Testosterone gels are topical hormone treatments used for testosterone replacement therapy or gender-affirming care. They deliver testosterone through the skin, providing steady blood levels without injections.
Common brands include Testogel, Tostran, Androgel, Testavan, and Testim.
All contain the same active ingredient (testosterone) but differ in strength, formulation, packaging, and regional availability.
| Product | Strength | Format & Packaging | Typical Application Sites | Key Features | Regional Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testogel | 1% or 16.2 mg/g | Pump (multi-dose) or single-use sachets | Shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. | Smooth, clear gel; easy daily dosing; well-studied; steady absorption. | Widely used in Europe and UK; available in many regions. |
| Tostran | 2% | Metered pump dispenser | Abdomen or inner thighs (rotate sites). | Higher concentration, smaller volume; pump ensures accurate dosing. | Common in Europe and UK; some availability elsewhere. |
| Androgel | 1% or 1.62% | Pump or sachets (varies by market) | Upper arms, shoulders, or abdomen. | U.S.-origin brand; easy daily use; strong patient guidance on avoiding transfer. | Widely used in the US, Canada, and parts of Latin America. |
| Testavan | 2% | Metered pump | Shoulders and upper arms. | Quick-drying formula; low residue after application. | Licensed in several EU countries; limited in UK and North America. |
| Testim | 1% | Tube (e.g., 5 g) | Shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. | Can apply part of tube (dose flexibility); slightly stickier texture. | Used in UK, Europe, and some Asia-Pacific regions; less common in the US. |
How It Works
The gel is applied to clean, dry skin (shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen) and absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.
It avoids the 'first-pass' effect of the liver that happens with oral testosterone, helping maintain more steady blood levels.
Because it's applied daily, it tends to create fewer peaks and troughs in hormone levels compared with short-acting injections.
How to Use It
Wash your hands and make sure skin is clean and dry.
Apply the prescribed amount of gel to the selected area.
Rub it in gently until fully absorbed.
Wait for it to dry before dressing (usually a few minutes).
Avoid washing that area or swimming for at least 2 hours to allow absorption.
Always wash your hands after application to prevent passing the gel to someone else.
Typical Dose & Monitoring
A common dose is 2.5 to 5 grams of gel per day (delivering about 25-50 mg of testosterone).
The dose may be adjusted based on blood tests, clinical effects, and side effects.
Regular monitoring (blood tests, medical review) ensures safety and effectiveness.
Storage and Safety
Store at room temperature (15-30°C), away from light and heat.
Do not freeze.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Always follow instructions for hygienic application to avoid unintended transfer.
You can read about side effects here.
Injections Cost Comparison
Cost varies from pharmacy to pharmacy, but injections tend to be cheaper. There may be higher up-front costs (e.g. £130 for Testosterone Enantate) but in these cases the lower dose frequency can mean you're saving in the long run. We recommend researching and comparing your preferred pharmacies and testosterone preparations ahead of time. You can read our advice on this here.