Global Topical Pain Relief Market 2025-2035

List of Tables

Global Topical Pain Relief Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis by Formulation (Cream, Gel, Spray, and Others), and by Distribution Channel (Online and Offline) Forecast Period (2025-2035)

Industry Overview

Topical pain relief market was valued at $11.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $20.7 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period (2025-2035). The market is driven by the rising prevalence of chronic pain conditions, a growing preference for non-invasive, lower-side-effect treatments, and an aging global population. The other key factors include technological innovations in drug delivery, the expansion of the over-the-counter (OTC) market, increased online retail, and demand from athletes. However, factors like skin irritation and strong odors can hinder market growth.

Demographic and Epidemiological Tailwinds

Global population aging and rising incidence of osteoarthritis, chronic low-back pain, and sports injuries expand the addressable market for localized pain care. Older adults often prefer topical options to avoid systemic side effects from oral analgesics, supporting consistent demand growth.

Innovation in Formulations & Delivery Technologies

Advances in transdermal patches, micro-emulsion gels, permeation enhancers, and sustained-release matrices improve efficacy and convenience, encouraging clinician recommendations and consumer uptake. These technical gains also enable Rx-to-OTC switches and new product launches that stimulate category renewals.

Channel Evolution and Greater Self-Care Adoption

Expanding e-commerce, growth of online pharmacies and telemedicine, plus a global shift toward self-management of minor to moderate pain, are increasing accessibility and purchase frequency. Private-label and value brands on digital marketplaces further broaden reach while branded players invest in digital marketing and patient education to defend share.

Market Segmentation

Based on the formulation, the market is segmented into cream, gel, spray, and others(patch).
Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into online and offline.

Cream Segment to Grow at a Considerable Market Share

Among all segments, the cream formulation segment holds the largest share of the global topical pain relief market. Cream-based products are widely preferred due to their ease of application, faster absorption, and effectiveness in delivering localized pain relief for conditions such as arthritis, muscle strain, joint pain, and neuropathic discomfort. These products often combine non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), menthol, camphor, or capsaicin, providing both immediate cooling relief and longer-term pain management benefits. Their versatility across consumer age groups and affordability further enhance market penetration. Additionally, creams are extensively distributed through retail pharmacies, supermarkets, and hospital outlets, contributing to their dominant market position. The consistent demand for brands such as Icy Hot, Voltaren, Bengay, and Tiger Balm underscores this segment's leadership globally.

Online: A Key Segment in Market Growth

In terms of market growth, the online distribution channel represents the key growth segment expected to expand at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The rapid rise of e-commerce platforms and online pharmacies, coupled with increasing consumer preference for home delivery and self-care products, has accelerated the shift from traditional brick-and-mortar retail to digital purchasing behavior. Online channels provide customers with convenient access to a wide range of topical pain relief products, transparent pricing, detailed product reviews, and attractive promotional discounts. The growing popularity of e-pharmacies in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific -alongside emerging digital health ecosystems in developing nations -further supports this growth trajectory.

Regional Outlook

The global topical pain relief market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

North America Region to Hold a Substantial Growth Rate

In North America, the US dominates the global topical pain relief market, holding the largest share due to its advanced healthcare system, high prevalence of chronic pain conditions, and widespread adoption of non-invasive pain management solutions. A strong OTC drug infrastructure, extensive retail and online pharmacy networks, and leading players such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, GSK, Reckitt, and Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical drive the country's market leadership. Popular brands like Voltaren, Icy Hot, Bengay, and Salonpas enjoy high consumer trust and accessibility. Moreover, increasing digitalization, insurance coverage for prescription topicals, and growing awareness of non-opioid alternatives further strengthen the US market's dominance, positioning it as the global hub for innovation and consumption in topical pain relief products.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies operating in the global topical pain relief market include GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Johnson & Johnson, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.

