Testogel vs Testavan vs Tostran: Testosterone Gels Compared
The three testosterone gels used in the UK, side by side: strength, dose, where you apply them and how they differ day to day.
Part of the Access Doctor Low Testosterone Guide.
Key fact: All three gels contain testosterone and work in the same way. They differ in strength, dose per press, where you apply them and how long to wait before showering, so they can't be swapped dose for dose without your prescriber.
Testogel, Testavan and Tostran are the testosterone gels prescribed in the UK. The choice is usually made by your GP or specialist, but knowing the differences helps you use your gel correctly and talk about options at your review. For the condition itself, see our guide to low testosterone.
Already on Testosterone Treatment?
Order your repeat prescription online. A UK pharmacist prescriber checks your treatment and recent blood results. For men already prescribed testosterone only.
Start Low Testosterone Consultation →The Gels Compared
| Testogel | Testavan | Tostran | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 16.2mg/g (pump or 40.5mg sachet) | 20mg/g | 20mg/g (2%) |
| Each dose | 1 press = 20.25mg | 1 pump = 23mg | 1 press = 10mg |
| Usual dose | 40.5mg (2 presses or 1 sachet) | 23mg (1 pump) to start | 60mg (6 presses) to start |
| Maximum | 81mg a day | 69mg a day | 80mg a day |
| Where | Shoulders or upper arms | Upper arm and shoulder | Abdomen or inner thighs |
| How | Spread with your hand | Hands-free applicator | Rubbed in with one finger |
| Wait before showering | 1 hour | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Before skin-to-skin contact | Wash the area (at least 1 hour after applying) | Shower first, and wear a T-shirt over the area | Wash the area (at least 2 hours after applying) |
| Before sex | Wash the area first | Shower first | Leave at least 4 hours, or cover or wash the area |
| Pack | 88g pump (60+ presses) or sachets | 85.5g pump (56 doses) | 60g canister (about 120 presses) |
All three gels contain alcohol and are flammable until dry, and all three can pass to other people through skin contact.
The Main Differences
Testogel
The most widely used. The pump lets you adjust in small steps, and sachets give a fixed dose that’s easy to carry. It has the shortest wait before showering (1 hour). See our guide to using Testogel.
Testavan
Comes with an applicator, so you spread the gel without touching it. That keeps gel off your hands and lowers the risk of passing it to others. It must go on the upper arm and shoulder, as less is absorbed elsewhere.
Tostran
Applied to the abdomen or inner thighs, alternating each day, rather than the shoulders. Skin reactions were common in its trials (about 1 in 4 men, mostly mild). For sex, leave at least 4 hours after applying it, or cover or wash the area.
Repeat prescription · Rx
Testogel 16.2mg/g Pump
For men already prescribed Testogel. 20.25mg per press.
View product →Repeat prescription · Rx
Testogel 40.5mg Sachets
Single-dose sachets for men already on Testogel.
View product →Repeat prescription · Rx
Testavan 20mg/g Gel
With a hands-free applicator. 23mg per pump.
View product →Repeat prescription · Rx
Tostran 2% Gel
Applied to the abdomen or inner thighs. 10mg per press.
View product →Which Gel Fits Your Routine?
- You shower or swim soon after applying: Testogel has the shortest wait (1 hour, against 2 for the others)
- You have young children or a pregnant partner: an applicator (Testavan) keeps gel off your hands, and a site that’s always covered helps; whichever gel you use, the washing and covering rules still apply
- Your skin reacts to one gel: the gels have different base ingredients, so another may suit you better
- You need small dose changes: Tostran adjusts in 10mg steps and the Testogel pump in about 20mg steps
- You travel a lot: Testogel sachets are single doses and easy to carry
If you miss a dose of any gel, don’t apply a double dose. Carry on with your usual dose the next day, and check the leaflet in your pack.
Can I Switch Gels?
Yes, but only through your GP or specialist. The gels aren’t equivalent milligram for milligram, because they’re absorbed differently, so a new dose has to be chosen and checked with a blood test a few weeks after switching. Reasons to switch include skin irritation, difficulty applying the gel, or a partner or children at home (where an applicator or a different site may suit better).
We don’t switch gels online. Our repeat service supplies the same product and dose you’re already prescribed.
Gels vs Injections
Testosterone can also be given as an injection into a muscle: a short-acting one every 2 to 4 weeks, or a long-acting one every 10 to 14 weeks. Injections avoid daily application and the risk of passing testosterone to others, but levels rise and fall between doses. Injections are arranged by your GP or specialist; we supply gels only. For safety checks on any form of TRT, see TRT side effects and monitoring.
Already on Testosterone Treatment?
Order your repeat prescription online. A UK pharmacist prescriber checks your treatment and recent blood results. For men already prescribed testosterone only.
Start Low Testosterone Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
Which testosterone gel is best?
None is best for everyone. They work in the same way; the choice depends on where you'd prefer to apply it, whether you want a hands-free applicator, skin reactions, and what keeps your blood levels in range.
Is Testavan stronger than Testogel?
Testavan's gel is more concentrated (20mg/g against 16.2mg/g), but the dose per pump and absorption differ, so strength alone doesn't tell you which gives higher levels. Your dose is set by blood tests.
Why is Tostran applied to the stomach and thighs?
Tostran was licensed for the abdomen and inner thighs, so that's where its dose is known to work. Alternating between them each day reduces skin irritation.
Can I use Testogel and Tostran together?
No. Use only one testosterone product, at the dose your prescriber set. Using two raises the risk of side effects such as a high red blood cell level.
Which testosterone gel is least likely to transfer to others?
Any gel can transfer. Testavan's applicator reduces the gel left on your hands, but whichever gel you use, wash your hands, cover the area and wash it before close contact.
Are testosterone injections better than gel?
Not better, just different. Injections avoid daily application and transfer to others, while gels give steadier levels. Your GP or specialist will advise which suits you.
References
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. Formulations and dose equivalents of transdermal testosterone preparations. January 2024. cntw.nhs.uk
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Testogel 16.2mg/g gel: Summary of Product Characteristics. medicines.org.uk
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Testavan 20mg/g transdermal gel: Summary of Product Characteristics. medicines.org.uk
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Tostran 20mg/g transdermal gel: Summary of Product Characteristics. medicines.org.uk
- MHRA Drug Safety Update. Topical testosterone (Testogel): risk of harm to children following accidental exposure. January 2023. gov.uk
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Prescription medicines require a consultation before they can be dispensed. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. In a medical emergency, call 999.