We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Health and Safety We Found the Best Pain Relief Creams to Soothe Aches Fast and Effectively Get back to your workouts with these top picks that are safe and easy to use By Lindsey Lanquist Updated on November 24, 2024 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 Amy Walsh, M.D. Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Jessica Wrubel Print In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Look For How We Selected Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Verywell Fit / Marcus Millán 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). We also had an emergency physician from our Review Board assess the article to ensure that its claims are accurate and its recommendations are reliable. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Penetrex Therapy Cream at Amazon $30 $17 Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE Tiger Balm Extra Strength Sports Rub at Amazon $10 $6 Jump to Review Best Gel: SALE Boiron Arnicare Gel for Pain Relief at Amazon $11 $9 Jump to Review Best Roll-On: BioFreeze Pain Relief Roll-On at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best Balm: Dr. Bronner's Arnica Menthol Balm at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Cold Therapy: Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best Hot Therapy: Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best Hot and Cold Therapy: Icy Hot Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream at Amazon $9 Jump to Review Best for Arthritis: Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best Natural: Rub On Relief Fast-Acting Pain Relief Cream at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best Overall Penetrex Therapy Cream PHOTO: Amazon $30 $17 at Amazon $19 at Walmart $23 at CVS Pros Powered naturally by arnica Non-greasy feel Non-staining formula Cons Not very effective on severe pain 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. And it's absorbed 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. Best Budget Tiger Balm Extra Strength Sports Rub PHOTO: Amazon $10 $6 at Amazon $7 at Walmart $2 at CVS Pros Immediate cooling effect Enduring warming effect Trusted for over 100 years Cons Can stain clothing and linens Strong scent 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. Best Gel Boiron Arnicare Gel for Pain Relief PHOTO: Amazon $11 $9 at Amazon $9 at Walmart View on Swansonvitamins.com Pros Non-greasy feel Absorbs quickly Provides pleasant cooling effect Cons Brief relief Not very effective on severe pain 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. Best Roll-On BioFreeze Pain Relief Roll-On PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $12 at Target Pros Mess-free application Scent isn't overpowering Long-lasting Cons Small bottle size 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. Best Balm Dr. Bronner's Arnica Menthol Balm $16 $15 at Amazon View on Drbronner.com View on Wholefoodsmarket.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 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. Best Cold Therapy Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $14 at Walmart $12 at Target Pros Counterirritants cool skin immediately Lightweight, non-greasy formula Features trio of counterirritants Cons Doesn't absorb quickly 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. Best Hot Therapy Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel PHOTO: Walmart $50 at Amazon $19 at Walmart View on Carewell.com Pros Controlled temperature therapy Non-greasy feel No staining ingredients Cons Can agitate sensitive skin 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. Best Hot and Cold Therapy Icy Hot Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $12 at Walmart $7 at CVS Pros Contains 10% menthol Intense cooling and warming sensations Additional pain relief from methyl salicylate Cons Small tube size 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. Best for Arthritis Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $26 $11 at Target 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 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. Best Natural Rub On Relief Fast-Acting Pain Relief Cream PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon $14 at Walmart Pros Impressive collection of active ingredients Starts working within minutes Non-greasy feel Cons Strong menthol smell May not work on more intense pain 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. Best Dual-Action Neosporin Dual Action Antibiotic Ointment PHOTO: Amazon $14 $10 at Amazon $7 at Walmart $6 at Target Pros Two-in-one product Antibiotic properties Easy application Cons Small tube size Can cause discomfort for sensitive skin 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. Best With Salicylates Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream PHOTO: Amazon $7 at Amazon $8 at Walmart $8 at CVS Pros Potent formulation Non-greasy feel Easy application Cons Strong scent Difficult to wash off hands 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. Best With Lidocaine Aspercreme Pain Relieving Creme With Lidocaine PHOTO: Amazon $15 $9 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $8 at Target Pros Effectively numbs to relieve pain Feels like a lotion No menthol scent Cons Bottle is difficult to open 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. 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 out 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 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. 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 DermatologyDebra Jaliman, MD, a New York City-based dermatologistJoshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist Frequently Asked Questions 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. 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. 10 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. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-5. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185494 Food and Drug Administration. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Diclofenac. Lee SC, Jin HS, Joo Y, Kim YC, Moon JY. The minimal effective dose of cis-9-cetylmyristoleate (CMO) in persons presenting with knee joint pain: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(9):e6149. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000006149 National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Pramoxine. Merck Manual Professional Version. Aspirin and other salicylate poisoning. Cleveland Clinic. Lidocaine skin treatment or ointment. Koren G, Florescu A, Costei AM, Boskovic R, Moretti ME. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs during third trimester and the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus: a meta-analysis. Ann Pharmacother. 2006 ;40(5):824-9. doi:10.1345/aph.1G428 By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist is a Verywell Fit writer and editor specializing in health content. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Elon University and her Master's in Publishing from NYU. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit