Bengay is a classic choice for topical pain relief, known for its effectiveness in easing muscle and joint discomfort. With changing preferences and a growing awareness of ingredient sensitivities, many are seeking Bengay alternative.

Among these ingredients is methyl salicylate, an NSAID, which despite its effectiveness, carries risks of salicylate poisoning, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Other people may want something that offers a broader spectrum of relief or provides different potency levels to match their needs.

Whatever your reason for wanting a Bengay alternative, we know navigating the endless options can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this list of some of the best Bengay alternatives, curated to address common concerns and introduce solutions that enhance your pain relief benefits without the drawbacks of traditional options.

Whether you need something with less harmful chemicals, stronger potency, or simply a better experience, we’ve got you covered!

What is Bengay?

Bengay is a topical analgesic designed to provide relief for muscle and joint pains. Its formula primarily includes menthol and methyl salicylate. While it’s popular for its effectiveness, some individuals may seek alternatives due to concerns over ingredients or the desire for different forms of relief.

How Does Bengay Work?

Bengay works by using its active ingredients, primarily menthol and methyl salicylate, to create a cooling sensation that can help to distract from muscle and joint pain. Then it uses camphor to provide a warming sensation straight after.

This combination of sensations is thought to decrease discomfort in the applied area, providing temporary relief for users.

Why You Might Need a Bengay Alternative

Reasons for seeking an alternative to Bengay include:

• Desire for Natural Options: Those looking for pain relief options without synthetic ingredients may search for products with more natural formulations.
• Potency Needs: Individuals may require products with different levels of potency or targeted relief that Bengay does not provide.
• Ingredient Sensitivity: Methyl salicylate, similar to aspirin, may not be suitable for those with certain sensitivities or allergies.
• Lack of CBD: Many users prefer this component for additional relaxation.

Best Bengay Alternatives

Whether you’re searching for an alternative due to ingredient sensitivities or the desire to harness the benefits of CBD, read on to discover a curated list of the best options available.

1.    Dragon Pain Relieving Balm

Dragon Pain Relieving Balm lands the top spot on our list of Bengay alternatives. It combines the natural benefits of CBD with the traditional relief provided by menthol and camphor–without the use of methyl salicylate that Bengay includes. This formulation addresses common concerns related to skin sensitivities and the desire for natural ingredients and introduces the additional relaxation qualities of CBD for enhanced wellness.

Dragon Pain Relieving Balm also differentiates itself with nano-emulsification technology, significantly enhancing the balm’s ability to penetrate the skin. This ensures that the potent combination of CBD, menthol, and camphor is efficiently absorbed for rapid and effective pain relief.

Dragon Pain Relieving Balm offers further customization in its pain relief approach through its strength options:

• Regular Strength: Ideal for daily discomfort and mild aches, this formula features a more balanced level of Menthol (3%) and Camphor (5%), compared to Bengay’s higher menthol and lower camphor concentrations.
• Extra Strength: Designed for intense and persistent pain, this formula surpasses Bengay with its robust concentrations of Menthol (11%) and Camphor (10%). This enhanced potency offers a powerful alternative for those who find Bengay’s menthol and camphor levels insufficient for their pain management needs.

Pros:

• CBD Inclusion: Offers the relaxation benefits of CBD, providing a more comprehensive approach to pain relief compared to Bengay.
• Methyl Salicylate-Free: Avoids the use of methyl salicylate, minimizing the risk of skin irritation and sensitivities.
• Tailored Strength Options: Available in both Regular and Extra Strength, allowing individuals to choose the right level of potency for their pain relief needs.

Cons:

• Availability: Being a specialized product, it may not be as widely available as traditional options that can be found in most stores.

Pricing:

• Dragon Pain Relieving Balm Isolate Jar Regular Strength: $12.99
• Dragon Pain Relieving Balm Regular Broad Spectrum Jar: $15.99
• Dragon Pain Relieving Balm Isolate Jar Xtra Strength: $21.99
• Dragon Pain Relieving Balm Xtra Broad Spectrum Jar: $23.99

Bengay vs Dragon Pain Relieving Balm

Dragon Pain Relieving Balm surpasses Bengay by offering a more effective blend of natural ingredients and varying potency levels. With the inclusion of CBD for wellness benefits and the option between Isolate and Broad Spectrum formulas, Dragon provides a more customizable approach to pain relief than Bengay.

Explore Dragon Pain Relief today.

2.    Dragon Pain Relieving Lotion

Dragon Pain Relieving Lotion offers a soothing, moisturizing approach to pain relief. Formulated with CBD, menthol, and camphor, it aims to alleviate discomfort without the harsh chemicals found in some traditional pain relief lotions.

This lotion is enhanced with natural oils and botanicals, ensuring your skin is nourished while addressing muscle and joint pain.

Dragon Pain Relieving Lotion comes in Regular and Extra Strength formulas, adapting to varying needs. The Regular formula is designed for daily use with a balanced combination of Menthol (5.3%), Camphor (3.1%), and CBD (500mg), providing gentle yet effective relief.

The Extra Strength option offers a stronger combination of Menthol (11%), Camphor (10%), and CBD (1000mg) concentrations for those requiring more potent pain management, offering a powerful alternative to Bengay’s uniform potency approach. This flexibility allows users to finely tune their pain relief regimen.

Pros:

• Natural Moisturizing Benefits: Infused with botanicals and natural oils for skin health.
• Non-Greasy Formula: Absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue.
• Broad Spectrum CBD: Leverages the full therapeutic potential of hemp for additional wellness.

Cons:

• Specialized Availability: You may have to purchase the product online vs in-store.
• Higher Price Point: While the lotion may come at a premium cost, its versatility in strength options and the comprehensive benefits of Broad Spectrum CBD justify the investment, providing value beyond simple pain relief.

Pricing:

• Dragon Pain Relieving Lotion Regular Broad Spectrum: $27.99
• Dragon Pain Relieving Lotion Xtra Broad Spectrum: $41.99

Bengay vs Dragon Pain Relieving Lotion

While they offer targeted muscle and joint relief, Dragon Pain Relieving Lotion extends beyond this with its moisturizing formula enriched with CBD, menthol, and camphor. This not only soothes the pain but also nourishes the skin.

Explore Dragon Pain Relieving Lotion today.

3.    Tiger Balm

Tiger Balm is an herbal topical analgesic that is used for mild or moderate joint pain, muscle soreness, and discomforts like arthritis. Its natural ingredients include camphor and menthol, providing a warm and numbing sensation for pain relief. It’s known for its strong, distinct scent and warming sensation.

Pros:

• Natural ingredients for a traditional approach to pain relief.
• Provides a warming sensation that can relieve muscle and joint discomfort.

Cons:

• The strong scent may not be appealing to all users.
• Typically sold in very small containers (.63oz), which might not be enough to apply regularly.
• Lack of strength options.
• Lack of CBD options.

Pricing: 

• Tiger Balm Ultra Muscle Pain Relief Cream: $7.99
• Tiger Balm Extra: $7.99

Bengay vs Tiger Balm

Tiger Balm offers a natural, herbal approach to pain relief while Bengay provides the heating effect of methyl salicylate, an NSAID.

4.    Icy Hot

Icy Hot is an over-the-counter remedy for muscle and joint pain relief that offers a dual-action formula that provides both cooling and warming sensations. This product comes in varying strength levels, with some formulas utilizing the NSAID methyl salicylate.

Pros:

• Dual-action formula for immediate relief.
• Widely available and accessible in various forms.

Cons:

• The inclusion of methyl salicylate, an NSAID, introduces risks like salicylate poisoning, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• The intense cooling and warming sensations may be uncomfortable for some users.
• The product can cause skin irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin.

Pricing:

• Icy Hot Original: $9.99
• Icy Hot Advanced Cream: $9.99

Bengay vs Icy Hot

Bengay and Icy Hot both include methyl salicylate. Icy Hot, however, delivers more immediate results.

5.    Biofreeze

Biofreeze is a topical analgesic designed for pain relief with a formula that primarily uses menthol to create a cooling sensation. This product aims to help with muscle strains, arthritis, and other joint and muscle pains.

Pros:

• Cooling sensation provides quick pain relief.
• Available in various forms for flexible application.

Cons:

• Cooling effect might not be suitable for all types of pain.
• Some users may find the menthol scent overpowering.

Pricing:

• Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel: $11.99

Bengay vs Biofreeze

Biofreeze provides cooling relief while Bengay produces a warming sensation.

6.    Voltaren

Voltaren is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) gel, used for treating joint pain due to arthritis. It’s applied topically to target pain directly at the source.

Pros:

• Targets arthritis pain.
• Non-greasy formula.

