Ever had a terribly bothersome muscle pain that won’t get better no matter how many painkillers you took? If yes, keep reading. While a long term chronic pain condition is best treated by a healthcare professional, you often need instant pain relief. That’s where pain-relief balms like Tiger Balm and Icy Hot come in.
Whether you’re looking for a pain relief patch or pain relief spray, consider these two balms.
They’re made using a concoction of organic and pharmacologic ingredients, that alleviate muscle and joint pains within seconds.
Now we know what you’re thinking, Tiger Balm vs Icy Hot - is one better than the other? Don’t worry! By the end of this article, you’ll know which one to pick!
Tiger Balm Vs. Icy Hot - A Head to Head Comparison
Specs | Tiger Balm | Icy Hot |
|---|---|---|
Variations | Available in 3 different strengths: regular, extra, and ultra | Available as multiple formulations; as a cream, a gel, a patch, and even as an extra-strength variant with lidocaine |
Ingredients | Contains camphor and menthol as active ingredients along with oils such as cajuput oil, mint oil, cassia oil, and other herbal ingredients | The active ingredients are camphor 11% and menthol 16% |
Usage | Suitable for external use; for adults and children above 12 years of age | Suitable for external use, not to be applied on open wounds or eroded skin |
When can you use it? | Can be used on muscles and joints for mild aches, pains, stiffness, soreness for temporary relief. It has also been used as a remedy for colds, tummy aches, and much more in the Asian culture | Works to temporarily relieve body aches, joint pains, sore muscles, and pains associated with arthritis |
Use per day | Can be used up to 3-4 times a day | Can be used up to 4 times a day, 2-3 hours apart |
Staining effect | Contains Cassia oil which might stain your clothes | Has a non-staining formulation |
Greasiness | Might be a little greasy due to its oil content | The formula is made to be non-greasy |
Effect | The analgesic effect lasts for about 2-3 hours, while the herbal formulation works to substantiate the relaxing effect, by decreasing the overall muscle tension | The application of the cream is followed by a cooling effect for pain-relief, followed by a heating effect to dull the pain. |
Price | It’s a bit pricier compared to the Icy Hot but still affordable | Cheap |
Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment Review
Tiger Balm is an Asian pain-reliever balm that claims to have been around for over 150 years. It works as a fast pain reliever gel for many ailments in Asian families. It has been used for muscle pains, joint pains, headaches, congestion, stomachaches, and even as a remedy for chronic arthritic pain!
The balm contains a strong percentage of extremely potent ingredients like camphor and menthol. These absorb into the skin and work to decrease the feeling of pain while ingredients like cassia oil help in decreasing inflammation and releasing tension from within the muscle.
What we like
What we don't like
Icy Hot Pain Relief Cream Review
Icy Hot Advanced Relief Cream has been one of the most popular OTC pain treatments. The cream has been formulated with Camphor 11% and Menthol 15% along with allantoin, peppermint oil, and glycerin. These ingredients work together to decrease inflammation and bring about the cold and warm effects of the cream. It can be used for pain associated with arthritis, backaches, muscle strains, and cramps. The Icy Hot works within minutes and brings you instant gratification.
What we like
What we don't like
The Similarities Between Tiger Balm and Icy Hot
While they’re both made by different manufacturers in countries apart, both Tiger Balm and Icy Hot might not be all that different. Here are some ways they are similar:
1. Active Ingredients
Tiger Balm and Icy Hot both use the same active ingredients in their formulation. Namely, Camphor and Menthol; both of which are topical anaesthetics. Camphor works to provide analgesia, while Menthol dulls the sensation of pain.
2. Indications
Both balms are marketed for temporary pain relief from muscle and joint conditions. They both seemingly work well for arthritis, sprains, strains, and muscle stiffness.
3. Usage
Tiger Balm and Icy Hot both come as topical formulations that you can apply directly onto the painful area. Both balms can provide topical pain relief for up to 4 hours and can be used 2-3 times a day depending on how much you need.
What are the differences between Icy Hot And Tiger Balm?
1. Price
While both Tiger balm and Icy Hot have similar price points, the Icy Hot has a better value for money. The tiger balm is comparatively expensive and comes in a 0.63 Ounce packaging, while the Icy Hot is not only cheaper, it also offers a whole 2 ounces for a lesser price.
2. Supporting Ingredients
While both balms are formulated with the same active ingredients, the Tiger Balm has an upper hand for also having a plethora of herbal ingredients to aid pain relief. Along with the camphor and menthol, Tiger Balm also contains cajuput oil, cassia oil, clove oil, and mint oil for additional benefits.
3. Texture
The Tiger Balm is more like an emollient, thicker in texture, so you need just a little bit to rub it in to get absorbed. It’s a little greasy and might stain the surrounding clothing. While the Icy Hot is a more lightweight creamy texture that gets absorbed more easily.
4. Effectiveness
The balms both work in similar ways by the cooling-heating effect. However, the tiger balm has proved to have been better in terms of pain relief and comfort. The Icy Hot might feel a bit too strong for some people, which in turn might exacerbate symptoms of discomfort instead of providing comfort.
Conclusion: Tiger Balm Or Icy Hot?
Now that we’ve done an in-depth analysis on how both topical pain cream/balms compare, which one do we actually recommend? Having used both and considering all aspects, the Tiger Balm is the editor’s pick.
While Icy Hot may not stain your clothes and be non-greasy (esp. compared to any lotion), none of those things matter when you’re in pain and you’d do anything to get rid of it. Whether you’re looking for Tiger Balm for back pain, muscular/joint pains or even insect bites, it provides an instant fix.
Even though the Icy Hot feels strong, Tiger Balm is much more potent and might possibly be the most potent analgesic balm on the market. So when it comes down to the one true deciding factor, pain relief, the winner is Tiger Balm.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/tiger-balm-uses
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-icy-hot-2552291