Update 6/4/22. Few products have generated as much interest as the Thrive Patch, also known as the “Thrive Premium Lifestyle DFT.” The patch is supposed to provide a time-released steady stream of weight loss and energy-boosting ingredients into the body that is said to be “greatly superior to that of any consumable product.” Does the Thrive weight loss patch work or is it a scam? I think this question hinges not only on the ingredients used in the product but also whether those ingredients actually be absorbed through the skin and into the body? These are the big questions I'll address in this review.
Why A “Critical” Review?
While the title of this review includes the word “Critical” I want to make clear that I am not referring to something bad, meant to bash the product. In the world of science, a “critical review” means a review that contains information that the author feels is critical for people to know about.
My hope is this review will help you better understand the Thrive Patch, the DFT technology and ingredients used in the product.
What Does DFT Stand For?
DFT stands for Dermal Fusion Technology. It's a phrase used by Le-Vel (The Thrive company) to refer to the Thrive Patch. From the name, it sounds to me like the patch is supposed to fuse with the dermis and epidermis of the skin, and in doing so, allow the ingredients in the patch to pass into the body. From there, those ingredients are supposed to help with weight management, curb appetite and give people energy to work out better.
When I looked at this product, there were 3 different types of DFT patches. They are:
- Thrive Premium DFT
- DFT Ultra
- Black Label DFT
Let's first look at the Premium DFT Patch and then cover both DFT Ultra and Black Label DFT patches below.
Thrive Patch Ingredients
According to a PDF on the Le-Vel.com website, there are 6 ingredients in the Premium DFT patch. They are:
- ForsLean
- Green Coffee Bean Extract
- Garcinia Cambogia
- COQ10
- White Willow Bark
- Cosmoperine
I can't tell how much of each ingredient is in the Thrive Patch. If any Thrive Promoters can share that with me, I'll be glad to update this part of my review.
Either way, since the ingredients are listed in the order I've put them here, I believe this means that ingredients at the top make up most of the product, and those at the bottom make up the least.
At the heart of the DFT technology is the very last ingredient in this list – Cosmoperine. This is what Dermal Fusion Technology is based on. Let's take a look at that ingredient next.
What Is Cosmoperine?
On the DFT patch pdf file which can be downloaded from Le-Vel.com, we see that cosmoperine is trademarked by the Sabina corporation. Sabina is a company that makes a very of supplements and holds patents on them too. Cosmoperine is the common name for a compound called Tetrahydropiperine (THP).
On the Cosmoperine.com website, we see THP is the name given to a metabolite of black pepper. The page I linked to also states cosmoperine (THP) can enhance the absorption of various drugs (and supplements) when they are applied transdermally (on the skin).
Here is the US Patent page for THP.
The US Patent, tells us the Sabinsa Corporation (which owns the trademark on THP/cosmoperine) has provided evidence THP can increase the absorption of Forskolin when both compounds are applied to the skin (rat skin according to the patent). Since it works in rat skin, I'll assume it also works when used on human skin.
Forskolin (also called coleus forskohlii) is another name for ForsLean which is also in the Thrive Premium DFT patch. The Sabinsa corporation calls their preparation of forskolin, ForsLean.
So, to summarize, it appears the driving force (the secret sauce, if you will) in the DFT patch is Cosmoperine. This ingredient allows other ingredients to be carried through the skin. But, just because those ingredients can get into the body from penetrating the skin, does that also mean they will work?
This is the BIG question.
Let's look at the research on the Thrive DFT Patch next
Thrive Patch Research
I searched the Le-Vel website for research to show that the Thrive Patch caused people to lose weight. No evidence could be located
I then searched the web for:
- Thrive Patch Research
- Thrive DFT patch Research
- Le-Vel Thrive DFT Research
No clinical studies could be located.
This says to me the Thrive Patch may have no published, peer-reviewed clinical studies showing it causes people to lose weight.
Remember, just because the ingredients in the Thrive DFT Patch might penetrate the skin does not mean that they will cause weight loss. They might or might not. These are two different issues.
So, to get a better idea, we will have to look at each ingredient in the Patch to see what might be going on.
Let's do that next.
ForsLean
This is a trademarked version of a supplement called coleus forskohlii (say, cole-E-us-four-skoll-EE). Since it is listed first, it makes up most of the Thrive Premium DFT patch ingredients.
