The 11 best muscle pain relief creams, according to pain management specialists

Cost: $12.54 for 4oz. | Key Ingredients: 5 % Menthol | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Cooling | Scent: Menthol, fades to neutral scent

Biofreeze Professional Pain Relief Gel is the best overall muscle pain relief cream due to its fast-acting and long-lasting formula. Its cooling menthol and camphor provide immediate relief by interfering with the body’s pain signals, making it an ideal choice for quickly alleviating muscle soreness and discomfort.

One bonus feature of Biofreeze is the inclusion of aloe and vitamin E, which help soften the skin. Customers appreciate the gel's effectiveness, ease of use, and warming sensation. As one reviewer noted, "Easy to apply and works fast. It definitely works great for lower back pain relief." Another reviewer recommended it for sore joints and muscles, praising its minimal, pleasant smell and long-lasting effects.

Cost: $6.88 | Key Ingredients: Camphor, capsicum, menthol | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Cooling | Scent: Strong, characteristic scent of camphor and menthol

Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Sprots Rub is a standout choice for the best budget-friendly muscle pain relief cream because a small amount goes a long way. It provides an immediate cooling effect and enduring warming sensation. Its active ingredients, camphor and menthol, work as counterirritants, effectively distracting you from your pain and providing quick relief.

Tiger Balm's long-lasting effect is notable, adding to its appeal as an affordable choice. However, its strong scent and potential to stain clothing may be a drawback for some.

Customers appreciate the pain relief, performance, and value. They mention that it eases sore muscles and works exceptionally well. One customer review praised the fast relief: "Within 20 minutes, I forgot the pain was there in the first place." Another customer was pleased with the size for the price: "A little goes a long way. I bought two because I couldn't believe the price."

Cost: $28.49 for 4oz. | Key Ingredients: Wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, matricaria (German chamomile), helichrysum, ylang ylang, and osmanthus essential oils. | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Cooling initially, then warming | Scent: Strong, lingering scent

doTERRA Deep Blue Rub is our pick for the best cooling muscle pain relief cream because its unique blend of essential oils provides a natural, unique cooling, and warming sensation. This dual action is particularly effective for soothing sore muscles and joints, using the science of counterirritation to distract pain signals.

Its combination of natural plant extracts and other powerful ingredients is an enticing feature of doTERRA’s Deep Blue Rub. For instance, wintergreen oil contains a compound similar to aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid. Putting wintergreen oil on your skin over painful areas can help reduce the sensation. Likewise, camphor is easily absorbed into the skin and stimulates nerve endings sensitive to cold, which causes a cooling sensation, relieving pain. These biological compounds provide a comforting sensation to targeted problem areas, sending relief where needed most.

Customers have praised the texture, performance, quality, and pain relief of doTerra’s Deep Blue Rub. They mention that it allows movement with minimal discomfort and that it works well for quite a while. However, opinions are mixed on smell and value.

One customer review stated, "This stuff is easy to use, at work or out and about. A little goes a long way. Can feel it working with the cooling relief." Another customer shared, "It has a minty, cool fragrance that does not bother me. It does go on cold then as you rub it in, it turns warm. Since the nerve endings in my knees are very sensitive, the cold stings my skin at first, and I hold my breath, then as it warms up, I am fine. But get this product if you have any pains in the muscles and tendons. It really does work."

Cost: $9.48 for a 3.5oz tube | Key Ingredients: Methyl salicylate, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Warming | Scent: Mild, not overpowering menthol scent

Rub A535 Muscle and Joint Heat Cream is the best extra-strength muscle pain relief cream because of its fast-acting and deep-penetrating formula. Its active ingredients, methyl salicylate, camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, provide immediate relief by creating a warming sensation on contact to alleviate muscle soreness and discomfort quickly.

What stands out about Rub A535 is that its formula contains 100% more pain-relieving ingredients than regular strength creams. Thus, it's a powerful option for those with severe muscle and joint pain.

