Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about FlexiSEQ’s two drug-free gels
FAQs
If you have a question relating to our two gels – FlexiSEQ Max Strength Osteo or FlexiSEQ Activ – please see our answers below.
Product
FlexiSEQ is a clinically tested drug free gel containing lubricants for the maintenance of joint health, including keeping joints supple, flexible and mobile and, when applied through massage, is intended to reduce the incidence of pain.
There are two different FlexiSEQ products sold under the brand names: FlexiSEQ Max Strength Osteo Gel and FlexiSEQ Activ Joint Gel. The two products are available in different size tubes:
- FlexiSEQ Max Strength Osteo Gel: 30g, 50g or 100g
- FlexiSEQ Activ Joint Gel: 50g or 100g
Both FlexiSEQ products contain natural, plant-based, joint lubricants in the form of oily droplets (phospholipids) in an aqueous gel. When the gel is applied through massage onto the skin, it delivers these oily droplets to the soft tissues surrounding your joints and, in doing so, keeps your joints supple, flexible and mobile and is intended to reduce the incidence of pain.
FlexiSEQ Max Strength Osteo Gel is our strongest formula that contains the maximum concentration of plant-based phospholipids and is intended for users seeking the highest level of care.
FlexiSEQ Activ Joint Gel is our mildest formula that contains a lower concentration of plant-based phospholipids and is intended to maintain joint health for those with an active lifestyle.
Both products are drug free which means they can be used safely alongside existing medications without interference as part of a daily joint health regimen.
Yes, all FlexiSEQ products contain the same ingredients in different concentrations and work by supporting joint function and joint health by gentle massage and by providing natural plant-based lubricants to the body.
FlexiSEQ products were, until late 2025, registered as medical devices in the UK and Europe. Over time, we realised that the term ‘medical device’ was confusing to users and hard to explain. Registration also carried a considerable cost burden.
As a result, a decision was taken to market the products as ‘general products’ rather than medical devices. That change meant that the product labelling could no longer refer to osteoarthritis, or to curative aspects of the products which was previously possible because of their classification as medical devices.
Please be assured that the product itself has not changed though. It’s the same trusted, safe, FlexiSEQ containing exactly the same formulation and manufactured in our German factory in exactly the same way.
FlexiSEQ is a safe product and can be used in conjunction with existing medications. Anyone looking to maintain their joint health, flexibility and mobility can use FlexiSEQ. Please refer to the product leaflet and/or website for general precautions and advice.
FlexiSEQ is a drug free aqueous gel packed with oily droplets called Sequessomes. These droplets contain molecules called phospholipids which naturally occur in all cells of the body and contribute to the lubricating properties of synovial fluid and cartilage. The act of gently massaging FlexiSEQ onto the soft tissue surrounding joints delivers these lubricating molecules in an absorbable form, helping to keep you supple & flexible, and mobile, and is intended to reduce the incidence of pain. As such it is essential to strictly follow the usage instructions.
Yes, FlexiSEQ contains no animal derived ingredients.
We are happy to state that FlexiSEQ doesn’t contain animal derived ingredients.
No, there are no ingredients in FlexiSEQ that are of animal origin.
The smallest size tube which we make is FlexiSEQ Max Strength Osteo Gel, which is available in a 30g tube size from some retailers.
Where to buy / pricing
If you could not find FlexiSEQ in your local store, please contact their customer service departments as some retailers do not have 100% distribution of FlexiSEQ. Most stores have full availability online. Alternatively please try a different retailer, for example Boots, Superdrug, Savers, and Well Pharmacy. FlexiSEQ is also available online at Amazon. Our Amazon shop can be found here.
The recommended retail prices are:
FlexiSEQ Max Strength Osteo Gel 30g: £14.25
FlexiSEQ Max Strength Osteo Gel 50g: £22.55
FlexiSEQ Max Strength Osteo Gel 100g: £39.49
FlexiSEQ Activ Joint Gel 50g: £15.75
FlexiSEQ Activ Joint Gel 100g: £28.19
Retailers may set their own selling price, so the price of FlexiSEQ products can vary in different stores. Please contact your local pharmacy or online pharmacy for up-to-date information.
