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The Best Pain Relief Creams of 2026, According to Physicians
If you’ve ever dealt with an achy back, cranky knees, or post-workout soreness that just won’t quit, the best topical pain relief creams can be a total game-changer — fast relief, no pills required. These topical formulas work in different ways (think cooling menthol, warming capsaicin, or inflammation-fighting ingredients), so knowing what to look for can help you zero in on the right match for your body and your pain.
Texture and scent matter, too, because nobody wants a greasy residue or an overpowering smell lingering all day. To make it easy, we tested top options and tapped medical experts to round up the best pain relief creams that actually deliver, so you can get back to moving, sweating, and living your life.
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If patients come in with a flare of arthritis pain in their joints, Owais Durrani, D.O., an emergency medicine physician, recommends diclofenac gel (Voltaren). “It is a topical NSAID with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral formulations,” he explains. NSAID stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known best for their inflammation, fever, and pain-fighting benefits. Pills like aspirin or ibuprofen are well-known NSAIDs, but in this formulation, it’s working topically versus internally. While Voltaren can be a great option for pain management, be aware that it also means a dedicated routine–it needs to be applied up to four times a day for 21 days to see the full effects.
Size: 5.3 oz | Active Ingredient: Diclofenac
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Attributed to its menthol content, Tiger Balm is known for its cooling properties. Dr. Durrani explains how this balm is part of a group of products called counterirritants, which include menthol or camphor-containing products. “These products induce a hot or cold sensation on the skin, temporarily diverting attention from pain by creating a less intense discomfort to counteract the more severe pain.” Tiger Balm specifically has a combination of equal parts menthol and camphor that’s believed to boost circulation and, in turn, speed healing and reduce inflammation.
Size: 1.7 oz | Active Ingredient: Menthol and Camphor
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Why We Like It
Mess-free
Lidocaine-based
Works right away
Lidocaine, found in products like this one, is a local anesthetic that prevents pain signals from reaching the brain by blocking the nerves where the product is applied. “I love recommending lidocaine-based products for strains and sprains in flat areas like the lower back,” says Dr. Durrani. “They are a great option for someone that’s still had to go out [or to] work and a great part of a multimodal pain control strategy.” Being that this lidocaine formula is dispensed in a roll-on, it offers a convenient and mess-free application, plus the act of rolling it onto the affected area acts almost like a massage as another form of treatment. And in terms of efficacy, Rebecca Marcus, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD says, “Lidocaine or another numbing agent would likely provide the most effective localized pain relief.”
Size: 2.5 oz | Active Ingredient: Lidocaine
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This is the cream for you if you prefer a thick consistency over a lightweight gel. What we love about this product, in particular, is its ingredients list, which is different than what you’ll find in most products on this list, featuring packs of a natural trio of inflammation-fighting arnica, vitamin B6, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) for deep penetration and pain relief in the joints and muscles. We were sold on its hundreds of positive reviews from customers (including nurses!) who’ve experienced everything from surgeries to chronic conditions and couldn’t sing high enough praise for this cream.
Size: 2 oz | Active Ingredient: Arnica, Vitamin B6, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
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This pain relief formula is menthol-based which will give you that icy fresh feeling, yet, because it’s housed in an aerosol spray, you’ll experience an even chillier sensation when the cool mist hits your skin. We love that it’s in a spray format because it makes it easier to get hard-to-reach areas, like your shoulders and back. Applying this product is simple: just spray, let it dry, and feel your pain slip away.
Size: 3 oz | Active Ingredient: Menthol
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Why We Like It
Leaves skin feeling hydrated
Made with menthol and peppermint oil
Also offers relief from eczema and bug bites
If texture is important to you and you’d prefer a balm consistency over a pain relief cream, Dr. Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm fits the bill. The natural formula relies on menthol and peppermint oils for cooling, with arnica and camphor to fight inflammation. The balm consistency comes from organic beeswax and has a trio of jojoba, avocado, and hemp oils that moisturize skin. It can be used on joint and muscle aches, but we’ve found relief when using it on eczema and even bug bites.
