10 Best topical pain relievers of 2026

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Best Choice

1

Voltaren
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief with Diclofenac - NEW Easy Open Cap - 100 g x 2
Main highlights

Powerful Topical Relief
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel offers prescription-strength relief for arthritis, improving mobility and reducing stiffness with a non-greasy formula.

Ideal for Arthritis Pain
Perfect for hand, wrist, elbow, ankle, foot, and knee pain relief when used up to four times daily.

Doctor Recommended Effectiveness
Customers praise its effectiveness, often noting significant relief and satisfaction with results.
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating
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Value for Money

2

Voltaren
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, Diclofenac Sodium, 1% (NSAID), Clinically Proven Powerful Pain Reliever with Easy Open Flip Top Cap, No Prescription Needed, 5.3oz
Main highlights

Powerful Topical Relief
Voltaren Gel offers prescription-strength arthritis pain relief, reducing stiffness and improving mobility.

Ideal for Joint Pain
Best for hand, wrist, elbow, ankle, foot, or knee pain relief.

Highly Praised Easy Cap
Customers appreciate the new easy-to-open cap for convenience.
9.5

Excellent

Our Rating
3

Boiron
Boiron Arnicare Gel for Relief of Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Muscle Soreness, and Swelling from Bruises or Injury - Non-greasy and Fragrance-Free - 2.6 oz
Main highlights

Natural Pain Relief and Fast Absorption
Boiron Arnicare Gel offers temporary relief for muscle pain and stiffness with a fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula.

Ideal for Post-Workout and Minor Injuries
Perfect for soothing muscle soreness and reducing bruising after intense workouts, minor injuries, or overexertion.

Highly Praised Non-Sticky Application
Customers appreciate the gel's quick absorption and non-sticky, residue-free finish.
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating

9.3
Aroma

8.9
worth the money

8.7
Long life
4

Amazon Basic Care
Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel, Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% (NSAID), 5.29 Oz (150 Grams) (Packaging may vary)
Main highlights

Effective Arthritis Pain Relief
Contains 1% diclofenac sodium, an NSAID, for targeted arthritis pain relief.

Ideal for Multiple Body Areas
Perfect for hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle, and knee pain.

Highly Praised for Value
Comparable to Voltaren, praised for effectiveness at a lower price.
Key specs
- Active Ingredients:Diclofenac sodium
- Gel Type:NSAID
- Formulation:Gel
- Application Area:Hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle, knee
- Pain Relief Duration:Up to 7 days
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating

8.4
worth the money

8.4
pain management

8.0
Aroma
5

Voltaren
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, Diclofenac Sodium, 1% (NSAID), Clinically Proven Powerful Pain Reliever, No Prescription Needed, 1.7oz
Main highlights

Powerful Topical Pain Relief
Voltaren Gel provides prescription-strength relief for arthritis pain, improving mobility and reducing stiffness without the need for pills.

Ideal for Joint Pain Management
Best used for hand, wrist, elbow, ankle, foot, or knee pain with significant relief in seven days.

Highly Effective According to Users
Customers praise its effectiveness as a topical pain reliever, often noting its significant impact within a few uses.
Key specs
- Active Ingredients:Diclofenac Sodium
- Gel Type:Non-greasy, clean scented
- Formulation:Topical Gel
- Application Area:Hand, wrist, elbow, ankle
- Pain Relief Duration:Long-lasting, up to 7 days
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating

8.0
pain management

8.0
worth the money
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6

HealthWise

HealthWise 4% Lidocaine Roll-On | OTC Strength | Pain Relief Liquid | 2.5 oz. 73 mL | Non-Greasy, Unscented Formula | Topical Anesthetic
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating
7

Bengay
Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream, Non-Greasy Topical Analgesic for Minor Arthritis, Muscle, Joint and Back Pain, Camphor, Menthol and Methyl Salicylate, 4 OZ
Main highlights

Ultra-Strong Relief
Contains camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate for effective pain relief.

