CON-CRET Creatine HCl is an unflavored powder made with creatine hydrochloride (HCl), not creatine monohydrate. Its maker says it supports strength, endurance and recovery, “so you can feel your strongest self in and out of the gym,” and it is sold on the seller’s own website, con-cret.com. As of October 28, 2026, the product page shows $29.99 for the unflavored powder, offered in 100-serving and 64-serving sizes, with free shipping on orders of $40 or more and a money-back guarantee within 30 days of purchase on con-cret.com. The International Society of Sports Nutrition says studies have consistently shown that creatine supplementation increases intramuscular creatine concentrations, which may help explain the improvements seen in high-intensity exercise performance. This page covers the label and the seller’s claims, the research on creatine, how HCl compares with monohydrate, side effects, price, refunds and how to check the seller before you order.
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| What it is | Unflavored creatine HCl (creatine hydrochloride) powder, listed at 100 or 64 servings |
| Who sells it | The seller’s terms say the website is operated by CON-CRET Creatine HCl |
| Price as shown | $29.99 on the product page (see the price section) |
| Guarantee or returns | Money-back guarantee within 30 days of purchase on con-cret.com; refunds go to the card used for the original purchase |
| Contact the seller | customerservice@con-cret.com or +1 (855) 442-6466, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm CST |
| Product Page | Where to Buy |
What is CON-CRET Creatine HCl, and who is it for?
CON-CRET Creatine HCl is a creatine powder, and the label reads “Creatine HCl,” “#1 absorbed creatine” and “7x concentrated vs monohydrate.” The seller also sells capsules and gummies as separate products. This page covers the unflavored powder only.
The seller says the powder is designed to “help you build strength, improve endurance, recover faster, and provides cognitive support for sharper focus.” It also says creatine HCl “provides cognitive support, promotes mental clarity, and helps maintain mood, heart health, and immune function.” The seller says the product gives men and women “the essential cellular fuel they need to feel and perform at their best.”
Cleveland Clinic notes that many amateur and professional athletes take creatine to aid their workouts and recovery, and that professional sports organizations, the International Olympic Committee and the NCAA all allow athletes to use creatine supplements.
Does CON-CRET Creatine HCl work?
The seller says each 750 mg serving “delivers the same benefits as 5000 mg of creatine monohydrate.” The research below concerns creatine generally; it does not test this specific CON-CRET Creatine HCl product.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: creatine has “numerous clinical trials generally showing a benefit for high-intensity, intermittent activity.” It may increase strength, power and work from maximal effort contractions, and over time it helps the body adapt to training. It is “of little value for endurance sports.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet
- How it works: the NIH says creatine “helps supply muscles with energy for short-term, predominantly anaerobic activity.” Cleveland Clinic says creatine helps create ATP, “a source of energy that your cells use when you exercise.”
- Recovery: the ISSN’s 2017 position stand says research has shown creatine “may enhance post-exercise recovery.” ISSN position stand on creatine safety and efficacy
- Muscle: Cleveland Clinic says studies show that regularly taking creatine with weightlifting and exercise can help increase muscle growth in people 18 to 30 years old. Some studies show people who take creatine “may gain an extra two to four pounds of muscle mass during four to 12 weeks of regular exercise.”
- Brain: Cleveland Clinic says creatine can increase phosphocreatine in the brain, “which may help with your memory.”
What a realistic result looks like: Cleveland Clinic says you should be able to maintain added strength through regular exercise, “but you likely won’t see continued improvement.” For a closer look at the human trials, read creatine human studies and safety (our research library).
Is creatine HCl better than monohydrate?
The seller says this HCl form has “59X better solubility than monohydrate,” is “#1 absorbed,” and is “easier on your stomach.” It also says the powder is 7x concentrated, so you need less of it.
