Let’s clear up some confusion. One of the biggest questions in the world of topical relief is the difference between hemp seed oil and cannabinoid-rich hemp extract. This very question is likely why you’re looking up hempvana reviews. While hemp seed oil is a great moisturizer, it doesn’t contain the supportive compounds like CBD that work to enhance a formula’s overall effect. We’re here to break it all down. We’ll examine Hempvana’s ingredient list, explain the role of each component, and compare it to formulas that use proven active ingredients like menthol and camphor for powerful cooling relief, supported by true, nano-emulsified hemp extract.
Ever dreaded a full day ahead because of pain? We’re with you — over 50 million US adults suffer from chronic pain that lasts 2+ months. Plus, a good chunk of those people suffer specifically from chronic back pain. Whether it’s back pain or other aches, many seek relief through Biofreeze alternatives that suit their needs. Treatment options are abundant, but some options may feel too intrusive, like chemical drugs or surgery. So, you might consider a topical cream like Biofreeze for temporary relief. We’ll walk through the ins and outs of Biofreeze, its benefits, and Biofreeze alternatives like Dragon Pain Relief for you to consider.
So, What Does Biofreeze Actually Do?
Biofreeze is a topical analgesic (pain management drug) that offers relief of discomfort and pain from sore muscles, stiff joints, back pain, and bruises. The company has been around for over 30 years and offers a variety of gels, ointments, creams, and roll-ons designed to manage pain.
How Does Biofreeze *Really* Work?
The Biofreeze generic name is “menthol topical.” Menthol is the chemically active ingredient in the mint herb, and topical just means applied directly to the body. The cream offers a cooling feeling to your affected area as soon as you apply it. Other ingredients like caprylic/capric triglyceride and caprylyl glycol are more supplementary and directed at the cream’s hydrating effects on the skin.
Is Biofreeze Falling Short? Here’s Why
Biofreeze does feel pleasant upon application with its appealing mint scent, naturally focused, plant-based ingredient (menthol), and cooling sensation. But it falls short when it comes to longer-term pain relief. Here’s why: Biofreeze only has one active ingredient: menthol. The other inactive ingredients contribute more to the cream’s non-greasy feel than to its pain relief efficacy. Meaning? Biofreeze is like a bandaid for pain–not an effective solution for inflammation.
Your Guide to the Best Biofreeze Alternatives
Looking for stronger, longer-lasting Biofreeze alternatives for pain relief? Keep reading as we walk through a list of pain relief creams with different ingredients and effects for you to consider.
Dragon Balm: Xtra Strength Formula
Dragon Pain Relief’s Xtra Strength Pain Relieving Balm is the perfect Biofreeze alternative. It uses a blend of camphor and menthol to offer cooling relief. This product has the highest concentration of menthol, but the company also offers less potent options like the Regular Spectrum lotion. Pros:
- Herbal blend of pain-relieving products offers maximal support
- Leverages anti-inflammatory properties of terpenes
- Natural product without heavy metals or chemical additives
Cons:
- Due to CBD restrictions, this product might require an online purchase in some states
Try Dragon Pain Relief’s strongest balm today!
