What cream is best for inflammation?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study analysis in Nutrients, arnica may offer comparable pain relief to ibuprofen for certain conditions. When considering what cream is best for inflammation, the right choice depends on the cause, location, and severity of your discomfort.

Quick Summary

The most effective cream for inflammation varies by cause, from joint pain to skin conditions. Options range from anti-inflammatory NSAID gels to soothing counterirritants and topical steroids. Natural alternatives are also available.

Key Points

For Arthritis: Voltaren (diclofenac) is a powerful topical NSAID that effectively reduces joint pain and inflammation, available over-the-counter.
For Muscle Strains: Counterirritant creams like Icy Hot and Bengay use ingredients like menthol and camphor to provide rapid, temporary pain relief through cooling and warming sensations.
For Skin Conditions: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams are effective for calming inflammation, redness, and itching from rashes, eczema, and other skin irritations.
Natural Options: Herbal remedies such as arnica and aloe vera can offer a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect for minor aches, bruises, and irritated skin.
Safety and Application: Always wash your hands before and after use, apply to clean, unbroken skin, and follow the product's instructions carefully to prevent side effects and ensure proper absorption.
Fewer Side Effects: Topical creams offer the advantage of localized treatment, which typically results in a lower risk of serious systemic side effects compared to oral anti-inflammatory drugs.

The Main Types of Anti-Inflammatory Creams

NSAID Topical Creams

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) creams, such as diclofenac (sold under the brand name Voltaren), work by blocking a specific enzyme called COX, which is involved in creating the chemicals that cause inflammation. This direct action helps reduce pain and swelling effectively, particularly for joint and muscle pain. Once a prescription-only medication, some strengths of diclofenac gel are now available over-the-counter, making it a powerful and accessible option for conditions like arthritis and tendonitis.

Counterirritant Creams

Counterirritants contain ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate that produce a cooling or warming sensation on the skin. Rather than blocking inflammation, they work by distracting the brain from the underlying pain. Popular brands like Icy Hot and Bengay fall into this category. They are most effective for mild muscle aches and soreness and are a good choice when you want immediate, temporary relief without systemic anti-inflammatory effects.

Capsaicin Creams

Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin creams work by interfering with a chemical involved in pain sensation. Over time, with consistent use, they can desensitize nerve pain. Capsaicin provides a warming or burning sensation upon application that can be intense for some users. Prescription-strength capsaicin patches are also used for more severe nerve-related pain.

Topical Steroids

For inflammation related to skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and psoriasis, topical corticosteroids are often the most effective solution. Hydrocortisone cream, available over-the-counter in lower strengths, works by suppressing the immune response that causes inflammation, redness, and itching. Higher-potency steroid creams require a prescription from a doctor.

Natural and Herbal Creams

For those who prefer natural options, several herbal ingredients are used for their anti-inflammatory properties:

Arnica: A homeopathic remedy derived from a flower, arnica is frequently used to soothe muscles and calm inflammation, particularly related to bruising. It's available in many commercial creams and gels.
Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera can help calm skin irritation and inflammation. It's often used for sunburn and minor skin issues.
CBD (Cannabidiol): Some products infused with CBD are marketed for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. When applied topically, CBD interacts with receptors in the skin to reduce the inflammatory response.
Shea Butter and Coconut Oil: These natural oils offer excellent moisturizing properties and can help soothe and hydrate inflamed, dry skin.

Choosing the Right Cream for Your Condition

Identifying the underlying cause of your inflammation is key to selecting the most suitable cream. Here's a quick guide based on common ailments:

Arthritis Pain: A topical NSAID containing diclofenac, like Voltaren, is highly effective for pain in joints close to the skin, such as hands, elbows, and knees.
Muscle Aches and Strains: Counterirritant creams with menthol or camphor, such as Icy Hot or Bengay, can provide rapid, temporary relief by masking the pain with hot or cold sensations.
Skin Rashes or Eczema: A 1% hydrocortisone cream is a standard over-the-counter treatment for reducing the redness and itching associated with skin irritation.
Persistent or Chronic Nerve Pain: While over-the-counter capsaicin can help over time, a healthcare provider might recommend prescription-strength options for more targeted relief.

Comparison Table: Common Anti-Inflammatory Creams


Feature	NSAID Creams (e.g., Voltaren)	Counterirritant Creams (e.g., Icy Hot)	Capsaicin Creams	Arnica Creams	Topical Steroid Creams (e.g., Hydrocortisone)
Primary Mechanism	Blocks inflammation-causing enzymes	Distracts from pain with hot/cold sensation	Desensitizes nerve pain over time	Herbal anti-inflammatory effect	Suppresses immune-related inflammation
Good For	Joint pain, arthritis, tendonitis	Muscle aches, strains, soreness	Chronic nerve pain, stiffness	Bruising, mild aches, soreness	Skin rashes, eczema, itching
Effect Onset	Takes days to weeks for full effect	Immediate (distraction)	Weeks of consistent use	Varied, can be quick for bruising	Days to show improvement
Primary Side Effects	Mild skin irritation, rash	Burning, irritation, strong scent	Intense burning, especially at first	Allergic reactions, skin irritation	Skin thinning (prolonged use)
Best Use Case	Localized arthritis pain	Quick, temporary muscle ache relief	Long-term chronic pain management	Natural remedy for minor aches	Calming inflammatory skin conditions

How to Apply Anti-Inflammatory Cream Safely

Proper application ensures both effectiveness and safety.

Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the cream to prevent spreading the product to sensitive areas like your eyes.
Clean the Area: Apply the cream to clean, dry, and unbroken skin.
Use the Right Amount: If a dosing card is provided (as with Voltaren), use it to measure the correct amount for the affected area. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the packaging or from your healthcare provider.
Massage Thoroughly: Rub the cream gently into the skin until fully absorbed.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to the recommended frequency of application, and do not use more than directed.
Avoid Bandages: Do not cover the treated area with a heating pad or tight bandage unless specifically directed by a doctor.
Give It Time: For best absorption, wait at least one hour before showering, bathing, or washing the area.

Conclusion

While a single "best" cream for inflammation does not exist, a highly effective option for joint pain is Voltaren (diclofenac) gel, while creams with menthol or camphor are great for minor muscle aches. For skin-specific inflammation, hydrocortisone is the gold standard. Ultimately, the right choice depends on the specific condition being treated. For persistent or severe inflammation, or if you have underlying health issues, always consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment. For additional information on topical treatments for arthritis pain, review the guidance from the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

For joint inflammation, the topical NSAID diclofenac, sold over-the-counter as Voltaren, is widely considered one of the most effective options for localized relief.

The effectiveness of natural creams, such as those with arnica or CBD, can be more variable and may be better suited for minor aches. Medicinal options like NSAID creams or topical steroids are generally more potent for serious inflammation.

A counterirritant cream, containing ingredients like menthol, distracts from the pain with a hot or cold sensation, while an NSAID cream, like diclofenac, directly reduces the inflammation at the source.

No, you should not apply anti-inflammatory creams to broken or infected skin. They are intended for external use on healthy skin and can cause irritation on open wounds.

Application frequency varies depending on the specific product and its active ingredients. You should always follow the instructions provided on the packaging or by your healthcare provider.

Topical NSAIDs can be used for the long term for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis under a doctor's supervision. For topical steroids, long-term use can cause skin thinning, so it's important to follow your doctor's advice.

No, combining topical pain relievers with a heating pad or tight bandage is generally not recommended, as it can increase absorption and the risk of side effects.