When you’re battling an injury, arthritis flare-up or just a little muscle soreness, relief is key. And luckily, there’s an easy solution that just happens to be right under your nose.

A counterirritant, this is the best cream for pain. Ingredients like camphor, menthol and peppermint oil produce a cooling sensation that distracts your mind from the pain. Plus, this cream doesn’t contain salicylates—the NSAID pain reliever that gives aspirin its kick—and thus may be less irritating for those with sensitive skin.

Top Pick: The Best Cream for Pain

This Bengay gel is another non-greasy option that offers soothing relief for sore muscles and joints. The NSAID analgesic in this formula, diclofenac sodium, calms pain and inflammation. But be mindful when using this gel, which may sting your hands a bit and can be dangerous if you mix it with oral NSAIDs (like aspirin) or use it too often.

Lidocaine is a powerful pain reliever without the side effects of prescription pills, and this Aspercreme formula has the highest amount you can get over-the-counter. It numbs pain by blocking the ability of nerves to send signals to your brain. And reviewers say it works fast for arthritis, sore muscles and over-exertion.

This natural topical uses a blend of soothing botanicals to calm aches and pains, such as arnica, turmeric and ginger. Unlike other muscle rubs, this one doesn’t contain any potentially irritating ingredients, such as parabens or glycol.