What’s the difference between T gel and T cream? Both deliver testosterone through the skin, but they’re formulated very differently, and those differences matter. T gel is typically alcohol-based. That’s why it feels cold, dries quickly, and often leaves behind a sticky or tacky residue. It also tends to have a noticeable smell, and the alcohol can be irritating for some skin types. T cream, on the other hand, is formulated with a lipid-rich base — more like a medical-grade moisturizer. It glid