Bengay Products for Joint and Muscle Pain

Medically Reviewed by Beth Johnston, PharmD, BCPS on July 01, 2025
3 min read

Bengay products are used to treat joint and muscle pain. This can include back painarthritis pain, strains, sprains, and bruises. Bengay is an over-the-counter topical analgesic, meaning it's a medicine you put directly on your skin to relieve pain.

Bengay products use active ingredients called counterirritants. When you rub the medicine onto your skin, these ingredients create a strong sensation, either cooling or warming, that distracts your nerves so you feel the pain less. Some products also use an ingredient that causes a numbing effect.

Bengay products contain one or more of these main active ingredients to relieve your pain:

IngredientHow It Works
MentholProvides a cooling effect
Methyl SalicylateCreates a warming effect
CamphorProvides pain relief
LidocaineA topical analgesic that creates a numbing effect to block pain

Most people don't have serious side effects, but some mild side effects can happen. Stop using the product if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Some possible side effects include.

  • Stinging, burning, or tingling sensation of the skin.
  • Redness or irritation where the medicine was applied.

Bengay products are generally for adults and children who are 12 years and older. You should always follow the directions on the label for safe use.

Do not use Bengay products on wounds, damaged skin, or blistered skin. When using Bengay products, do not bandage the area tightly (where you apply the product), and do not use a heating pad on top of where you applied the product. This can cause too much medicine to be absorbed into your skin. Before using Bengay products, ask your health care provider if you have redness on the area of skin you plan to apply the product to.

Do not get Bengay products in your eyes, mouth, vagina, or nose, and do not swallow the medicine.

Stop using Bengay and ask your health care provider if you have any of the following. 

  • Symptoms that last for seven days or more
  • Symptoms that go away and come back within a few days
  • Redness or excessive skin irritation

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Bengay product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.

Simple backaches, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains

Preferred FormulationRecommended Products (Ingredients)
CreamUltra Strength Bengay Non-Greasy Topical Pain Relief Cream (camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate)
GelVanishing Scent Bengay Gel (menthol)
PatchUltra Strength Bengay Pain Relieving Patch (menthol)

Temporary pain relief

Preferred FormulationRecommended Products (Ingredients)
Cream Bengay Lidocaine Tropical Jasmine Cream (lidocaine)