Health and Safety The 13 Best Pain Relief Creams of 2023 Our top pick, Penetrex Therapy Cream, provides non-greasy pain relief By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 30, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT LinkedIn Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. 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Verywell / Sabrina Jiang Aches and pains can get in the way of living your best life and doing workouts and every day tasks. Pain relief creams can temporarily quell inflammation or reduce pain when applied directly to the skin. “Not all pain is the same,” said Susan Bard, MD, a dermatologist at Vive Dermatology, explaining that different pain relievers meet different needs. Some help reduce inflammation while others are more suitable for open wounds like cuts and scrapes. You'll want to pay close attention to the active and other ingredients used in the product. Look carefully at the ingredients in pain relief creams, including any fragrances, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies. We reviewed the creams in our roundup based on their active ingredients, whether or not they contain natural ingredients and scents, and how they feel; if they're greasy or sticky, or if they feel cool or warm. We also had a physical therapist from our Review Board review the contents of this article for accuracy regarding the efficacy of ingredients and how to avoid unwanted side effects. Here are the best pain relief creams on the market, based on your needs. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Penetrex Therapy Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Tiger Balm Extra Strength Sports Rub at Amazon Jump to Review Best Gel: Boiron Arnica Cream for Pain Relief at Amazon Jump to Review Best Roll-On: BioFreeze Pain Relief Roll-On at Amazon Jump to Review Best Balm: Dr. Bronner's Arnica Menthol Balm at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cold Therapy: Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hot Therapy: Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hot & Cold Therapy: Icy Hot Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Arthritis: Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Natural: Rub On Relief Fast-Acting Pain Relief Cream at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for FAQ Why Trust Us Best Overall Penetrex Therapy Cream 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Powered naturally by arnica Non-greasy feel Non-staining formula Cons Expensive Not very effective on severe pain Penetrex’s Therapy Cream is our top overall choice because its 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). 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. Price at time of publication: $35 What Experts Say “I actually like the natural pain reliever arnica,” said Debra Jaliman, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. Dr. Jaliman likes arnica because it’s both homeopathic and effective. And she recommends opting for all-natural pain relief creams wherever possible—especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin. Best Budget Tiger Balm Extra Strength Sports Rub Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Immediate cooling effect Enduring warming effect A little goes a long way Cons Can stain clothing and linens Strong scent This Tiger Balm rub works as a counterirritant, effectively distracting you from your pain with a cooling sensation from ingredients like camphor, menthol, and mint oil. When you apply the balm to your skin, the cooling effect begins pretty much immediately. This reaction may relieve some of your pain or, at the very least, take your mind off it for a little while. The balm does contain a few oily and potentially staining ingredients like cassia oil, clove oil, and petrolatum, so be mindful of where you use it. Price at time of publication: $5 Best Gel Boiron Arnica Cream for Pain Relief Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Non-greasy feel Absorbs quickly Provides pleasant cooling effect Cons Brief relief Not very effective on severe pain Boiron takes a two-step approach to pain relief with this gel. First, it uses arnica to soothe the skin and calm inflammation. Second, it creates a cooling effect similar to that of counterirritants. The gel is water-based, making it both non-greasy and quick-absorbing. Simply apply a thin layer of gel where you want to relieve pain. You can safely use this lightweight formula up to three times per day. Price at time of publication: $9 10 Best Chafing Creams to Keep You Rub-Free, Recommended by Experts Best Roll-On BioFreeze Pain Relief Roll-On Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Academy.com Pros Mess-free application Ideal for muscle aches Scent isn't overpowering Cons Small bottle size Gel is green rather than clear The BioFreeze Pain Relief Roll-On is a classic counterirritant. The gel relies on menthol to create a cooling effect that offers some relief (or distracts you from your pain). And since it comes in a roll-on container, you can apply it to the affected area easily without getting it all over your hands. The lightweight gel is also unlikely to stain your clothes or other fabrics. Price at time of publication: $12 Quick Tip 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,” said Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. Best Balm Dr. Bronner's Arnica Menthol Balm View On Amazon View On Drbronner.com View On Naturalsupplyco.com Pros Powered by all-natural ingredients Uses both arnica and counterirritants Moisturizes the skin Cons Greasier feel than other options Tin makes for messier application This 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. Because it also contains moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, the balm may prove a little greasy. Price at time of publication: $23 The 7 Best Turmeric Supplements of 2023 Best Cold Therapy Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's Pros Counterirritants cool skin immediately Lightweight, non-greasy formula Features trio of counterirritants Cons Gel can clump Sticky after application 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. BioFreeze's formula is relatively lightweight, so you shouldn't have to worry about any unwanted grease or mess. Price at time of publication: $12 Best Hot Therapy Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Allegromedical.com Pros Controlled temperature therapy Non-greasy feel No staining ingredients Cons Can agitate sensitive skin Jar makes for messier application This Sombra gel delivers controlled temperature therapy that will neither freeze nor overheat your skin. Witch hazel, a natural astringent, works to temporarily warm the skin, and then 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. What's more, the gel isn't greasy and doesn't feature any potentially staining ingredients, so you can apply it without mess. Price at time of publication: $30 We Tested the Best Heating Pads—These 9 Actually Work Best Hot & Cold Therapy Icy Hot Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bonanza.com Pros Contains 10 percent menthol Intense cooling and warming sensations Additional pain relief from methyl salicylate Cons Small tube size Strong scent Icy Hot’s Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream does an excellent job of intensely cooling the skin and then intensely warming it. The cream contains 10 percent menthol, which is a higher concentration than most pain relief creams. This potency allows the cream to deliver an intense cooling sensation, which then makes the skin feel warm as it wears off. The cream also contains a salicylate called methyl salicylate, so you can expect a little extra pain relief from this formula. Price at time of publication: $9 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. 