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When aches and soreness interfere with your weekly workouts, the best pain relief creams can help. But not all pain is the same, and different pain relievers meet different needs, says dermatologist Susan Bard, MD. Some target inflammation, like muscle soreness, while others are more suitable for the pain associated with open wounds, like cuts and scrapes. Different ingredients work in different ways, too. Some, like arnica and salicylates, are anti-inflammatory, while others, like menthol and camphor, are counterirritants that cool the skin.
To find the best pain relief creams, we first consulted experts to learn more about what ingredients and formulations to look for. Then, we researched dozens of options from trusted brands. We paid close attention to each cream’s ingredients (active and inactive), fragrance, and purpose (as described by the manufacturer).
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Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Arnica, vitamin B6, methylsulfonylmethane
Who It’s For
Best for users who need mild to moderate pain relief that they can rely on daily.
Why We Love It
Penetrex’s Therapy Cream is our top overall choice because it’s loaded with soothing ingredients that can help reduce inflammation. It features arnica, a herb frequently used in pain relief creams to soothe the skin, as well as popular ingredients like vitamin B6 and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), which support pain relief by dulling pain signals. It’s also made with soothing aloe and shea butter, so it feels good on your skin.
Since the cream is both non-greasy and non-staining, you can put it on during the day without worrying about it leaving a mess on your clothes. It absorbs quickly into your skin and has a light minty scent. It’s safe to use daily anywhere on your body that you need pain relief and comfort. We also like that the formula is paraben-free and vegan.
Potential Flaws
- Some users note that this cream may not be strong enough for severe pain.
What Experts Say
Dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, likes arnica because it’s both homeopathic and effective. She recommends opting for all-natural pain relief creams wherever possible—especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin.
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Key Specs
Type: Balm | Active Ingredients: Camphor, menthol, cassia oil
Who It’s For
Best for budget-conscious buyers who need quick relief that’s long-lasting.
Why We Love It
Tiger Balm’s Red Extra-Strength Rub ingredients, like camphor and menthol, work as counterirritants, effectively distracting you from your pain with a cooling sensation. When you apply the balm to your skin, the cooling effect begins immediately. This reaction may relieve some of your pain or, at the very least, take your mind off it for a little while. This rub can be good for helping to loosen tight muscles and trigger points.
We like that it also contains cassia oil, derived from cinnamon, which will produce a warming feeling after a while. So you get the benefits of both cooling and heating with this rub. The cassia oil also provides a pleasant cinnamon scent and may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Tiger Balm products have been sold and trusted worldwide for over 100 years.
Potential Flaws
- This balm contains ingredients that give it a signature reddish color, which can stain your skin or clothes if you’re not careful.
- Some users find the cinnamon-like scent a little too strong.
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Key Specs
Type: Gel | Active Ingredient: Arnica
Who It’s For
Best for users who need quick relief for mild discomfort or bruising.
Why We Love It
Boiron’s Arnicare Gel takes a two-step approach to pain relief. First, it’s formulated with arnica to soothe the skin and calm inflammation. Second, it creates a cooling effect as soon as you apply it—providing quick pain relief. We like that the formula is plant-based and unscented, so this gel has no annoying medical-like smell.
The gel is water-based, making it non-greasy and quick-absorbing. Simply apply a thin layer of gel where you want to relieve pain. It’s also paraben- and dye-free, so you can be sure it won’t stain your clothes. You can safely use this lightweight formula up to three times per day. It can also help reduce discoloration from bruising.
Potential Flaws
- This product provides quick relief but it doesn’t last long.
- The formulation may not be strong enough to help with more severe pain.
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Mess-free application
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Scent isn’t overpowering
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Long-lasting
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Small bottle size
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Doesn’t absorb quickly
Key Specs
Type: Gel | Active Ingredient: Menthol
Who It’s For
Best for users who need mess-free application on the go.
Why We Love It
BioFreeze is a trusted brand among pharmacists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers for its quick, cooling relief. The Pain Relief Roll-On is a classic counterirritant due to the menthol, which creates a cooling effect, distracting you from the pain and offering relief for up to eight hours. The lightweight gel has a slight green color, but it won’t stain your clothes or other fabrics.
Since it comes in a roll-on container, you can easily apply it to the affected area without getting it all over your hands. The roll-on feature is especially handy when on the go, so you can toss it in your gym bag to apply whenever you need it. The small 3-ounce size is also TSA-friendly, making it easy to travel with your pain relief. We like that this product is cruelty-free and FSA-eligible.
Potential Flaws
- The small bottle size is travel-friendly but won’t last long.
- Some users note that while application is mess-free, the gel takes a while to absorb into your skin.
