Topical Analgesics
GUIDE TO THE BEST TOPICAL ANALGESICS FOR MASSAGE
How do Topical Analgesics Work?
Since they contain more potent ingredients, current topical analgesics are more effective than pain relievers of the past. Many topical oils, lotions, and creams contain counterirritants such as camphor, methyl salicylate, capsaicin, and menthol. When applied to the skin, these ingredients penetrate your dermis layers to block pain signals from the source of pain to the brain by stimulating your body’s sensory receptors. As a result, you may get a neutral cold or hot sensation that helps relax your muscles and boost circulation to the pain center. This action relieves muscle, nerve, or joint pain.
Some of the best topical analgesic products contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that reduce pain by decreasing inflammatory reactions. In addition, cannabidiol (CBD) is a pain-relieving ingredient growing in popularity. As the key ingredient in CBD creams and compounds, CBD affects the pain receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
COMMON ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
A huge selection of topical analgesics exists in today's pain relief market with a range of features including warming and cooling sensations, several different active ingredients, scented and unscented formulas, and other unique variations that help to set each product apart. Regardless of which you choose, the best topical analgesics for the purpose of massage will offer the ability to target specific areas of pain; improved circulation, and therefore, efficient healing; continued treatment at home, and little to no side effects, unlike oral analgesics.
Common active ingredients include:
- Capsaicin
- Lidocaine
- NSAIDs
- Salicylates
- Camphor
- Menthol
- CBD
OUR BEST-SELLING TOPICAL ANALGESICS
CBD CLINIC™ Pain Relief Creams & Ointments
The CBD CLINIC™ Pain Relief Creams and Ointments provide pain relief with a powerful combination of menthol, camphor, and CBD hemp. These potent ingredients appear in an assortment of pain-relieving CBD massage oils, creams, and ointments. In addition, CBD CLINIC offers a five-level pain management system that allows you to choose the appropriate strength level for your condition.
Pros
- Provides relief throughout the entire day
- Great for conditions like spinal stenosis, arthritis, and fibromyalgia
- Fast-acting formula
- Can provide headache relief
Cons
- Some people do not like the smell
Biofreeze Professional Pain-Relieving Gel
#1 clinically recommended Biofreeze Professional Pain-Relieving Gel has been a go-to pain-relieving product for a long time. Now, its new professional strength formula with a proprietary herbal blend has boosted the demand for this product even more. The new formula causes the pain-reliever gel to penetrate your skin faster and deliver longer-lasting relief. Plus, you can use Biofreeze’s cryotherapy to relieve painful arthritis and backaches.
Pros
- Excellent pain management solution for back and knee pain
- Cytotherapeutic effects provide a soothing sensation along with pain relief
- No greasy residue or stains
- Applicable to ultrasound treatments, massage therapy for back pain, and rehab
Cons
- Although the smell quickly dissipates, some people dislike it
CBD CLINIC™ Level 5 Pain Relief Ointment
The CBD CLINIC™ Level 5 Pain Relief Full Loaded Display contains extremely potent pain-relieving ingredients, including camphor, menthol, and CBD. Since it is a Level 5 pain-relieving ointment, this product is a powerful agent for temporary pain relief of joints, muscles, knees, back, and neck. In addition, very few topical analgesics can match this CBD ointment in helping you restore the range of motion and functionality of the area around your injury.
Pros
- Excellent product for neck pain relief through massage
- Fast arrival to the pain center
- Easy one-hand application and very controllable
Cons
- None detected
Sombra® Warm Therapy Natural Pain-Relieving Gel
Along with potent pain-relieving ingredients, Sombra® Warm Therapy Natural Pain-Relieving Gel has a non-greasy, non-staining, and alcohol-free formula with a fresh citrus smell. Sombra® made this effective pain reliever with a unique blend of orange peel extract, capsaicin, camphor, and menthol. As a result, this topical analgesic gel temporarily relieves minor soreness and pain instantly.
Pros
- Glides on smoothly for a relaxing, therapeutic massage
- Long-lasting pain-relieving benefit
- Contains a higher percentage of capsaicin than RockSauce Fire
- Soothing warming sensation to muscles and joints
Cons
- After application, you should stay out of direct sunlight and skip strenuous exercise before taking a shower.
