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Hims focuses on offering private, affordable, and science-backed support that you can access from your phone or computer for different fitness needs. The brand provides support for hair thinning, erectile dysfunction, and cognitive enhancement options.
Hims product line includes four main areas, such as sexual concerns, hair loss, mental support, and skincare. The brand offers personalized fitness support and gets your medications shipped directly to your door, all without visiting a doctor’s office.
In this article, we’ll cover how Hims works step-by-step, what types of products and medications are available, and how pricing and subscriptions function. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of Hims, safety measures, customer service quality, and reviews from real users.
About Hims
Hims is an online platform that claims to address everyday concerns that men face. Whether it’s hair loss, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, or skincare, Hims provides discreet, science-backed plans tailored to your specific needs.
Hims lets you connect with licensed medical providers available in all 50 U.S. states without the hassle of in-person appointments.
As per the official website, Hims offers support after you take a short online intake form, where you provide details about your symptoms, medical history, and goals. Based on this, a licensed provider reviews your information and, if appropriate, may prescribe plans.
Hims’s offerings include options that range from FDA-approved medications like Finasteride for hair loss, Sildenafil and Tadalafil for ED symptoms, and Bupropion or Sertraline for depression or anxiety to dermatologist-formulated acne and anti-aging products. You can manage everything through the Hims app, including direct messaging with your Care Team and 24/7 access to resources, making follow-ups easy and support always available.
Hims Products and Services
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Sexual Health
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Hard Mints
Hard Mints by Hims are chewable, mint-flavored tablets that may help address erectile dysfunction by delivering active ingredients in a convenient, discreet form. These tablets are formulated with doctor-trusted ingredients, ensuring safety and efficacy.
Hard Mints are customized based on evaluations conducted by licensed medical providers, utilizing licensed pharmacies for production. The wintergreen flavor of these mints provides a refreshing experience, enhancing ease of use.
Hard Mints are said to inhibit PDE5 enzymes that restrict blood flow, thereby increasing blood circulation to the penis. This boost in blood flow helps achieve and sustain firmer, more satisfying erections once sexually stimulated.
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Sildenafil
You can also get Sildenafil, which is an FDA-approved medication available through Hims that is used to manage erectile dysfunction (ED) by promoting increased blood flow to the penis. It contains the active ingredient present in Viagra® but is offered at a fraction of the cost. Sildenafil may work by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5, which promote blood vessels in the penis to relax and expand, facilitating stronger and more sustained erections when sexually stimulated.
The medication offers flexible dosing options, including 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg tablets, enabling you to personalize your plans as per your fitness needs. As a clinically validated option, sildenafil provides a discreet and accessible option for men aiming to regain control over their sexual issues without compromising quality or affordability.
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Tadalafil
Tadalafil is a widely used medication for managing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), available as a generic alternative to Cialis®. Its active ingredient is identical to the branded version but offered at a significantly lower cost, over 90% less through Hims. Tadalafil can be taken daily in low doses (2.5 mg or 5 mg), allowing a gradual buildup in the system and enabling spontaneous sexual activity. It functions by enzyme PDE5 inhibition, which increases blood flow to your penile region upon sexual stimulation, resulting in firmer, more reliable erections.
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Weight Management
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Wegovy
Hims offers Wegovy®, an FDA-approved medication that may support weight management when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It may be prescribed if an expert determines it aligns with your fitness goals.
Clinical data indicate that Wegovy® can facilitate weight reduction, alongside benefits such as lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels, thereby decreasing the risk of major cardiovascular events. The medication can be administered via a weekly injection, with detailed instructions provided by a licensed provider.
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Ozempic
Ozempic (semaglutide) is known as a prescription medication that is available through Hims. It functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, primarily indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when taken alongside diet and exercise. It works by enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying, thereby supporting blood sugar regulation.
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Generic Liraglutide
Hims also gives access to Generic liraglutide, which refers to a non-brand version of the medication liraglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This type of drug is mainly utilized to manage type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar, and it’s also prescribed to support weight management in people who are overweight. In some cases, liraglutide could also be used to reduce cardiovascular risk.
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Zepbound
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a prescription injectable medication available through Hims that may help with weight management and related conditions in adults, particularly when accompanied by comorbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease. It functions as a dual receptor agonist targeting GIP and GLP-1, helping to reduce excess body weight and support long-term maintenance when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
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Mounjaro
Hims also features Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which is a prescription medication designed to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It functions as a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, helping regulate blood sugar levels when combined with diet and exercise. Mounjaro can help stimulate the pancreas to help release increased insulin when blood sugar levels are high, which can lower glucose after meals. At the same time, it reduces the secretion of the glucagon hormone, which prompts the liver to release stored sugar into the bloodstream.