Dragon Lotion: Xtra Strength with CBD
The Xtra Strength Pain Relieving Lotion from Dragon Pain Relief includes a blend of highly concentrated camphor and menthol, 1000mg of CBD, terpenes, various essential oils, and shea butter for added moisturization. The product has a non-greasy application and its nanotechnology improves absorption time to provide quicker, longer-lasting pain relief. Pros:
- Shea butter and botanicals offer hydrating effects for skin
- Easily penetrates skin for ultimate relief
- Strong concentration of camphor and menthol
Cons:
- Due to CBD restrictions in some states, this product might require an online purchase
Try Dragon Pain Relief’s Xtra Strength lotion
AleveX: Topical Pain Relief Lotion
The AleveX Topical Pain Relief Lotion is made by the popular brand-name provider of Naproxen-based pills for muscle pain. The lotion contains two active ingredients: camphor and maximum-strength menthol. The relief works by providing a cooling sensation. Pros:
- Reliable brand with years of experience
- Long-lasting relief
Cons:
- Contains heavy metals like edetate disodium
- Some individuals may appreciate a cooling sensation
Ted’s Pain Cream: A Neuroscientist’s Formula
Ted’s Pain Cream has two main ingredients: resveratrol, a molecule found in various plants like grape skins, and methyl silicate, its active ingredient. The solution was developed by neuroscientist Ted Price, who sees resveratrol as a way to reset pain signals in the nerves. It’s meant to mitigate the uncomfortable effects of carpal tunnel, migraines, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis. Pros:
- Immediate relief and longer-lasting effects within just a week
Cons:
- Not suitable for people who take blood thinners
Tiger Balm: Ultra Strength Muscle Cream
Tiger Balm’s Ultra Muscle Pain Relief Cream has two main active ingredients of menthol at 11% and camphor at 11% as well. It also has various essential oils that soothe the sense of scent, like clove oil, cassia oil, and mint oil. The company has been in business for around 100 years and is suited for headaches and muscle strains, along with chronic pains like arthritis. Pros:
- Pleasant smell
- Experienced brand
Cons:
- The strong scent may not be appealing to all users
- Usually sold in very small containers
- Lack of various strength and CBD options
Dr. Bronner’s: Organic Arnica-Menthol Balm
Dr. Bronner’s Arnica-Menthol Organic Magic Balm has a cooling effect that soothes sore muscles and joints. Its ingredients include a strong dose of arnica, which is good for inflammation and soothing sprains. The balm also includes hemp, beeswax, and avocado oils to hydrate and moisturize your skin. Pros:
- No synthetic ingredients
Cons:
- Thick balm that sticks to hands
Remedial PAX: Instant Hemp Cream
Remedial Pax’s Hemp Cream has a lightweight texture and is made for soreness across the whole body, including the neck, hands, back, and feet. It has a base of hemp extract and hemp seed oil, along with various essential oils like eucalyptus. Pros:
- Compatible for men and women, and every skin type
- Cruelty-free and natural ingredients
Cons:
- Relatively expensive at nearly $50 a can plus shipping
Salonpas: Pain Relief Patches
Salonpas Patches come in a few different varieties and concentrations. One is a 4% lidocaine patch that uses anesthetic effects to soothe pain–but only temporarily. There are also patches for more moderate relief for conditions like arthritis, sprains, and more serious joint pain. Apart from the lidocaine version, most patches contain a 3% concentration of menthol. Pros:
- Lidocaine version has up to 12 hours of relief
Cons:
- Inconvenient format compared to creams and balms
- Not recommended for use past 7 days
Voltaren: Arthritis Pain Relief Gel
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is an anti-inflammatory gel that’s used specifically for arthritis. It’s safe to use for up to 21 days and has a non-greasy texture. Designated treatment areas include hands, arms, feet, knees, elbows, and ankles. Pros:
- Clinically proven to treat arthritis
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the same soothing, cooling effect as products with menthol
- Contains diclofenac, which may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitivities to NSAIDs
- Not ideal for back pain, since it isn’t one of the designated treatment areas.
Icy Hot: No-Mess Roll-On
The Icy Hot No Mess roll-on offers an initial cooling sensation, then a warming sensation to soothe sore muscles and joints. Use cases include bruises, strains, sprains, back pain, and arthritis. Its active ingredient is a 16% concentration of menthol, and it also contains capsaicin, glycerin, and water. Pros:
- Convenient application
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Reports of serious burns in some cases
Sombra: Warm Therapy Pain Gel
Sombra Warm Pain Relief Gel uses warm therapy and active ingredients of menthol and camphor to treat sore joints or muscles, as well as chronic pain. It’s also recommended to apply the cream before working out to warm up and prevent injury. The company’s products are all clinically tested, cruelty-free, and made in the US. Pros:
- Non-greasy and alcohol-free
Cons:
- Not ideal for people with scent sensitivities (citrus scent)
- Individuals may not enjoy the warming sensation
Hempvana Pain Cream: What’s the Verdict?
Hempvana Pain Cream has the FDA-approved trolamine salicylate in its ingredients, which has effects and components that resemble those of Aspirin. Other ingredients include 100% pure cold-pressed hemp seed oil and sunflower oil, along with caprylyl glycol, a humectant that hydrates the skin. Pros:
- Skincare-grade ingredients
- Quick relief
Cons:
- Not compatible with people who can’t tolerate Aspirin
Different Formulas for Different Needs
Hempvana’s effectiveness seems to vary from person to person. While some users report positive results for minor aches, others find it doesn’t quite hit the mark for more significant discomfort. The pain-relieving action in their original formula comes from trolamine salicylate, an anti-inflammatory ingredient. This means its strength is often best suited for temporary, mild pain. Because pain is so personal, finding a product line with multiple options is key. At Dragon, we offer various formulas so you can find the right level of support. From our Regular Strength isolate blend to our powerful Maximum Strength full-spectrum formula, you can match the product to your specific needs.
