The need to deal with muscle pain or, in more severe cases, arthritic pain has led to the manufacturing of thousands of topical pain relief patches and creams.
In this article, we will compare two top pain relievers: Tiger Balm and Bengay pain-relieving creams. Hailed for their fast pain relief in muscle and joint pain, they offer targeted relief, eliminating discomfort.
Tiger Balm Vs. Bengay: Which is better? Well! It doesn’t get any trickier than that. Choosing one over the other is a daunting task – I bet you’ve been there, and you know it! Don’t worry, though…we have you covered!
So, is it tiger balm or Bengay pain reliever balm? Here is our in-depth comparison.
Tiger Balm Vs. Bengay: Comparison of Features and Specifications
Specs | Tiger Balm | Bengay |
|---|---|---|
Pain Management | Suitable for joint pain, muscle discomfort, sprains, and strains | Ideal for temporary relief of minor pain |
Weight | 0,63 ounces | 3 ounces |
Form | Cream | Cream |
Camphor | Yes | No |
Menthol | Yes | No |
Lidocaine HCL | No | Yes |
Scent | Mint | Tropical Jasmine - Ginger Citrus |
Price |
Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Red Extra Strength
Tiger balm has numerous ingredients that work to calm inflammation by cooling the affected pain areas. Some of its features include its main ingredient, camphor, a topical analgesic that provides relief for sore muscles and joint pains.
Tiger balm also contains menthol, the active ingredient that provides a cooling sensation to inflamed and uncomfortable areas. The tiger balm for back pain contains paraffin petrolatum that offers skin malleability – It moisturizes it and eliminates the tightness that comes with muscle pain.
What we like
What we don't like
Bengay Pain Relieving Lidocaine Cream Review
Bengay pain reliever gel works by numbing the nerves and desensitizing them to dull joint and muscle pain. The topical analgesic contains 4% of lidocaine HCL (its main ingredient) that works best in relieving pain quickly.
The Lidocaine based cream is lightly scented, offering a pleasant tropical jasmine and ginger citrus scent. The Bengay cream has a non-greasy formula that won't leave any residue behind. It Soothes the soreness associated with arthritic pain, muscle strain, backaches, sprains, and overexertion.
What we like
What we don't like
The Similarities Between Tiger Balm And Bengay Pain Relief
1. Affordability
Looking at tiger balm and Bengay pain reliever balm, one thing that they have in common is their affordability. With both topical creams working differently to reach a single goal of relieving pain, they are also usually cheaper than most pain relief sprays in the market.
However, we must note that Bengay is CHEAPER than Tiger balm.
2. Effectiveness
In terms of effectiveness and efficiency, Tiger balm and Bengay work eerily similarly. Tiger balm works well as menthol (one of its main ingredients), offering a cooling effect to the area of irritation/ pain immediately after application.
Depending on how large the area is, it still takes less than a minute to start working. The main ingredient, camphor, a common topical analgesic, works by providing pain management relief for joints and sore muscles.
Bengay lotion, on the other hand, works to desensitize and numb joints and muscles from pain. Its main ingredient, Lidocaine, works as an aesthetic if used in a 5-6% concentration.
3. Usage
When it comes to "how to use", these pain management products are similar. For instance, both are recommended for use only when the skin has cooled down. You cannot use the products immediately after body-increasing activities such as bathing, swimming, or sports. You have to wait for at least 30 minutes.
They also cause extreme irritation when used on a small cut or open wound. Additionally, both will work extremely fast to penetrate the skin – the pain relief effects are felt less than a minute after application.
Bengay Vs. Tiger Balm: The Differences
When considering tiger balm and Bengay, their differences also stand out. Here are some of the differences between the two products.
1. Packaging
For one, the Tiger balm has a reddish-brown color brought about by its ingredients. Tiger balm is used in more countries and readily available over the counter.
Bengay is harder to get and comes as a pain reliever gel. You also require a doctor’s recommendation to purchase the tube (this might vary depending on your country of residence).
Bengay is usually packed in a 3-ounce tube, while Tiger balm is smaller, weighing less than 1 ounce, and comes in a balm container.
2. Usage Difference
There is a noticeable difference when it comes to using these two products. For the tiger balm, you have to stick your finger in the product before gently applying and rubbing it on the affected area. Bengay comes in a tube and works by squeezing the needed amount onto your finger before gently spreading it on the affected area.
3. Ingredients and Immediate Effects
Tiger balm has a cooling effect as its main ingredient, camphor. It is ideal for temporary relief of joint pains, muscles, and minor aches associated with arthritis, bruises, sprains, strains, and simple backaches.
Bengay has a numbing effect once it's applied to the skin. The Lidocaine works to numb the area, ensuring that the irritated area ceases to itch. It can be used as a pain reliever gel for superficial bruises.
Editor’s Pick
The raging debate on tiger balm vs. Bengay lotion will continue as long as those seeking pain reliever products still have the will to choose. However, looking at tiger balm and Bengay, it's clear that the tiger balm is superior. Although it is a bit greasy due to the petrolatum, it is highly concentrated, offering quick relief on a large area using just a small pin-sized amount.
Convenient due to its size, it can be used for chronic pains. It can also be used by athletes before workouts minimizing sores and joint pains.
Creams/ lotions such as Bengay are prone to waste and dry up quickly compared to balm. You have to apply it frequently to enjoy the numbing relief it offers. For us, Tiger balm is in many ways better than Bengay even if it's pricier.