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Hair Regrowth
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Dandruff Detox Shampoo
Dandruff Detox Shampoo by Hims is made to manage dandruff at the source by addressing both the underlying cause and the visible symptoms like flaking, itchiness, and dryness. This formula includes 1% pyrithione zinc, a clinically proven antifungal ingredient. This compound works by targeting the Malassezia fungus that lives on the scalp but could grow excessively and lead to dandruff. Pyrithione zinc also offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping calm irritation and reduce redness.
As per the official website, Dandruff Detox Shampoo is enriched with argan oil, which is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids. Argan oil helps hydrate the scalp, soothe inflammation, and create a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
The makers also added avocado oil to this product, which might provide deep nourishment with vitamins A, D, and E, and omega-9 fatty acids. It could help soften flaking skin, promote skin repair, and prevent the dryness that often triggers dandruff flare-ups. Dandruff Detox Shampoo is said to be free of sulfates, phthalates, dyes, and parabens, common irritants that can strip natural oils and worsen scalp sensitivity.
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Thick Fix Conditioner
Hims features Thick Fix Conditioner, which is formulated to support healthier, fuller-looking hair by nourishing and moisturizing strands post-wash. It combines B vitamins, including niacinamide and panthenol, to enhance circulation and hydrate hair, promoting a thicker appearance. The conditioner’s soothing eucalyptus scent provides a spa-like shower experience, adding a sensory element to daily care. Thick Fix Conditioner could also help replenish moisture lost during shampooing, helping to soften hair and improve overall texture.
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Mental Health
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Generic for Lexapro
Hims offers Generic medications for Lexapro, such as escitalopram, which are widely used options for managing anxiety and depression and offer a cost-effective alternative to the brand-name drug. Escitalopram functions as an SSRI, increasing serotonin levels in the brain to help alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
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Generic for Wellbutrin XL
Bupropion XL is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that contains the active ingredient bupropion, the same as in the brand-name medication Wellbutrin XL. Both the generic and brand-name versions are effective for managing depression, and Wellbutrin XL is also approved to help in the prevention of seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that primarily occurs in the fall and winter. As an extended-release formulation, Bupropion XL is typically taken once daily, providing a convenient dosing schedule and consistent therapeutic effect throughout the day.
Bupropion belongs to the class of norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It may work by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which helps alleviate symptoms of depression.
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Skin
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Custom anti-aging cream
The Custom Anti-Aging Cream from Hims is a prescription-strength skincare formula tailored specifically for men. It’s designed to target common signs of aging, such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and rough texture, through a personalized formula. To get started, you complete a brief online consultation during which a licensed medical provider assesses your skin type, goals, and medical history. Based on that evaluation, you’re prescribed a custom blend of active ingredients suited to your needs. The formulation often includes potent dermatological ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide. Tretinoin, a retinoid, accelerates cell turnover, helping smooth skin texture and reducing fine lines. Azelaic acid may function to fade dark spots and even out pigmentation, while niacinamide supports skin elasticity, calms inflammation, and might strengthen the skin barrier.
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Customized Acne Cream
Customized acne creams offered through Hims provide a personalized approach to managing stubborn skin issues by combining up to five active ingredients, including prescription-strength retinoids and topical antibiotics. This personalized formulation may help target various types of acne, such as whiteheads and blackheads, as well as more severe conditions. The process begins with an online consultation, during which a medical provider assesses your skin needs. If appropriate, a prescription is issued, and the customized gel cream is formulated specifically for the patient. The cream is shipped directly to your door, offering convenience and privacy. This approach eliminates the need for in-person visits and enables flexible, on-demand skincare management.
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Everyday Health
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Biotin Builder Gummies
Biotin Builder Gummies by Hims could support the appearance of your hair, nails, and skin through a blend of essential vitamins and nutrients. These gummies include biotin (Vitamin B7), which plays a critical role in keratin production, which makes up hair, skin, and nails. Biotin helps strengthen hair strands and reduce brittleness, particularly for those with low biotin levels.
As per the official website, Biotin Builder Gummies include vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, both of which support optimal red blood cell production and circulation. This is important for delivering oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles and skin cells.
The makers also added vitamin B6 to these gummies, which might aid in protein metabolism, which contributes to stronger hair structure. Folic acid (Vitamin B9) could further support tissue growth and cell function, which can promote healthy hair follicle activity.
The formula also includes vitamin A, which helps regulate sebum production to keep the scalp moisturized and reduce dryness. Vitamin C in Biotin Builder Gummies could support collagen production, which is critical for skin firmness and healthy hair follicles, while also acting as an antioxidant to protect cells from excessive oxidative damage.
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Propranolol
Hims offers Propranolol through its website, which is a medication commonly prescribed to manage physical symptoms associated with performance anxiety. It is a beta-blocker that reduces adrenaline’s effects limiting physical reactions like rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating, and voice shakiness during stressful events. Taken before a high-pressure situation, propranolol could help you feel more composed and confident.
