The Best Pain Relief Creams in 2022 | Review by Bestcovery

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Say Goodbye to Pain: The Best Pain Relief Creams

  1. Activene Arnica Pain Relief Gel
  2. RESCUE PAIN RELIEF & RECOVERY Pain Relief Cream
  3. Biofreeze Pain Relief Cream
  4. REMEDIAL Natural Pain Relief Cream
  5. Bengay Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream
  6. Ebanel Laboratories Pain Relief Cream
  7. Icy Hot Max Strength Pain Relief Cream
  8. Aspercreme Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream
  9. Buyer's Guide

There are several health reasons owning a pain relief cream is necessary. In fact, its necessity cannot be overstated; from taking care of someone suffering from arthritis or other pain-related illnesses to having an athlete or kids at home to occasional bumps against the kitchen door and clumsy bathroom slips, you’ll need pain relief creams to help manage severe pains, aches, inflammation, and stiffness of the muscles and joints. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best pain relief creams in 2022 and a buyer's guide to help you choose the right one for you.

Best Pain Relief Creams of 2022 Reviewed in Detail

Activene Arnica Pain Relief Gel - Best Pain Relief Gel

From muscle inflammation to orthopedic problems, these health problems are associated with mild to intense pain in the muscles and bones. Most people suffer from restricted mobility due to consistent aches in the endoskeleton system. That’s why this arnica gel is a good source to help relieve pain instantly

It consists of aloe vera and tea tree oil which will keep your skin safe and work on external inflammations, respectively. Also, you won’t have to deal with stickiness as it is non-greasy and absorbs quickly. With a refreshing mint scent, it'll relax your muscles as well as your senses for better relaxation. On top of everything, it comes with a full refund policy within 365 days if you don’t find it effective.

RESCUE PAIN RELIEF & RECOVERY Pain Relief Cream - Close Runner-Up

If you are all about natural ingredients, then this is the pain relief cream you need. Not only is it made from natural botanical ingredients like aloe vera and hemp oil, but it is also odor-free. Within minutes of applying it to your skin the scent vanishes, so you don’t have to deal with any lingering smells.

Rescue made this impressive product from natural extracts and herbal roots which reduce the risk of side effects and allergies. It contains ingredients like aloe vera, known for its soothing properties; hemp oil and horse chestnut extract, to relieve pain and inflammation; and sunflower oil, which acts as a barrier against germs and toxins that cause infections, making it perfect for irritated skin. It also contains lidocaine for pain reduction and BCAA known to boost muscle growth and enhance exercise performance. This product ensures that your bloodstream is spared as it focuses on the affected muscles and joints.

Biofreeze Pain Relief Cream - Honorable Mention

Biofreeze pain relief cream is clinically recommended by top physical therapists, pharmacists, and chiropractors to relieve all forms of backaches, muscle, joint pain, and even arthritis effectively. This pain relief cream is convenient and effective for every athlete. It’s been recommended for muscle, back, and joint pain. If you’re an athlete, then this may just be the right product for you.

It contains menthol known for its cool and minty aroma. Biofreeze is also made of natural moisturizers, like caprylic triglyceride that help moisten and soothe the skin. Also, it is made from USP-grade ingredients that either meet or exceed standards of purity set by the United States Pharmacopeia, making this product of the highest quality. With its easy-open flip-top lid, you can easily apply it to your skin or carry it anywhere you go.

REMEDIAL Natural Pain Relief Cream - Honorable Mention

This is a very effective pain relief cream. Not only does applying it promote healthy-looking skin, but it also contains properties that will induce restful sleep. We all know the role that sleep plays in our health and aging process, but this product goes the extra mile to ensure that your skin looks youthful as it contains natural skin-care properties that help erase wrinkles, dark circles and keeps the skin looking soft and moist.

Remedial Hot Hemp helps to reduce inflammation such as in the back, feet, nerves, joints, and muscles, alleviating pain and soreness. In addition, Hot Hemp cream numbs away the pain with heat; it gives you a warming effect, which has a nice feel on the skin. It doesn’t contain artificial ingredients that might cause allergies, irritations, or burns; nor does it have an unpleasant odor, so you don’t have to worry about people scrunching up their noses when you pass by them.

Bengay Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream - Contender

If you’re compiling a first-aid kit, then Ultra Strength Bengay Topical pain relief cream might just be a nice addition to the list. It works well for everyday aches and pains, and does not feel greasy when applied. It's also very portable as it comes in a tube, making it convenient to carry around.

This cream contains three powerful ingredients: camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate, giving it a triple action effect to your pain problems. It focuses on soothing minor aches and bruises, as well as minor arthritis, making it perfect for everyday use. It is physician-recommended and is easily found at your local pharmacy.

Ebanel Laboratories Pain Relief Cream - Consider

Ebanel topical numbing pain relief cream has proven to be best if you have children because of its child-resistant cap. This fast-acting pain relief cream is not only conveniently child-proof, it also has soothing and hydrating features.

