10 Best Pain Relief Creams 2025 in the United States

The Biofreeze Professional Menthol Roll-On Pain-Relieving Gel is designed for effective and convenient pain relief. It's popular among various healthcare professionals for its fast-acting and long-lasting relief, making it ideal for minor aches and pains like backaches, strains, bruises, and sprains. The roll-on application method is particularly user-friendly as it offers a mess-free and hands-free experience, which is great for those who need pain relief on-the-go.

Each pack includes three 3 fl oz bottles, which are TSA-friendly and suitable for travel. The menthol formula provides a cooling sensation that helps to alleviate pain quickly, and it's beneficial for those with conditions such as arthritis and sore muscles. However, users should consider their skin sensitivity since menthol can be irritating for some. The scent of menthol might also be strong for individuals sensitive to smells. Additionally, while the product is effective for minor pain, those with more severe conditions might require stronger or more specialized treatments.

Biofreeze offers a reliable and convenient solution for everyday pain relief, with the added benefit of being FSA/HSA eligible to save some costs.

The Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is designed for individuals seeking relief from arthritis pain. It contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that tackles inflammation directly at its source. This makes it effective for reducing stiffness, improving mobility, and providing significant pain relief, particularly for conditions like hand, wrist, elbow, ankle, foot, and knee pain.

One of its key strengths is its clinically proven effectiveness, offering noticeable results within seven days of continuous use. The ease of application is another positive aspect, featuring a user-friendly flip cap that can be opened with one hand, which is especially beneficial for those with limited hand mobility. Additionally, the gel is paraben and dye-free, reducing the risk of skin irritation, and it has a clean scent, making it pleasant to use.

However, it's important to note that for optimal results, the gel needs to be applied four times a day, which may not be convenient for everyone. Also, it can only be used on up to two joints simultaneously. Users should be aware that while the gel is non-greasy, its requirement for frequent application could be a drawback for those with busy schedules. In summary, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel stands out for its effectiveness in pain relief and ease of use, though its frequent application requirement may be a consideration for some users.

Biofreeze Pain Relief Cream stands out as a trusted option for those seeking relief from various types of pain, including knee, lower back, sore muscles, neck, and shoulder pain. One of its strongest points is the use of menthol as the active ingredient, which is known for its fast-acting, cooling effect that can penetrate deep into muscles and joints to alleviate discomfort. This makes it ideal for minor aches, arthritis, and injuries like strains and sprains.

The non-greasy formula also includes natural moisturizers, which can be a plus for those with dry or sensitive skin. However, users with very sensitive skin should still exercise caution and perhaps perform a patch test first. The scent of menthol can be quite strong, which might not be appealing to everyone but is typical for such pain relief creams.

In terms of application, it comes in a 3 oz. jar that is easy to carry, including during travel. Additionally, the product is not tested on animals and does not contain NSAIDs, making it a suitable choice for those looking for cruelty-free and NSAID-free options. One downside could be the need to reapply it more frequently compared to other long-lasting formulas. That said, its reputation among healthcare professionals and its TSA-approved sizing add to its convenience and reliability.