What Experts Say
“If you have sensitive skin, watch out for creams that contain counterirritants like camphor and menthol. Camphor and menthol can be irritating for people who have underlying skin sensitivities or conditions like eczema,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.
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Key Specs
Type: Balm | Active Ingredients: Arnica, menthol, camphor
Who It’s For
Best for users who want an all-natural balm that’s versatile for a number of uses.
Why We Love It
Dr. Bronner’s Arnica-Menthol Organic Magic Balm is loaded with all-natural ingredients that calm inflammation and cool your skin. It boasts a blend of camphor, menthol, and peppermint oil, which work together to form a counterirritant to relieve your pain. The balm also contains arnica, which is commonly used to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
The organic formulation also includes olive, avocado, coconut, jojoba, and hemp oils, as well as beeswax, so it will soothe and moisturize your skin. We like that this balm is all-natural with no synthetic ingredients, certified organic, non-GMO, and cruelty-free. It can even be gently rubbed into the chest to help open the sinuses and promote clear breathing.
Potential Flaws
- Due to the natural oils in this balm, it may feel greasier than some other options.
- The tin it comes in may make for a slightly messier application.
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Counterirritants cool skin immediately
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Lightweight, non-greasy formula
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Features trio of counterirritants
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Doesn’t absorb quickly
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Sticky after application
Key Specs
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Menthol, camphor
Who It’s For
Best for users who want the instant and long-lasting relief of a cooling gel.
Why We Love It
BioFreeze’s Pain Relief Gel is a fast-acting counterirritant that cools your skin moments after it’s applied. The gel relies on a blend of menthol, camphor, and isopropyl alcohol to cool the skin, giving you a welcome distraction from your pain. It also draws on aloe extract and vitamin E to soothe the skin.
The fast-acting and long-lasting formula is relatively lightweight, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any unwanted grease or mess. Like the roll-on version of BioFreeze Gel, this tube is TSA-approved to travel with, and it’s also cruelty-free and FSA-eligible. We like that this gel is easy to apply and versatile enough to help with muscle and joint aches, backaches, and arthritis.
Potential Flaws
- BioFreeze Gel provides instant relief but it takes a while to absorb into the skin.
- Some users note that the gel leaves a sticky residue after application.
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Key Specs
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Menthol, camphor
Who It’s For
Best if you prefer a warming sensation for pain relief, especially if you don’t have sensitive skin.
Why We Love It
Sombra’s Warm Therapy Gel delivers controlled temperature therapy that will neither freeze nor overheat your skin. Witch hazel, a natural astringent, temporarily warms the skin, and a blend of camphor and menthol provides a cooling effect. The result? a balance of both sensations that results in safe and effective pain relief. It also contains green tea for moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The formula is alcohol-free and has a refreshing citrus scent, so there’s no harsh medicated smell. And the gel isn’t greasy and doesn’t feature any potentially staining ingredients, so you can apply it without mess. This gel can provide slow and long-lasting pain relief from chronic conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia.
Potential Flaws
- Some users note that the warming sensation is uncomfortable and irritates sensitive skin.
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Small tube size
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Strong scent
Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Menthol, methyl salicylate
Who It’s For
Best if you want both powerful cooling and warming affects for pain relief and relaxation.
Why We Love It
Icy Hot’s Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream does an excellent job of intensely cooling the skin and then intensely warming it. This cream gives you the best of both cooling and warming pain relief. It contains 10% menthol, a higher concentration than most pain relief creams. This potency allows the cream to deliver an intense cooling sensation, making the skin feel warm as it wears off.
We love that the cream also contains methyl salicylate, which has analgesic properties, so you can expect extra pain relief from this formula. It’s non-greasy and works on contact, so it’s easy to apply and safe to use up to four times a day.
Potential Flaws
- At 1.25 ounces, this tube is smaller than most other options on our list.
- It has a strong scent that can be off-putting to some.
What Are Salicylates?
Salicylates are NSAIDs—non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—that quell pain and inflammation. But you want to exercise caution when using them (and keep them out of reach of children). Be sure not to pair topical salicylates with oral salicylates like aspirin, and refrain from pairing any pain relief cream with a heating pad, as that can increase the rate of absorption.
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Ideal for people with arthritis
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Uses diclofenac sodium to relieve pain
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Uses isopropyl alcohol to cool the skin
Key Specs
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Diclofenac sodium, isopropyl alcohol
Who It’s For
Best for users suffering with mild to moderate arthritis who need daily relief.
