With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors leverage their expertise to select products they believe you’ll love, from skin care to self care and beyond. While our editors independently curate these products, purchasing through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP for muscle rubs, which are gels, creams, or ointments aimed to temporarily alleviate soreness and pain. These products often contain ingredients like menthol, camphor, and arnica, which aim to decrease inflammation and distract the brain from discomfort. To help find the right rub, we spoke to fitness and physical therapy pros for tips and recommendations. Here are 7 top picks:
Best gel: Biofreeze, Menthol Pain-Relieving Gel, $15
Best ointment: Tiger Balm, Pain Relieving Ointment, $12
Best with natural ingredients: The Feel Good Lab, Natural Pain Cream, $25
Best organic: Dr. Bronner’s, Organic Magic Balm, $15
Best cream: Ted’s, Pain Cream, $22
Best topical NSAID: Voltaren, Arthritis Pain Gel, $10
Best with CBD: Cornbread Hemp, Full-Spectrum Hemp Balm, $5
Ingredients to look for in a muscle rub include menthol, arnica, and camphor for relaxing sensations without irritating the skin. CBD and THC can be helpful for chronic pain, while topical NSAIDs can soothe muscles for those who can’t take oral anti-inflammatories. When selecting a rub, avoid dyes, preservatives, or parabens, and look for research-backed approval for safety. Remember to exercise caution when using muscle balms, as they can give a false sense of pain tolerance and range of motion improvements. Happy shopping for pain relief!