As I noted in the review of coleus forskohlii, there is weight loss research on this ingredient. Some of that research shows it might work and other studies show it might not work.
In one study, which lasted 12 weeks and involved 19 overweight women, researchers noted coleus forskohlii might reduce gaining weight.
In other words, it didn't cause the women to lose weight, but just reduced their odds of gaining weight. The women in this study used 500 mg of coleus forskohlii per day.
This study used ForsLean, the same brand of coleus forskholii that is in the DFT patch. That's good.
Remember, the women took an oral supplement. They didn't put it on their skin. Would a transdermal patch also work? I can't find a single weight management study involving a ForsLean transdermal patch.
Green Coffee Bean Extract
The active ingredient in green coffee bean is often said to be a compound called chlorogenic acid. As such, chlorogenic acid is likely the extract used in the TDF Patch. I'm not convinced this compound works.
As I revealed in the green coffee bean review, one of the very best studies on this compound was retracted by the authors because they could not verify the results of the study. Here is the study. As can be seen, the words “this article has been retracted” as well as and “Retracted” appear scrolled across the study pages.
In 2014, a small study was published that involved 20 healthy people. For 2 weeks people drank 40 grams of green coffee (1.4 oz) and for another 2 weeks, they drank 40 grams (1.4 oz) of black coffee. They were told to not alter their eating patterns.
Researchers noted when people drank green coffee, they had a lower body mass index (BMI), lower cortisol levels and had lost more abdominal fat, than when they drink black coffee. They also experienced lower blood pressure and their blood vessels were more elastic too.
Regardless of our feelings about this study, the people in this investigation drank the coffee. They did not use a transdermal patch.
See the list of weight loss scams for more insights.
Garcinia Cambogia
This is also called HCA or hydroxy-citric-acid. I'm on the fence when it comes to Garcinia Cambogia and weight loss. As I pointed out in my review of garcinia Cambogia weight loss research, I have seen research showing:
As well as research showing
At best, it's a toss-up. Many studies have problems, which further complicates things. No study appears to have been done to see if a transdermal patch of garcinia Cambogia helps people lose weight.
Read the Garcinia Cambogia review and pay attention to the side effects controversy too.
COQ10
CoQ10 is short for coenzyme Q10. It's also called ubiquinone because the molecule is ubiquitous, or everywhere, in the body. It's a substance that helps our mitochondria turn calories into energy.
I have never seen a study of CoQ10 and weight loss or weight management. When I looked for evidence, I saw articles saying it helped, but no website showed me proof – published clinical studies involving people.
This is the CoQ10 brand I use
White Willow Bark
White willow bark contains a compound that looks like aspirin. So it has some pain-reducing effects. This is why you might see it show up in arthritis supplements such as Instaflex (click to read review). It's also an ingredient in Thrive W so see that review for more insights.
Weight loss and weight management supplements sometimes contain white willow bark. This is likely because of the reputation aspirin has for increasing the effects of caffeine and ephedra. In the fitness world, this combination is called the “ECA Stack” where ECA stands for:
- Ephedra
- Caffeine
- Aspirin
I think this is the reason I saw white willow bark in these two weight loss supplements from TV trainer, Jillian Michaels:
Thrive Black Label And Ultra Patches
There is more than one type of Thrive Patch. There is also:
- Thrive Ultra Patch
- Thrive Black Label Patch
The difference between the Ultra and Black Label patches is not only in the ingredients used but also the size of the patches may be different too.
In the table below, I compare the ingredients in all 3 different types of Thrive Patches – in the order, they are listed on the product pdfs – so you can compare them to each other.
| Thrive Premium Patch | Thrive Ultra Patch | Black Label Patch |
|---|---|---|
| ForsLean | ForsLean | ForsLean |
| Green Coffee Bean Extract | Green Coffee Bean Extract | Green Coffee Bean Extract |
| Garcinia Cambogia | Garcinia Cambogia | Garcinia Cambogia |
| CoQ10 | CoQ10 | CoQ10 |
| White Willow Bark | White Willow Bark | Cosmoperine |
| Cosmoperine | Cosmoperine | Satiereal Saffron Extract |
| Satiereal Saffron Extract | Green Tea Extract | |
| Green Tea Extract | White Willow Bark | |
| 5-HTP | ||
| L-Theanine | ||
| L-Arginine | ||
| Quercetin | ||
| Guarana | ||
| Yerba Mate | ||
| Vitamin B12 |
As previously said, they don't tell us how much of each ingredient is present in the different DFT patches. We can only assume that the ingredients listed at the top are most plentiful while those at the end of the list are the least.
