There are a few different things you probably think to lather on your skin before heading out for a workout. For starters, SPF. Maybe a little bit of an anti-chafing product. But have you been curious about topical thermogenic exercise products, such as Sweet Sweat?
You may have seen your favorite fitness influencer posting sponsored content about topical thermogenic exercise products, which are typically sold as creams and gels. When applied to the body before a workout, these substances are intended to promote circulation and increase sweat, without demanding that the wearer work harder or longer. The idea is that you’ll lose water weight this way.
Users often pair these products with a neoprene wrap to keep in heat. Think it all sounds a little too good to be true? You’re not the only one.
What the Manufacturers Claim
For starters, it’s important to note what’s at stake for companies that market weight-loss supplements — of which topical exercise creams and gels are a part. The weight-loss supplement market size, which was $33.1 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $71.6 billion by 2030, Grand View Research notes.
Despite their profitability, both the sports nutrition and weight-loss supplement industries have often drawn skepticism, research says, due to a history of false and often unprovable manufacturer claims, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Keep in mind that the agency’s regulation of supplements isn’t as stringent as its regulation of prescription drugs. Supplement regulation doesn’t extend to validating their safety or efficacy in the form of issuing approvals, the FDA notes.
Out of the topical exercise gel products we examined, all shared one common ingredient: a synthetic or natural oil or proprietary blend of oils. These oils included:
- Petroleum-based oils
- Jojoba oil
- Coconut oil
- Linoleic oil
- Olive oil
Some manufacturers, like Sweet Sweat, claim that the product can help you lose water weight. Other manufacturers, including Maryann Organics, claim these oil-based exercise creams and gels also target subcutaneous fat — which is directly underneath your skin — and assist in releasing that fat into the bloodstream so that it can be used for energy. The conversion of fat is known as lipolysis.
The process at play is thermogenic, or heat-producing, and allegedly improves circulation, helps you sweat, and leads to weight loss, according to product descriptions.
“Sweating is your body’s air-conditioning mechanism,” says thermoregulation expert Robert Girandola, PhD, a retired associate professor of biological sciences, formerly at the University of Southern California. “The only way you can increase sweat rate is if you increase body temperature. Exercise will do that. A sauna will do that. But I’ve never heard of a situation where sweat can be increased [by applying] an oil.”
Steelfit, which manufactures the thermogenic creams Abs of Steel and Buns of Steel, also claims that their product aids in burning and eliminating stubborn fat. Dr. Girandola is skeptical, at best.
“Sweat does increase caloric cost, but the amount of calories related to sweat loss is so minuscule that if you could measure it [during a workout], you wouldn’t fill a thimble,” he says, adding that the vast majority of weight loss from sweat is due to water loss.
The Downsides of Thermogenic Gels
While Girandola thinks that exercise gels are fairly benign if used as directed, there are potential downsides to using them — especially given that they’ve not been widely studied.
“If a product or accompanying neoprene wrap were to prevent sweat from forming intentionally or otherwise, a person can get overheated,” Girandola cautions. “That’s where you run into cardiovascular problems.”
Exercising strenuously can lead to significant fluid loss, and it’s important to rehydrate so that your body can continue to function at its best. Signs of dehydration include feeling dizzy and lightheaded, having a dry mouth, and feeling fatigued. If you’re dehydrated, you won’t feel as strong in your workout and you won’t move as fast as you could, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Most topical exercise gel labels include disclaimers that they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Just like a good diet involves making the effort to create a balanced plate, weight loss requires hard work. So a thermogenic gel or cream isn’t likely to take the place of exercise.
If you’re planning on using a topical thermogenic exercise gel, it’s best to consult with your doctor first.
Other Thermogenic Options
To meet their weight class requirements, participants in combat sports have traditionally worn plastic suits in the sauna to sweat and lose water weight. But losing water weight through sweat is potentially dangerous to health and can impact performance, according to research.
A sauna suit requires a one-time purchase, whereas you’d have to repeatedly buy a gel or cream. But before trying out a sauna suit, make sure to talk to your doctor. Sauna use is contraindicated for people with a number of medical conditions, and in those who take certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, research says.
Thermogenic supplements are another alternative to exercise gels and creams. These have ingredients intended to support your metabolism and increase fat burning, like caffeine, green tea, capsaicin and other plant extracts. But as is the case with gels, the evidence that supports these claims is sparse, though they have been associated with potential harm, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
As always, check with your doctor before adding any of these supplements to your regular routine. Thermogenic supplements may not be safe for people with some medical conditions, who take certain medications, or if you take them with other supplements.
