After reviewing all of the pain relief creams on the market, Biofreeze has won our title of the best pain relief cream. It is a colorless, medication-free gel that quickly absorbs into the skin. Its cooling sensation alleviates aches and pains. Keep reading to find out more about this product and the others on our list.
Best Choice - Pain Relief Gel by Biofreeze
Biofreeze’s pain relief gel contains menthol to quickly provide pain relief to muscles, sore joints, and arthritis. It is colorless and contains no parabens, NSAIDS, or propylene glycol.
Buy on AmazonFrom alleviating inflammation after an injury to reducing arthritis pain, the best pain relief creams are fast-acting and readily absorbed by the skin. Many pain relief creams contain natural ingredients that have no negative side effects. Take a look at our guide to the best analgesic creams—they are all a great alternative to oral painkillers.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Biofreeze
Pain Relief Gel
Top Performance
Penetrex
Pain Relief Therapy
Can’t Count Out
Dr. Pat’s
Pain Relief Cream
The 9 Best Pain Relief Creams
| Product | Brand | Heating or Cooling | Sizing | Men and Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain Relief Gel | Biofreeze | Cooling | One | Men and Women |  |
| Pain Relief Therapy | Penetrex | Heating | One size | Men and Women | |
| Pain Relief Cream | Dr Pat’s | One size | One size | Men and Women | |
| Hemp Extract Pain Relief Cream | Ramina | Not specified | One size | Men and Women | |
| Extra Strength Tiger Balm | Tiger Balm | Not specified | One size | Men and Women | |
| Hemp Cream for Pain Relief | Hemprich | Not specified | One size | Men and Women | |
| Warm Therapy Pain Gel | Sombra | Heating | One size | Men and Women | |
| Cold Therapy Pain Relief Gel | Bengay | Cooling | One size | Men and Women | |
| Pain Relief Ointment | Amish Origins | Not specified | One size | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: Pain Relief Gel by Biofreeze
Buy on AmazonBiofreeze can help manage muscle, joint, or arthritis pain without the use of medications. Its cooling sensation is brought on by menthol which absorbs quickly into the skin. The gel won’t stain clothes or leave marks on the skin. The small container is easy to throw into a gym bag or bring with while traveling.
Main Features
- Colorless
- Fast acting
- No parabens
- Medication-free
Pros:
- Long-lasting formula
- Non-staining
- Penetrates deep for sore muscles
Cons:
- Gel can be hard to rub into hard to reach places
Top Performance: Pain Relief Therapy by Penetrex
These jars of Penetrex pain relief cream ointment are a result of eight years of research and development. Made in the USA, this heating cream is infused with arnica, vitamin B6, and MSM to alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Plus, it is non-greasy, non-staining, and paraben-free, making it a breeze to use right when you need it.
Main Features
- Great value—6 jars
- Made in the USA
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Contains arnica, vitamin B6, and MSM
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Vanishing scent
- Alleviates discomfort and inflammation
- Non-staining
Cons:
- Greater investment
Can’t Count Out: Pain Relief Cream by Dr Pat’s
This muscle and joint pain relief cream have a cooling effect to alleviate pesky aches and inflammation. Made in the USA, it is ideal for reducing the discomfort of arthritis, tendonitis, and neuropathy.
Plus, it is fast-acting, non-greasy and easily absorbed by the skin. Use it whenever symptoms crop-up, as its fast-acting formula takes just minutes to kick in.
Main Features
- Soothing cold
- Numbs pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Fast-acting and non-greasy
- Infused with menthol
Pros:
- Easily absorbed
- Topical analgesic
- Great for arthritis and tendonitis
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Only delivers temporary relief
- Greasier than some other pain relief creams
The Other Pain Relief Creams We Reviewed
Hemp Extract Pain Relief Cream by Ramina
Made in the USA, this natural pain relief cream contains hemp oil and extract, as well as arnica, turmeric, MSM, aloe vera, and emu oil to reduce pain and inflammation. Plus, it is fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and long-lasting. Unfortunately, some reviewers have complained that the jar they received is way smaller than depicted on the advertisement.
