A New Class of Muscle Rubs Sidesteps That Locker Room Aroma

(Bloomberg Businessweek) -- The cooling effect of menthol—the main ingredient in popular muscle rubs such as Icy Hot, Bengay, and Biofreeze—comes from an ability to trigger cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, distracting you from the real aches below the surface.

But you really know it’s working by the pungent odor, which is about as subtle as a Batman villain.

A new wave of products, however, is using ingredients that don’t announce “I just worked out” to anyone within sniffing distance. Arnica, which helps with bruising and swelling, is a popular one. “You’ll often find it in combination with other products,” says Michelle Miller, a New York-based clinical nutritionist. 

Dr. Taz Bhatia, an integrative health expert in Atlanta, encourages the use of  magnesium because many people have a deficiency but don’t realize it. Holly Rilinger, a Nike Inc. master trainer, is a fan of CBD. “For people looking for a more natural way to combat inflammation,” she says, “I think it’s a good tool.”

How well they work is debatable. Brad Schoenfeld, an assistant professor of exercise science at Lehman College in New York, thinks most muscle recovery products aren’t effective. Yet he argues they aren’t entirely pointless. “Even if it’s not really working but you’re feeling better, that’s a good thing,” he says. 

To find out which of these new lotions works best—if at all—we recruited a team of creaky jointed, occasionally active journalists to test more than 60 new muscle rubs. “I honestly can’t tell if it helped relax my muscles,” one of our more skeptical testers wrote. “But it did feel like self-care.” Here are six ingredients that stood out from the over-mentholated pack.

Arnica

Naturopathica’s Arnica gel combines arnica, a prized European herb used in homeopathic salves and teas since the Middle Ages, with magnesium, zinc, and yes, some menthol. Just a dime-size amount will combat soreness, and the lightweight texture goes on clean. $30 for 2.5 oz.

Devil’s claw

Menthol remains the primary ingredient in Feel Good Lab Sport Recovery Lotion. But it’s devil’s claw, a South African herbal remedy, that boosts its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The cream rubs in easily, and the menthol scent disappears with it. $26 for 3.4 oz.

Chamomile

Since the days of ancient Egypt, people have used this calming anti-inflammatory. Way of Will Soothe and Cool oil combines it with peppermint and jojoba to give a cooling sensation without the sticky residue. Use as a post-workout massage oil or an effective moisturizer. $29.50 for 2 oz.

Cannabidiol

CBD, the buzziest ingredient on the market, is beloved for its ability to relieve pain, cramps, and anxiety. Mary’s Nutritionals Elite Transdermal Patch releases its target ingredients for 8 to 12 hours. Apply to any veinous area of the skin. $10 for one patch

Seaweed

Fucus serratus, or seaweed extract, has been used for centuries in the U.K. to refresh the skin. Voya’s Feel the Heat muscle warming gel combines it with arnica and aloe for a gentle warming sensation. You may need to use more than the usual quarter-size drop to feel an impact. $39 for 3.4 fl. oz.

Witch Hazel

With a smooth, lightweight consistency, Elemis Instant Refreshing gel combines arnica, birch, menthol, and witch hazel, an astringent that can help acne, eczema, and other inflammation-related issues. Use the gel on the scalp and temples to relieve stress headaches. $55.50 for 5.1 fl. oz.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Chris Rovzar at crovzar@bloomberg.net, James Gaddy

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