Recent Developments

In July 2025, Biofreeze introduced two new pain relief solutions for active lifestyles: the Biofreeze Ultraflex Patch and the lidocaine Ultraflex Patch. The Ultraflex Patch, with 4% lidocaine, blocks pain without a prescription and offers up to 8 hours of use. The Dry Stick, with 15% menthol, is portable and easy to use, making it the perfect choice for quick, powerful relief anytime, anywhere.
In September 2024, Mankind Pharma launched Nimulid Strong, a gel and spray formulation designed to address neck pain. The product contains 2X diclofenac concentration, providing faster relief for neck pain sufferers. The launch is accompanied by a Hindi video campaign titled #GardanHilaateRaho, which highlights the cultural significance of neck movements in Indian communication. The campaign connects neck movements to non-verbal communication scenarios, emphasizing the effectiveness of Nimulid Strong in alleviating neck pain.

The Report Covers:

Market value data analysis for 2024 and forecast to 2035.
Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
Key companies operating in the global topical pain relief market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products and relevant news is also available in the report.
Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market.

Product Code: OMR2024063

1. Report Summary

Current Industry Analysis and Growth Potential Outlook
Global Topical Pain Relief Market Sales Analysis - Formulation | Distribution Channel ($ Million)
Topical Pain Relief Market Sales Performance of Top Countries
1.1. Research Methodology
Primary Research Approach
Secondary Research Approach
1.2. Market Snapshot

2. Market Overview and Insights

2.1. Scope of the Study
2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends
- 2.2.1. Key Topical Pain Relief Market Trends
- 2.2.2. Market Recommendations
2.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis for the Topical Pain Relief Market
- 2.3.1. Competitive Rivalry
- 2.3.2. Threat of New Entrants
- 2.3.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 2.3.4. Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 2.3.5. Threat of Substitutes

3. Market Determinants

3.1. Market Drivers
- 3.1.1. Drivers For Global Topical Pain Relief Market: Impact Analysis
3.2. Market Pain Points and Challenges
- 3.2.1. Restraints For Global Topical Pain Relief Market: Impact Analysis
3.3. Market Opportunities
- 3.3.1. Opportunities For Global Topical Pain Relief Market: Impact Analysis

4. Competitive Landscape

4.1. Competitive Dashboard - Topical Pain Relief Market Revenue and Share by Manufacturers
Topical Pain Relief Product Comparison Analysis
Top Market Player Ranking Matrix
4.2. Key Company Analysis
- 4.2.1. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
  - 4.2.1.1. Overview
  - 4.2.1.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.1.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.1.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.1.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.2. Johnson & Johnson
  - 4.2.2.1. Overview
  - 4.2.2.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.2.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.2.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.2.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.3. Novartis AG
  - 4.2.3.1. Overview
  - 4.2.3.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.3.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.3.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.3.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.4. Pfizer Inc.
  - 4.2.4.1. Overview
  - 4.2.4.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.4.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.4.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.4.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.5. Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
  - 4.2.5.1. Overview
  - 4.2.5.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.5.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.5.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.5.5. Business Strategy
4.3. Top Winning Strategies by Market Players
- 4.3.1. Merger and Acquisition
- 4.3.2. Product Launch
- 4.3.3. Partnership And Collaboration

