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NOW Foods Joint & Muscle Cream
NOW Foods Joint & Muscle Cream — 118 ml per pack, applied to the skin rather than swallowed.
What it is
- A multi-ingredient topical cream rather than a single active
- Check the label for the exact actives and amounts in this one
How to use
For external use only. Apply to the skin and massage in, following the directions on the pack. Avoid broken skin and the eye area.
Good to know
- For external use — not to be swallowed
For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
At a glance
Limited
evidence for warming joint and muscle rubs
Our honest take
A cosmetic body cream with methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) and capsaicin, which create a warming feeling on the skin, plus glucosamine, boswellia, safflower oil and squalane. Warming creams have limited, low-quality evidence behind them, and glucosamine or boswellia in a cream have very little research at all. As a cosmetic it cannot claim to relieve pain and we make no such claim; at under £9 it is an inexpensive rub if you like the feeling.
- You like a warming rub after exercise
- You want a cream rather than a tablet
- You take warfarin or another blood thinner, or are allergic to aspirin (methyl salicylate is related to aspirin)
- You are allergic to shellfish (contains glucosamine from shellfish)
- You want pain relief: ask a pharmacist about a licensed medicine instead
The science
Warming joint and muscle rubs· evidence: Limited
Joint and muscle creams and gels sold as cosmetics usually rely on ingredients that create a warming or cooling feeling on the skin, such as methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), capsaicin (from chilli), menthol or camphor, often with added herbal extracts or glucosamine.
A Cochrane review of salicylate rubs found limited and low-quality evidence, mostly from older, small studies. Added glucosamine or herbal extracts in a cream have very little research behind them. Creams sold as cosmetics cannot claim to relieve pain, and we make no such claims; if you need pain relief, a pharmacist can advise on licensed products.
Typical dose: Apply a thin layer to unbroken skin as directed, usually up to 3–4 times a day
Safety: For external use only. Methyl salicylate is related to aspirin: avoid if you are allergic to aspirin, and speak to your pharmacist first if you take warfarin or another blood thinner. Do not use on broken or irritated skin, near the eyes, with heat pads or under tight bandages. Wash your hands after use. Not for children unless the label says so.
Research we looked at:
Derry S, Matthews PRL, Wiffen PJ, Moore RA (2014). Salicylate-containing rubefacients for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (11):CD007403.
Ingredients & nutrition
Always check the pack you receive, as manufacturers sometimes update recipes.
How to use
Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. General information, not medical advice. Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medication.
NOW Foods Joint & Muscle Cream — 118 ml per pack, applied to the skin rather than swallowed.
What it is
- A multi-ingredient topical cream rather than a single active
- Check the label for the exact actives and amounts in this one
How to use
For external use only. Apply to the skin and massage in, following the directions on the pack. Avoid broken skin and the eye area.
Good to know
- For external use — not to be swallowed
For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
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