Ultra Strength:
Camphor 4%, Menthol 10%, Methyl Salicylate 30%

Greaseless:
Menthol 10%, Methyl Salicylate 15%

Vanishing Scent
Menthol 2.5%

Cold Therapy
Menthol 5%

Temporarily relieves the minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, sprains.

5 to 30 minutes

Average 4 to 6 hours

Ultra strength formulation has a good combination and strength of pain relief ingredients that is effective for most types of pain. 

Odor. Vanishing scent type should have odor disappear after about an hour.

Topical analgesics affect pain and skin temperature perception, do not use with a heating pad.

Do not apply to wounds or damaged skins.

Do not apply after a hot shower.

Retail Pharmacy Price:
Bengay Ultra Strength, 4 Oz
$10.49

Cream
Menthol 10%, Methyl salicylate 30%

Advanced Cream
Camphor 11%, Menthol 16%

Vanishing Scent
Menthol 2.5%

Arthritis Lotion
Camphor 4%, Menthol 16%

Lidocaine
Lidocaine 4%, Menthol 1%

No Mess
Menthol 16%

Spray
Menthol 16%

Balm
Menthol 7.6%, Methyl salicylate 29%

Power Gel
Menthol 16%

Stick
Menthol 10%, Methyl salicylate 30%

Temporarily relieves the minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, sprains.

Average 15 to 30 minutes

4 to 6 hours

Should provide pain relief for an average of 4 to 6 hours.

Vanishing scent type not as effective for moderate aches and pain. Contains less menthol (2.5%). Use this only if pain is mild, and scent is a problem for you. The idea here is less menthol means less odor.

Topical analgesics affect pain and skin temperature perception, do not use with a heating pad.

Do not apply to wounds or damaged skins.

Do not apply after a hot shower.

Prefer the vanishing scent type for kids.

Retail Pharmacy Price:
Icy Hot Extra-Strength 3 oz.
$9.29

Regular Strength
Menthol 7%

Maximum Strength
Menthol 16%

Ultra Plus
Camphor 3.1%, Menthol 16%, Methyl salicylate 10%

Penetrating relief from painful muscles and joints due to minor arthritis pain, simple backache, muscle strains and sprains, bruises, and cramps.

5 to 30 minutes

4 to 6 hours

Effective for moderate muscle aches and pain.

Aloe vera base may help with soothing the skin.

Odor. Not too bad if you can handle it.

Topical analgesics affect pain and skin temperature perception, do not use with a heating pad.

Do not apply to wounds or damaged skins.

Do not apply after a hot shower.

Diclofenac Sodium 1% Gel

Relieves arthritis pain in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle, and knee.

NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) gel. An alternative to pills, Voltaren targets pain directly at the source to deliver nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine for powerful arthritis pain relief.

30 mins, but it could take up to 2 days to start notice relief and 7 days to work.

Unlike most OTC topical analgesics, Voltaren® Arthritis Pain gel OTC treats arthritis pain/joint pain and doesn’t only mask it

No Menthol scent, but a little medicinal that goes away quickly.

Delivers topical targeted pain relief

Can use up to 21 days.

Non-greasy formulation.

Using 4 times a day, every day is cumbersome.  

At the above frequency, a tube will be gone just like that.

Don't expect instant relief. It may take up to a week to work.

Do not use if allergic to NSAIDS (example Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen)

Original Strength
Capsaicin 0.033%

Maximum Strength
Capsaicin 0.1%

Foot Cream
Capsaicin 0.1%

For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints associated with Arthritis, Simple backache, Strains, Sprains.

Works by reducing the substance (Substance P) that sends pain signals to the brain.

Gradually over time with continued application. Don't expect immediate pain relief.

Gradually decreases pain intensity on continued application over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.

Must apply 3 to 4 times a day for maximum benefit.

Potential to treat the pain or make pain in a situation like shingles go away faster.

Prefer for decreasing the intensity of nerve pains over time.

Not for immediate pain relief.

Require regular and frequent (3 to 4 times a day) use to achieve max pain relief over time.

Makes sensitive skin feel like it is on fire. Take this seriously and start with the low strength or test in a small area first.

Stay away from Capsaicin strengths greater than 0.15%. Your skin will burn like hell.