5. Global Topical Pain Relief Market Sales Analysis by Formulation ($ Million)

5.1. Cream
5.2. Gel
5.3. Spray
5.4. Others(Patch)

6. Global Topical Pain Relief Market Sales Analysis by Distribution Channel ($ Million)

6.1. Online
6.2. Offline

7. Regional Analysis

7.1. North American Topical Pain Relief Market Sales Analysis - Formulation | Distribution Channel ($ Million)
Macroeconomic Factors for North America
- 7.1.1. United States
- 7.1.2. Canada
7.2. European Topical Pain Relief Market Sales Analysis - Formulation | Distribution Channel ($ Million)
Macroeconomic Factors for Europe
- 7.2.1. UK
- 7.2.2. Germany
- 7.2.3. Italy
- 7.2.4. Spain
- 7.2.5. France
- 7.2.6. Russia
- 7.2.7. Rest of Europe
7.3. Asia-Pacific Topical Pain Relief Market Sales Analysis - Formulation | Distribution Channel ($ Million)
Macroeconomic Factors for Asia-Pacific
- 7.3.1. China
- 7.3.2. Japan
- 7.3.3. South Korea
- 7.3.4. India
- 7.3.5. Australia & New Zealand
- 7.3.6. ASEAN Countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, And Other)
- 7.3.7. Rest of Asia-Pacific
7.4. Rest of the World Topical Pain Relief Market Sales Analysis - Formulation | Distribution Channel ($ Million)
Macroeconomic Factors for the Rest of the World
- 7.4.1. Latin America
- 7.4.2. Middle East and Africa

8. Company Profiles

8.1. Abbott Laboratories
- 8.1.1. Quick Facts
- 8.1.2. Company Overview
- 8.1.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.1.4. Business Strategies
8.2. Acella Pharmaceuticals Endo Pharmaceuticals
- 8.2.1. Quick Facts
- 8.2.2. Company Overview
- 8.2.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.2.4. Business Strategies
8.3. Astellas Pharma Inc.
- 8.3.1. Quick Facts
- 8.3.2. Company Overview
- 8.3.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.3.4. Business Strategies
8.4. Bayer AG
- 8.4.1. Quick Facts
- 8.4.2. Company Overview
- 8.4.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.4.4. Business Strategies
8.5. Bristol Myers Squibb
- 8.5.1. Quick Facts
- 8.5.2. Company Overview
- 8.5.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.5.4. Business Strategies
8.6. Cipla Ltd.
- 8.6.1. Quick Facts
- 8.6.2. Company Overview
- 8.6.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.6.4. Business Strategies
8.7. Eli Lilly and Co.
- 8.7.1. Quick Facts
- 8.7.2. Company Overview
- 8.7.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.7.4. Business Strategies
8.8. GlaxoSmithKline plc / Haleon
- 8.8.1. Quick Facts
- 8.8.2. Company Overview
- 8.8.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.8.4. Business Strategies
8.9. Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.
- 8.9.1. Quick Facts
- 8.9.2. Company Overview
- 8.9.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.9.4. Business Strategies
8.10. Johnson & Johnson
- 8.10.1. Quick Facts
- 8.10.2. Company Overview
- 8.10.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.10.4. Business Strategies
8.11. Mylan / (part of Viatris)
- 8.11.1. Quick Facts
- 8.11.2. Company Overview
- 8.11.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.11.4. Business Strategies
8.12. Novartis AG
- 8.12.1. Quick Facts
- 8.12.2. Company Overview
- 8.12.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.12.4. Business Strategies
8.13. Perrigo Company plc
- 8.13.1. Quick Facts
- 8.13.2. Company Overview
- 8.13.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.13.4. Business Strategies
8.14. Pfizer Inc.
- 8.14.1. Quick Facts
- 8.14.2. Company Overview
- 8.14.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.14.4. Business Strategies
8.15. Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
- 8.15.1. Quick Facts
- 8.15.2. Company Overview
- 8.15.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.15.4. Business Strategies
8.16. Sanofi S.A.
- 8.16.1. Quick Facts
- 8.16.2. Company Overview
- 8.16.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.16.4. Business Strategies
8.17. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- 8.17.1. Quick Facts
- 8.17.2. Company Overview
- 8.17.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.17.4. Business Strategies
8.18. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- 8.18.1. Quick Facts
- 8.18.2. Company Overview
- 8.18.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.18.4. Business Strategies
8.19. Viatris Inc.
- 8.19.1. Quick Facts
- 8.19.2. Company Overview
- 8.19.3. Product Portfolio
- 8.19.4. Business Strategies