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Muscle rub cream
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- Menthol-only muscle gel. Best for: People who want to avoid salicylates. See options on Amazon
- Ultra strength muscle rub cream. Best for: Adults who have used rubs before. See options on Amazon
- No-mess menthol roll-on. Best for: Applying without getting product on your hands. See options on Amazon
What is in a muscle rub
| Product (label) | Active ingredients | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Bengay Ultra Strength | Camphor 4%, menthol 10%, methyl salicylate 30% | Cream |
| Icy Hot Performance | Camphor 11%, menthol 16% | Cream |
| Bengay Vanishing Scent | Menthol 2.5% | Gel |
| Icy Hot Original No Mess Roll On | Menthol 8% | Roll-on liquid |
All four labels list the same use: temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints from simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains. Ingredients are from DailyMed labels.
What research shows
A 2014 Cochrane review of salicylate-containing rubs found six placebo-controlled studies with 560 participants in acute pain such as sprains and strains, and seven with 489 participants in chronic pain such as osteoarthritis. Results looked favorable but were very low quality and not robust, and the authors concluded the evidence does not support salicylate rubs for acute injuries or chronic conditions. They said the products seem relatively well tolerated in the short term. All the included studies were potentially at risk of bias, and they differed widely in participants, ingredients and methods, so uncertainty remains.
The review covered salicylate rubs, not menthol-only gels. If you prefer to avoid methyl salicylate, a menthol-only gel such as Bengay Vanishing Scent lists menthol as its single active ingredient.
How to use one
- Ages 12 and up. The labels are for adults and children 12 years and older; ask a doctor for children under 12.
- Up to 3 to 4 times daily. Each label says not more than 3 to 4 times a day.
- Thin layer. The Icy Hot label says apply a thin layer and massage until absorbed.
- Wash your hands. Icy Hot says to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water if product gets on them.
- Use only as directed. The labels say to use the product only as directed and to keep it out of reach of children.
- Keep it away from eyes and mucous membranes, as all three labels warn.
Burn warnings to take seriously
The Icy Hot Performance label states that rare cases of serious burns have been reported with products of this type. To lower the risk, the labels say:
- Do not use with a heating pad.
- Do not bandage tightly.
- Do not use on wounds or irritated or damaged skin.
- Do not expose the area to local heat or direct sunlight, and avoid skin folds (Icy Hot).
- Stop and ask a doctor if you get severe burning pain, swelling or blistering where you applied it.
The Icy Hot labels note that a transient burning sensation may occur on application but generally disappears in several days. Severe burning pain, swelling or blistering is different and is a reason to stop and ask a doctor.
Roll-ons and gels
The same actives come in several forms. Icy Hot sells a no-mess roll-on with menthol, and Bengay sells a menthol gel. A roll-on keeps the product off your fingers, which fits the labels' advice to wash your hands after use.
For lidocaine numbing patches, a different type of product, read the label carefully. For a different non-drug option, see our arnica gel guide or cold therapy in our gel ice packs guide; never combine a rub with heat.
When to see a doctor
- No better in 7 days. The labels say to stop and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or lasts more than 7 days, or clears up and returns within a few days.
- Redness over the area. Bengay says to ask a doctor before use if there is redness over the affected area.
- Pregnancy or breast-feeding. Icy Hot says to ask a health professional first.
- Children with arthritis-like conditions. Bengay says not to use it on a child under 12 with arthritis-like conditions.
What to look for when you buy
Menthol-only muscle gel
Best for: People who want to avoid salicylates
Bengay Vanishing Scent lists menthol 2.5% as its only active ingredient.
Watch out: Never use with a heating pad or under a tight bandage.
See options on AmazonUltra strength muscle rub cream
Best for: Adults who have used rubs before
Bengay Ultra Strength lists camphor 4%, menthol 10% and methyl salicylate 30%.
Watch out: Do not use on wounds or damaged skin, with a heating pad or under a tight bandage.
See options on AmazonNo-mess menthol roll-on
Best for: Applying without getting product on your hands
Icy Hot sells menthol roll-ons that keep the product off your fingers.
Watch out: Keep away from eyes and skin folds.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do muscle rubs actually work?
- A Cochrane review found the evidence does not support salicylate rubs for acute or chronic pain.
- Can I use a muscle rub with a heating pad?
- No. The labels say not to, because rare serious burns have been reported.
- How often can I apply muscle rub?
- The labels say not more than 3 to 4 times daily for ages 12 and up.
- Can kids use muscle rub?
- The labels say ask a doctor for children under 12.
- What should I do if it burns?
- Stop and get medical help for severe burning pain, swelling or blistering.
Sources
- Bengay Ultra Strength Non-Greasy cream label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, National Library of Medicine
- Icy Hot Performance Cream label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, National Library of Medicine
- Bengay Vanishing Scent gel label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, National Library of Medicine
- Salicylate-containing rubefacients for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (PMC6458007)
- Icy Hot Original No Mess Roll On (menthol) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, National Library of Medicine