Emerging Tech | Sweat Sensors

Introduction

Proper water intake is critical for optimal performance in life and in sports. Learn about the growing field of sweat science and how it will reshape our approach to hydration.

The importance of proper hydration and its impact on so many aspects of health have finally made it into the mainstream. With the hopes of riding this new wave of interest, the beverage and supplement industry is now overflowing with products that tout their ability to help you hydrate more efficiently. I am no stranger to these products and have been buying hydration mixes of all kinds regularly for more than a decade. However, as I evolve as an athlete and become more sophisticated in my training, occasionally, I like to take a step back and make sure I understand the “why” behind what I am doing.

The Personalization Problem

In this instance, the question that has become top of mind is not whether I should drink more water and use a hydration mix, as I know there are benefits. Instead, the question is how do I know that the quantity of water I am drinking, and the ingredient mix of the products I am using are optimal for me and my training?

Whether you are working out, at work, or just living life, sweating is universal and simply part of being a human. What many people do not realize is that although we all sweat, the rate at which we perspire and the minerals that our body loses in the process are highly individual. The logical thing to then ask is how we can measure these things and quantify the results, beyond using subjective measures like thirst and urine color?

The Rise of Sweat-Reading Biosensors

To help answer this question, several companies are working on sweat-reading biowearables that aim to help you understand your specific hydration needs. These companies are all developing non-invasive skin patches and sensors that record sweat rate, sodium and electrolyte loss, and weather data to better understand your body’s needs in different conditions. Sweat analysis is something that high-level athletes have had access to in the lab for many years, but until recently, the technology had not been accessible to ordinary consumers. The data generated from these devices can be used to create a customized hydration plan depending on your lifestyle and activities, as well as custom hydration supplements that will allow you to replenish precisely what your body is losing.

This trend is part of a broader shift toward personalized, data-driven health — a concept I explore in more detail in What is Medicine 3.0?. As the cost of these sensors drops, they could become as common as the fitness wearables many of us already use daily.

Companies to Watch

Though it is still early, interest and funding to develop sweat-analyzing technology are growing. Below are a few companies leading the charge in this emerging field that are worth watching. For my personal exploration, I have ordered a Nix sensor and will review the experience and insights it provides.

Nix - Hydration Biosensor

(Available for purchase)

Nix Hydration Biosensor — Nix offers a reusable biosensor that pairs with disposable sweat patches to deliver real-time hydration data to your phone during workouts. It tracks sweat rate and electrolyte loss to provide personalized fluid and sodium replacement recommendations.

Gatorade / Epicore Biosystems - Gx Sweat Patch

(Available for purchase)

Gatorade Gx Sweat Patch — Developed in partnership with Epicore Biosystems, the Gx Sweat Patch is a single-use patch that captures your sweat during a workout. You then scan the patch with the Gatorade Gx app to receive a personalized hydration profile with fluid and electrolyte recommendations.

FlowBio - FLOWPATCH

(In beta)

FlowBio FLOWPATCH — FlowBio is developing a continuous sweat monitoring platform that aims to provide real-time biomarker data. Their FLOWPATCH sensor is designed to go beyond hydration and capture a broader set of biomarkers from sweat.

FAQ

Why isn’t regular water enough for hydration?

Water alone is a great start, but during intense exercise or hot conditions, your body loses electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) through sweat. Replacing only water without electrolytes can dilute the minerals remaining in your body. The key insight from sweat science is that everyone loses electrolytes at different rates, which means optimal hydration is personal, not one-size-fits-all.

How accurate are consumer sweat sensors compared to lab testing?

Consumer sweat sensors are still evolving, but they are getting closer to lab-grade accuracy for key metrics like sweat rate and sodium concentration. They may not capture every biomarker a full lab analysis would, but for practical hydration planning during training, they provide actionable data that is far more useful than guessing based on thirst alone.

Do I need a sweat sensor if I’m not a competitive athlete?

You don’t need one, but the data can be valuable for anyone who exercises regularly, works outdoors, or lives in a hot climate. Understanding your personal sweat profile can help you feel better, recover faster, and avoid common issues like cramping and fatigue that are often linked to poor hydration.