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. Best for Arthritis Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Carewell.com Pros Ideal for people with arthritis Uses diclofenac sodium to relieve pain Uses isopropyl alcohol to cool the skin Cons Pain relief isn't immediate Must apply 4 times per day This anti-inflammatory gel from Voltaren is designed with arthritis in mind. It features diclofenac sodium, an effective NSAID, to calm inflammation and relieve pain. It also uses isopropyl alcohol to cool and soothe the skin. You can safely use this gel up to four times per day. While it is moisturizing, with soothing ingredients like mineral oil and propylene glycol, it isn't greasy. Price at time of publication: $11 Best Natural Rub On Relief Fast-Acting Pain Relief Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Impressive collection of active ingredients Starts working within minutes Non-greasy feel Cons Expensive Strong menthol smell Looking for an all-natural way to reduce inflammation and pain? Try Rub On’s Fast-Acting Pain Relief Cream. It draws on anti-inflammatory ingredients like cetyl myristoleate and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) to soothe the skin. (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. Price at time of publication: $14 Best Dual-Action Neosporin + Pain Relief Dual Action Antibiotic Ointment Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Carewell.com Pros Two-in-one product Effective formulation Easy application Cons Small tube size Can cause discomfort for sensitive skin Leave it to Neosporin to combine a pain relief cream and an antibiotic ointment in a single product. Pramoxine hydrochloride relieves itching and soothes irritation while Neosporin, the non-stinging antibiotic you’ve likely used before, 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. Price at time of publication: $9 Best with Salicylates Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream Amazon View On Amazon Pros Potent formulation Non-greasy feel Easy application Cons Strong scent Difficult to wash off hands This Bengay product is one of the few pain relief creams on the market that contains salicylates, making it particularly effective in soothing aches and pains. The cream also contains camphor and menthol, so you can expect a cooling sensation every time you apply it as well. 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. Price at time of publication: $7 Best with Lidocaine Aspercreme Pain Relieving Creme With Lidocaine Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Herbspro.com Pros Effectively numbs to relieve pain Feels like a lotion No menthol scent Cons Bottle is difficult to open Each application requires a lot of product Most pain relief creams will only relieve your pain, but this Aspercreme formula includes lidocaine, which actually numbs it. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that blocks nerves’ abilities to send pain signals to your brain. This ingredient makes the cream a particularly effective pain reliever. Similar to salicylates, you can overuse lidocaine, so be mindful when using products containing it and carefully read the instructions on their labels. Price at time of publication: $10 Final Verdict Penetrex’s Therapy Cream (view at Amazon) is loaded with natural ingredients that soothe pain effectively. And since the anti-inflammatory cream is non-greasy and non-staining, you can apply it without worrying about making a mess. It's also suitable for sensitive skin, unlike creams that rely on counterirritants. What to Look for in a Pain Relief Cream Active Ingredients Different pain relief creams rely on different active ingredients to get the job done. Be sure to select a pain relief cream that suits your specific type of pain. And exercise caution with salicylate- or lidocaine-based creams, as it is possible to overuse these pain-relieving agents. Natural Ingredients “Try to stay as natural as possible,” said Dr. Jaliman. Natural ingredients can help you minimize the risk of irritation, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin. Fragrance “As with any topical product you apply to the skin, be cautious in using products that have fragrances,” said Dr. Zeichner. Fragrances may cause skin irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. Frequently Asked Questions How do pain relief creams work? Pain relief creams tend to work in one of four ways. Anti-inflammatory pain relief creams use soothing ingredients like arnica to reduce swelling. Meanwhile, counterirritating pain relief creams draw on ingredients like 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. And other pain relief creams numb the skin with a local anesthetic called lidocaine. Can I use pain relief cream while pregnant? You can use pain relief creams powered by lidocaine safely so long as you follow the directions on the product label.Scientific studies have yet to confirm whether camphor is safe for use during pregnancy, so it's best to be cautious and avoid pain relief creams that feature it.There are no human studies to determine whether menthol is truly safe during pregnancy, but the risk is considered low when the menthol concentration in a pain relief cream is low. If you want to use a methol-powered pain relief cream, consult with your doctor first.While oral arnica consumption is problematic during pregnancy, topical use is generally recognized as safe. However, if you have concerns, consult with your doctor before using these types of pain relief creams.Lastly, you should avoid NSAID-based pain relief creams during your third trimester. Methyl salicylate, a common active ingredient in these products, is absorbed into the body via the skin and can cause harm to the baby and complications during delivery. Why Trust Verywell Fit? As a seasoned health and fitness writer, 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. 13 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Arnica. Kotaka T, Kimura S, Kashiwayanagi M, Iwamoto J. Camphor induces cold and warm sensations with increases in skin and muscle blood flow in human. Biol Pharm Bull. 2014;37(12):1913-8. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b14-00442. Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. 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