Creatine HCL works so well because adding the hydrochloride group to the Creatine molecule lowers the pH of the Creatine, making it more acidic. This drastically increases its solubility in fluids, which you will notice when you mix Creatine HCL in water. When considering the various types of Creatine, HCL is water soluble. That means that it is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream, which reduces typical side effects seen in other types of Creatine (bloating, digestive issues, and water retention).