The ISSN’s 2021 common-questions paper addresses other forms directly: “While some forms of creatine may be more soluble than creatine monohydrate when mixed in fluid, evidence-based research clearly shows creatine monohydrate to be the optimal choice.” ISSN 2021 common questions on creatine Cleveland Clinic says “The most common creatine supplement is creatine monohydrate,” and that “Other forms of creatine don’t appear to have these benefits.” Cleveland Clinic creatine
The ISSN paper also discloses that several authors report funding from, or advisory roles with, companies that make or sell creatine, and that its lead author is CEO of the ISSN, which receives industry sponsorship.
The 7x comparison is the seller’s claim. Ask the seller for the study behind it before you rely on it.
What is in CON-CRET Creatine HCl?
| Label item | What the label or seller says |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Creatine HCl (creatine hydrochloride), per the product name and label |
| Serving | Each 750 mg serving, according to the seller |
| Servings per container | 100 on the package label; the product page also offers a 64-serving size |
| Net weight | Two label images show different figures: 2.25 oz (63.7 g) and 2.65 oz (75 g), both listing 100 servings. At 750 mg a serving, 100 servings comes to 75 g, which matches the 2.65 oz figure. Confirm the net weight on your package. |
| Flavor | Unflavored. The label reads “No added flavors or sweeteners” and “Raw Tart Taste.” |
| Other ingredients | Check the Ingredients tab on the product page and the Supplement Facts panel on the package for the full list. |
| Directions | See the How to Use tab on the product page. The label image shows “One Small Scoop.” |
| Certifications | NSF Certified for Sport, as shown on the label; “Certified Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Kosher” |
| Testing and manufacturing | The seller says the creatine is “third-party tested to ensure safety, purity, and quality” and made in the USA at a “certified facility that meets SQF, NSF, and GMP standards.” |
| Free of | “artificial sweeteners, colors, and dyes,” according to the seller |
NSF says its Certified for Sport program is “the only independent third-party certification program recognized by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and the Canadian Football League,” and that certified products are tested for 280+ banned substances. NSF Certified for Sport
Why does creatine HCl taste sour or bad?
The label itself advertises a “Raw Tart Taste.” Reviews on the product page disagree. One reviewer says it is “tart but not awful and dissolves easily,” and adds that you can “put in a drop of orange juice instead for flavor.” The lowest-rated review calls it “Quite possibly the worst tasting drink” the reviewer has had.
How much does CON-CRET Creatine HCl cost?
Prices and bundles change, so confirm the price at checkout. The price shown is the one above.
| Item | Price or terms shown | What it works out to |
|---|---|---|
| Unflavored powder, 100 servings | The product page displays $29.99 while showing 100-serving and 64-serving options; confirm the price for the size you select at checkout. | If $29.99 is the price for 100 servings, about $0.30 a serving |
| Unflavored powder, 64 servings | Confirm the price for this size at checkout | If $29.99 is the price for 64 servings, about $0.47 a serving |
| Shipping | Free shipping on orders $40+, per the site banner | A single $29.99 bottle is below that $40 threshold |
| International orders | Import duties, taxes and brokerage fees are not included in the price or shipping; they are the buyer’s responsibility | Check your country’s customs office for costs |
| Recurring charges | Check checkout for any subscription or recurring option before you pay | — |
How do refunds, returns and cancellations work?
The seller’s refund policy covers products bought directly from con-cret.com. The seller says it offers a money-back guarantee within 30 days for purchases made through its website. Here are the steps:
- Contact customer service. Use the email or phone above, or the contact form on the website. Say whether you want a refund, an exchange or store credit. The seller says it responds within 24 to 48 hours. Its customer service hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, Monday to Friday, and weekend or federal-holiday messages are answered the next business day.
- Keep the container. The policy says “DO NOT discard the container as we may ask you to return the product.”
- Pay return shipping if asked to return it. For orders placed directly on con-cret.com, the seller says you are responsible for the return shipping cost, and it is not responsible if the item is lost or broken during the process. For international returns, the seller says that if it requires the product back, it “will provide a shipping label through email.”
- Wait for the refund. Refunds go to the credit card used for the original purchase. Allow 7 to 10 business days for it to appear on your statement.