According to most reviews, the cream's mild scent is not overpowering despite its strength, making it a comfortable choice for daily use. However, it's worth noting that the cream may feel slightly sticky after application, and some people may feel the warming sensation is too intense.

Cost: $15 | Key ingredients: 16% Menthol, 11% camphor | Cooling, warming, neutral: Cooling | Scent: Mint

If you prefer a maximum-strength topical arthritis pain relief cream but don't love the residue they often leave behind, consider Icy Hot's Pro Cream. With 16% menthol and 11% camphor, this formula boasts one of the highest concentrations of active ingredients available without a prescription.

This no-mess option uses a massaging applicator with 54 individual nodes to deliver the cooling sensation exactly where you need it — without getting any product on your hands. Even better? The cream absorbs quickly and feels non-greasy.

One negative is the scent; due to the high menthol concentration, your nose and eyes may experience some irritation when applying to larger areas. To avoid this, apply in a well-ventilated area away from young children and pets.

Cost: $34.99 for a 3.5oz tube | Key Ingredients: 1000mg Organic broad-spectrum hemp extract | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Neutral|Scent: Fresh, mild scent of lemongrass and sage 

Humble Brands CBD Comfort Bar stands out as the best pain relief cream with CBD due to its soothing and moisturizing properties. The bar contains 1000mg of Organic Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract, which is known for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits and ability to relieve muscle pain and tension.

Due to CBD's interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system, it can help regulate the immune system and inflammation. According to a 2021 study, using CBD can make pain feel less unpleasant, and another trial showed significant reductions in intense pain using CBD oil on the skin. It’s best to seek advice from healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and effectiveness of topical CBD for your specific pain relief.

An admirable characteristic of the Humble Brands CBD Comfort Bar is its vegan and cruelty-free Leaping Bunny certification, which ensures that the product is effective and ethically produced. Also, the bar comes in earth-friendly paperboard packaging that breaks down in 2-5 months.

Customers have praised the Comfort Bar for effectively reducing chronic joint pain. One review stated, “This bar has helped my chronic joint pain (wrist/thumb). A couple quick swipes, and within a few minutes the pain is reduced.” Another customer appreciated the design of the bar, saying, “My Comfort Bar is great because it pops up for me to use and glides on, I don't have to get it all over my hands. It has the best smell of any of my CBD products too!”

Cost: $14.95 for a 2 oz container | Key Ingredients: Arnica, camphor, menthol, peppermint oil | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Cooling | Scent: Strong but pleasant, natural minty scent

Our choice for the best plant-based muscle relief cream is Dr. Bronner's Arnica-Menthol Organic Magic Balm because of its potent blend of organic ingredients. The balm is known for its soothing properties, providing a cooling effect with a refreshing sensation for sore, overworked muscles and joints.

Arnica, one of the key active ingredients, is known to relieve pain. One review paper on topical herbal pain remedies found that applying arnica gel topically was equally effective as ibuprofen gel for reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving physical function. What’s more, the balm can perform multiple duties as a soothing and protective salve for dry or chapped skin.

Dr. Bronner's is committed to using organic and fair-trade ingredients and works with fair-trade suppliers to implement earth-friendly and organic farming practices to help combat climate change. A clear commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing makes Dr. Bronner's a feel-good choice.

Customers have praised the balm for its effectiveness in relieving pain, its pleasant smell, and the quality of its ingredients. One happy customer stated, “This stuff is fantastic. I carry one in my purse, one in my kids' soccer medical kit, my husband has one in his golf bag and we have one at home. It works like nothing I have ever used. Not greasy and smells yummy!”

Cost: $7.94 for a 2.7 oz tube | Key Ingredients: 4 %Lidocaine, Aloe Vera | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Neutral | Scent: Unscented

Aspercreme Pain Relief Cream with Lidocaine is the best pain relief cream with lidocaine due to its fast-acting and effective formula. Its active ingredient, Lidocaine, provides immediate relief by numbing the application area, making it an ideal choice for quickly alleviating muscle soreness and discomfort.

