Is A535 an anti-inflammatory? A guide to its ingredients and effects

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to product information from the manufacturer, Rub A535 has been a Canadian pain relief staple for over 90 years. But is A535 an anti-inflammatory? The answer is nuanced, as its primary mechanism is a counterirritant, though some formulations also contain ingredients with known anti-inflammatory effects.

Quick Summary

Rub A535 primarily functions as a counterirritant and topical analgesic, creating a heating or cooling sensation to mask deeper pain. While some ingredients, like Arnica and methyl salicylate, possess anti-inflammatory properties, its core action differs from systemic NSAIDs.

Key Points

Counterirritant Action: Standard A535 creams primarily act as counterirritants, creating a sensation (cooling or heating) to distract from deeper muscle and joint pain.
Methyl Salicylate's Role: This key ingredient functions as both a warming agent and possesses some anti-inflammatory properties, increasing blood flow to the affected area.
Arnica as a Specific Anti-inflammatory: The Natural Source Arnica cream version is explicitly an herbal anti-inflammatory, using Arnica to target the body's inflammatory process.
Not a Systemic NSAID: Standard A535 products do not contain NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac, making them suitable for use in combination with oral pain relievers under medical guidance.
Choose the Right Formulation: For general muscle aches, a standard heat cream is sufficient, while the Arnica version offers a dedicated anti-inflammatory approach for pain, swelling, and bruising.
Consult a Professional: It is advisable to consult a pharmacist or doctor for guidance, especially if you have chronic inflammation or are taking other medications.

The Primary Mechanism: Counterirritant Action

For many of its standard formulations, including the classic Heat Cream and No Odour versions, A535 works as a topical analgesic by using a counterirritant effect. Counterirritants are ingredients that produce a mild, local irritation on the skin, such as a heating or cooling sensation, which distracts the brain from the deeper pain signal originating from sore muscles or joints.

The key ingredients responsible for this distracting effect include:

Menthol: Creates a cooling sensation on the skin.
Camphor: Provides a warming sensation and acts as a mild pain reliever.
Eucalyptus Oil: Adds to the warming sensation and distinct scent of the cream.
Methyl Salicylate: Creates a warm sensation and is also the ingredient with the most notable link to anti-inflammatory effects.

This counterirritant action is designed to provide temporary, symptomatic pain relief rather than addressing the underlying inflammation directly, which is a key distinction when asking, "Is A535 an anti-inflammatory?".

The Anti-Inflammatory Component: It Depends on the Product

While the primary action is counterirritation, some specific A535 products do contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, most notably the Natural Source Arnica and some Arthritis-specific creams.

The Role of Arnica

The RUB·A535™ Natural Source Arnica Cream is specifically formulated as an herbal anti-inflammatory.

Active Compounds: The active components in Arnica montana are sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs).
Mechanism: These SQLs penetrate the skin and target the inflammatory cascade, thereby causing an anti-inflammatory effect.
Uses: This product is indicated for the relief of inflammation, as well as muscle or joint pain, bumps, and bruises.

The Action of Methyl Salicylate

Even in standard A535 formulations, the ingredient methyl salicylate offers more than just a warming effect. When applied topically, it is known to have both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, in part by causing vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which increases blood flow and temperature in the treated area. It's a type of salicylate, which belongs to the same class of drugs as aspirin, an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). However, its localized effect is different from a systemic NSAID.

A535 vs. Topical NSAID Creams

For clarity, it's helpful to compare A535 to other topical pain relief products that contain NSAIDs, like diclofenac (Voltaren). The key difference lies in their mechanism of action and systemic absorption. Topical NSAIDs are designed specifically to reduce inflammation, while standard A535 is a counterirritant.


Feature	Standard RUB A535 Cream	Topical NSAID (e.g., Voltaren)
Primary Mechanism	Counterirritant (distracts from pain with heating/cooling)	Directly reduces inflammation by blocking prostaglandins
Anti-Inflammatory Effect	Indirect or secondary, mainly from methyl salicylate; present explicitly in Arnica version	The core purpose and action of the medication
Active Ingredients	Camphor, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, Eucalyptus Oil	Diclofenac Sodium
Absorption	Small amounts may be absorbed, but minimal systemic effects	Very low systemic absorption, minimizing side effects compared to oral NSAIDs
Effectiveness	Fast-acting relief for muscle/joint aches and pains	Clinically proven for arthritis pain and stiffness

Conclusion: So, is A535 an anti-inflammatory?

The answer to "is A535 an anti-inflammatory?" depends on the specific product. Standard heat and no-odour creams primarily act as counterirritants to relieve pain temporarily. However, some ingredients within these creams, particularly methyl salicylate, do have anti-inflammatory effects. For a product whose main claim is anti-inflammatory action, the Natural Source Arnica Cream is the explicit option within the A535 lineup, as Arnica is a known herbal anti-inflammatory. Always read the label and consider the specific needs of your pain condition when choosing a pain relief cream.

Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist or doctor, is recommended if you need targeted anti-inflammatory treatment or are combining topical products with other medications.

For more information on different product types, you can visit the official RUB A535 FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard Rub A535 products are considered topical analgesics and counterirritants, not primary anti-inflammatory medications. However, some ingredients, like methyl salicylate, have secondary anti-inflammatory effects, and the specific Arnica formulation is an herbal anti-inflammatory.

The main mechanism for standard A535 creams is counterirritation. Active ingredients such as menthol and camphor produce a cooling or heating sensation on the skin, which distracts from the feeling of deeper muscle and joint pain.

Yes, the Rub A535 Natural Source Arnica Cream is specifically an herbal anti-inflammatory. It contains sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs) from Arnica montana flowers, which target and reduce inflammation in the affected area.

Methyl salicylate provides pain relief through two mechanisms: it acts as a counterirritant by causing a warming sensation and may have some anti-inflammatory effects by increasing blood flow to the application site.

Standard Rub A535 products do not contain NSAIDs and may be suitable for use in combination with oral NSAIDs, but you should always consult a healthcare professional first.

A535 primarily distracts from pain via counterirritation, while Voltaren contains a topical NSAID (diclofenac) that works directly to reduce inflammation at the source.

Check the product label. The Natural Source Arnica cream is explicitly labeled as an herbal anti-inflammatory. Standard creams rely on ingredients like methyl salicylate for secondary anti-inflammatory effects. Always read the ingredient list for clarity.