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Hims Advantages
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Broad product range
Hims offers a broad product range that covers multiple fitness categories through a fully online platform. Their offerings include prescription options, over-the-counter products, and wellness supplements, all designed to meet your personal needs with personalized care. Hims provides a variety of options aimed at stimulating hair growth and reducing hair loss. These include topical options, oral medications, combination formulas, supplements, and hair care products that support the overall scalp condition. This comprehensive approach addresses different aspects of hair thinning and balding. For skin care, Hims delivers dermatologist-backed options that target common issues such as acne, aging, and dryness. Their options include prescription creams, customized formulations, and general skincare products like cleansers and moisturizers. This ensures you can access tailored options to improve skin condition effectively.
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Offers Online medical consultations
Hims offers online medical consultations through its telehealth platform, providing accessible care across various categories, including sexual concerns, mental support, hair regrowth, skin care, and weight management. The process begins with patients completing an online intake form detailing their symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
This information is reviewed by a licensed expert who assesses your needs and determines the appropriate course of action. Depending on state regulations, consultations may be conducted asynchronously (via secure messaging) or synchronously (via video or phone). If deemed appropriate, prescriptions can be issued and filled by U.S.-based pharmacies, with medications delivered directly to your door.
The platform’s asynchronous consultations are particularly beneficial for people seeking support for conditions that carry a stigma, such as symptoms of erectile dysfunction or hair loss. This mode allows you to share your concerns and symptoms with a medical provider at your convenience, reducing the barriers associated with traditional in-person visits.
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At-home lab testing facility
Hims has acquired an at-home lab testing facility, Sigmund NJ LLC, marketed as Trybe Labs. This acquisition enables the company to introduce at-home blood testing services, allowing you to gain insights into various fitness markers such as hormone levels, cardiac risk, stress markers, cholesterol, liver function, thyroid function, and prostate support.
The service aims to provide you with deeper insights into your fitness and enable providers to access a breadth of data and biomarkers that can help identify risks before they develop, facilitating more precise clinical decision-making. The acquisition was funded with the company’s available cash.
The at-home lab testing service utilizes a blood lancet, eliminating the need for needles or dried blood spot cards. This method allows you to learn more about their markers from the comfort of your home. Providers on the platform can then use that information as part of determining a personalized plan most appropriate for each patient.
Hims Limitations
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Regional pharmacy restrictions
Hims faces a key limitation due to varying state pharmacy laws in the U.S., requiring it to partner with multiple licensed pharmacies instead of a single nationwide provider. This regulatory patchwork means medication availability, especially for compounded options like semaglutide for weight management, varies by state and customer eligibility. Recent FDA decisions, such as removing semaglutide from the drug shortage list, have forced Hims to phase out some compounded medications. To stay compliant, Hims transfers prescriptions between partner pharmacies as needed, which can cause operational complexity and inconsistent customer experiences. Prescription transfers to local pharmacies take 1–3 days, potentially delaying the procedure. These state-specific rules and regulatory changes limit Hims’ ability to offer uniform access to prescription products and services across the country.
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No in-person physical exams
Hims delivers all consultations and evaluations entirely online through digital intake forms and virtual communication methods (chat, video, or phone). This means you won’t have in-person visits with a medical provider. Instead, you provide detailed fitness information via online forms, which a licensed provider reviews remotely. While this approach offers convenience and accessibility, it limits the provider’s ability to perform physical exams or directly observe symptoms, steps that can be crucial for diagnosing certain conditions. If your situation requires a hands-on evaluation, the provider may recommend seeking in-person care outside of the Hims platform.
Hims Alternative Brands
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Ro
Ro offers a broad spectrum of services that extend beyond men’s conditions to include products and options for women’s fitness as well. For men, Ro covers sexual concerns issues such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and testosterone support. They also provide weight management options through GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, supported by a personalized membership program called Ro Body. Hair and skin care are other focus areas with options like minoxidil, finasteride, and LATISSE® for lash growth. Roman also offers fertility-related products, including hormone testing and sperm analysis kits, as well as daily supplements to support enhanced wellness.
Hims, on the other hand, focuses predominantly on men’s concerns but offers a broad range of services that include options for symptoms of erectile dysfunction with various medication forms like chews and mints, as well as hair regrowth products such as minoxidil and finasteride. Hims stands out by integrating cognitive support services into its platform, providing teletherapy for conditions such as anxiety and depression, which broadens the scope of care beyond just physical support. Their weight management programs combine personalized nutrition, activity, and sleep guidance, while their skincare offerings include both prescription and over-the-counter products. Hims emphasizes a modern, user-friendly platform design, providing customized dosage options for ED medications and unlimited provider messaging, which enhances the overall patient experience.