--Prefer this if pain is due to post-herpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles) or other type of peripheral nerve pains.

--Use continuously for best effect.

--Expect pain to go away in about 2 to 4 weeks.

--For pain following shingles try Original strength (0.033%) prior to using Maximum Strength (0.075% or 0.1%).

--Be sure to wash your hands (if not treating hand) thoroughly after application. Do not use hot water from the tap.

 --No heating pads, hot shower before or after application, bandages, or application to broken skin.

--Expect a burning sensation especially when starting out.

--Apply 3 to 4 times a day for maximum benefit.

-- Stay away from any Capsaicin strength higher than 0.15%. There is no additional benefit and your skin will be on fire.

Arthritis Rub
Camphor 11%, Menthol 11%

Muscle Rub
Methyl Salicylate 15%, Menthol 5%, Camphor 3%

Neck & Shoulder Rub
Camphor 11%, Menthol 10%

Red Extra Strength
Camphor 11%, Menthol 10%

Ultra Strength
Camphor 11%, Menthol 11%

Liniment
Menthol (16%), Oil of Wintergreen (28%)

Temporarily block the perception of pain, providing relief for an average of 4 to 6 hours.

5 to 30 minutes

4 to 6 hours

Moderately effective in relieving pain for up to 6 hours.

Some people may not like the smell. But not bad.

Smaller can may be a pain to open. Especially if you have hand pain.

Topical analgesics affect pain and skin temperature perception, do not use with a heating pad.

Do not apply to wounds or damaged skins.

Do not apply after a hot shower.

- P
Capsaicin 0.035%

- HP
Capsaicin 0.1%

Quick Relief Gel
Capsaicin 0.025%, Menthol 10%

No-Mess
Capsaicin 0.15%

Temporarily relieves minor pain of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains.

Gradually over time with continued application. Don't expect immediate pain relief.

Gradually decreases pain intensity on continued application over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.

When it starts working, duration is 6 to 8 hours.

- Also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or shingles.

READ INFORMATION PRINTED INSIDE PRODUCT PACKAGE BEFORE USING. Keep the product package as it contains needed information.

Stay away from Capsaicin strengths greater than 0.1%. These burn like hell and you will likely discontinue using it.

Not for immediate pain relief.

Do not bandage tightly or use with a heating pad

Avoid contact with eyes, lips and mucous membranes

Do not apply to wounds, damaged, broken or irritated skin

A transient burning sensation may occur upon application but generally disappears in several days.

Do not expose the area treated with product to heat or direct sunlight

Use continuously for best effect.

Prefer this if pain is due to post-herpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles) or other type of peripheral nerve pains.

Be sure to wash your hands (if not treating hand) thoroughly after application. Do not use hot water from the tap.

Creme & Lotion
Trolamine Salicylate 10%

Max No-Mess Roll-On
Menthol 16%

Heat Pain Relieving Gel
Menthol 10%

With Lidocaine
Lidocaine 4 %.

Temporarily relieves the minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, sprains.

5 to 30 minutes

6 to 8 hours

Odor free for non-menthol formulations. But may not be as effective as preparations containing menthol.

New formulation with lidocaine 4% possibly effective for nerve pain of shingles.

Odor free formulation not consistent for pain relief. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

Topical analgesics affect pain and skin temperature perception, do not use with a heating pad.

Do not apply to wounds or damaged skins.

Do not apply after a hot shower.

Prefer for pain relief due to nerve pain like shingles pain.

Deep Relieving Gel
Camphor 3.1%, Menthol 10%, Methyl salicylate 15%.

Spray
Menthol 3%, Methyl salicylate 10%

Temporarily relieves muscle pain and stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion and falls.

15 to 30 mins.

4 to 6 hrs

Good if you can get past the smell- camphor, menthol.

Not for sensitive skin. May cause an unbearable burning sensation.

Smell. Had to mask the smell of 10% menthol and camphor.

Gel a little on the liquid side.

Prefer the patch if I were you.

Topical analgesics affect pain and skin temperature perception, do not use with a heating pad.

Do not apply to wounds or damaged skins.

Do not apply after a hot shower.

Menthol 2%

Temporary relief of the minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, sports Injuries, simple backache, strains, sprains, and bruises.

