Top 10 Pain Relief Creams

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Shoppers with carpal tunnel syndrome swear by this topical pain relief cream for its mostly natural ingredients that decrease inflammation to nerve tissue and improve blood circulation without irritating the skin. Among its most active properties are various floral extracts, including arnica, horse chestnut, and coneflower. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: This is also effective for minor cuts and scrapes on the skin. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This homeopathic pain reliever feels less like a rich cream and more like a luxurious body lotion, as its formula is heavy on anti-inflammatory oils, including cooling peppermint oil and camphor, both of which also carry antibacterial properties. Thanks to argan oil, safflower seed oil, and marula seed oil, it can also double as a body moisturizer.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: Because this pain reliever is 10% menthol, application shouldn’t exceed more than three to four times per day.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: While most pain relievers carry a strong odor, this one is fragrance-free yet just as effective as its counterparts. The key ingredient is trolamine salicylate, a compound commonly used to bring relief to muscles and joints, in the same way an aspirin pill would.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: This is a targeted treatment that can be directly applied to the impacted area, as opposed to all over a particular body part.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: The singular benefit of this cream lies in emu oil, a carrier oil that can deeply penetrate the skin and eventually, joints and tissue, because of its tiny particles. Among the soothing properties it carries are aloe vera, salicylate, and hemp oil. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: This one is also odor-free and hypoallergenic.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: For shoppers who want something minimal, here's a pain relief cream whose only active ingredient is arnica montana, a floral extract with anti-inflammatory properties. Its texture is also non-greasy but lubricating like a gel.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: This also comes in a size that is TSA-friendly for traveling. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This ayurveda-inspired pain relief cream is enriched with multiple plant-based ingredients, including boswellia serrata, whose acids are believed to support connective tissue. There’s also pyridoxine, a form of vitamin B6 that helps balance and regulate bodily fluids, including those which flow through nerve tissue. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: This can be used alone or alongside other pain relief solutions, such as ice packs and heating pads.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: It’s a classic for a reason. Icy Hot contains both menthol and menthol salicylate. Combined, there’s a cooling sensation on the surface of the skin, as well as cooling relief that penetrates underneath. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: Besides the cooling effect of menthol, shoppers also brag about how quickly it takes effect.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Biofreeze also utilizes cold therapy as a way to overpower pain signals in the brain and provide almost instant relief. In fact, menthol is the only active ingredient, as the formula doesn’t contain NSAIDs.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: Biofreeze is on the thicker side, so a little goes a long way. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This is the strongest Bengay product in the brand’s repertoire, as it combines three active, pain-relieving ingredients. They include camphor, an ingredient distilled from the bark of camphor trees, that increases blood circulation to decrease swelling. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The anti-inflammatory effects of camphor take effect as menthol quickly distracts pain signals from the brain.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: While most of the pain relievers on this list come with a cooling sensation, shoppers are just as obsessed with the warming properties of Tiger Balm. Those healing benefits are enhanced even more by the energizing scent of cinnamon, which also supports blood circulation.

USER REVIEW: “This is the truth! My coworker had been telling me about this product, and I was skeptical about it. Long story short, I bought it, and now I can't get enough! The heat gets deep inside after you rub it in and feels so relaxing after that. But just a little bit will go a long way.”