The full-refund window is 30 days from purchase. Unopened product can be returned within 45 days of purchase for store credit. International returns can take up to three weeks.
If you bought from a retailer other than con-cret.com, the policy says authorized retailers are handled case by case, and unauthorized retailers are not refunded by the seller. For the list of authorized retailers, the policy gives 888-878-9058.
Con cret creatine HCl side effects: what the research reports
| Topic | What the sources report | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Weight gain from water retention | The NIH lists weight gain due to water retention as a reported adverse effect. The ISSN 2021 paper says creatine “may increase water retention over the short term” and “does not always lead to water retention.” | NIH; ISSN 2021 |
| Nausea, diarrhea, muscle cramps, muscle stiffness, heat intolerance | The NIH lists these as anecdotal reports. | NIH |
| Kidneys | At recommended dosages, creatine “does not result in kidney damage and/or renal dysfunction in healthy individuals.” | ISSN 2021 |
| Hair loss | The speculation stems mainly from a single study of college-aged male rugby players. | ISSN 2021 |
| Loading phase | “A creatine ‘loading’ phase is not required.” The NIH gives typical doses of a 20 g/day loading dose for up to 7 days, and 3 to 5 g/day for up to 12 weeks. | ISSN 2021; NIH |
| Long-term use | “Short and long-term supplementation (up to 30 g/day for 5 years) is safe and well-tolerated in healthy individuals.” | ISSN 2017 |
| The seller’s claims | The seller says the product causes no bloating, no water retention and no stomach discomfort. Its footnote says “Symptoms were not reported during clinical use when taken as directed. Individual responses may vary.” | Seller’s product page |
If side effects develop, Cleveland Clinic suggests dividing the daily amount into smaller doses taken throughout the day, and says it is a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider about side effects. FDA says anyone may report a supplement-related adverse event directly through the Safety Reporting Portal, and that supplement labels must give a domestic address or phone number for reporting serious adverse events. FDA questions and answers on dietary supplements
Who should check with a clinician first?
Cleveland Clinic says creatine supplements “are safe for most people to take, but you should first talk to a healthcare provider to ensure they’re right for you.” It says a provider will likely ask whether you have diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease, and whether you take any medications, vitamins or other supplements.
The ISSN 2021 paper says that, based on limited evidence, creatine “appears safe and potentially beneficial for children and adolescents.” It says there is “accumulating evidence” that creatine in females “has the potential to be a multifactorial intervention across the lifespan… with little to no side effects,” and that a growing body of evidence shows musculoskeletal and performance benefits in older adults, particularly with exercise. Cleveland Clinic says there isn’t enough research to say creatine helps muscle growth in people older than 65.
Ask a healthcare provider before you start if you have any of the conditions above or take medication.
Is CON-CRET Creatine HCl legit, or a scam?
The product page is live, and it lists a label, a contact email and phone number, a refund policy and terms of service. The seller says the powder is NSF Certified for Sport and third-party tested. Those are things you can check yourself, listed below. This site has not tested this product.
- Who the seller is: The terms of service say the website is operated by CON-CRET Creatine HCl. The privacy policy names Vireo Systems, Inc as the company that operates the website. The About Us page says its founder co-founded a forensic toxicology lab before starting Vireo Systems in 2002.
- How to reach them: customerservice@con-cret.com, or +1 (855) 442-6466, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm CST.
- Refund terms: 30 days from purchase for a full refund on con-cret.com orders, refunded to the original card. Keep the container.
- Payment: Refunds go back to the card you paid with, so use the card whose statement you check.
- Certification: Search NSF Certified for Sport to see whether it lists this product.
- Test reports: The seller says the product is third-party tested. Ask the seller for the test report for your lot before you order.
- Other retailers: If you buy from a retailer other than con-cret.com, call 888-878-9058 to confirm it is an authorized retailer before you pay.