All versions of the Thrive Patch contains the cosmoperine ingredient. That's good. Remember this is the ingredient that appears to help carry other ingredients through the skin.
As you can see, the Black Label Patch has the most ingredients. But, does this mean it's better than the other two? We can't know which is best unless they are all pitted head to head against each other in a clinical study.
Clinical studies on this topic cannot be located.
That said, let's cover a few of the ingredients in the Ultra and Black Label patches and see what we can discover about them as far as weight management is concerned.
Satiereal Saffron Extract
This is an ingredient in both the Thrive Ultra and Black Label patches. Satieral is the name given to an extract from saffron. The extract is called Crocus Sativus. The company that makes the satiereal extract is a French company called InoReal.
Here is the US patent for 
The name satiereal, refers to satiety, the feeling of fullness and not wanting to eat anymore.
There is some research on Satiereal.
In a study published in 2010, 60 overweight women were given either satiereal or a placebo for 8 weeks. The women consumed 176.5 mg of satiereal per day. Researchers noted women who used satiereal weighed less than women who got the placebo. Those women also reported less snacking too.
There have also been some studies on saffron to help depression.
In a 2005 study of women who were depressed, 45 women were randomly given 30 mg of saffron or a placebo for 6 weeks. Women getting the saffron (Crocus sativus, which is what Satiereal comes from) scored better on depression questioners compared to women who got the placebo.
Several other studies also hint that saffron can help mild to moderate depression too. But, does satiereal work when it's in a patch? The research involves taking it orally – not in a patch.
Heres Satiereal Saffron on Amazon
5 HTP
This is an ingredient in the Black Label Thrive Patch. Another name is 5 hydroxy-tryptophan. It's a variation on the amino acid, tryptophan. The 5 HTP molecule (like tryptophan) helps us make serotonin which plays a role in mood as well as appetite. As far as depression is concerned, studies are sometimes criticized for having issues.
As for reducing appetite and weight loss, this also has been studied. In one investigation, 20 overweight women were randomly given either 900 mg of 5 HTP or a placebo for 6 weeks. The woman who received the 5 HTP lost more weight than women who took the placebo.
How much weight did they lose? Somewhere between 3 to 5 pounds over the course of the study. That's not much given the study lasted 6 weeks.
No study using a transdermal patch can be located. All the studies appear to give 5 HTP orally.
L-Theanine
This is an amino acid that is found in tea. Theanine sometimes finds its way into weight management supplements. I believe it's used in supplements in the hopes it might help calm people down. The idea is people who are less stressed are probably less likely to overeat. This study lends evidence that L-Theanine can have a calming effect on people. In this study, 50 mg was used in healthy people.
In one study that involved 16 people, Theanine seemed to make people feel calmer when they were relaxed, but it didn't seem to have any anti-anxiety effects when they were stressed – in other words, when ya really need it to work.
L Arginine
Arginine helps us make nitric oxide which can help relax blood vessels and this is why it's sometimes used in exercise supplements – as way to drive more blood/oxygen to muscles during exercise. For more on nitric oxide see the review of SuperBeets.
Arginine also helps us make human growth hormone (HGH). While growth hormone can play a role in muscle building, and this, in turn, might lead to weight loss, I think one has to take a lot of it to increase HGH levels.
See the SeroVital review for more insights.
In one study of arginine and weight loss, 90 overweight men and women were given either 3 grams or 6 grams of arginine a day or a placebo for 8 weeks. Researchers noticed those taking arginine showed significant reductions in body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, body fat, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. These changes were not seen in those getting the placebo.
What about weight loss? Those getting 6 grams of arginine a day lost about 8 pounds while those getting 3 grams a day lost about 3 pounds.