A 2024 study published in Anesthesiology showed that lidocaine cream could help with neck pain, particularly muscle-related pain. According to researchers, this is because the cream easily reaches the neck muscles, providing relief. Research also shows that lidocaine can help ease nerve pain in people with conditions like diabetes-related nerve damage, complex regional pain syndrome, cancer, and pain after breast surgery.

A much-appreciated feature of Aspercreme is its non-greasy formulation. Customers also value its effectiveness, ease of use, and odor-free nature. One reviewer noted, "I injured my thumb and wanted a non-greasy cream to help ease the soreness. This has worked well for me. It’s easy to rub in, nongreasy, and doesn’t have a strong odor."

Cost: $29.76 for a 12 oz tub | Key Ingredients: Emu oil, aloe vera, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glucosamine | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Neutral | Scent: Odor-free

Blue Emu Deep Soothing Original Cream is our pick for the best splurge-worthy pain relief cream because of its potent blend of pain-fighting ingredients and luxurious feel. The cream's emu oil is a powerful carrier for essential oils and topical, allowing other ingredients like aloe vera, MSM, and glucosamine to absorb readily for effective, faster relief.

Research in the National Library Of Medicine suggests emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, it can reduce pain and aid in healing inflamed joints and wounds with antibacterial properties. Another ingredient, MSM, has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation. However, some people can find MSM irritating when applied to the skin. The cream is made in the U.S.A. and is covered by some flexible spending and health savings accounts, but check with your policy provider to be sure.

Cost: $56.00 for 2oz tub | Key Ingredients: Calendula oil, ginger oil, menthol crystals, pineapple enzymes (bromelain), turmeric oil, vitamin E oil | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Neutral | Scent: Gentle, minty scent

Cymbiotika Ultimate Pain Balm is the best pain relief cream for sensitive skin due to its powerful blend of natural ingredients and ability to provide fast and targeted relief for pain and discomfort.

One of the active ingredients, bromelain, derived from pineapples, has been shown in studies to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it effective for pain, soft-tissue swelling, and joint stiffness associated with osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee and shoulder. Ginger is also commonly used for conditions such as burns, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, joint stiffness, and inflammation.

The Ultimate Pain Balm is formulated to address a bevy of pain-related issues, including sore muscles and joint pain, minor aches, muscle pain, and skin-soothing properties. So, it’s a versatile and helpful product to have on hand for managing conditions such as tension headaches, menstruation, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cost: $19.22 for 5.3 oz tube | Key Ingredients: 1% Diclofenac sodium (NSAID) (equivalent to 0.93% diclofenac) | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Neutral, slightly cooling | Scent: The gel does not have a strong scent

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is the best muscle relief cream for arthritis due to its FDA-approved formulation and ability to relieve arthritis pain effectively. The active ingredient, diclofenac sodium, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that temporarily blocks the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins, treating pain at the source.

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is an FDA-approved formula that the company claims works two times longer than other over-the-counter products, so it’s an accessible solution for managing chronic arthritis pain at home. Not to be overlooked, the gel comes with the Arthritis Foundation Commendation for the Easy Twist Cap, so sore and weak joints aren’t aggravated by trying to use the product.

It is worth noting that there are risks involved with using diclofenac sodium products, including Voltaren. Using too much or layering the product can lead to side effects and health issues, so speak to your doctor before using Voltaren to ensure it’s a good choice, and always follow the instructions on the label for use.

Customers have praised the gel for its performance, quality, and absence of a pungent smell. They appreciate that it helps ease pain, reduces aching and throbbing, and continues working for hours. One customer review stated, “My wife and I both have arthritis issues (at different locations, however); after immediately applying the gel to those painful areas for a few days we both felt some pain relief using Voltaren.”