CryoDerm® Heat Pain Relieving Warming Lotions & Products
CryoDerm® Heat Pain Relieving Warming Lotions & Products offer an excellent pain-relieving solution for strained muscles, tendonitis, bursitis, joint pain, and arthritis. Pain-relieving massage lotions by CryoDerm deliver long-lasting pain-relieving results with natural ingredients like MSM, tocopheryl acetate, aloe, yucca, and natural grain alcohol. Also, CryoDerm® Heat Gel is a fine substitute for organic massage oils.
Pros
- Pain-relieving heat can last up to 24 hours
- Impressive selections of heat therapy products
- High customer satisfaction rate for deep penetrating pain relief
- Economical because a small portion goes a long way
Cons
- Cryoderm® Heat Pain heat therapy products can cause a burning sensation when they contact your face, eyes, or other sensitive areas of your body.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exactly is a topical analgesic?
When applied directly to the skin, a topical analgesic effectively treats pain in the joints, muscles, and nerves. It is available in several forms: topical analgesic cream, powder, gel, lotion, patches, or aerosol form. The over-the-counter version of topical analgesics is in the same drug class as aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This medication comes in many types, each using a unique action to relieve pain for different conditions. Some topical analgesic types require a healthcare provider’s prescription.
What are the differences between pain-relieving gels, ointments, and creams?
The main difference between topical analgesic products like pain relief creams and pain relief ointments is their chemical and ingredient makeup. For example, the separating factor between topical cream and ointments is the ratio of water and oil. The more water the topical analgesic product has, the more absorbent it becomes. Therefore, since creams are of equal parts oil and water, they are much better for penetrating your skin than ointments containing 80% oil. However, the thicker ointment is better at spreading across your skin.
On the other hand, pain-relieving gels have no oil at all, only cellulose, alcohol, and water. Their oil-free nature provides the highest level of hydration and absorption while leaving your skin free of residue and oil. For these reasons, gels are more beneficial for oily or dry skin. The difference between these products provides the users with several options for topical pain relief.
Do topical analgesics work to reduce pain?
Although primarily ineffective as the sole remedy for long-term pain, topical analgesic products like Biofreeze and CBD Clinic provide temporary relief with few side effects. However, NSAIDs and counterirritants can blend with other medications to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain. Also, you can try products like Biotone’s Lab Blend CBD for maximum pain relief or consult your healthcare provider to select the best topical analgesic for you.
What are the active ingredients in topical analgesic products?
The designed purpose of all topical analgesics is to relieve pain. However, each product type has different ingredients for various purposes. Counterirritants, salicylates, prescription NSAIDs, capsaicin, and lidocaine are the most common ingredients. For a soothing effect, counterirritants contain ingredients like camphor and menthol. And salicylates have pain-relieving agents. Although the topical varieties of prescription NSAIDs have fewer side effects, you should not take them with oral NSAIDs.
One of the most potent ingredients in topical analgesics is capsaicin, composed primarily of hot chili peppers. It is particularly effective for diabetic nerve pain and joint pain. When you need a numbing effect, lidocaine works well in gel or patch form directly on the painful area. But you should consult with your doctor before using lidocaine if you have liver ailments or taking heart rhythm drugs.
What is the strongest pain relief cream?
Topical analgesic creams with the highest concentration of capsaicin are the strongest pain relief creams. You can buy creams with capsaicin with concentrations of 0.025%, 0.075%, and 0.1%. Characterized by its warm or tingling feeling, capsaicin relieves minor pains from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic nerve pain, joint pain, and muscle strains. For example, capsaicin is more effective and tolerable than lidocaine in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain. The burning sensation may be uncomfortable at first. But it gets better over time.
Are CBD topical analgesics better than ordinary analgesic creams and ointments?
Cannabidiol (CBD) based topical analgesic products like CBD Clinic and Lab Blends CBD by Biotone is a very popular ingredient in topical analgesic creams and ointments for pain relief. However, human studies have provided limited evidence to verify its pain-relieving benefits. This situation is partly due to limited use by state laws and research restrictions on the root plant, cannabis. Although most of the studies revealed that CBC might reduce pain, the overriding conclusion is that more research is necessary for a more concrete conclusion. As the legalization of cannabis grows, more extensive research should yield more conclusive results.