GOOD GEAR RATING — 8/10 STARS

Summary: I’ve completely shifted the way I approach wellness since using the ION Layer Vitamin Patches. Instead of juggling pills or forgetting if I took my supplements, I apply a patch in the morning and get 14 hours of steady support — more energy, better focus, and a real sense of balance. These patches use iontophoresis technology to deliver NAD+ and Glutathione directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion for better absorption. I love the smarter, more convenient upgrade to traditional supplementation.

What I love about ION Layer:

  • Sustained Energy with NAD+: The NAD+ boost from these patches gives me steady, consistent energy without the typical spikes and afternoon crashes associated with caffeine or sugar.
  • Powerful Detox with Glutathione: Glutathione helps flush out toxins, fight oxidative stress, and keep my skin glowing. I’ve noticed clearer, more radiant skin and a stronger immune system since incorporating these patches into my routine.
  • Direct support: While it’s a slightly more involved process compared to traditional wellness patches, these patches bypass the digestive system and deliver nutrients directly into my bloodstream so I get the most out of each dose, with maximum bioavailability.
  • Comfortable and Discreet: The patches are thin, lightweight, and comfortable. Once applied, I forget they’re there. I’ve worn them under workout gear, at work, and even during a night out, and they stay in place without irritation.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Price Point: At about $650 for a month’s supply, these patches are an investment compared to standard supplements. For those who rely on expensive IV treatments or constantly juggle supplements, this price point is justified by the convenience and effectiveness.
  • Skin Sensitivity: Although I didn’t experience any issues, people with sensitive skin might experience mild irritation. It’s always a good idea to do a patch test before committing to longer use.

I first heard about ION Layer through a friend in the functional medicine space — someone who knows I’m always game to try the latest wellness tech but also knows I have zero patience for anything that feels gimmicky.

“I’d been taking NAD+ in capsule form and had tried a few sublingual sprays — both of which left me wondering if they were doing anything at all. “

She mentioned a patch that could deliver NAD+ and Glutathione through the skin using something called iontophoresis, and I was immediately intrigued. Also: Skeptical.

Before this, I’d been taking NAD+ in capsule form and had tried a few sublingual sprays — both of which left me wondering if they were doing anything at all. I had also looked into IV drips, but between the price and the time commitment (not to mention the needle fatigue), it never became part of my routine.

As for Glutathione, I’d seen it offered in everything from powders to intramuscular injections, but none of it felt sustainable. The idea of a wearable solution was super appealing.

About ION Layer

ION Layer is a California-based wellness brand with a refreshingly simple mission: to help people feel better, every day, with science-backed tools that actually work. The company was born from a team of researchers, medical advisors, and bio-innovators who wanted to solve a common problem — how to get essential nutrients into the body without relying on pills, powders, or IVs.

“Their solution? A small but mighty transdermal patch that uses iontophoresis (a low-level electrical current) to deliver ingredients directly through the skin and into the bloodstream.”

Their solution? A small but mighty transdermal patch that uses iontophoresis (a low-level electrical current) to deliver ingredients directly through the skin and into the bloodstream. That means higher bioavailability and more consistent results compared to pills that often get broken down in the digestive tract.

Each of the patches I tried delivers a clinically dosed 500mg of NAD+ and 500mg of Glutathione — two antioxidants that support cellular energy, detoxification, skin health, and overall resilience.

ON Layer is LegitScript-certified, which means their ingredients, safety protocols, and claims are thoroughly vetted and transparent. The brand also third-party tests its patches for purity and potency, making it a trusted option for both practitioners and everyday users looking for effortless, real results.

Unboxing the ION Layer Vitamin Patches 

Opening my shipment from ION Layer was like opening a present from a wellness fairy godmother. The packaging screamed “premium,” with sleek, clean lines that made me feel like I was about to use something next level. Inside, everything was meticulously packaged — no mess, no fuss — just neatly arranged patches and crystal-clear instructions. I loved how easy it was to figure out — no confusing steps, just a quick mix and application, and I was ready to go. It was one of those moments where I thought, “Okay, I’m officially ready to be on my A-game.”

A black box with IontePATCH therapy supplies including instruction sheets, adhesive patches, two black eye masks, and several pink and blue plastic clips on a blue surface.
Medical patch kit including instruction sheet, several black and tan patches, and plastic applicators arranged on a blue surface.
Everything comes in a sleek, well-organized package with clear instructions so it’s ready to use.

How to apply ION Layer Vitamin Patches

Let’s get this out of the way: This isn’t your average peel-and-stick vitamin patch. It’s part science experiment, part morning ritual — and once you get into the rhythm, it becomes surprisingly satisfying.

The application process involves a few steps, but it’s easier than it sounds — and low-key kind of fun. Here’s how it goes:

  1. I start by finding a hair-free area to place the patch — I usually go for my upper arm, but other options include your back, upper glute, oblique, or thigh.
  2. I lay the iontoPATCH face down on a clean surface.
  3. Next, I open the pink bottle (the saline solution) and drip it onto the positive (+) side of the patch until it’s saturated — but not soaked.
  4. Then I use the blue bottle (sterile water) to measure out 1 mL and add it to the vial of powdered Glutathione.
  5. The mixture fizzes a bit — kind of magical — and I wait for that to stop before capping the vial and giving it a good shake to activate the compound.
  6. Once everything’s dissolved, I pour the Glutathione solution onto the negative (–) side of the patch.
  7. I peel off the adhesive backing and press the patch onto my skin.
  8. To secure it, I place the black cover over the patch and smooth it down.
  9. Then I wear it for the next 14 hours — and let it do its thing.
A hand holds a labeled tube over a table with iontoPATCH instructions, multiple small tubes, two black patches with the number 8, and a round adhesive pad on a blue surface.
A hand holds a medical adhesive patch with backing partially peeled off; instruction sheets and other patches are on a blue surface in the background.
There’s a little bit of a ritual to the application process, but once you are oriented to it everything becomes second nature.

