Why Experts Think the Transdermal Patch Market Will Hit $6 Billion by 2026

The transdermal patch is a unique adhesive that has gained traction due to its ability to provide long-lasting relief to those with chronic conditions such as arthritis and back pain. Although transdermal techniques have been around for centuries, these patches have garnered recent appeal because they are seen as a more convenient option than an invasive treatment or prescription medication.  

Due to the growing popularity of transdermal patches, experts now expected that the transdermal patch market will surpass $6 billion in the United States over the next few years. This is due to a combination of factors, including increased demand, technology advancements, and a greater acceptance of transdermal use among medical professionals.  

If you are curious about how they work or if they are right for you, this blog post will give you more information about the different types of patches available and why transdermal adhesives are skyrocketing in popularity. 

What is a transdermal patch?

Transdermal patches are FDA-approved adhesive patches that steadily release appropriate levels of medication over a certain period of time through the skin and into the bloodstream. The word transdermal quite literally breaks down to trans: a prefix meaning across or over and dermal: relating to the skin 

The earliest use of transdermal adhesives dates back to 3000 BC. They were popular in Egyptian medicine and have been recorded in the Papryus Ebers — a written Egyptian collection of herbal knowledge. The first FDA-approved transdermal patch reached the United States in 1984. Since then, the easy-to-apply adhesives have grown in popularity, quickly becoming a preferred method of medication delivery for many. 

The transdermal patch is known for being: 

  • Easy and convenient 
  • Fast acting 
  • Long-lasting 
  • Painless  
  • Non-invasive 
  • A controlled alternative to traditional drugs 

Typically, a transdermal patch is used to provide consistent relief for joint and muscle pain or to help wounds heal. Other common uses for transdermal patches include managing motion sickness, delivering hormones, and aiding in smoking cessation through controlled nicotine release.  

Transdermal patches are effective for chronic pain relief including back pain

How does a transdermal patch work?

Before diving into how transdermal patches work, let’s look at the part of the body directly affected by them — the skin. Comprising a surface area of approximately 22 square feet (about twice the area of a bathtub) and accounting for around 16 percent of all body weight, the skin is the body’s largest organ. It is made up of three distinct layers known as the epidermis (outermost visible layer), dermis (layer beneath the epidermis that contains hair follicles and sweat glands), and subcutaneous tissue (made up of fat and connective tissue).  

The skin has many important functions, including protection against pathogens, regulation of body temperature, and water storage. Because it is the outer part of the body, the skin can be visibly affected by many factors such as aging, sun exposure, stress, and nutrient deficiencies. It can also be a great means of absorption for lotions, oils, topical ointments, and medicines.  

When it comes to transdermal patches, each patch is made up of a few distinct layers, including: 

  • Liner for storage protection 
  • Drug reservoir  
  • Drug release membrane, which controls the release  
  • Adhesive to keep the patch attached to the skin 
  • Backing for protection contamination 

Once the patch is adhered to the skin, the release membrane slowly dispenses the drug, allowing the medication to pass through the layers of skin tissue and enter the bloodstream in a controlled fashion.  

A transdermal patch is great for being directly applied to a pain source so that a therapeutic dose of medication can be delivered straight to the area it is needed most. This also allows the drug to bypass the digestive system which sometimes breaks down the effective ingredients before they can be fully absorbed.  

Types of transdermal patches

While this list does not feature all types of transdermal patches, here is an overview of some of the main variations.  

Reservoir transdermal patch

A reservoir transdermal patch is a small adhesive patch that has been found to be effective for delivering drugs through the skin because it provides a controlled release. The drug reservoir takes up most of the space in the transdermal patch so that when applied, it slowly releases into your blood stream over time. This allows patients with chronic conditions to manage their pain and other symptoms for longer periods. 

Single-layer drug-in-adhesive

The single drug-in adhesive in unique in that the adhesive itself, which connects all the layers together and adheres the patch to the skin, is responsible for releasing the drug.  

Multi-layer drug-in-adhesive

The main difference between this transdermal patch and a single drug-in adhesive is that it features two layers that are responsible for releasing the drug. The first is for immediate delivery, while the second is a more controlled release method overtime.  

Vapor patch

Exactly how it sounds, a vapor transdermal patch does more than just release active ingredients through the skin — it also releases essential oil vapor! These patches typically release the oils for up to six hours and are ideal for decongestion, individuals quitting smoking, and those with sleep problems. 

Meet The Better Patch by Hempzilla CBD

Recognizing the incredible potential of the transdermal patch for pain relief, Hempzilla decided to invent an adhesive of its own. Designed specifically for joint and muscle pain, The Better Patch by Hempzilla is a CBD-infused, slow-release transdermal patch that is formulated with premium, organically grown hemp. By incorporating cannabidiol (CBD) into The Better Patch, the cannabinoids in CBD may affect and enhance the anti-inflammatory capabilities of the endocannabinoid system. 

The Better Patch is as convenient as it is potent. You can easily apply it to any areas that need relief most, including the wrists, shoulders, lower back, ankle, and more.  

The Better Patch is a unique CBD-infused transdermal patch by Hempzilla CBD

Other Hempzilla CBD products for joint and muscle pain relief

For added joint and muscle relief, Hempzilla offers a full collection of topicals for joint and muscle pain relief.  

CBD Joint and Muscle Gel: Potent. Powerful. Perfection. That’s how we like to describe our best-selling Joint and Muscle Gel. This fusion of natural menthol, broad-spectrum CBD, ActivAloe®, and 24 potent essential oils is great for cooling and soothing areas of tension and soreness. 

CBD Joint and Muscle Pain Spray: Spritz to soothe with our Pain Spray. This custom formula features broad-spectrum CBD, cooling Menthol, and Camphor Bark Oil for swift inflammation relief. 

CBD Joint and Muscle Roll-On: Small but mighty, this roll-on can target areas where you need relief most, when you need it most. Simply toss it in your car, gym bag, or suitcase for convenient relief while on-the-go! 

Is a transdermal patch right for you?

With a variety of transdermal patch types available, you may wonder which is best for you. This depends on what you are looking for in a product, how often it needs to be used, and what you are using it for. One of the biggest benefits to transdermal patches is that they offer an alternative to invasive treatments and oral medications. They are also extremely easy to use and carry along with you wherever you go.  

If you are interested in trying out a transdermal patch for pain but are still unsure where to start, check out our joint and muscle collection, featuring The Better Patch! At Hempzilla, all CBD is organic and made in the USA for transparency, purity, and potency.  

To learn more about our products for joint and muscle relief, visit https://hempzillacbd.com/product-category/cbd-pain-cream-and-topicals/cbd-for-joint-and-muscle-aches/.