FlexiSEQ Activ Joint Gel contains a lower concentration of Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech), the most costly ingredient, and therefore costs less.
The price of FlexiSEQ is based upon the cost of the ingredients, the manufacturing process and its unique SEQ Tech. It is worth noting that FlexiSEQ is drug free and can be used long term and alongside medications without drug interactions or exacerbating pre-existing conditions.
FlexiSEQ is applied twice per day., whilst some topical drug products require to be applied three to four times daily. With this in mind, FlexiSEQ is a cost-effective option.
Science
FlexiSEQ is an aqueous gel packed with microscopic spheres called Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech). These spheres contain molecules called phospholipids which naturally occur in all cells of the body and variants of which contribute to the lubricating properties of synovial fluid and cartilage. The main phospholipid in SEQ Tech, phosphatidylcholine, is an extract of the soy bean. FlexiSEQ does not contain any ingredients of animal origin.
FlexiSEQ Max Strength Osteo Gel: Aqua, Phosphatidylcholine, Alcohol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Polysorbate 80, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Linalool, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Metabisulfite, BHT.
FlexiSEQ Activ Joint Gel: Aqua, Phosphatidylcholine, Glycerin, Alcohol, Carbomer, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 80, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Metabisulfite, BHT.
In a recent FlexiSEQ User Experience Study, the key findings were:
- 86% of participants agreed that FlexiSEQ helped support their joint health.
- 84% of participants agreed that FlexiSEQ maintained their mobility.
- 73% of participants reported they could go longer without taking pain relief.
- 48% of participants reported a reduction in the number of painkillers taken.
- 82% of participants would definitely recommend FlexiSEQ to a friend.
FlexiSEQ general products work by gently massaging lubricant-containing gel onto the skin covering the soft tissues around your joints, keeping you supple, flexible and mobile.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and has no pharmacological, metabolic or immunological activity.
FlexiSEQ is a gel containing Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech), which are tiny phospholipid spheres or liposomes. Research has shown that following topical use of FlexiSEQ, as the gel dries on the skin, the vesicles are absorbed into the skin, where they supplement your body’s naturally occurring lubricants.
Use
FlexiSEQ products should be massaged onto the skin on the soft tissue around your joints every day, twice daily, usually in the morning and the evening. Apply, by massage, to clean, dry skin and use enough gel to evenly cover the soft tissue around the joint, leaving a thin film of gel to dry in the open air.
FlexiSEQ must be allowed to dry before covering & drying should take no longer than 10 minutes if the product is applied to clean, dry skin. If drying takes longer than this, ensure that the skin is dry (for example, if applying after a bath or shower) and try using a little less gel. If the drying time is considerably less than 10 minutes, then a little more gel should be used next time. Please wash your hands after applying the gel.
After the use area has dried (10 minutes), your skin might feel slightly sticky to touch and can be washed if preferred to remove any residual product. This can prevent the build-up of residual product on the skin which might cause dryness and also help people who have mild sensitivities to the ingredients.
In order to achieve optimum support, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied every day, twice daily, usually morning and evening, and left to dry. Apply, by massage, to clean, dry skin and use enough gel to evenly cover the skin covering the soft tissue around the joint, and gently massage to leave a thin film of gel to dry in the open air.
In order to achieve optimum support, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied every day, twice daily, usually morning and evening, and left to dry. Apply, by massage, to clean, dry skin and use enough gel to evenly cover the skin covering the soft tissue around the joint, and gently massage to leave a thin film of gel to dry in the open air.
Apply a line of gel as long as your index finger to the skin covering the soft tissue around your hip. Spread towards your groin, not your buttocks.
In order to achieve optimum support, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied every day, twice daily, usually morning and evening, and left to dry. Apply, by massage, to clean, dry skin and use enough gel to evenly cover the skin covering the soft tissue around the joint and gently massage to leave a thin film of gel to dry in the open air.
