Wallet · Outer carton
Patch packaging is reviewed per project — the outer format follows positioning, retail channel and the adhesive’s moisture sensitivity.
Patch packaging protects the active and the adhesive until point of use. Foil sachets — single or multi-patch — are the canonical format, carrying a moisture and oxygen barrier so the adhesive performs on application. Reseal wallets suit daily-use or weekly-ritual multi-patch SKUs and pair well with a slim outer carton. Across all options the moisture barrier matters: patches are adhesive- and humidity-sensitive, and the film, sealing and outer pack carry the shelf life. Tamper evidence, patches per pack, easy-open features and on-pack claim positioning are reviewed in the brief, and artwork is reviewed against the target-market framework before production.
- Foil sachet
Single or multi-patch foil pouch protecting the adhesive and active until use.
- Wallet
Compact reseal wallet for daily-use or weekly-ritual multi-patch SKUs.
- Outer carton
Retail and gifting carton. Patches per pack confirmed per project.
- Foil sachet (single/multi-patch)
- Reseal wallet
- High-barrier laminate
- Easy-open feature
- Multi-patch outer carton
- Tamper-evident seal
- Recyclable mono-material
- On-pack QR / batch code
Reviewed concepts for this format
A short pick of reviewed concepts. Final positioning, claims and documentation are confirmed per project.
-
Sleep patch concept
No-water bedtime topical patch paired with a sleep-ritual brand.
-
Beauty patch concept
Topical beauty patch for a discreet daily-ritual range.
Other formats in the formats & delivery group
Adjacent manufacturing formats DAT supports across the same product family.
Common actives for this format
Frequently asked questions
Which actives are suitable for a patch?
Active suitability is constrained by the topical carrier and adhesive system, and is reviewed against the target active list before any spec lock. DAT confirms feasibility during the brief and makes no transdermal absorption claim.
Does DAT claim transdermal absorption?
No. DAT publishes no transdermal absorption or therapeutic claims for patch formats. On-pack claims are reviewed against the target-market framework per SKU, and the brand owner remains responsible for the claims it carries.
Is a private-label option available for patches?
Patch projects typically route through personalisation or custom because active suitability and adhesion are part of the spec. Private-label availability is confirmed per project.
What documentation review steps apply?
Brief review, spec confirmation, artwork review per the target-market framework, and batch-specific Certificate of Analysis after QC release.
What is the order of magnitude for a first run?
Personalisation starts from 2,500 units; custom development volumes are confirmed after the development scope. Final volumes are confirmed during order setup.
Continue exploring
Private-label framing, related formats and the public-ready catalogue.
- Private label
Private label patches →
Reviewed concepts in this format, pivoted for the private-label brand owner. Same four-step documentation route, catalogue-led.
- Related format
Sachets manufacturing →
Single-serving sachet format for powders, granulates or compact daily-routine concepts. Configuration confirmed per project.
- Related format
Functional jellies manufacturing →
Pouchable functional jelly format for daily-routine and on-the-go supplement concepts.
- Catalogue
Browse patches concepts →
Every public-ready PIM concept detected as patches, sorted by family for quick scanning.
Brief a patch concept
Send the brief — DAT will review active suitability and adhesion, confirm the working route and frame the spec lock for the patch format.