FDA says it does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements before they are marketed, and that manufacturers must follow current good manufacturing practices that help ensure identity, purity, quality, strength and composition. FDA says firms are responsible for ensuring the dietary supplements they manufacture or distribute are not adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise in violation of federal law.
What do the product page reviews say?
The product page shows 4.7 stars from 213 reviews. These are reviews posted on the seller’s product page, not independent ratings.
| Stars | Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5 | 182 |
| 4 | 11 |
| 3 | 9 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 1 | 7 |
One five-star reviewer calls it “My go to supplement drink” and says they like the lemon and lime flavor. The lowest-rated review is about taste, as covered above.
How does it compare with other creatine supplements and doing nothing?
| Option | Form | What the sources say |
|---|---|---|
| CON-CRET Creatine HCl powder | Creatine HCl | The seller says 7x concentrated, 59X better solubility, and a 750 mg serving. The product page shows $29.99. |
| Creatine monohydrate | Monohydrate | Cleveland Clinic calls it “the most common creatine supplement.” The ISSN 2021 paper calls it “the optimal choice.” |
| Other forms of creatine | Various | Cleveland Clinic says “Other forms of creatine don’t appear to have these benefits.” |
| Doing nothing | None | Cleveland Clinic says studies show regularly taking creatine with weightlifting and exercise can help increase muscle growth. |
Creatine is one ingredient, so the do-it-yourself route is buying a plain creatine powder and measuring each day’s dose yourself. The seller’s pitch is ease: one small scoop, less mixing and no clumping. The choice between this form and monohydrate is yours to make.
If you are weighing other brands, see our crazy nutrition crn-5 creatine guide, which covers its benefits and ingredients, and our thorne creatine review, which covers ingredients, price and side effects.
Why am I always tired, and can creatine help?
Creatine’s research is about short, high-intensity work. NIH describes creatine as helping supply muscles with energy for short-term, predominantly anaerobic activity. Tiredness is a different question. MedlinePlus says “Fatigue itself is not a disease; it’s a symptom,” and that it can have many causes, including sleep habits, medical problems and medicines. MedlinePlus fatigue
Cleveland Clinic says to call your provider if your fatigue lasts longer than a few days, comes on suddenly, or has no clear reason, and says a provider can rule out vitamin deficiencies and other conditions. If fatigue comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or other warning signs, Cleveland Clinic says to seek immediate medical attention. Cleveland Clinic fatigue guide
Quick answers to other questions
- Does it cause bloating or diarrhea? The seller says no bloating and no stomach discomfort. The NIH lists diarrhea among anecdotal reports.
- Does it cause weight gain? The NIH lists weight gain due to water retention. The ISSN 2021 paper says short-term water retention may happen but does not always occur.
- Does it cause hair loss?
- Does it help build muscle? Cleveland Clinic says studies show regular creatine with weightlifting and exercise can help increase muscle growth in people 18 to 30.
- Is it for women too? The seller says it gives men and women the essential cellular fuel they need. The ISSN 2021 paper describes the evidence for creatine in females as “accumulating,” with “little to no side effects,” and it does not say the evidence is better for women than for men.
- Why is creatine HCl bad? The main research point is the ISSN 2021 conclusion that creatine monohydrate is “the optimal choice.”
- Does it expire? Check the expiration date on your container.
- Does it break a fast? Check the Supplement Facts panel on your package for calories per serving before you take it during a fast.
Before you order
When you are ready, choose your size on the Product Page, then confirm the price at checkout.
- Confirm which price applies to the size you pick, and check checkout for any subscription or recurring option.
- Check the net weight on your package, since the two label images differ.
- Read the Supplement Facts panel and the How to Use tab for serving and directions.
- Ask the seller for the study behind the 7x comparison and the test report for your lot.
- Search NSF Certified for Sport to see whether it lists this product.
- If you buy from another retailer, call 888-878-9058 to confirm it is authorized.
- Talk to a healthcare provider first if you have kidney, liver or diabetes conditions or take medication.
By the Gym Floor Guide Editorial Team
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.