Size: 2 oz | Active Ingredient: Arnica, Camphor, Menthol and Peppermint Oils
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Why We Like It
The brand’s strongest product for pain relief
Has salicylate, which is similar to the active ingredient in aspirin
Available in 2- or 4-ounce tubes
This is the best pain relief cream for athletes whose muscle aches go beyond a little post-Peloton soreness. It is considered a salicylate cream, explains Dr. Durrani, because it has methyl salicylate, which is similar to the active ingredient in aspirin. “It functions similarly to oral aspirin products, offering pain relief.” As for how it works, he says that they’re absorbed directly through the skin, “potentially providing faster relief due to this direct delivery.” It also packs trusty camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate for a three-pronged pain-relieving approach.
Size: 2, 4 oz | Active Ingredient: Methyl Salicylate, Camphor, and Menthol
What to Know About Pain Relief Creams
- Application Type: “Clean the affected area first and never apply if there are any cuts, open wounds, or broken down skin,” warns Dr. Durrani. Dr. Marcus adds, “This [application] varies according to the active ingredients; it is best to stick to the directions on the label.” In general, you will apply to the affected area as you would with any other type of cream, but if you’re dealing with a patch, roll-on, or something different than a traditional cream there will likely be varying instructions. Dr. Durrani also says not to apply more than the directed amount and “if you have to use the product beyond a few days, consult with your doctor.”
- Key Ingredients: Common pain relief ingredients include lidocaine, capsaicin, menthol, diclofenac, and methyl salicylate, says Dr. Durrani. Menthol and capsaicin are why you’ll see many formulas touting hot and cold modalities, while anti-inflammatory properties can be attributed to diclofenac and methyl salicylate. Lidocaine, on the other hand, is for numbing, so that’s another one to look out for, too.
- Fragrance: Menthol has a strong scent and is included in various pain relief products, so it’s not uncommon for pain relief creams to have an intense fragrance. But, as with other topical products, there’s always a concern for irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies. If an unscented option is available, anyone averse to fragrance may find one of these your best choice. If you’ve had adverse reactions, check with your physician; they can guide you to something better suited for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does pain relief cream work?
“Pain relief creams work by stimulating a sensation, such as cooling, in the case of menthol-containing creams, which distract from the pain sensation,” explains Dr. Marcus. But there are different methods of action, depending on the ingredients. “Topical anesthetics like lidocaine produce localized numbness, reducing pain in the treated area,” says Dr. Durrani while salicylate creams provide pain relief thanks to its aspirin-adjacent pain-relieving ingredient. Most of these topical products will also help reduce inflammation and remedy the pain.
Can I use pain relief cream while pregnant?
Some pain relief creams are safe for an expectant mother, while others are not. Dr. Durrani says, “Generally, over-the-counter topical products containing menthol are often considered safe for use throughout all trimesters of pregnancy,” and “Similarly, topical OTC products containing lidocaine may also be safe.” But, he adds that it’s important to exercise caution if considering the use of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during pregnancy. “Like their oral counterparts, topical NSAIDs are generally not considered safe for use during pregnancy,” he explains. As with anything during pregnancy or any stage of life, it depends on the ingredients and unique composition of each product, so you should always consult a doctor before using anything you are unsure of.
How long can you use a pain relief cream for?
Dr. Durrani advises people not to rely on pain relief creams for an extended period of time, so no longer than a few days. The reason: “Prolonged application beyond the recommended duration can potentially lead to adverse effects such as skin rash or, in some cases, chemical burns,” he explains. After a few days of little to no relief, you should seek help from a medical professional as you want to ensure you are not injuring the affected area more with consistent use of a topical pain relief product, adds Dr. Durrani.
Why Trust Shape
Shape contributor Lisa DeSantis is a beauty journalist with ten years of experience in the industry. She is a self-proclaimed “guinea pig” when it comes to testing beauty and wellness products and treatments, which helps her determine which products stand out. She also prides herself on whatever the newest and trendiest workout is, which has led to her fair share of muscle soreness and ultimately helped her research the best pain relief creams for this piece. She used the following experts for additional insight for this roundup:
- Owais Durrani, D.O., an emergency medicine physician in Houston, Texas
- Rebecca Marcus, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD
