10 Best Pain Relief Gels & Creams Fully Tested & Reviewed

Product Purity

This cream gets absorbed into the skin quickly, so you're not stuck waiting for it to dry. The company claims it doesn't stain and doesn't go on greasy, either. It does not contain steroids or parabens. Its medicinal ingredients include arnica, glucosamine, vitamin B6, and choline among others. Reviewers liked the consistency of the product. It's in between thick and thin, so it's not gloopy or runny. Some reviewers did find it was a tad greasier than expected but not so much that they stopped using it. Reviewers also liked the use of natural ingredients.

Effectiveness

The cream is applied topically and can be used anywhere on the skin where inflammation and pain are occurring. You won't feel your skin start to cool or warm up because this cream doesn't use those sensations to mask pain. To apply, users should massage the cream into the skin to encourage quick absorption. Reviewers were seriously impressed with the cream and found it significantly reduced their inflammation and pain. Many reviewers with severe pain were happy to discover that with Penetrex, discomfort and soreness were nearly gone.

Odor

Penetrex doesn't have a strong odor, so you don't have to worry about putting it on before work or on the go. Reviewers agreed that the odor was not very strong and almost pleasant. Once absorbed, there's barely any smell that lingers. This is in stark contrast to many other pain relief creams and ointments.

Durability and Shelf Life

Users seem to use it up quickly, so there's no need to worry about it expiring. The label suggests a 2-year shelf life, so for those with intermittent pain, it can be kept in a medicine cabinet and used only occasionally without having to worry about the cream going bad.

Product Purity

This product is made of natural arnica and other ingredients. It's not greasy and easily absorbable.

Effectiveness

Reviewers found this one to be really effective--although it wears off a little fast for some. Make sure to try it on a small patch of skin first, just in case you are allergic.

Odor

It has a faint smell, but reviewers didn't complain about it.

Durability and Shelf Life

This one comes in 2.6-ounce bottles and has a long shelf life

Product Purity

This gel, reviewers say, is quite thick and needs to be rubbed into the skin to encourage absorption. Reviewers liked the smooth feel of the gel saying that it felt nice on the skin. The thick feel of the gel makes it easy to slather onto the skin. Reviewers liked that the included ingredients were easy to recognize and pronounce. Active ingredients include methol and camphor. Other ingredients include various extracts to provide a pleasant smell and aloe vera. Reviewers liked that the gel did not stain or go on greasy.

Effectiveness

Reviewers found the gel worked as expected and helped to reduce aches and pains. Many reviewers preferred this formulation over brands like Icy Hot. For the cost, reviewers were happy with the results. The gel comes in a small container and is applied by rubbing and massaging the substance into the skin. Some users preferred the roll-on applicator saying it was easier to handle.

Odor

Most reviewers found the odor wasn't overwhelming and liked that once rubbed into the skin the Sombra gel did not leave an unpleasant scent. Others were not too pleased with the smell of the product. Natural extracts are used, so the gel smells like oranges. Some users found this scent overwhelming. Others felt the gel had a medicinal smell that was too strong for their liking.

Durability and Shelf Life

Users found the top of the container a bit difficult to screw closed. Otherwise, the container should last a fair while before it expires.

Product Purity

The gel-like substance can be purchased in two formats. One features a subtle green dye, so it's easy to see where you're applying the gel. The other goes on clear. Both gels go on without a greasy residue and are free of parabens. The gel contains 4% menthol as its active ingredient and also includes a unique blend of other ingredients including Vitamin E, Arnica, and Aloe Vera. Reviewers liked the feel of the gel, particularly for massaging achy body parts. Some users found the gel a bit difficult to handle noting that the consistency felt a bit like Jello. Users did, however, like that the gel contained natural ingredients. A stronger concentration of menthol was well-received as well. Reviewers appreciated the inclusion of active ingredients that helped reduce pain and inflammation.

Effectiveness

Most reviewers were impressed with the long-lasting relief provided by the Biofreeze gel. A few did feel like the gel was not as effective as they would have liked, though. The Biofreeze gel uses a cooling effect in addition to its other ingredients to provide lasting relief. Many reviewers noted that the gel worked quickly, which they liked. It's a good choice for overnight pain relief for those experiencing aches and joint inflammation. The gel is also available in a roll-on form, which many users preferred saying that it was easier to apply in this format.

Odor

Most reviewers liked that the gel did not leave an unpleasant odor once applied to the skin. Others found the menthol smell to be overwhelming at first, but in general, it seems to fade away after a while. If you're self-conscious about using a strong smelling gel, it may be best to find an odorless formula instead.

Shelf Life

Users found the gel lasted longer than other formulations of this type of medicine because of its thick Jello-like consistency. The thick gel is easy to spread into the skin, and only a dollop is required to massage onto the body. Users reported different pain relief periods with most agreeing that the gel worked for a least a few hours to take away pain and discomfort.

Product Purity

This formula includes a whopping blend of 18 ingredients! Some of the ingredients include aloe vera, menthol, glucosamine, emu oil, and more. The product does not contain GMOs and is free of artificial dyes and parabens. It's made to go on without a greasy film and isn't supposed to stain clothing. It doesn't warm or cool the skin like other gels or creams. Reviewers appreciated that the Real Time formula contained natural ingredients in addition to menthol that make it work.

Effectiveness

Works well for a multitude of ailments. Aches, pains, arthritis, inflammation, bruises, you name it! One pump action provides you with enough of the stuff to rub into your skin. The substance dries quickly, too, and works just as fast. Reviewers seemed to agree that the substance worked as advertised.