This investigation was based on a Masters Thesis. One problem was that the study was “single-blinded.” This means the researchers knew who was getting arginine and who was getting the placebo. Also, body fat was determined using skinfold calipers and the researchers only measured 2 sites (triceps and subscapularis regions). That might be an issue because if more sites were measured could lead to more accurate results.
Regardless, this was an oral arginine study. No patch was used.
Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant found in foods such as broccoli and blueberries. Does it affect appetite, weight loss or anxiety? Proof cannot be located.
Other supplements containing quercetin include:
- Life Shotz (click to read review)
- Ceraplex (click to read review)
- Tissue Rejuvenator (click to read review)
See those reviews for more information.
Guarana
This is a source of caffeine. Caffeine is popular in weight loss products and energy drinks. The idea being that the more awake you are, the more you will move and burn calories. Other products I've looked previously that also contained guarana include:
Caffeine – alone – seems to have little weight loss research. In other words, caffeine is almost always used alongside something else.
Yerba Mate
As I mentioned in my review of the fat burner called Thermo Detonator, I located a study were people who took 1000 mg of yerba mate seemed to burn fat better than those who took a placebo. I don't think the Thrive Patch has that much yerba mate.
Other products reviewed here that also contained yerba mate include:
See those reviews for additional information.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that we actually store in the body. While healthy people may not need this nutrient regularly, other people like vegans, older folks and those taking certain medications may be deficient. Vitamin B12 is also popular in weight loss supplements. I think there are 2 reasons for this:
1 The vitamin might give us more energy
2 The vitamin might help weight loss
If you not deficient, vitamin B12 probably does not boost energy levels. As for weight loss, there is no good proof it does this either.
See my review Vitamin B12 and Weight Loss.
Does Vitamin B12 Cause Cancer?
Thrive Patch Active Ingredients
When I review a product, I like to try to drill down to what I believe might be the active ingredients. I do this not only because I'm curious, but also because people ask me.
Because they want to save money.
After looking at all the ingredients these are the ingredients that might be most responsible for any weight loss effects that people might notice. Here they are:
| Thrive Premium Patch | Thrive Ultra Patch | Thrive Black Label Patch |
| ForsLean | ForsLean | ForsLean |
| Garcinia Cambogia | Garcinia Cambogia | Garcinia Cambogia |
| Cosmoperine | Cosmoperine | Cosmoperine |
| Satiereal Saffron Extract | Satiereal Saffron Extract |
Notice the similarity between the different types of Thrive Patches. Of course, cosmoperine is present in all of the DFT patches because, as reviewed above, this is the ingredient that's supposed to carry the other ingredients into the body.
Also, notice that ForsLean (coleus forskholii) is the first ingredient listed in ALL of the DFT patches.
As for the other ingredients listed in the table above, I found human weight loss/ appetite suppression studies on them (which you can read above). That research though involves when they are taking orally. Whether they work the same way when used in a patch, I cannot say.
For those on a budget here are those ingredients to purchase individually:
Thrive Patch and Weight Loss?
Le-vel distributors often say that the Thrive Patch is not a “weight management” supplement and not a weight loss supplement.
But, what does “weight management” really mean? It's a vague term. Think about it. Just saying you are managing your weight doesn't say how you are managing your weight. Are you managing it to gain, lose, or maintain weight?
The fact is many of the ingredients in the patch are weight loss compounds. Specifically, these 3 ingredients are in many weight loss supplements:
- ForsLean (Coleus forskohlii) click to read the review
- Green Coffee Bean click to read the review
- Garcinia Cambogia click to read the review
Thrive Patch Side Effects
When I looked for online testimonials, I didn't see anyone complaining of terrible things when they used the DFT Patch, so that's good.
In the comments below, a few people, have mentioned the Patch caused rashes, blisters and/or caused red/itchy skin. To reduce this it may be wise to rotate where the patch is placed on the skin. Don't place the patch on the same area all the time.
I think the side effects would probably hinge on whether the ingredients really can get into the body in significant amounts. That said, let me make a blanket statement and say:
- If you take any medications, (like blood thinners) or are breastfeeding or pregnant, show the ingredients to your doctor and pharmacist first.
- Stop using the patch at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- If you have any health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, psychological issues, or liver or kidney problems, show the ingredients to your doctor and pharmacist.
Who Makes The Thrive Patch?