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Keeps
Keeps takes a focused approach to hair loss, specializing exclusively in male pattern baldness. Their product lineup includes FDA-approved oral Finasteride pills, topical Minoxidil in foam and solution forms, and a convenient once-daily topical gel that combines both active ingredients. In addition to these products, Keeps offers complementary products such as ketoconazole shampoo, thickening shampoos and conditioners, thickening pomade, and daily hair defense supplements containing saw palmetto. This narrow but targeted range allows Keeps to provide streamlined, effective hair loss support for people looking for a specialized focus.
Hims offers a broader hair care selection that includes oral Finasteride and Minoxidil in foam and solution forms, but they also provide unique delivery options such as a topical spray combining Finasteride and Minoxidil and chewable “hair hybrid” tablets containing biotin and ketoconazole among other active ingredients. This wider range gives you more flexibility and options to suit individual preferences.
Beyond hair loss, both platforms have developed extensive sexual concerns services. Keeps offers options for managing symptoms of erectile dysfunction using generic Sildenafil and Tadalafil, as well as management options for premature ejaculation. They also provide STI testing and HIV PrEP services, making Keeps a convenient option for people seeking straightforward, affordable sexual support care alongside their hair loss support. Hims provides a similarly broad sexual concerns portfolio, including options for better sexual function, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and low testosterone.
Pros
- Offers a 100% online consultation process, allowing users to access medical services from their homes.
- Licensed to operate in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., providing nationwide access.
- Provides free and discreet shipping on all prescriptions, enhancing user convenience.
- Offers a range of options for various concerns, including hair loss, sexual wellness, mental care, skin care, and weight management.
Cons
- Does not accept health insurance, which may limit affordability for some users.
- The subscription-based model may not suit users who prefer one-time purchases or more flexible options.
How Did We Evaluate Hims?
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Brand Reputation
hims is a relatively young brand that has quickly gained recognition in the men’s wellness and telehealth space, a fast-growing and competitive market. While its modern approach appeals to many, the brand also faces challenges common to new brands in this field. Its Trustpilot rating of 3.0 out of 5, based on over 6,000+ reviews, suggests a mixed customer experience. This rating indicates that although many customers find value in the products or services, a significant number have encountered issues or dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, hims holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, which is a strong indicator of good business practices. The BBB rating reflects how well the company handles customer complaints and maintains ethical standards, showing a commitment to resolving complaints and maintaining trust. This contrast between the average Trustpilot score and the BBB rating suggests that while some customers may have concerns, the company actively works to address them and uphold its reputation.
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Consumer Responses
We evaluated Hims by carefully analyzing recent customer reviews from Trustpilot to understand the real user experience with their products and services. The feedback revealed a mixed picture, with many customers reporting that the medications sometimes worked but often only partially or not at all. Several users noted no noticeable improvements even after consistent use, especially with hair growth and weight management options. While there were some positive comments about products working well, these were less frequent compared to the neutral or negative experiences.
Customer service was another important factor in our evaluation. Although Hims frequently responded to reviews, their replies often seemed generic and focused on gathering more information rather than resolving issues. Many users expressed frustration with unresolved problems related to refunds, subscription cancellations, and shipping delays.
Billing and subscription practices were a major concern in the reviews. Numerous customers complained about automatic subscription renewals without clear warnings, which led to unexpected charges. Difficulty canceling orders and being charged despite cancellation requests further added to customer dissatisfaction.
We also considered product quality issues, with reports of packaging problems such as spray bottles clogging after a recent design change. Some customers even experienced serious side effects, which raised questions about product safety and company transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the Hims online consultation work?
Hims works through the completion of a confidential questionnaire, after which a licensed provider reviews it to create a personalized plan as per your fitness needs. - Are All Hims products FDA-approved?
Some Hims products, like oral finasteride and minoxidil, use FDA-approved ingredients. However, their compounded medications, such as topical finasteride and compounded semaglutide for weight reduction, are not FDA-approved. Always check the specific product details to know its FDA status. - Can I get a prescription through Hims?
Yes, Hims connects you with licensed medical providers who can prescribe medications after an online consultation.
Conclusion
Hims lets you access a wide range of products with formulations supported by clinical research and some FDA-approved options. Through online medical consultations and at-home lab testing, the brand provides convenient access to prescription medications and dermatologist-formulated skincare, addressing areas like sexual concerns, fitness, hair loss, and cognitive issues.
However, the fully digital model limits the ability to perform physical exams, which may affect diagnosis and procedure in some cases. State-specific pharmacy regulations can also impact medication availability and delivery times.
It is important to provide accurate information during consultations provided by Hims and to consider in-person care when necessary. Understanding these factors can help you decide if Hims fits your fitness needs safely.
Rachel has been a freelance medical writer for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2005 and is currently practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center.
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