Lidocaine makes it not only fast-acting, but also long-lasting. Within 3-5 minutes, it numbs the pain and reaches its peak within 20-25 minutes. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E known for their soothing properties and lecithin to keep the skin hydrated. It is odor-free, oil-free, and non-greasy, so you don’t have to deal with unpleasant smells and stains. It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or additives that may cause reactions to different skin types. This product is doctor-recommended, making it safe for use.

Icy Hot Max Strength Pain Relief Cream - Consider

Icy Hot pain relief cream is one of the most popular and well-known brands out there. It features a combination of lidocaine and menthol to tackle pain quickly while giving off a pleasing minty smell. It also gives you cool and warm sensations helping to relieve pain quickly.

Within a matter of minutes, it numbs away your pain and can last up to 8 hours, which means you only have to apply a couple times a day. Thanks to its non-greasy formula, you don’t have to worry about stains on your clothes or hands. The huge advantage of this pain relief cream is that it’s easily accessible. You can find it many pharmacies and retail stores.

Aspercreme Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream - Consider

Aspercreme pain relief cream is used to relieve minor arthritis, muscle, and joint pains. This product is clinically proven to relieve pains in a fast and effective manner, making it a perfect addition to your first-aid kit. It also contains aloe vera to soothe the skin and is completely odorless. This pain relief cream has a simple and easy-to-open tube, so you can avoid the inconvenience of trying to pry it open.

Buyer's Guide

When buying a pain relief cream, it’s important to buy according to your needs. Getting acquainted with their various ingredients and features will help you make the best decisions for your condition.

What are the Features to Look Out for in a Pain Relief Cream?

Active and Inactive ingredients

Pain relief creams are usually made up of active and inactive ingredients.

The active ingredients are the dominant properties in the cream. For instance, lidocaine and salicylate are known for pain-killing, and they are often found as an active ingredient in most pain relief creams. Lidocaine helps to numb the pain, giving you an illusion of no injury even when that is not the case and as such, might be addictive. When buying your pain cream, make sure that in more severe cases, the cream is recommended by a physician to prevent you from getting addicted to numbing the pain while ignoring the underlying condition. Select the cream that suits your particular condition.

Inactive ingredients can act as moisturizers to help moisten the skin and reduce wrinkles and lines; others can act as ointments, in which case it might be greasy. It is important to pay attention to the inactive ingredients that accompany a pain relief product to ensure that it isn’t one that will react with your skin type and cause skin complications. Ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and glycerin, to name a few, are examples of inactive ingredients that can serve as skin boosters that are non-greasy.

Natural ingredients

When buying pain relief creams, go for the ones that are made from natural ingredients such as products that have herbal roots. Additives may cause allergies and irritation to sensitive skin. Natural ingredients like aloe vera, sunflower oil, hemp oil, and so on, help smooth the skin. If you have sensitive skin or you’re big on skincare, go for products that have skin boosters and are made from herbal roots. There is no point suffering through a sprained ankle and skin irritation at the same time if you can help it.

Fragrance

When it comes to body scents, everybody gets a little insecure or has different personal taste. A pain relief cream should enhance your scent positively or not interfere with it at all. Products that have menthol in them are good because of their minty flavor if you're into that. Go for pain relief creams that are odorless or have pleasant scents. However, people with sensitive skin should stick to odorless pain relief creams to prevent skin irritation.

Packaging

The packaging your pain relief cream comes in should be considered. You might want a product that is easy to open in case of emergency but still child-proof if you have little ones at home. Or you might simply want one that comes in a jar so you can scoop the desired quantity you want. Either way, go for products that suit your specific needs. There are products that come in tubes, bottles, jars, or even sealed packets for one-time use. There are others that come with a child-resistant cap or an easy to open flip-top cap, still, it depends on your specific need. Making a choice regarding the best pain relief cream requires careful consideration of several relative factors.

Price

Always go for products within your budget to encourage repeat purchases. Pain relief creams should be part of your first aid kit so they should be budgeted for. Take time out to search for affordable products that are of high quality.

Purpose

The purpose of buying a pain relief cream must be well thought out. There are products that work well for minor aches and sprains, and there are others specially made for severe or chronic conditions. There are those that are well suited to athletes, and there are those best for people suffering from arthritis. The choice of pain relief should be decided based on the condition of the pain.

Pain Relief Cream FAQ

Q: Do I need a prescription to get a pain relief cream?

A: In some cases, you need a prescription to get a pain relief cream, in other cases you don’t. In cases of severe pain or pregnancy, you will need a physician’s prescription but in cases of minor sprains, discomfort and backaches you can simply purchase one online or at a pharmacy close to you. Also, read the description and ingredients before buying a pain relief cream to know which one is best for you.

Q: Can I get addicted to a pain relief cream?

A: Yes, there are chances of you abusing a pain relief cream simply because it is soothing or because it induces sleep. Pain relief creams are supposed to help you manage pain and get better. When you rely on them, it might pose a problem. In such cases, see a doctor to help you with an alternative course of treatment.

Q: Are skin irritations often frequent with pain relief creams?

A: For people with sensitive skin, it is advisable to go for odorless products and products that have little or no additives. There is a host of natural pain relief creams that do not cause allergic reactions or skin irritations.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top