Thrive supplements are a product of the Le-Vel LLC. They are also known as Le-Vel Brands LLC. Their website is Le-Vel.com. Their address is 9201 Warren Pkwy #200, Frisco, TX 75035. Their contact phone number is: 888-557-0005.
The BBB rating for Le-Vel was A+ when this review was updated. The Better Business Bureau noted “patterns of consumer complaints” surrounding refunds and the creation of unauthorized accounts. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
SiteJabber gave Le-Vel 3 stars out of 5 when this review was updated. See the SiteJabber site for more insights.
The review of Thrive W has more information and hundreds of comments and testimonials.
My Suggestions
When taken orally, I believe the ingredients which might be the active ingredients are:
This is for taking them orally. I am unable to locate proof they work when placed on the skin.
Does The Thrive Patch Work?
Here are my opinions on the Thrive DFT Patch.
1. There is evidence cosmoperine can penetrate the skin (of a rat) and increase the absorption of some drugs when applied to the skin. Presumably, this means it also works on human skin too. I'll assume it does.
2. There is evidence cosmoperine can enhance the absorption of ForsLean (coleus forskhloii) when both are applied to rat skin (let's assume human skin too). Since ForsLean is the first ingredient listed in all of the Thrive Patches could this be the main active ingredient?
3. I believe there is a lack of clinical research showing the patch increases blood levels of the ingredients in the human body.
4. Most of the research on the ingredients involves taking them orally – not placing on the skin with a transdermal patch.
I'm genuinely intrigued that an ingredient placed on the skin can enhance the absorption of other ingredients. That said, even though the Thrive Patch is touted as being a better delivery system, I want to see a few human weight loss studies before I give a final judgment. I'm really looking forward to published studies on this.
Karen: I am very surprised that “Support” has not returned your messages. Are you sure their response is not in your junk mail? Also, whoever signed you will definately be able to help you with all of this. Le-Vel support is excellent
Connie, What # do you recommend people call to speak to a human? for what its worth I just got an email from someone who basically said the same thing about having issues contacting them.
I have been using Thrive for 2 months. I trialed Black Label and have experienced the same symptoms for 9 days, in both locations I placed the patch, arm and upper leg (lean areas). For the last 9 days, the area has been raised, red, warm and itchy.
I have tried to find out how long this last as it doesn’t appear to get better. This had been submitted to Corporate Compliance with no response. I have been looking for several day for an idea of how long this will take to heal. I also remove any residue after each application.
Karen, I’m surprised their corporate office has not gotten back to you. Have you went to your doctor to look into this? have you put anything on the red/itchy areas to try to decrease them?
I just wanted to share an update regarding my reaction to DFT. It has been 7 weeks and I continue with redness at the site, sporadic itchiness and mild swelling. I, as well as my level up, have emailed customer service multiple times with minimal response. Corporate Compliance has still not contacted me.
I do feel this product has some benefits, but unfortunately, Le-Vels integrity as a company will force me to no longer support their products. I will be seeing a dermatologist next week.
Hi Karen, Thanks for the update and so sorry to hear you are still going through this. Please let me know what the dermatologist says.
Hey there! With any questions of course, please be sure to contact the person who hooked you up with Thrive in the first place. They are your BEST resource. If they don’t know, we can easily contact HQ and get the answer super fast!
I wanted to share some valuable “tips” from my experience working with our unique DFT delivery technology. A key component to this unique delivery is the ingredient Cosmoporine® (tetrahydropiperine) in DFT.
This is a specialized trademarked ingredient, patented by the Sabinsa Corporation, one the largest and most respected neutraceutical suppliers in the world. This ingredient, derived from a pepper extract, is used for it’s ability to open the pores of the skin to enhance delivery of active compounds and assures the ultimate in performance. What I have experienced in my years working with this ingredient is that some skin types and thin skin areas can be sensitive to this ingredient.
A certain amount of redness can be expected from the normal wear of this product. But “irritation & itching” is what I want to address in this information. ((Sorry, can’t add the photo here)) The photo above demonstrates what can happen in the case of sensitive skin or if the skin is not properly cleaned after removing the DFT. In this particular photo above, this is a case where the redness & irritation is still there after 2 days. If you’ll notice, there are dark edges lining the outer area where the product was worn and there is redness (irritation) in the middle. I’d like to provide 2 key suggestions to avoid & prevent this and minimize/stop irritation from occurring:
1) The outer dark edges are from clothing particles that have gathered and stuck to the glue remaining on the skin, which indicates the residue was not cleaned & removed properly.
