Skip to main content

Pain relief creams and balms

Icy Hot® Cream Pain Relief is a fast-absorbing cream formulation that uses Ice + Heat Therapy* to effectively relieve pain—delivering a burst of pain relief with a cooling sensation, followed by warming sensations to soothe muscles.

Original Cream

Loading
  • Cream
  • Original
  • Menthol
  • Back Pain Relief

Relieve pain with targeted contrast therapy✝.

SHOP NOW

Lidocaine Cream

Loading
  • Lidocaine
  • Cream

This fast-absorbing cream numbs away pain for relief that lasts.

SHOP NOW

Advanced Cream

Loading
  • Advanced
  • Cream
  • Menthol
  • Back Pain Relief

Powerful, fast-acting pain relief through targeted therapy. It includes two maximum-strength pain relievers that work on more pain points**.

SHOP NOW

Original Balm

Loading
  • Cream
  • Original
  • Menthol
  • Back Pain Relief

Relieve pain fast with Icy Hot® Balm. It works quickly, penetrating down to your nerves to help you get back in the game.

SHOP NOW
No results

FAQs about pain relief cream and balms

What is the best pain relief cream for me?

Talk to your pharmacist about your symptoms for advice on which pain relief cream is the most suitable for your needs. Icy Hot® Ice + Heat Therapy* is available in Original Cream with cooling menthol and methyl salicylate. Icy Hot® also offers a 4% Lidocaine Cream to numb away pain. Icy Hot® Original Balm penetrates down to the nerves for deep, fast-acting pain relief.

How does muscle pain relief cream work?

Muscle pain relief cream uses ingredients that help to soothe or numb pain.

  • Icy Hot® Original Cream uses menthol—it works by stimulating the nerves that sense cold to provide a cooling sensation.1
  • Icy Hot® Lidocaine Cream contains 4% lidocaine— a local anesthetic that works by blocking the electrical impulses that carry pain signals through the nerves to the brain.2

How quickly does pain relief cream work?

You can feel Icy Hot® Original cooling formula getting to work instantly.**

Where on my body can I use cream for pain relief?

Icy Hot® Pain Relief Cream products can be used where needed to relieve pain.
Do not apply near eyes, mucous membranes, folds of skin, or wounds.

Where can I buy pain relief cream?

Pain relief cream, including Icy Hot® Pain Relief Cream, is available from most drug stores. You can buy it online from Amazon, Walmart, and Target, or over-the-counter at your local drug store.

Should I choose a cream or balm for pain relief - what’s the difference?

Creams and balms both provide effective pain relief. Balms are more oily which can increase the time it takes to rub them in.

Can pregnant women use pain relief cream?

Talk to your doctor before using pain relief cream if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Note: Use all products only as directed. Icy Hot® products containing counterirritants are indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with: arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains, bruises. Icy Hot® products containing Lidocaine are indicated for the temporary relief of pain. For questions about your specific situation, talk to your healthcare provider for further advice.

*Refers to cooling and warming sensations
**Refers to cooling sensation 

Sources

  1. Li Z, Zhang H, Wang Y, Li Y, Li Q, Zhang L. The distinctive role of menthol in pain and analgesia: mechanisms, practices, and advances. Front Mol Neurosci [Internet]. 2022 Oct 5;15:1006908 [cited 2026 May 27]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9580369
  2. Rosenberg PB, Katz RL. Lidocaine: mechanism of action as a local anaesthetic and cellular effects [Internet]. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 [cited 2026 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539881
SAVE $2