Odor

Reviewers didn't mind the odor of the Real Time. Most found it more pleasant than other comparable brands. Users also mentioned that the odor did not linger like other gels or creams. Some users actually liked the smell. It does smell a bit like menthol, but the scent fades away once absorbed into the skin.

Durability and Shelf Life

Reviewers liked that the pain reliever pump lasted a long time. The bottle format makes it easy to get just the right amount for application. Users noted that following application directions is the way to go to ensure the substance lasts.

Product Purity

The gel consistency isn't really noticeable considering the Orthogel comes in a roll-on applicator bottle. The gel is FDA compliant and works well for various types of pain. Some ingredients include menthol, camphor, and Vitamin E. This isn't an all-natural pain relief gel, though, so expect a long list of ingredients that you might not recognize.

Effectiveness

Just use the roll-on applicator to get the gel onto the skin in the area where you're experiencing pain. Reviewers agreed that the relief was, of course, temporary but once applied the stuff works very well. Reviewers particularly appreciated how easy and mess-free to apply the gel was thanks to the roll-on design. It makes it a great pain relief product to bring with you on the go. Don't bother messing with creams and gel containers when you're out and about. A simple dab of the roll-on should do the trick.

Odor

Reviewers noted that the Orthogel did have a faint menthol smell but liked that it didn't linger very long and wasn't overpowering.

Durability and Shelf Life

Reviewers noted that the pain relief they got from this substance maxed out at about four hours or so. Application using the roll-on means that you use very little of the gel, so you won't find yourself running out too quickly. Those who want more can purchase the gel in larger formats.

Product Purity

Natural ingredients mean that it's impossible to use this oil too much. The roll-on applicator makes the oil substance easy to apply to the skin. The pain relief substance only contains four ingredients. The ingredients are natural, GMO-free, and not animal tested. The anti-inflammatory oils include tea tree oil, vanilla, eucalyptus and olive oil. All stuff you can pronounce and recognize! The oils easily penetrate the skin, too. Some reviewers did note the substance was slightly oily, which is to be expected considering the nature of the ingredients. Otherwise, users didn't find the product messy or uncomfortable to use. Users also appreciated the small list of ingredients that were easily recognizable.

Efficacy & Application

The roll-on is super easy to apply. A roll-on cap means you won't need to worry about getting any of this stuff in your eyes on all over your hands. Unlike other types of pain relief medicines, the Outback formula does not cool or heat the skin to mask pain. The Outback formula is meant to be re-applied frequently with the onset of aches and pains. As the pain dissipates, the intent is to reduce application.

Odor

Unlike other types of pain relief gels, the Outback roll-on gel has a very nice odor. A blend of Eucalyptus and Vanilla emits a pleasant smell that's neither strong nor overpowering. Most reviewers found the smell faded away fairly quickly. Reviewers noted that any lingering odor was very faint and better than the majority of other pain relief creams and gels.

Shelf Life

The roll-on applicator makes it tough to apply too much to the skin. Since the oil absorbs quickly, you'll know when it's time to stop applying. You just need a little bit to work. Once applied, you should expect a minimum of a few hours of pain relief.

Product Purity

The primary ingredient for this one is emu oil--so it is pretty natural and one fo the more organic options out there.

Efficacy & Application

This one is easy to apply and absorbs easily so, whether you apply or someone else does, it will effectively relieve your pain and make sure you are comfortable.

Odor

Some love the smell, others hate it--it really just depends.

Durability and Shelf Life

You only need a small coin sized amount to massage into the affected area of the body. Using appropriate amounts should mean that this gel will last a decent amount of time.

Product Purity

The gel is easy to apply because of the roll-on and regardless of consistency isn't hard to get onto the skin like some other gels and creams. The formula includes emu oil and Capsaicin. There are more unpronounceable ingredients in this roll-on than other types of gels, though, which some may not like. Users should be careful, too, when applying the gel because of the capsaicin. Wash your hands thoroughly after putting this stuff on to avoid getting the substance in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Doing so could cause a painful burning. Reviewers found the gel a little bit thinner than expected. Some users also reported allergic reactions to the gel. Testing the substance by applying a small amount to a limited area is recommended.

Effectiveness

The roll-on applicator makes it simple to get right to the source of the pain and apply the gel where it hurts most. The roll-on also prevents messes that come with tubes and jars. Just open it up and roll onto the skin. Reviewers found that pain relief came on quickly after applying the gel to the skin. Some users though found the capsaicin caused a burning sensation which was very unpleasant.

Odor

Reviewers liked that the gel had no strong odor whatsoever. Unlike other gels, no users had complaints about the smell of the product.

Durability and Shelf Life

The roll-on design ensures that you don't overdo it when applying the gel. A simple roll of the tube, rub it into the skin and voila, you're set. You won't have to replace this tube too often thanks to this clever design. A small dab really goes a long way.

Product Purity

In addition to the unique ingredient of cobra venom, this gel includes arnica and capsaicin. Some reviewers noted that they experienced adverse effects because of the inclusion of capsaicin. Be careful to test the product before applying to a larger area because some may have allergic reactions to specific ingredients.

Effectiveness

Most reviewers seemed happy with the effectiveness of this roll-on gel, though they noted that the effects did not last as long as advertised. Re-application is definitely necessary. Migraineurs also commented on the positive impact of using this roll-on gel.

Odor

Users reported that the CobraZol doesn't have a pungent or awful odor like other pain relief gels. You don't have to worry about any lingering odors or smelling like an old person with this roll-on gel.

Durability and Shelf Life

Reviewers found the gel to be worth every penny because of its effectiveness and long-lasting effects.