2) If the residue is not removed and remains on the skin after removal, this will greatly intensify any irritation that has begun because the skin is now vulnerable to the air and to clothing. Below are “tips” that will prevent, avoid & clear up irritation to the skin, should it occur!
1) Apply DFT to “thicker skin” areas, such as: outer arm, top back of shoulder, lower back, shin of leg, and if all else fails…bottom of foot.
2) Immediately “clean” residue off the skin after removing (this is critical). Get in the habit of taking the DFT off just before bathing, so you can remove residue left on the skin with warm soap & water. If you don’t clean the “area” after removing, irritation increase or occur! The longer the residue stays on the skin, it will become more irritated because the skin becomes vulnerable to the air and to your clothing, which creates more irritation. (Baby oil & Eye makeup remover works well too)
3) If irritation to the skin occurs after removing the product, use Benadryl cream or Cortaid cream to stop the itching and irritation immediately. It works fast and it helps the skin to be more tolerable.
Kathleen, who is your sponsor? The person that signed you should be helping you with your questions. To answer your question – there is no adhesive in the DFT formula. The stickiness is a proprietary blend of nutrients, I do not know what the blend is, as this is part of the patent pending business of the DFT and will not be released by Le-Vel until the patent is done. Please feel free to contact me personally if you have any more questions
Sorry to lay my laziness at your feet, but what is the adhesive used on each of these? I am fine with the premium DFT, but the patch and residue must be removed within 24 hours of application. The Black Label can be removed as well as the adhesive residue but sometimes it stays as a red rectangle on my skin for up to 3 weeks.
If I sweat, it becomes raised and itchy even 3 weeks later. Yes, I should be sweating daily but I have not been. Guilty. But working on it. Why is there no info on the adhesive? What could be causing a stain or irritation?
Kathleen, I’m not sure what the adhesive is on the patch. does anyone else shed light on this?
I am not a Thrive/Le-Vel representative, I am only responding to the evaluation of these products because I was given samples of the shake mix, pills, and patches from a friend. All of the patches looked different, so I don’t know if they each had different ingredients in them or not. I only used the samples because they were given to me.
I took the product and thought nothing more about it. On the second day, I did my hourly commute downtown, got out of my car to make my 10 minute walk to my office, and noticed I had no more sciatic pain, whatsoever. Before I took the thrive samples, I had tried Tylenol, ibuprofin, vicks, and even tramadol, repeatedly, and none of them worked at all.
I had not been able to sleep for weeks on my right or left side because of the aching in my muscles going down the sciatic nerve from my right hip all the way down to my foot. It had gotten so bad, that I was limping on my right leg because it was so painful to walk.
On the third day, I took the pills, applied the patch, and had no pain–it was gone. A few days have gone by now, and I have not taken any of the product. I was involved in a house-moving expedition this past weekend, and the pain has now come back, but not as severe as before.
I can only conclude that whatever is in the shake mix, pill or patch directly affected my sciatic pain in a positive way. I am interested in pursuing this further, but not sure if it is affordable.
Christy, that is interesting. White willow bark does have an aspirin like effect. Have you tried aspirin to see if it helps your sciatic pain? Other than that I’d not sure what caused the benefits you experienced.
I’m very interested in your findings as well.
It should be noted that most of the compounds are under 500 Daltons. The Coenzyme Q10 is larger but acts like a fat soluble vitamin which can be applied topically and absorbed. I am skeptical of B-12 being able to pass, however. In any case, I appreciate this review enough to purchase the product and have bloodwork as a mini experiment for myself.
Amy, I’ll be curious to see what your mini experiment turns up. Please let us know 🙂
This sounds great but I wear a smoke patch, I have to meet a schedule adherence at work. Is this safe with a smoke patch?
Hi Judy, Ive never heard of any interaction with nicotine patches. Does else anyone know anything about this?
