We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health and Safety Easy to Use and Effective, the Best Pain Relief Creams Soothe Aches Fast Get back to business as usual with these top picks By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist 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 25, 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 Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. Learn about our Medical Review Board 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 Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / Sabrina Jiang When aches and soreness get in the way of your weekly workouts, pain relief creams can help. These creams can temporarily reduce inflammation or pain when applied directly to the skin. Different pain relievers meet different needs: “Not all pain is the same,” says Susan Bard, MD, a dermatologist at Vive Dermatology. Some target inflammation, while others are more suitable for open wounds like cuts and scrapes. To find the best pain relief creams, we researched dozens of options from the most trusted and popular brands. We paid close attention to each cream's active and inactive ingredients, as well as its purpose (as described by the manufacturer). We also had a physical therapist from our Review Board review the contents of this article for accuracy regarding the efficacy of ingredients in pain relief creams and how to avoid unwanted side effects. 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 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. Other pain relief creams numb the skin with a local anesthetic called lidocaine. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Penetrex Therapy Cream at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best Budget: Tiger Balm Extra Strength Sports Rub at Amazon ($6) Jump to Review Best Gel: Boiron Arnica Cream for Pain Relief at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review Best Roll-On: BioFreeze Pain Relief Roll-On at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Balm: Dr. Bronner's Arnica Menthol Balm at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Cold Therapy: Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Hot Therapy: Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel at Amazon ($46) Jump to Review Best Hot & Cold Therapy: Icy Hot Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Arthritis: Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel at Amazon ($21) Jump to Review Best Natural: Rub On Relief Fast-Acting Pain Relief Cream at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review In This Article Expand How Do They Work? Our Picks What to Look For Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Us Best Overall Penetrex Therapy Cream Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On Walmart $20 View On Penetrex.com 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. What Experts Say “I actually like the natural pain reliever arnica,” says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. 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 $6 View On Walmart $25 View On CVS $9 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. Best Gel Boiron Arnica Cream for Pain Relief Amazon View On Amazon $9 View On Walmart $9 View On Swansonvitamins.com 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. Best Roll-On BioFreeze Pain Relief Roll-On Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $12 View On Walgreens $12 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. 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,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. Best Balm Dr. Bronner's Arnica Menthol Balm View On Amazon $15 View On Drbronner.com $12 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. The 7 Best Turmeric Supplements of 2024 Best Cold Therapy Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $12 View On Dick's $17 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. Best Hot Therapy Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel Walmart View On Amazon $46 View On Walmart $25 View On Carewell.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. Best Hot & Cold Therapy Icy Hot Extra Strength Pain Relieving Cream Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $13 View On CVS $7 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. 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 $21 View On Walmart $11 View On Target $11 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. Best Natural Rub On Relief Fast-Acting Pain Relief Cream Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $14 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. Best Dual-Action Neosporin Dual Action Antibiotic Ointment Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $6 View On Walgreens $10 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. Best with Salicylates Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream Amazon View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart 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. Best with Lidocaine Aspercreme Pain Relieving Creme With Lidocaine Amazon View On Amazon $9 View On Walmart $8 View On Target $8 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. What to Look for When Shopping for 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 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,” says Jaliman. Natural ingredients can help minimize your 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,” says Zeichner. Fragrances may cause skin irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use pain relief cream while pregnant? Let's break down each active ingredient commonly found in pain relief creams: You can use pain relief creams powered by lidocaine safely, as 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 contain 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, we recommend consulting 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 pain relief creams.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. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):311-5. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185494. Thring TS, Hili P, Naughton DP. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. J Inflamm (Lond). 2011 Oct 13;8(1):27. doi: 10.1186/1476-9255-8-27. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. 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 Mar;96(9):e6149. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000006149. MedlinePlus. Pramoxine. Merck Manual Professional Version. Aspirin and other salicylate poisoning. Cleveland Clinic. Lidocaine skin treatment or ointment. U.S. Pharmacist. Pregnancy and OTC cough, cold, and analgesic preparations. 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