A good pain cream is like a magic potion when it comes to soothing muscle aches and inflammation. There are a ton of options out there: cooling, warming, or a combination of both; gels and thick creams; and even some that are oil-free. Then there’s texture, scent, and price to consider. We spoke to skin experts and emergency medicine physicians to sift through all the choices. Here are the best (and cheapest) ones to get you some sweet relief.

This cream from Noxicare combines natural ingredients to deliver deep-penetrating pain relief. It’s formulated without parabens and glycol, with ginger, rosemary extract, holy basil, alpha-lipoic acid, and Boswellia. All of these naturally derived compounds work together to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and swelling, and reduce stiffness and soreness.

Effective Relief: CBD Pain Cream Benefits

You can’t go wrong with a classic counterirritant like menthol, which creates a cooling sensation that distracts you from the soreness or relieves the pain by desensitizing the nerves. This maximum-strength version of Icy Hot delivers that plus methyl salicylate and camphor. This roll-on formula makes it easy to apply, and it won’t stain fabrics or hands.

This anti-inflammatory pain cream from Voltaren uses diclofenac sodium, an NSAID that helps ease the soreness and swelling caused by arthritis or an injury. The gel is water-based, which makes it non-greasy and fast-absorbing. Apply a thin layer where you want to relieve the pain up to three times per day. The gel also contains arnica to calm the skin and relieve inflammation.