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Extra Strength Tiger Balm by Tiger Balm
This ointment is popular across Thailand for its pain-relieving properties. Luckily, now you can order it online to also get some of its benefits.
Infused with camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, clove oil, and cassia oil, it alleviates muscle and joint pain, as well as headaches. It is also great for reducing nasal congestion. On the downside, it has a rather intense smell.
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Hemp Cream for Pain Relief by Hemprich
This US-made topical pain relief cream is full of vitamins and nutrients to quickly alleviate inflammation, and annoying aches and pains. Infused with natural hemp oil, which is rich in omega 3, 6, and 9, as well as fatty and amino acids, this cream is free of GMOs, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. Please note that this product is not as powerful as some other pain relief creams.
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Warm Therapy Pain Gel by Sombra
This fast-absorbing muscle and joint pain relief cream is made in the USA, so you can rest assured about its quality. Infused with warming ingredients, such as capsicum extract, it is alcohol-free, non-greasy, and non-staining. While this cream is advertised as being warming, some reviewers have noted experiencing a cooling sensation during use.
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Cold Therapy Pain Relief Gel by Bengay
This knee and back pain relief cream contains menthol that starts cooling the affected area immediately after application. Recommended by doctors, it is particularly suited for alleviating the pain of arthritis and sprains.
Plus, it comes with a light scent that starts fading within minutes of application. On the downside, this product offers more of a cooling sensation than pain relief.
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Pain Relief Ointment by Amish Origins
This deep-penetrating ointment has been crafted to alleviate the pain of arthritis, sore throats, restless legs, and aching joints. Infused with menthol and camphor, it is soothing and longer-lasting than some other pain relief creams. Unfortunately, some users have found this cream is greasy.
Buy on AmazonCommon Pain Relief Cream Ingredients
Topical pain relief creams are usually either warming or cooling. All contain a variety of ingredients to achieve this. Here are the most commonly used ingredients in non-prescription analgesic creams.
Counterirritants
Counterirritants create either a cooling or heating sensation to soothe or numb the affected area. This sensation is also meant to distract you from the pain. The most common counterirritants include menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate, which is also called oil of evergreen.
Salicylates
Found in many fruits and vegetables, salicylates give aspirin its pain-alleviating quality. They are also found in many beauty products such as moisturizers and shampoos. When applied to the skin, they may help to alleviate joint pain. Salicylates can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, so be cautious!
Capsaicin
Also an ingredient in hot chili peppers, capsaicin causes a warm tingling sensation when applied to the skin. This sensation usually intensifies over time. It is one of the most effective ingredients in topical pain relief creams, and is particularly useful for reducing diabetic nerve pain and joint pain.
CBD
CBD oil contained in hemp increases your natural endocannabinoids to alleviate pain, decreases your body’s inflammatory response, and desensitizes pain receptors. As such, it is often used in pain relief creams for reducing the discomfort of arthritis, sciatica, and fibromyalgia.
Pain Relief Cream Safety Tips
While pain relief creams can be very effective, there are a number of simple steps you can take to minimize their potential side effects. Here are just a few.
- Read all instructions that come with the product and follow them.
- Never apply pain relief cream to wounds, burns, or blisters.
- Never apply pain relief cream under a bandage.
- Do not use pain relief cream simultaneously with a heating pad as this can cause burns.
- Wash your hands after application.
- Do not shower or bathe in hot water before or after application.
After sifting through all of the pain relief creams, it was clear that the pain relief gel by Biofreeze was the best. It is a colorless formula that won’t stain clothes and absorbs into the skin fast.
The menthol formula penetrates deep into painful muscles and joints. Penetrex pain relief cream and therapy are also two great choices that are worth taking a look at for managing your pain.
Best Choice - Pain Relief Gel by Biofreeze
Biofreeze’s pain relief gel contains menthol to quickly provide pain relief to muscles, sore joints, and arthritis. It is colorless and contains no parabens, NSAIDS, or propylene glycol.
Buy on Amazon