Here is my experience for what it is worth. Someone gave me a few thrive Black label patches for pain. I did notice a little reduction in pain in less than 24 hours. However, the morning after I put on the patches I became highly irritated and very anxious. I did not realize these had caffeine and because my pain was severe I used 2 patches.
When I woke up I felt a little off and then I had a coffee. Oh M Chee …..the 2 thrive patches and the coffee sent me over the edge and I was a wired mess until late that afternoon. I honestly have not felt this irritated in quite some time. It was like someone injected me with a crazy shot. So if you are caffeine sensitive be careful.
They could tell me the secret ingredient is dirt and bugs and I will still take it every day! I lm going on 8 months now and havent felt this way since I was running track in high school. I lost 40 lbs of baby weight, haven’t had a single migraine, and have the energy and mental focus to do everything on my to-do lists every day! Not to mention my aches are gone from being rear ended a year ago after I added their Move product to the other 3 primary steps!
Thank you for a thought provoking review. You frequently stated that while some of the ingredients have been shown to be effective when taken orally, you have not seen evidence of how it works when taken transdermally. My son has a severe illness and he takes his pain medication via a patch. If it works for pain medication, I would expect it would work for other ingredients.
Hi Darlene, you are very welcome. In theory, what you say is true. It may very well be just as effective transdermally. I can’t say either way at this point. I just like to see proof that transdermal delivery of the supplements provides the same concentration – and effects – as when taken orally.
Thank you though for the unbiased review! I love seeing all of the ingredients, and what they do individually. Make sure you get the other products too, because the system is the pills, the patch, and a nutritional mix.
That being said, it really bother’s me that you have this under weight loss. Yes, weight loss is a side effect that you can get from Thriving. The main thing you get from Thrive is you just feel good!
Honestly, I could find out this entire product is a placebo, and I would not care. I KNOW how amazing I feel. I KNOW how much energy I have now, how much mental clarity, and just general feeling of well being. I have lost weight, others have lost weight. But this is not a weight loss product. If you chose to exercise with your extra energy and loose weight – more power to you! But please change the category that this is in to supplement.
Try it, don’t try it. The only way for you to truly know that it works is to give it a shot. (A fair shot, do it right!)
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing and for letting people there is no latax in the thrive patch. To answer your question, I placed the thrive page under “weight loss” because the 3 main ingredients in the thrive patch – ForsLean, Green Coffee Bean Extract and Garcina Cambogia – are marketed to help weight loss. If having more energy comes about from losing weight, then that would be a side benefit.
I still feel the patch needs research to confirm its effects. Regardless of how people feel about it, evidence for forcelean green coffee bean and garcinia cambogia – while having various problems – stems from taking those supplements orally rather than by putting a patch on the skin. Would they work the same way in a patch? Maybe. Lets test it and see.
Good luck with your puppy 🙂
Got it! I understand why you placed it there. Makes sense – you do end up loosing weight, so, you’re not lying! Have a great day!
The DFT is patent pending and once the patent is approved the studies and research will be released. I believe this is coming fairly soon but I do not know the date.
Hi Connie, I hope so although since the Patent is already out, I dont know why it would have to be approved for studies to begin? I’m admittedly not an expert on this. Do let me know if you hear of anything about other studies.
Did you know if you walk into GNC and pick up most of their bottles – you can read on them “Not FDA approved”? So, I don’t place much stock in patents and FDA approval. I trust what works. EVEN if it were to turn out that the ingredients in the Thrive products were all placebo’s – I would still pay for it, because it WORKS. I feel so much better. I have energy. I feel great. Anyone can look on the Le-Vel facebook page and see thousands of testimonials declaring the same.
Have a great day!
Jess, research does not have to involve FDA approval. In the US, supplements – Thrive too – have to say that they are not FDA approved. the FDA does not approve supplements. It’s the supplement law called DSHEA. Jess, how long have you been a thrive promoter?
Joe – the studies have been ongoing but won’t be released until the patent has been approved
Connie, is that what they are telling people? Why are they saying that? I’m no patent expert but I dont need a patent to be approved by the US patent office in order to conduct research. Are they saying the research is finished and they are waiting for the approval of the patent?
Is there latex in the patch? Also, my co-worker just started it and lost 3 lbs in two days. I say it is water to myself. I also don’t plan on doing this as it seems scary to put things into our body without proof it works.