15 to 30 minutes

4 to 6 hours

Penetrates good into the skin.

May not be as effective as others for moderate to severe pain relief.

Original
Emu Oil, MSM, Glucosamine Sulfate + Others.

Lidocaine Pain
Lidocaine 4%, Emu oil

To relieve the discomfort of pain and inflammation caused by injured tissues and joints.

15 to 60 minutes

6 to 8 hours

--- No burning, stinging or offensive odor
--- Quick skin penetration.
--- Good moisturizer.
--- Use for pain of sunburn.

--- Don't rely on it for serious pain. OK for minor aches or sore muscles. Or use for pain due to a sunburn..

Use for minor aches and sore muscles. Don't depend on it for a twisted ankle or backache kind of pain.

Good moisturizer and penetrates deep into the skin. For this reason, prefer for pain due to a sunburn or minor burns.

Gel, Cream, Bruise:
Arnica montana 1X HPUS-7%

Ointment
Arnica montana 1X HPUS-4%

Temporarily relieves muscle pain and stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion and falls.

May reduces pain, swelling and discoloration from bruises.

15 to 30 mins

3 to 4 hrs

Quick absorption, odorless and non-greasy.

Good for bruises and it's pain.

More like a soothing cream or gel.

Homeopathic. Use only if you are used to the practice of homeopathy.

Not for serious pain. You may get less than expected results.

1. The ointment is 4% and not same dilution as the cream or gel.

2. Do not use with a heating pad or bandage tightly.

3. Prefer for bruises rather than serious pain.

Regular (Spray)
Menthol 6% (With eucalyptus, peppermint oil as inactives).

Extra Strength (Gel, Roll-on, Spray)
Menthol 8%

Provides immediate, penetrating relief from arthritis, muscle aches, joint and back pain.

30 mins.

6 hours

Added dimethylsulfone (MSM) and glucosamine supports joint health and mobility.

Limited availability online 

Gel
Menthol 4%

Spray
Menthol 10.5%

Roll On
Menthol 4%

Cream
Menthol 10%

For temporary relief from minor aches and pains of sore muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains.

15 to 30 minutes

4 to 6 hours

Inactive ingredients add to quality of pain relief.

Better alternatives available.

Warm Therapy
Camphor 3%, Menthol 3%

Cool Therapy
Menthol 6%

Relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis and simple backaches.

Unique warming and cooling ingredients.

Gel has a refreshing orange-citrus aroma to it.

Sombra is only sold to certified health professionals.

- Mainly used by chiropractors and massage pain clinics.

Menthol 10%, Methyl Salicylate 15%

Deep penetrating warming action for fast action, long lasting relief. Hours of relief from minor arthritis pain.

15 to 30 mins.

Average 6 to 8 hours

A lighter fragrance compared to BenGay but not as strong.

Pain Relief Cream
Camphor 3.1%

Ice Roll-On
Menthol 8.5%

Temporarily relieves minor pain associated with minor arthritis pain, simple backache, muscle sprains and strains, simple backache, bruises and cramps.

10 to 15 mins.

4 to 6 hours

May act faster compared to the competition due to the Fusome® technology.

Includes the natural ingredients Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate for skin conditioning.

Spray solution
Camphor 4%, Menthol 8%

Cream
Di-Menthol 3%

Sport
Menthol 8%, camphor 4%

For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains.

15 to 30 mins.

4 to 6 hours

Spray penetrates folds.

Do not use if allergic to Asteraceae/Compositae/Daisy family.

Do not apply on wounds or damaged skin.

Do not bandage tightly.

Do not apply external heat such as an electric heating pad.

Do not apply on or near the nipple.

Simply spray solution on affected body part and let penetrate through skin, no rubbing necessary.

Arthritis Pain Relief
Histamine Dihydrochloride 0.025%

Back Pain Relief
Histamine Dihydrochloride 0.050%

Hand & Wrist Pain
Histamine Dihydrochloride 0.025%

For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains & bruises.

15 to 30 mins.

6 to 8 hours

Absorbs easily without greasy residue.

Apply a thin layer to pain site and massage until thoroughly absorbed into skin. Apply no more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Menthol 2.5%

For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains & bruises.

15 to 30 mins.

4 to 6 hrs.