Why We Love It
Voltaren’s Arthritis Pain Relief Gel is anti-inflammatory and designed with arthritis in mind. It features diclofenac sodium, an effective topical NSAID, to calm inflammation and relieve pain. It also uses isopropyl alcohol to cool and soothe the skin. The tube has an easy-open cap that has earned the Ease of Use Certified designation from the Arthritis Foundation and can even be opened one-handed or with your palm.
You can safely use this gel up to four times per day, and its pain-relieving properties become even longer-lasting if used continuously for seven days or more. While it is moisturizing, with soothing ingredients like mineral oil and propylene glycol, it isn’t greasy. We like that it’s paraben- and dye-free and comes in three different-sized tubes.
Potential Flaws
- The pain relief is not felt immediately on contact as with some other creams on our list.
- To get the maximum benefits, some users note you have to keep using this cream regularly.
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Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredient: Lidocaine
Who It’s For
Best for users who need a strong over-the-counter pain reliever.
Why We Love It
Most pain relief creams only relieve pain, but Aspercreme’s Max Strength Pain Relief formula includes lidocaine, which actually numbs the pain. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that blocks nerves’ ability to send pain signals to the brain, making the cream a particularly effective pain reliever.
This cream is fast-acting, non-greasy, and fragrance-free. It’s also maximum strength, meaning it has the most lidocaine allowed without a prescription. It’s worth noting that, similar to salicylates, you can overuse lidocaine, so be mindful when using products containing it and carefully read the instructions on their labels.
Potential Flaws
- Some users note the cap on the bottle is difficult to open.
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Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Arnica, camphor, cetyl myristoleate, methylsulfonylmethane
Who It’s For
Best for users who need mild to moderate pain relief and prefer natural ingredients.
Why We Love It
Looking for an all-natural way to reduce inflammation and pain? Try Rub On’s Fast-Acting Pain Relief Cream. It uses anti-inflammatory ingredients like cetyl myristoleate and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Don’t worry—the ingredients have chemical-sounding names, but they are naturally found in plants and animals.
Arnica further calms the skin while ingredients like peppermint oil and camphor work together to cool it off. This formula’s ingredients are all from natural sources, with no manufactured chemicals or preservatives. The cream is non-greasy and absorbs quickly and easily once you rub it in. It also has a natural citrus scent.
Potential Flaws
- Some users note the scent is overpowering and unpleasant.
- This formula may not be strong enough for more intense pain.
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Two-in-one product
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Antibiotic properties
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Easy application
Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Pramoxine hydrochloride, neomycin sulfate
Who It’s For
Best for users who need to relieve pain associated with minor wounds.
Why We Love It
Leave it to Neosporin, a trusted and doctor-recommended brand, to combine a pain relief cream and an antibiotic ointment in a single product. Neosporin’s + Pain Relief Antibiotic Cream contains pramoxine hydrochloride that relieves itching and soothes irritation while neomycin sulfate, the non-stinging antibiotic you’ve likely used before in other Neosporin products, protects minor cuts and scrapes as they heal.
Most pain relief creams are designed to soothe aches and pains exclusively, but this one is suitable for open wounds, too. It can provide antibiotic properties for up to 24 hours. And it soothes and reduces pain with no stinging feeling. The cream is lightweight, and you only need a small amount to get the pain-relieving and antibiotic benefits.
Potential Flaws
- At only one ounce, you don’t get a lot of product in this tube.
- Some users note that it may feel uncomfortable on sensitive skin.
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Potent formulation
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Non-greasy feel
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Easy application
Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate
Who It’s For
Best for users who need a slightly stronger pain relief for everyday joint and muscle aches.
Why We Love It
Bengay’s Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream is one of the few pain relief creams on the market that contains salicylates, which are compounds found in plants that have anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. The cream also contains camphor and menthol, so you can expect a cooling sensation every time you apply it.
Remember: It is possible to overdo it with salicylates, so exercise caution when using a salicylate-based pain relief cream and carefully follow the product instructions. Bengay is a doctor-recommended brand. And we love that this cream, with its non-greasy feel, can be used three to four times a day.
Potential Flaws
- This cream has a strong scent that may be unpleasant for some.
- Some users note this cream is difficult to wash off hands after applying it.
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Key Specs
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate
Who It’s For
Best for users seeking relief from muscle and joint pain that starts working on contact.
Why We Love It
For muscle and joint pain, the Salonpas Deep Relieving Gel can provide fast-acting relief that starts working as soon as you apply it to your skin. While the brand is most commonly known for its pain relief patches, it also offers the same ingredients in a gel that’s easy to apply for up to eight hours of relief. The deep-penetrating formula is designed to soak in and relieve pain from minor aches in various muscles like your back, neck, joints, and more.