The Truth About Hemp Seed Oil
One of the biggest points of confusion around Hempvana is the hemp seed oil. While it sounds impressive, its main role in the formula is to act as a moisturizer, which is why many users like its non-greasy feel. However, hemp seed oil is different from the cannabinoid-rich hemp extract used for therapeutic support. True hemp extract contains compounds like CBD, CBG, and CBN, which work alongside terpenes to enhance the cooling relief of menthol and camphor. Dragon products use nano-emulsified, cannabinoid-rich hemp extract—not just hemp seed oil—to ensure you get the full supportive benefits of the plant in every application.
What Do Customers Say?
Customer feedback for Hempvana is generally positive, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Many users say it helps with everyday issues like leg pain, muscle cramps, and neck stiffness, with some experiencing immediate relief. On the other hand, a common theme in less favorable reviews is that it simply isn’t strong enough for more persistent pain. This highlights the importance of finding a reliable solution that works for you. We stand behind our formulas with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try Dragon and feel the difference for yourself without any risk.
Safety and Company Background
Hempvana is a family-run American company that started in 2018. Like any topical, their products are designed for temporary relief, not as a cure for chronic conditions, and it’s always best to see a doctor for severe or persistent pain. When choosing a topical, you want to trust what you’re putting on your body. That’s why Dragon Pain Relief products are made in the USA in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility. Every batch is third-party tested for purity and consistency, and we make those lab results available right on our website so you can feel confident in the quality and safety of our formulas.
More About Biofreeze & Biofreeze Alternatives
Have a few more questions about Biofreeze and Biofreeze alternatives? Let’s take a look at these FAQs.
What is the best natural alternative to Biofreeze?
The best natural alternative to Biofreeze is any of the products from Dragon Pain Relief, a blend of terpenes, herbs, and non-emulsified cannabinoids that bring powerful relief from ailments like muscle aches, stiffness, and back pain. Our Xtra Strength product offers maximal pain relief effects.
Which Biofreeze is the strongest?
The 4% menthol concentration of Biofreeze is the strongest. However, since that’s the only main ingredient, even the strongest Biofreeze isn’t that strong. Dragon Pain Relief, on the other hand, offers more benefits and longer-lasting relief because it contains a melody of herbal ingredients like camphor and menthol, along with cannabinoids like CBD to provide more relief for inflammation.
Looking for Something Stronger Than Biofreeze?
Dragon Pain Relief products are stronger than Biofreeze because they contain a multitude of pain-relieving ingredients, from terpenes like camphor and menthol to cannabinoids and essential oils for added wellness effects.
Can Biofreeze Actually Help with Inflammation?
Menthol on its own as an ingredient is known to reduce inflammation. However, the minimal 4% concentration in Biofreeze’s strongest offering isn’t enough to truly combat inflammation and its painful effects.
Is Biofreeze Safe to Use?
Biofreeze is safe for most patients. However, the product label cautions users against using the product without consulting a doctor if they are pregnant or breast feeding. Additionally, it’s not safe to apply Biofreeze to the eyes or mucous membranes, even if indirect contact with residue.
Find the Right Biofreeze Alternative for You
Biofreeze offers temporary relief of pain with its cooling effects, but it’s not a true anti-inflammatory or effective pain relief product because its menthol concentration is weak and it doesn’t have any other active ingredients for relief. On the other hand, Dragon Pain Relief brings long-lasting therapeutic effects of relief thanks to the synergistic relationship with its ingredient compounds. The plant-based ingredients, including menthol, camphor, and cannabinoids, all work together to bring even stronger pain relief. Ready to say goodbye to back pain for good? Try Dragon Pain Relief today!
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize synergistic formulas: While a single ingredient like menthol provides temporary cooling, topicals that combine multiple active ingredients like menthol and camphor work together to offer more comprehensive and effective relief for aches and pains.
- Understand the difference in hemp ingredients: Hemp seed oil is a moisturizer, not a source of cannabinoids. For added support, look for products with true, cannabinoid-rich hemp extract, which contains compounds like CBD that research suggests can enhance a formula’s overall effects.
- Match the product strength to your needs: Pain is personal, and a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short. Choose brands that offer a range of strengths and formulas, allowing you to select the right level of support for your specific discomfort.
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