Hangover Cures: Do They Work and What Can Brands Legally Claim?

Every December and January, hangover cures flood social media feeds. Pills, patches, powders, sprays, gummies and “miracle tonics” all promising to help you “bounce back,” “wake up fresh,” or “neutralise alcohol.” But as with every other trend in the wellness and supplement space, the big question remains

Do they actually work?

And equally important: What can brands legally claim without falling foul of regulators?

The Science Behind Hangover Supplements

Hangovers are complex. They aren’t caused by one thing but a combination of factors.
Dehydration
Inflammation
Acetaldehyde buildup
Poor sleep
Electrolyte imbalance
Low blood sugar

Most hangover supplements contain some combination of:
Electrolytes
B vitamins
Milk thistle
Turmeric
Prickly pear extract
N acetyl cysteine (NAC)
Ginger
Vitamin C
Amino acids

Some ingredients do have evidence supporting specific physiological effects. For example, electrolytes support hydration, and NAC may help replenish glutathione. But here’s the crucial point:

None of these ingredients “cure” a hangover.

They may support normal bodily processes that alcohol disrupts, but they do not stop intoxication, prevent a hangover entirely or counteract alcohol’s harmful effects.

What Brands Can and Cannot Claim

This is where many hangover products get into regulatory trouble.

In the UK (and EU), hangover cures usually fall under food supplement regulation. They must follow strict rules on claims, evidence and presentation.

The golden rule: Supplements cannot claim to treat, prevent or cure a hangover. That would be considered a medicinal claim.

Medicinal claims require MHRA approval, a marketing authorisation and full clinical trials. No hangover supplement on the UK market meets that threshold.

Legal claims must stick to approved nutrition and health claims such as
• “Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue”
• “Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance”
• “Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism”

These are permitted because they relate to normal physiological functions. Not the reversal of alcohol’s effects.

Any wording that implies a hangover cure is prohibited
“Recover faster after drinking”
“Prevents hangovers”
“Protects your liver after alcohol”
“Neutralises alcohol toxins”

Even inferential or implied claims (the ones made through imagery, testimonials or design) can be considered medicinal and therefore unlawful.

The Risk of Overclaiming

The MHRA has issued enforcement notices to several brands marketing hangover products as if they have medicinal effects. The ASA also regularly investigates social media ads where influencers claim a product “saved” them from a hangover or let them “wake up with zero symptoms.”

Brands must be especially careful with influencer marketing, packaging copy and website content. Regulators look at the overall message, not just the fine print.

Do Hangover Pills Work?

Some may make you feel slightly better by supporting hydration, energy metabolism or antioxidant status. But none of them can prevent or cure a hangover. And legally, they cannot claim to.

If your brand wants to create a compliant hangover support product, the safest approach is to
• Focus on general wellbeing and nutritional support
• Use only approved claims
• Avoid any implication of medical action
• Ensure every ingredient function is evidence based
• Keep influencer messaging tightly controlled

Consumers appreciate transparency. And regulators expect it.

In short: Hangover pills can support your body. They cannot undo your night out.

‍