Unlike some creams, the gel absorbs into your skin without leaving any greasy residue behind. Its key ingredients include 3.1 percent camphor and 10 percent menthol for a cooling feeling after application, plus 15 percent methyl salicylate for pain relief with anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s especially helpful for stiffness, as the formula targets the source of discomfort for pain-free, fluid movements.
Potential Flaws
- Some users disliked the gel’s scent, and others noted that it can cause a burning sensation (especially if applied when the skin is hot).
What to Look for When Shopping for Pain Relief Creams
- Active Ingredients: Different pain relief creams rely on different active ingredients to do their job. Common ingredients to look for are arnica, menthol, and camphor. Be sure to select a cream that suits your specific type of pain. Always exercise caution with salicylate- or lidocaine-based creams, as it is possible to overuse these pain-relieving agents.
- Natural Ingredients: Jaliman suggests staying as natural as possible when you can. Natural ingredients can help minimize your risk of irritation, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin.
- Fragrance: Whenever you’re applying products to your skin, be cautious with ones that contain fragrances, says Zeichner. Fragrances can often cause skin irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin.
How We Selected the Best Pain Relief Creams
To find the best pain relief creams, we first consulted experts to learn the best ingredients and formulations to look for. Then, we researched dozens of pain relief creams, carefully reviewing product specifications and customer reviews. As we created our final list of recommendations, we considered the following key features:
- Application Type: The type of cream and how it is applied can affect how easy the pain reliever is to use. To accommodate a variety of users, we look for pain relievers in different types, including creams, balms, and gels. We also consider ease of application: Can it be rolled on? Squeezed from a tube? Scooped from a tin?
- Ingredients: It’s important to know what you’re putting on your body when using a pain relief cream. When researching, we look for products that contain natural ingredients and powerful pain relievers. We note if any ingredients have the potential to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. We prioritize creams that not only include pain-relieving ingredients, but also ingredients that can soothe, moisturize, and calm irritated skin.
- Price: Pain relief creams can get quite expensive, so we make sure to include a variety of options to cater to every user. We look for effective and safe-to-use creams at various price points to suit the needs of as many people as possible.
Other Pain Relief Creams We Considered
We researched and reviewed dozens of pain relief creams, but only 13 made it on our final list of top recommendations. While these three have noteworthy features, they ultimately didn’t end up meeting the rigorous standards of our top picks.
- Tylenol Precise Pain Relieving Cream: This cream uses 4 percent lidocaine to numb pain receptors with a mess-free, unscented formula that soaks in quickly, but it doesn’t include the soothing addition of aloe like our Best With Lidocaine pick.
- Capzasin HP Arthritis Pain Relief Cream: Best for arthritis pain, this cream uses 0.1 percent capsaicin to temporarily relieve pain, and it’s also beneficial for muscle pains like aches, cramps, or strains. However, capsaicin is derived from peppers and may cause a burning sensation for some users.
- Rub A535 Ultra Strength No Odour Cream: With 20 percent triethanolamine salicylate, this cream provides relief from aches and pains with anti-inflammatory benefits. But compared to creams that use methyl salicylate, triethanolamine salicylate creams may not absorb as deeply into the skin.
Our Experts
We consulted several experts while researching this list. They helped us learn what ingredients to look for and the properties each different ingredient adds to each cream. They also helped us understand what, if any, precautions to take when using pain relief creams.
- Susan Bard, MD, a dermatologist at Vive Dermatology
- Debra Jaliman, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pain relief creams really effective?
Pain relief creams are an effective alternative to oral pain relief options. The ingredients in topical creams are absorbed through the skin to target pain, often with anti-inflammatory formulations.
How do pain relief creams work?
Most pain relief creams work in one of four ways:
- Anti-inflammatory pain relief creams use soothing ingredients like arnica to reduce swelling.
- Counterirritating pain relief creams use menthol and camphor to cool the skin.
- Some pain relief creams use salicylates, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to block a key enzyme in the inflammation process.
- Other pain relief creams numb the skin with a local anesthetic called lidocaine.
Can I use pain relief cream while pregnant?
You can safely use pain relief creams containing lidocaine and arnica as long as you follow the product directions. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to know if ingredients like camphor or menthol are truly safe, so it’s best to be cautious and avoid creams with these ingredients. Avoid NSAID-based pain relief creams during your third trimester.
How long do pain relief creams last?
Pain relief creams usually last for a few hours, with the majority lasting between 3 to 12 hours. However, some key ingredients provide relief longer than others, and certain pain relief creams may last up to 24 hours. To determine how long your specific pain relief cream will last, consult the manufacturer’s specifications, and be careful not to apply the cream more often than recommended.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a seasoned health and fitness writer at Verywell Fit, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.
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