The classic
Creatine monohydrate
The most studied form. It works and doesn't cost much.
Good for: Sore muscles · Budget-friendly
What variations of creatine exist?
A compound your muscles and brain use for quick bursts of energy. It's one of the best-studied supplements for strength and muscle. It comes in 4 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
The extra-pure one
Creapure (branded creatine monohydrate)
The same classic creatine, made to a high purity standard.
Good for: Sore muscles
- Also consider
- Easy to take: the easy-mixing one (Creatine HCl)
Every form, in plain words
The classic
Creatine monohydrate
The most studied form. It works and doesn't cost much.
Good for: Sore muscles · Budget-friendly
The extra-pure one
Creapure (branded creatine monohydrate)
The same classic creatine, made to a high purity standard.
Good for: Sore muscles
The easy-mixing one
Creatine HCl
Dissolves more easily, but hasn't been shown to work better.
Good for: Easy to take
Usually skip
- The pricey one (Buffered creatine or creatine ethyl ester)Costs more without better results. The ethyl ester may break down before your body can use it.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Creatine monohydrate' on the label (the classic)
- Look for 'Creapure' on the label (the extra-pure one)
Watch out for
- Pre-workout blends that hide the creatine amount in a proprietary mix
- No third-party testing (look for NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport)
- Added stimulants like high-dose caffeine
Check with your provider first if…
- You have kidney disease, or often take medicines that can strain the kidneys, like ibuprofen
- Creatine raises creatinine, a blood test used to check your kidneys. Tell your clinician you take it.
- You have bipolar disorder, since it has been linked to mania in a few reports
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (not well studied)
- Some water weight gain or an upset stomach is common, especially at first
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.