Ideal for Minor Pains
Perfect for backaches, arthritis, muscle, joint pain, and bruises.

Menthol Scent Praised
Menthol scent is strong but effective for pain relief.
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating

8.4
worth the money

8.2
Aroma

8.0
pain management
8

Voltaren
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief with Diclofenac - NEW Easy Open Cap - 100 g Tube And 20 g Travel Size Tube
Main highlights

Powerful Topical Relief
Voltaren Gel provides prescription-strength arthritis pain relief, reduces stiffness, and improves mobility.

Ideal for Multi-Joint Pain
Apply to hand, wrist, elbow, ankle, foot, or knee pain for targeted relief.

Easy Open Cap
Convenient flip cap design praised for ease of use.
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

8.4
Simple to use

8.0
pain management

8.0
worth the money
9

Aspercreme
Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream Soothes Aggravated Nerves, Numbing Topical Analgesic with Max-Strength 4% Lidocaine & Moisturizing Aloe, 4.3 Oz.
Main highlights

Fast-Acting Numbing Relief
Contains 4% lidocaine for quick, effective pain relief.

Ideal for Joint and Muscle Pain
Perfect for arthritis, backaches, sprains, and strains.

Praised for Ease of Use
Customers love its ease of application and effectiveness.
Key specs
- Package Type:Bottle
- Active Ingredients:4% Lidocaine
- Application Method:Topical
- Effect Duration:Hours
- Formulation:Cream
8.3

Good

Our Rating

8.4
worth the money

8.4
pain management
10

Penetrex
Penetrex Joint & Muscle Therapy - Soothing Muscle Rub for Back, Neck, Hands, Feet - Premium Whole Body Rub with Arnica, Vitamin B6 MSM & Boswellia - Non-Greasy 2oz Cream
Main highlights

Deep Penetration Relief
Penetrex uses arnica, vitamin B6, and MSM for deep joint relief.

Versatile Application Areas
Perfect for back, neck, hands, feet, and more.

Healing Over Pain Relief
Customers praise its healing properties over mere pain relief.
8.0

Good

Our Rating

9.7
Simple to use

9.3
lasts a long time

9.3
quality of ingredients

10 Best topical pain relievers of 2026

1

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief with Diclofenac - NEW Easy Open Cap - 100 g x 2

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, Diclofenac Sodium, 1% (NSAID), Clinically Proven Powerful Pain Reliever with Easy Open Flip Top Cap, No Prescription Needed, 5.3oz

3

Boiron Arnicare Gel for Relief of Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Muscle Soreness, and Swelling from Bruises or Injury - Non-greasy and Fragrance-Free - 2.6 oz

9.3

8.9

8.7

4

Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel, Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% (NSAID), 5.29 Oz (150 Grams) (Packaging may vary)

8.4

8.4

8.0

5

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, Diclofenac Sodium, 1% (NSAID), Clinically Proven Powerful Pain Reliever, No Prescription Needed, 1.7oz

8.0

8.0

6

HealthWise 4% Lidocaine Roll-On | OTC Strength | Pain Relief Liquid | 2.5 oz. 73 mL | Non-Greasy, Unscented Formula | Topical Anesthetic

7

Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream, Non-Greasy Topical Analgesic for Minor Arthritis, Muscle, Joint and Back Pain, Camphor, Menthol and Methyl Salicylate, 4 OZ

8.4

8.2

8.0

8

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief with Diclofenac - NEW Easy Open Cap - 100 g Tube And 20 g Travel Size Tube

8.4

8.0

8.0

9

Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream Soothes Aggravated Nerves, Numbing Topical Analgesic with Max-Strength 4% Lidocaine & Moisturizing Aloe, 4.3 Oz.

8.4

8.4

10

Penetrex Joint & Muscle Therapy - Soothing Muscle Rub for Back, Neck, Hands, Feet - Premium Whole Body Rub with Arnica, Vitamin B6 MSM & Boswellia - Non-Greasy 2oz Cream

9.7

9.3

9.3

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