The 11 best pain relieving creams of 2024, according to pain management experts

Cost: $12.54 for 4 oz. | Key ingredients: 5% Menthol | Cooling, warming, neutral: Cooling | Scent: Menthol that quickly fades to a 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, "[It's] easy to apply and works fast. It definitely works great for lower back pain." Another reviewer recommended it for sore joints and muscles, praising its minimal, pleasant smell and long-lasting effects.

Cost: $6.88 | Key ingredients: 11% Camphor, menthol | Cooling, warming, neutral: Cooling | Scent: Strong, characteristic scent of camphor and menthol

Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Pain Relieving Ointment is a standout choice for the best budget-friendly muscle pain relief cream because a small amount goes a long way, and at under $7 a jar, this is one powerful, long-lasting rub that won't break the bank. Providing an immediate cooling effect and enduring warming sensation, Tiger Balm's active ingredients, camphor and menthol, work as counterirritants, effectively distracting you from your pain and providing quick relief.

A notable feature of Tiger Balm is its long-lasting effect. “At 11%, these counterirritants produce a soothing surface irritation to the area of application that is strong enough to disrupt the pain signals from arthritis, which allows you to complete your everyday activities with less pain,” says Matthew Cavanaugh, a chiropractor at Cavanaugh Chiropractic Clinic. 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, saying, "A little goes a long way. I bought two because I couldn't believe the price."

Cost: $9.48 for a 3.5 oz 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 tops our list as 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 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, making it a powerful option for those with severe muscle and joint pain.

Despite its strength, the cream has a mild scent and is not overpowering, making it a great 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 pain relief cream but don't love the residue often left 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.

The no-mess massaging applicator is equipped with 54 individual nodes to deliver a cooling sensation exactly where you need it — without getting any product on your hands. Even better, the cream absorbs quickly and is 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 3.5 oz tube | Key ingredients: 1,000 mg 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 fast-acting, soothing and moisturizing properties. The bar contains 1,000 mg of Organic Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract, 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 the product is effective and ethically produced. The bar also comes in earth-friendly paperboard packaging that breaks down in two- to five-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 of 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 oils | 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 pain-reliving 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 study on topical herbal pain remedies found that applying arnica gel to areas of pain and strain was equally as effective as ibuprofen 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 that 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 won our choice for best pain relief cream with lidocaine due to its fast-acting and highly effective pain-relieving 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. John Gallucci, physical therapist, athletic trainer and chief executive officer of JAG Physical Therapy, particularly likes this product because, “Aspercreme is odor-free, which is a pro for those sensitive to smells and cannot have fragrance on their skin."

A 2024 study showed that using lidocaine cream could help with neck pain, particularly for people with muscle-related pain. According to researchers, this is because the cream can easily reach 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.

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 ingredients and luxurious feel. The cream's emu oil paired with ingredients like aloe vera, Methylsulfonylmethane and glucosamine, quickly absorbs into the skin for effective, fast relief.

Research in the National Library Of Medicine suggests emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which, when applied to the skin, can reduce pain and aid in healing inflamed joints and wounds with antibacterial properties. While 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. and is covered by some flexible spending and health savings accounts, but check with your policy provider to be sure.

Cost: $56 for 1.7 oz jar | Key ingredients: Calendula oil, ginger oil, menthol crystals, pineapple enzymes (bromelain), turmeric oil, vitamin E oil | Cooling, warming, nutral: 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. Yes, it's expensive, but its combination of pain-relieving ingredients makes it a standout choice, especially for those looking for all-natural relief for their sensitive skin.

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: $10.98 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 our top choice for an arthritis pain relief cream due to its FDA-approved formulation and ability to effectively relieve arthritis pain. 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. Not to be overlooked, the gel comes with the Arthritis Foundation Commendation for its "easy-twist cap," so sore and weak joints aren’t aggravated just 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 the 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.”