Best Numbing
BenGay Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream
Pros
- Numbs pain with menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate
- Fast-acting
- Nongreasy cream
- Flexible spending account (FSA)/health savings account (HSA) eligible
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- Sensation may feel too intense for some
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: Menthol (10 percent), camphor (4 percent), methyl salicylate (30 percent)
- Application: Three to four times daily
- Cold or hot relief: Cold
Minor aches and pains or the occasional sprain or strain respond to creams like BenGay, which contains a local anesthetic plus a soothing agent, says Medhat Mikhael, MD, a double board-certified physician specializing in anesthesiology and pain medicine, and medical director at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
“It has an analgesic effect with cold and a vasodilating effect with heat that improves healing and blood supply to the area, with an added local anesthetic to numb the area,” says Dr. Mikhael. The formulation is also nongreasy and won’t leave stains on clothing.
Best for Back Pain
Aspercreme Original Pain Relief Cream
Pros
- Contains trolamine salicylate to help numb aches
- Fragrance-free
- Made with aloe
- FSA/HSA eligible
Cons
- Should not be used with other topical pain relievers
- Slightly greasy
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: Trolamine salicylate
- Application: Three to four times daily
- Cold or hot relief: Neither
If you suffer from back pain, you know that a strongly scented formula can be overwhelming when applied to a large area of the body like the back. This cream effectively relieves minor pains and is fragrance-free. “Topical formulations are made with a base and active ingredient, which can be optimized for a particular site on the body,” says Mehta.
Best for Joint Pain
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel
Pros
- Contains 1 percent diclofenac for arthritis pain
- Nongreasy gel
- Easy-to-open twist cap
- FSA/HSA eligible
Cons
- May take up to seven days for relief
- Should not be used on more than two areas at the same time
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: Diclofenac (1 percent)
- Application: Four times daily
- Cold or hot relief: Neither
Best for Shingles
Zostrix Natural Pain Relief Cream
Pros
- Contains capsaicin to relieve burning sensation from shingles
- Fragrance-free
- Nongreasy
Cons
- Warming sensation may feel too intense for some
- Not widely available
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: Capsaicin (0.1 percent)
- Application: Three to four times daily
- Cold or hot relief: Hot
Best Cold Therapy
Biofreeze Pain Relief Cream
Pros
- Contains 10 percent fast-acting cooling menthol
- Nongreasy cream
- Includes moisturizing ingredients
- HSA/FSA eligible
Cons
- Strong smell
- Doesn’t contain anti-inflammatory ingredients
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: Menthol (10 percent)
- Application: Three to four times daily
- Cold or hot relief: Cold
Best Hot Therapy
Sombra Warm Pain Relief
Pros
- Provides gentle pain-relieving warmth
- Works rapidly
- Uses natural ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea
Free from fragrances, dyes, wax, petroleum, alcohol
Cons
- Fragrance may not appeal to all
- Doesn’t contain anti-inflammatory ingredients
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: Camphor (3 percent), menthol (3 percent)
- Application: Three to four times daily
- Cold or hot relief: Both
This formula uses warming camphor combined with other natural ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, witch hazel, and other plant extracts to provide gentle comfort and relief. There are no artificial colors or fragrances used in the formulation, nor any wax, petroleum, or alcohol. A soothing, warming sensation builds up a few minutes after applying — this isn’t a warming rub that burns. It’s a multitasker designed to work for everything from post-exercise soreness to arthritis. Just be sure to wash your hands well after applying it, so that you don’t accidentally rub it in your eyes — you’ll definitely feel it if you do.
Best Hot-Cold Therapy
Icy Hot With Lidocaine Cream Pain Relief
Pros
- Provides both hot and cold pain relief
- Works on contact
- 1 percent menthol, 4 percent lidocaine
- Nongreasy cream
Cons
- Should not be used with other topical pain relievers
- Sensation may feel intense for some
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: Menthol (1 percent), lidocaine (4 percent)
- Application: Three to four times daily
- Cold or hot relief: Both
“Icy Hot’s particularly popular for backaches and arthritis-related pain, but it’s an all-purpose cream that you can use to relieve neck pain, knee pain, and everywhere in between,” says David Asselin, DPT, a physical therapist practicing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The nongreasy formula doesn’t feel slick either.
Best Ointment
Tiger Balm Red Extra Strength Pain Relieving Ointment
Pros
- Contains camphor and menthol for cooling pain relief
- Works fast
- HSA/FSA eligible
Cons
- Doesn’t contain anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Strong smell
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: Camphor (25 percent), menthol (10 percent)
- Application: Three to four times daily
- Cold or hot relief: Cooling
This balm will deliver temporary pain relief without breaking the bank. The classic Tiger Balm ointment uses a combo of camphor and menthol to create a cooling sensation that temporarily blocks feelings of discomfort. Because the ingredients merely mask pain, the balm isn’t likely to be as effective as options that also contain anti-inflammatory agents, such as lidocaine or diclofenac. But it’ll get the job done if you’re looking for fast, inexpensive, temporary relief.
Best Homeopathic
Penetrex Joint & Muscle Care
Pros
- Contains arnica for homeopathic pain relief
- Can be used with heating pads and ice packs
- Lasts up to six to eight hours
- Nongreasy cream
Cons
- Homeopathic remedies are studied less than conventional ones
- More expensive than other options
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: Arnica, methylsulfonylmethane, vitamin B6
- Application: Three to four times daily
- Cold or hot relief: Neither
Keep in mind that homeopathic remedies aren’t subjected to the same scientific scrutiny as conventional pain relievers. But this cream might be worth a try if you’re looking for a more natural option, as long as you get the green light from your doctor first.
Best for Massages
Free-Up Professional Massage Cream
Pros
- Slow absorption rate ideal for massage
- Nongreasy cream
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Doesn’t contain pain-relief ingredients
- Not widely available
Key Specs
- Active ingredients: N/A
- Application: N/A
- Cold or hot relief: Neither
This smooth, nongreasy lubricant doesn’t contain any active pain-relieving ingredients. Instead, it’s designed to act as a friction-reducer for massages — another tactic for soothing tight, overworked muscles. While it doesn’t contain active pain-fighting ingredients, it can increase the comfort of a massage meant to deliver pain relief to your muscles.
Use the hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cream on your hands to get a deeper rub on areas like your knees, feet, or wrists, or hand the jar to your partner or a friend for help with your back, shoulders, or neck.
Why Trust Everyday Health
Catherine Brown
Author
Catherine began a career based on health while working at an orthodontist's office, then became a certified yoga and meditation teacher, but soon recognized a call to follow a path in natural wellness through plants.
She is an herbologist who has worked with plant medicine for over two decades. She specializes in Andean and Amazonian medicine from South America. She has consulted for Colombia University and the New York Psychiatric Institution in their studies on plant medicine for mental health.
She is a Reiki master and has been recently exploring the world of sound healing.
Marygrace Taylor
Author
Marygrace Taylor is an award-winning freelance health and wellness writer with more than 15 years of experience covering topics including women’s health, nutrition, chronic conditions, and preventive medicine. Her work has appeared in top national outlets like Prevention, Parade, Women’s Health, and O, The Oprah Magazine.
She's also the coauthor of three books: Eat Clean, Stay Lean: The Diet, Prevention Mediterranean Table, and Allergy-Friendly Food for Families. She lives in Philadelphia.
Allison M. Fout, PA-C
Medical Reviewer
Allison M. Fout, PA-C, has 20 years of experience as a Physician Assistant with a career rooted in orthopedic care. Since 2015, she has been a provider at Excelsior Orthopaedics in Buffalo, New York, specializing in sports medicine, joint replacements, fracture care, and a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
She works with patients across multiple age groups — from young athletes to aging adults — helping them recover function, reduce pain, and return to the activities they enjoy.
Her dedication to patient-centered care earns the trust of both her patients and colleagues. Beyond the clinic and operating room, she's involved in education and mentorship. She serves as a mentor to fellow clinicians and students alike and works as an adjunct instructor of orthopedics for the PA program at Daemen University, guiding and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals as they develop their technical skills, knowledge, and confidence.
Orlando de Guzman
Fact-Checker
Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.
De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.
De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.