Apply a pea-sized quantity of gel around the desired area. After use, avoid washing your hands for 10-15 minutes.
In order to achieve optimum support, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied every day, twice daily, usually morning and evening, and left to dry. Apply, by massage, to clean, dry skin and use enough gel to evenly cover the skin covering the soft tissue around the joint and gently massage to leave a thin film of gel to dry in the open air.
Apply a line of gel as long as your index finger to the skin covering the soft tissue all around your shoulder, making sure you evenly cover the area.
In order to achieve optimum support, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied every day, twice daily, usually morning and evening, and left to dry. Apply, by massage, to clean, dry skin and use enough gel to evenly cover the skin covering the soft tissue around the joint and gently massage to leave a thin film of gel to dry in the open air.
Apply a line of gel as long as your index finger from one side of the ankle joint all around the other side.
In order to achieve optimum support, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied every day, twice daily, usually morning and evening, and left to dry. Apply, by massage, to clean, dry skin and use enough gel to evenly cover the skin covering the soft tissue around the joint and gently massage to leave a thin film of gel to dry in the open air.
You should apply a pea-sized amount of gel evenly to the area around the toe joint. Gently massage the gel on the top of the joint as well as under the sole of the foot.
In order to achieve optimum support, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied every day, twice daily, usually morning and evening, and left to dry. Apply, by massage, to clean, dry skin and use enough gel to evenly cover the skin covering the soft tissue around the joint and gently massage to leave a thin film of gel to dry in the open air.
Apply a line of gel as long as your index finger to your spine or neck.
FlexiSEQ has an excellent tolerability and safety profile. There are no anticipated safety issues if it is applied incorrectly.
We always recommend applying FlexiSEQ on the soft tissue around the joint and discourage it being applied to bone such as the kneecap or shoulder blade because massaging such areas is unlikely to yield any benefit. There are no safety issues but it would merely be a waste of the gel.
There are no safety issues with applying too much gel. It will simply take longer for all of the gel to dry. You can wipe off excess gel and apply less the next time. As a general guide, it should not take longer than 10 minutes for the gel to dry completely.
As with most topical products, you should avoid allowing the gel to enter the eyes. If gel does enter the eyes, they should be rinsed with plenty of cold water. If excessive stinging/symptoms occur, please consult a healthcare professional.
The gel should not be taken orally, but if it has been ingested, it should not cause major problems. As with other topical products, care should be taken to store it out of reach of children. If symptoms occur, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
As with all such products, if you have any concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.
FlexiSEQ products should be applied twice a day, usually morning and evening, every day.
The best results are achieved when using FlexiSEQ every day on a continuous twice daily basis as this will ensure that the areas around your joints are being gently massaged regularly.
The user studies we performed were based on twice daily use. However, you may adjust this if you feel that less frequent use still gives you the support you need.
FlexiSEQ products are designed for long term use.
Please avoid using other moisturisers, creams, or massage oils on the treated area until FlexiSEQ has fully dried and absorbed into the skin (around 10 minutes). If they are applied before applying FlexiSEQ, they may reduce its absorption. They may also cause the gel ingredients to separate, making it unpleasant to apply to the skin.
Please allow around 10 minutes after the use of FlexiSEQ before you start exercising or showering. Once the gel has dried, the lubricant ingredients will have passed into the skin and they do not reverse their journey.
After the area has dried (10 minutes), it can be washed to remove any residual product.
Benefit
FlexiSEQ is no longer marketed as a pharmaceutical product or medical device, and so a direct comparison to perceived benefits should not be made.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and has an excellent safety profile. There are no known interactions with medicines or medical devices.
FlexiSEQ is a general product and relies on gentle massage to achieve its stated benefits. That said, it contains a source of plant-based lubricants that are formulated to aid absorption by the skin where they can supplement the body’s own supply.
Pharmaceutical drugs such as Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) have a pharmacological effect and alter physiological pathways in the body. NSAID use is often associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as ulcers, and cardiovascular effects such as increased risk of a heart attack and these side effects can be very serious. In contrast, the side effect most commonly reported for FlexiSEQ is mild or moderate skin irritations that are temporary and usually resolve over time without stopping treatment.