The whole routine takes me under five minutes now that I’ve done it a few times. The first time felt slightly intimidating (saline? electrodes?), but the instructions were so clear and visual that I had no issues. By day three, it felt like second nature.

So, what is it like to wear the ION Layer Patches?

One of the things I love most about the ION Layer patch is how seamlessly it fits into my day. Once applied, it’s thin, lightweight, and surprisingly discreet. I’ve worn it under a sports tank during workouts, layered it beneath sweaters while working at my desk, and even had it on under a dress during a dinner out. Not only does it stay put — with no slipping or peeling — but I’ve actually had people ask me what it is. It’s a great conversation starter if you’re into sharing the latest in wellness tech.

A forearm with large adhesive patches marked with "+" and "O", with instructions and medical supplies on a blue counter in the background.
A hand holds a black figure-eight patch with the number 8 on it, above a blue surface with instructions and colored markers in the background.
The patches are sleek and discreet, and easily fit under anything I’m wearing. I don’t feel them at all!

The patches are designed to be worn for 14 hours, and I’ve never had an issue keeping them on that long. Mostly, I just forget it’s there. There’s no itching, no stickiness, no weird residue — just a gentle delivery of nutrients happening in the background while I move through my day.

A person wearing a black sweatshirt, black cap, and blue Crocs stands on a sidewalk next to grass, taking a selfie outdoors.
Woman taking a selfie outdoors while holding the leash of a small dog standing on a sidewalk.
The patches are very comfortable — no stickiness at all! I literally forget I’m wearing them.

My review of ION Layer Vitamin Patches

As I went about my first day, I noticed a subtle energy lift. It wasn’t a quick jolt like a cup of coffee, but a steady, consistent boost that lasted throughout the day. I didn’t feel jittery or overstimulated — just alert and focused. By mid-afternoon, I realized I hadn’t felt the usual slump that hits after lunch. This was a game-changer for me.

“By mid-afternoon, I realized I hadn’t felt the usual slump that hits after lunch. This was a game-changer for me.”

I’ve been using the ION Layer Vitamin Patches consistently for about three weeks, and the results have truly impressed me. What started as a simple curiosity has now become an essential part of my routine. The sustained energy I’ve experienced has made a huge difference — my days are more productive and focused, and I’ve noticed a general sense of vitality that I didn’t have before.

When I first started using the patches, I was intrigued by the NAD+ and Glutathione benefits, but I didn’t expect to see such noticeable results so quickly. After two weeks, my energy levels remained consistently high throughout the day, without the usual dips I’d often experience in the afternoon. Normally, I’d rely on coffee to push through, but with the patches, I didn’t have the same cravings for a caffeine fix. Instead, I felt more centered and alert, especially during long workdays or post-workout.

“After two weeks, my energy levels remained consistently high throughout the day, without the usual dips I’d often experience in the afternoon.”

My skin has also improved significantly. The Glutathione in the patches works its magic as an antioxidant, helping to detoxify my skin from daily stressors and environmental pollutants. I’ve noticed a much clearer complexion with a healthy glow—something that’s been hard to maintain in my busy life. Fine lines seem softened, and there’s a noticeable radiance that I didn’t see before. It feels like I’ve found the perfect balance between wellness and beauty in one simple patch.

One of the standout benefits is how quickly these patches became a part of my daily life. I’ve integrated them into my morning routine, where I simply stick one on while I go about the rest of my self-care tasks. It’s so easy that it’s hard to imagine going back to traditional pills or powders. I don’t have to think twice about it anymore — just a quick patch, and I’m good for the day.

I don’t reserve the patch for workout days or rest days specifically. I use it on both. On active days, I feel a subtle but sustained energy that supports me through strength training, walking, or even teaching classes. On recovery or slower days, it gives me a gentle sense of clarity and vitality without overstimulation. It’s become one of those rare wellness tools that doesn’t require timing or planning.

Is it worth it?

At $650 for a month’s supply, the ION Layer Vitamin Patches are definitely an investment, but they’re well worth it. The convenience, high-quality ingredients, and sustained benefits make them a standout product in the wellness space. I love that I can get the same benefits as an IV drip (which typically costs hundreds of dollars) but without the needles, the clinic visit, and at a price close to about $83.

“The convenience, high-quality ingredients, and sustained benefits make them a standout product in the wellness space. “

This product is for anyone who wants to feel better without making wellness a full-time job. It’s perfect if you’re over the pill-and-powder grind, don’t love needles, or just want a smarter way to get a daily boost. I’d recommend it to midlife women looking to support energy and skin from the inside out, to people recovering from burnout (hi, me), and to those who want to stay sharp at work without pounding espresso. It’s for wellness minimalists who want maximum return — and maybe a little glow while they’re at it.

Emily Wagner is a beauty and wellness industry veteran, editorial voice, and creative strategist known for her discerning eye and no-BS approach to product discovery. She is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Groomed LA, a long-standing digital magazine covering the latest in skincare, wellness tech, longevity, and next-gen beauty as well as Micropause, a modern supplement brand supporting women through perimenopause. Over the years, she’s tested everything from red light masks to powdered peptides to sleep tech — always with a sharp mix of skepticism, curiosity, and deep research.