Cons:

• Not suggested for backs, hips, shoulders, and necks.
• Contains diclofenac, which may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitivities to NSAIDs.
• Recommended for joint pain, which might limit its use for other types of muscle discomfort.

Pricing:

• Voltaren Diclofenac Sodium Topical Arthritis Pain Relief Gel Tube: $25.49

Bengay vs Voltaren

Voltaren’s formula carries the NSAID diclofenac, while Bengay utilizes a different NSAID, methyl salicylate.

7.    Hempvana Pain Cream

Hempvana Pain Cream is marketed as a hemp-based topical cream designed to relieve pain through its moisturizing properties and the natural benefits of hemp oil. It offers different strength levels, each increasing the amount of hempseed oil.

Pros:

• Incorporates hemp oil.
• Non-greasy formula.

Cons:

• May not provide the same level of pain relief as more traditional pain relief creams for some users.
• The effectiveness of hemp oil in pain relief is still subject to individual experience.

Pricing:

• Hempvana Pain Relief Cream: $17.99
• Hempvana Platinum Pain Relief Cream: $31.99
• Hempvana Double Platinum Pain Relief Cream: $69.99

Bengay vs Hempvana

Hempvana has a more natural formula, while Bengay offers a more traditional approach to pain relief with its menthol and methyl salicylate content.

8.    Feel Good Lab Natural Pain Cream

The Feel Good Lab Natural Pain Cream is designed with a focus on natural ingredients for pain relief and is suitable for those looking for an alternative to traditional topical analgesics. It’s marketed as safe for long-term use due to its natural ingredient-oriented formula.

Pros:

• Utilizes a blend of natural ingredients.
• Formulated without harsh chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons:

• The natural formulation may vary in effectiveness for each individual.
• May require consistent application over time for noticeable results.

Pricing: $18.95

Bengay vs Feel Good Lab

Feel Good Lab focuses on natural ingredients, while Bengay delivers traditional relief through the use of methyl salicylate, an NSAID.

More About Bengay & Topical Pain Relief

Let’s address some commonly asked questions about Bengay and topical pain relief so that you can make the best decision for your muscle pain relief needs.

What is topical pain relief?

Topical pain relief involves applying treatments directly to areas of discomfort, providing localized relief without the side effects associated with oral medications.

How do topical pain medications work?

These medications offer relief by cooling or warming the skin, which can distract from the pain or reduce inflammation at the pain source.

What is the best muscle relaxant cream?

For those dealing with muscle tension or spasms, finding a topical solution that helps relax the muscles can be a huge relief. Dragon Pain Relief lotions and balms, featuring menthol and camphor, are crafted to provide a cooling and soothing effect.

These ingredients are known for their properties that may help ease muscle discomfort. The inclusion of CBD in Dragon products also supports overall wellness, contributing to a holistic approach to managing muscle discomfort.

Is there a cream for nerve pain relief?

Dragon Pain products are formulated with nano-emulsification technology, which enhances the delivery of active ingredients like menthol and camphor deep into the skin.

This technology allows for a targeted approach that may interact more effectively with nerve pain receptors, offering a soothing sensation that many find beneficial for temporary relief.

What is the best muscle pain relief cream?

Dragon Pain Relieving Balm is the top choice for muscle pain relief. It’s formulated with natural, powerful ingredients such as menthol and camphor, recognized for their ability to provide fast and effective relief from muscle aches and support a gentle approach to pain management. These ingredients are FDA-registered for their cooling effects, reducing irritation, and providing pain relief.

Additionally, the balm contains cannabinoids, which contribute additional wellness benefits. This combination makes Dragon Pain Relieving Balm an excellent option for those seeking a potent, more natural alternative for muscle pain relief, free from the harsh chemicals often found in traditional creams.

Use the Best Bengay Alternative

Searching for an alternative to Bengay often stems from a desire to avoid certain ingredients like methyl salicylate, to find a product with varying potency levels, or to incorporate natural elements like CBD for enhanced relief. Dragon Pain Relief products address these concerns effectively, offering formulations free from harsh chemicals and incorporating cannabinoids for further wellness benefits.

Unlike Bengay, Dragon offers a range of strengths and formulas, including options with nano-emulsification technology for better absorption, providing a tailored approach to pain management that prioritizes both efficacy and natural wellness.

It’s clear to see that Dragon Pain Relief products are the best Bengay alternatives on the market.

Explore Dragon Pain Relief today.