Because of drug related side effects, pharmaceutical pain treatments should only be used for short term acute relief. In contrast, drug free FlexiSEQ can be used long term, every day. Additionally, FlexiSEQ may be used alongside existing medications.
There is increasing awareness that oral NSAIDs are not suitable for patients with certain other conditions (such as heart disease, asthma and stomach ulcers), or those who are on specific medications or are elderly. Such patients may, therefore choose to try this drug free, topical gel to see if it supports them and helps keep them supple and flexible.
Patients already taking NSAIDs should feel free to use FlexiSEQ in combination, whereas topical NSAIDs cannot be used alongside oral NSAIDs at the same time. More details about the concerns with NSAIDs can be found at the National Institute for Health and Care at http://cks.nice.org.uk/nsaids-prescribing-issues.
Twice daily gentle massage with FlexiSEQ should provide benefit immediately, in that massaged joints should relax & feel supple, flexible and mobile. It may take several days for the full effect.
No product will be suitable for all patients. However, before it is assumed that you are one of those for whom the product isn’t suitable, please check that:
- You are using FlexiSEQ correctly – the product will not be effective if you do not gently massage the gel to the soft tissue around the joint, being careful to leave a thin film of gel and letting it dry naturally.
- Treatment is regular every day – if it is stopped, then the benefit of gentle massage with natural lubricants will be lost.
- Treatment has been ongoing for long enough for an effect to be seen (we recommend using the product for several days).
- Our product is a gentle massage gel. FlexiSEQ does not claim to prevent or cure disease, or treat or ameliorate any medical condition.
If you are using the gel correctly and not feeling the flexibility that massage can provide, it may be that you have a joint condition which massaging with FlexiSEQ cannot provide relief for, such as gout, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, damaged meniscus, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, lupus, bursitis, Baker’s cyst, osteoporosis or spondylitis. In this case, please consult your healthcare professional.
FlexiSEQ is well tolerated and is highly unlikely to be the cause of your increased pain. However, here are a few possible reasons why it might feel this way:
- Massaging your joints increases their movement, and this increased activity may temporarily aggravate underlying inflammation or stiffness before the benefit of the increased movement sets in.
- Skin sensitivity or irritation: Although rare, some users experience redness, rash, or irritation at the use site. This could feel like increased pain, especially if the skin is already sensitive.
If you are at all worried, please consult a doctor or a pharmacist.
Safety
The ingredients in FlexiSEQ have been formally reviewed by a qualified toxicologist by way of what’s known as a Cosmetic Product Safety Review, which ensures that the product is deemed safe for use.
Efficacy claims for the ingredients in general products are required by law to be limited to those benefits that relate to the external parts of the body, such as the skin. As such, FlexiSEQ claims to contain well known joint lubricants in an absorbable form, and that the act of application (gently massaging into the skin surrounding joints) can provide support and relief to the body, thus helping maintain movement. Our Experience Study in users found that:
- 86% Felt that FlexiSEQ supported their joint health
- 84% Felt that FlexiSEQ supported their mobility
- 48% of participants reported a reduction in the amount of painkillers taken
- 66% of participants felt that they were able to do more exercise
- 73% of participants reported that they could go longer without taking pain relief
- 82% of participants said they would definitely recommend FlexiSEQ to a friend
FlexiSEQ contains benzyl alcohol and linalool. Do not use FlexiSEQ if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients.
FlexiSEQ products are drug free topical gels and the side effect most commonly reported which may affect about 6 in 100 people is mild or moderate skin irritations manifesting in rash, dry skin, itchiness and erythema (redness) at the site of use. The majority of the skin irritations that have been reported were temporary and minor and resolved over time, sometimes without the need to stop use.
We are sorry to hear that you have developed a skin irritation. Unfortunately, this is a potential side effect of FlexiSEQ and some other topical products. Please have a look at the ingredients list to make sure that you have no known sensitivities to any of its components.