After reading your reviews on both the patch and pills it is mostly caffeine and energy boosters. Then to read the reviews of the people using the product they can’t do without it now.
So, aside from my weight issues, I feel great. Why use something that seems like you can’t do without. Plus I have some high blood pressure and don’t want to push me to have a heart attack.
My co-worker has liver issues but she did not call her doctors as I suggested.
I am just going to keep following healthy eating and get moving more.
Tree, I’m not sure if the patch has latex. Part of me wants to say it doesn’t but I’m not sure. Can any Thrive brand reps can answer this question?
There is no latex in the DFT.
I am week 6 of my Thrive Experience and thus far as has been really good minus the detox part. However, I am curious of others have had issues with skin irritation from the patches?
I’ve been Thriving for almost 6 weeks. The first 3 weeks I had no issues with the patches, but in the last 3 weeks I’ve broken out everywhere I wear one. It doesn’t seem to matter which of the 3 patches or where on my body I place it. My skin breaks out, itches, and is warm to touch. It’s to the point that I will probably have to stop wearing them.
I have been the same way, first 2-3 wks no problems with the patches, but a couple weeks ago, every where I put a patch I break out and it still has not cleared up. I asked a rep and she said use alcohol, it hasn’t helped. By the end of the day my skin is itching where the patch is and was. Crazy I like the products but this patch not sure.
This does sometimes happen, it might be a reaction to the Cosmoperine. If you plan where you are going to put the patch, and the night before rub a generic benadryl type cream on the area, the DFT shouldn’t bother you the next day. Please message me, or your sponsor if you have any questions!
Make sure you are moving the DFT around – try it on the top of your foot and also make sure that your water intake is high enough.
Most of the people I see selling Thrive are those who dropped out of the Plexus train. These folks always believe in some miracle supplement to cure everything under the sun.
Thanks for doing these reviews. My friend just started using Thrive products, and I became concerned whenI realized that their website is all sales and no evidence. That just scares me to death. I’m glad to hear they aren’t as scary as I thought they might have been. Although, I think ny guy instinct is still correct, in that they are obviously hiding something.
Marion, I’m glad you found my reviews helpful. Please share it with your friends.
Xyngular didn’t get a very favorable review here:
http://www.sequenceinc.com/fraudfiles/2013/02/xyngular-starve-binge-purge-repeat/
Was wondering if you have or could review a company called Xyngular? They also are a weightloss and health MLM product line. I have heard a lot from a great number of people on these products. Thanks
Jahuf, I believe Ive heard of it and its on my list to review.
Hi Joe – do a search on the term “transdermal delivery” to find out more about the variables in delivering chemicals through the skin. Also, while some chemicals can penetrate the skin, it doesn’t go any further/deeper, so to be fully effective for anything other than cosmetic, it’s a whole different kettle of fish.
Also, read the “The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs” in PubMed. This will give you some idea of how large of molecules can penetrate the skin/body.
Some cosmetics are using nano-particles in their formulations. I’m particularly wary about any nano-particles as they usually make their way to the liver where they cause scaring and permanent liver dysfunction.
Any time transdermal delivery is used, for any reason, there is the risk of unintended infection. This occurs when the skin is made to carry chemicals into the body and microorganisms follow along. The skin is designed to be a barrier and its purpose is being subverted.
Finally, transdermal delivery has its benefits in only limited situations, such as the when the chemical cannot withstand the digestive process and injection is not practical. In some cases a very slow release of chemicals may be desired without hospitalizing the patient. But the reasons for transdermal delivery are few.
None of what I wrote speaks to the irritation to the skin and allergenic skin reactions caused by patches in a cross section of the population.
Ronald, thanks for that. Yes, while I was intrigued of this natural compound being able to foster delivery of other products into the skin, I do think we would need to follow up with blood tests to see if the levels of those ingredients do increase blood concentration.
As I tried to point out to people, the evidence on all the ingredients stems from taking them orally rather than transdermally. While I really tried to give the product a fair review, I want to be clear that I do want to see at least 3 placebo controlled randomized studies showing these patches cause weight loss etc. Based on the lack of evidence I saw for the patches when I reviewed them, right now I do think the claims of the patches being better are on shaky ground.