Fans say this clear, non-sticky cream doesn’t burn or “make you smell like a tube of toothpaste” (ahem, Bengay) and actually delivers fast and long-lasting pain relief.
The magic inside this non-greasy and sensitive skin-friendly formula is arnica and vitamin B6, which the brand says soothe sore and achy muscles without the burning or freezing sensation of other numbing creams. It also contains Boswellia serrata, a natural inflammatory compound that can be particularly helpful in reducing joint stiffness and general pain. Reviewers say this pain-relieving cream “takes the edge off” aches and pains all over the body, noting it “works so much better than IcyHot” and other competitors on the market.
“I am 84 years young, however I have severe back issues and Penetrex has been the answer,” shopper Anne wrote. “Penetrex has no odor or greasy feeling like tiger balm. I apply to my thumb, neck, ankle, back, arm and Planters fasciitis. Whenever I have a discomfort, I rub a little on and get relief...Panic strikes when the jar gets low.”
The cream first captured our staff’s attention when we reported on highly rated over-the-counter solutions for plantar fasciitis.
“I had to do Cortisone injections last year 2025 for plantar fasciitis as I started working on a restaurant for the [first] time in my life and it hasn’t been fun,” Janette wrote. “That been written, this lotion is keeping me pain free, I truly preferred to do this than more injections.”