Skin irritation may disappear by itself after a certain amount of time. However, in the case of continuing side effects, you may first reduce the frequency of use (e.g. from twice daily to once daily). If the area feels too sore to continue with use, then discontinue using FlexiSEQ. If you have to stop use, once the condition is resolved, usually within a few days, you may then be able to restart use if there is no evidence of a hypersensitive reaction as a result of skin contact. If you are at all worried, please consult a doctor or a pharmacist.
Customers, who have reported skin irritation, have advised us that they have used moisturising lotion and this helped to calm the skin in that particular area. However, avoid using other moisturisers, creams, or massage oils on the treated area until FlexiSEQ has fully dried.
Another option is that after the use area has dried (10 minutes), it could be washed to remove any residual product. This could prevent the build-up of residual product on the skin which can cause dryness. This would also be beneficial to people who have mild sensitivities to the ingredients.
FlexiSEQ has an excellent safety and tolerability profile. The majority of the side effects seen in testing were mild-to-moderate skin irritations. Most users in clinical testing continued using the product, even if skin reactions were experienced. The majority of these irritations will resolve over time without stopping treatment. In the case of continuing side effects, you may first reduce the frequency of use (e.g. from twice daily to once daily) and if this does not improve the condition should you consider interrupting or stopping use. If you have to stop use, once the condition is resolved, usually within a few days, you may then be able to restart use if there is no evidence of an allergic reaction as a result of skin contact.
If you are at all worried, please consult a doctor or a pharmacist.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and has no known interactions with medicines or medical devices. If you have any specific concerns, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
FlexiSEQ has not been tested on pregnant women in clinical trials, and therefore the use of FlexiSEQ products during pregnancy is not advised unless deemed appropriate by your doctor or physician. Likewise, it is unknown whether FlexiSEQ may be harmful to your child if you are breastfeeding. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using the product.
FlexiSEQ has not been tested on children and therefore the use of FlexiSEQ products on children is not advised.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and so you can have acupuncture at the same time as using FlexiSEQ.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and has no known interactions with medicines or medical devices. If you have any specific concerns, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and has no known interactions with medicines or medical devices. If you have any specific concerns, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and has no known interactions with medicines or medical devices. If you have any specific concerns, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and has no known interactions with medicines or medical devices. FlexiSEQ can be used alongside topical anti-inflammatory drugs however they should not be applied at the same time. Please allow at least 30 minutes after FlexiSEQ has dried before applying your other topical gel or cream. If you have any specific concerns, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and has no known interactions with medicines or medical devices. If you have any specific concerns, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
FlexiSEQ is drug free and has no known interactions with medicines or medical devices. If you have any specific concerns, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
Although we see no reason why use of FlexiSEQ on companion animals would be detrimental to them, we cannot recommend it as such.
Storage
FlexiSEQ should be stored at room temperature (between 8°C and 25°C). There is no need for it to be stored in the fridge and it should never be frozen. After first opening the tube, the product should be used within 3 months. Always replace the cap after use.
The reason why we state that the product should be used within 3 months of opening is because that is the maximum amount of time that was tested during simulated in-use stability studies. Once a product is opened, it is exposed to the environment including the customer’s skin and the air. It is possible that microbial contamination could occur which would potentially cause degradation of the product so that it would no longer work and could potentially be a safety risk if contaminating microorganisms adversely affected the customer’s skin. The product does contain preservative ingredients that should inactivate any invading microorganisms.
Stability studies have been performed up to 4 years so we can guarantee the safety of the product if stored unopened as recommended (8°C and 25°C) for 4 years, but we have not tested it beyond that time so cannot guarantee its safety after the expiry date.
Regulatory
FlexiSEQ products are marketed in the UK and Europe as general products. FlexiSEQ gels do not contain any pharmaceutically active ingredients.
FlexiSEQ products are sold by AH Consumer Healthcare Limited.
FlexiSEQ products are manufactured to current Good Manufacturing Practice in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Germany.
Contact
Any questions or concerns relating to the product or use of FlexiSEQ should be addressed preferably via email to enquiries@flexiseq.com.