Which is better, Biofreeze or Voltaren? A Complete Comparison for Pain Relief

In 2021, an estimated 51.6 million U.S. adults experienced chronic pain. In the search for relief, many wonder which is better, Biofreeze or Voltaren? These popular topicals work in fundamentally different ways to address pain.

Quick Summary

A detailed analysis of Biofreeze, a cooling counterirritant, versus Voltaren, a topical NSAID. This explores their active ingredients, mechanisms, best uses for specific pain types, and safety profiles.

Key Points

• Primary Function: Voltaren is an anti-inflammatory that treats pain at its source, while Biofreeze is a counterirritant that masks pain with a cooling sensation.

• Active Ingredient: Voltaren's active ingredient is diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), whereas Biofreeze's is menthol.

• Best Use Case: Voltaren is FDA-approved specifically for arthritis pain in joints like the hands and knees. Biofreeze is better for muscle soreness, strains, and sprains.

• Mechanism of Action: Voltaren works by blocking pain- and inflammation-causing prostaglandins. Biofreeze works by stimulating cold receptors to block pain signals from reaching the brain.

• Safety Warning: Voltaren has a serious FDA black box warning for increased risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal events, a risk not associated with Biofreeze.

• Availability: Both products are now available over-the-counter (OTC), though Voltaren was previously a prescription-only medication.

• Application: Do not apply either product to broken or irritated skin, and do not use a heating pad with Biofreeze.

The Rise of Topical Pain Relievers

When dealing with localized pain, from a strained muscle after a workout to the persistent ache of arthritis, many people seek alternatives to oral medications. Topical analgesics, applied directly to the skin, are a primary option. They work at the site of pain, often with fewer systemic side effects than pills. Two of the most recognized names in this category are Biofreeze and Voltaren. However, they are not interchangeable. Understanding their distinct mechanisms is key to choosing the right product for your specific type of pain.

What is Biofreeze? The Power of Cooling

Biofreeze is a topical analgesic whose active ingredient is menthol. It acts as a counterirritant, working primarily by creating a cooling sensation to change the brain's perception of pain rather than addressing the underlying cause.

How It Works

The menthol in Biofreeze stimulates cold receptors (TRPM8) on the skin. These signals compete with pain signals along the same nerve pathways, effectively overriding the pain sensation according to the Gate Control Theory. This provides temporary pain relief.

Best Uses for Biofreeze

Biofreeze is suitable for temporary relief of minor aches and pains such as sore muscles, sprains, bruises, simple backache, and minor joint discomfort. It's often favored for muscle soreness or general aches.

What is Voltaren? Targeting Inflammation

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel contains the NSAID diclofenac sodium. Unlike Biofreeze, Voltaren aims to reduce both pain and inflammation at the source.

How It Works

Diclofenac inhibits COX enzymes responsible for producing prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandins locally, Voltaren decreases inflammation and pain, potentially improving joint mobility. Its Emulgel formula aids skin penetration.

Best Uses for Voltaren

Voltaren is FDA-approved for osteoarthritis pain in certain joints like the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. It is not recommended for strains, sprains, or sports injuries.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Biofreeze vs. Voltaren

Feature	Biofreeze	Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel
Active Ingredient	Menthol (typically 4%-10%)	Diclofenac Sodium 1% (an NSAID)
Mechanism of Action	Counterirritant; creates a cooling sensation to mask pain signals (Gate Control Theory)	Anti-inflammatory; blocks the production of pain-causing chemicals (prostaglandins) at the source
Primary Use	Temporary relief of minor aches from muscle soreness, sprains, and bruises	Relief of pain from osteoarthritis in specific joints (hands, knees, etc.)
Effect on Inflammation	Does not directly address underlying inflammation	Directly reduces inflammation
Availability	Over-the-counter (OTC)	Over-the-counter (OTC); was previously prescription-only
Application Frequency	Up to 4 times per day	4 times per day

Safety Profiles and Potential Side Effects

Due to diclofenac's NSAID properties, Voltaren has different safety considerations compared to Biofreeze.

Biofreeze Safety

Biofreeze is generally safe with minor side effects like skin redness, irritation, burning, or stinging. Avoid applying it to broken skin or using it with heating pads due to burn risk. Serious allergic reactions are uncommon.

Voltaren Safety and Black Box Warning

As an NSAID, Voltaren has a black box warning from the FDA for increased risk of serious cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) and gastrointestinal issues (bleeding, ulcers, perforation), which can be fatal. While topical application results in lower systemic absorption than oral NSAIDs, the risk is still present. Avoid use before or after heart surgery, and do not use with oral NSAIDs unless directed by a doctor. Other potential risks include liver, kidney, or blood pressure problems.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

The best choice between Biofreeze and Voltaren depends on your pain type and cause.

• Choose Biofreeze for acute, non-inflammatory pain like muscle soreness or minor sprains. It offers quick, temporary relief by masking pain.
• Choose Voltaren for chronic, inflammatory joint pain from osteoarthritis. It works by reducing inflammation at the source, providing more targeted relief for this condition.

Given Voltaren's potential side effects, especially with long-term use, consult a healthcare provider. Always follow product directions and be aware of their specific uses and safety information. For more on topical NSAID safety, resources like the FDA are helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Biofreeze and Voltaren together?

While there are no specific interactions listed between the two, using multiple topical products on the same area should be done only under medical supervision. It is strongly advised to discuss this with your healthcare provider first.

Which one works faster, Biofreeze or Voltaren?

Biofreeze typically provides a faster-feeling relief because its cooling sensation begins almost immediately to mask pain. Voltaren may take longer to show its full effect as it works by reducing underlying inflammation, a process that can take up to a week for noticeable improvement.

Do I need a prescription for Voltaren gel?

No, Voltaren Arthritis Pain 1% gel is now available over-the-counter (OTC). It was previously a prescription-only medication.

Can I use a heating pad with Biofreeze or Voltaren?

You should never use a heating pad with Biofreeze, as it can cause serious skin burns. The effect of using Voltaren with occlusive dressings or heat has not been evaluated and should be avoided.

Why can't I use Voltaren on my back?

Over-the-counter Voltaren gel has not been shown to work for strains, sprains, or sports injuries, and it is not FDA-approved for use on the back or shoulder. It is indicated for arthritis pain in smaller joints like the knees, hands, and wrists.

What is the main difference in how Biofreeze and Voltaren work?

The main difference is their mechanism. Biofreeze is a counterirritant that uses a cooling sensation (menthol) to distract the brain from pain. Voltaren is a topical NSAID (diclofenac) that reduces inflammation, which is the source of the pain.

Does Biofreeze reduce inflammation?

No, Biofreeze's primary function is to relieve pain via a cooling sensation; it does not address or reduce the underlying inflammation. Voltaren is the product that works as an anti-inflammatory.