Biofreeze Pain Relief FAQ

Article last updated: 08/02/2021

Looking for answers to your Biofreeze questions? You’re in the right place! Keep reading to learn the answers to frequently asked questions about Biofreeze pain relief products.

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is also called “cold therapy”. It includes using low temperatures to relieve pain, soreness, and swelling after injury or surgery. Examples of cryotherapy include ice packs, ice baths, and Biofreeze (which creates a cold sensation).

What is a topical analgesic?

“Topical” means applied on the skin (unlike oral pain medication), while “analgesic” means used for pain relief. All forms of Biofreeze are topical analgesics.

What is Biofreeze?

Biofreeze is a topical analgesic. The gel, spray, patch, roll-on, foam, and cream can be applied to your skin providing temporary cooling relief for muscle and joint pain. The active ingredient in Biofreeze is menthol.

When was Biofreeze invented?

Biofreeze was invented in 1991 by a scientist who was looking for a way to relieve his grandmother’s arthritis pain. Over time, different forms of Biofreeze were created to meet different users’ needs.

How does Biofreeze work?

Biofreeze, like other topical analgesics, is thought to work due to the “Pain Gate Theory”, also known as the “Gate Control Theory”.

You feel pain when your nerve receptors send a signal from the point of pain to your spinal cord and then to your brain. The cold sensation “counter irritant” caused by the menthol in Biofreeze blocks the nerves that signal pain, so you feel a cooling sensation instead.

How does Biofreeze work compared to ice?

Biofreeze and ice are both forms of cryotherapy. Both can help relieve your pain, but Biofreeze is proven to be the superior choice. With Biofreeze you can reduce your pain and are more likely to avoid the inconvenient side effects of ice, like stiffness, skin irritation, and numbness. Plus, you don’t need to stay inactive during application.

What if I still prefer ice over Biofreeze?

If you still prefer ice, try Therapearl Color Changing Hot and Cold Packs. The 2-in-1 packs can be frozen in the fridge for cold therapy or heated for microwave for hot therapy. The packs are reusable and designed for use on specific body parts, like your shoulder or ankle. Each pack has a strap to secure it during use, eliminating one of the nuisances of using ice - you can still move around during application!

Is Biofreeze used by athletes?

Many professional, college, and high school athletes and fitness enthusiasts use Biofreeze.

Is Biofreeze used by medical professionals?

Yes, in fact, Biofreeze is the #1 clinically recommended topical pain reliever by pharmacists, physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, podiatrists, and athletic trainers.

Jena Etnoyer-Slaski, MSEd, AT at Kaizo Health loves Biofreeze, “We commonly recommend Biofreeze for both acute neck and low back pain patients. The application early on in an injury provides them with pain relief allowing them to move through their therapy easier and with less guarding”.

Who else uses Biofreeze?

Plenty of people use Biofreeze to relieve their pain during their daily life. Biofreeze can help temporarily relieve your pain due to back pain, arthritis, shoulder pain, wrist pain, ankle pain, knee pain, muscle soreness, sprains and strains, aching joints, and bruises.

Does Biofreeze contain gluten, starch, aspirin, ibuprofen, or nut derivatives?

No, Biofreeze does not contain any of these ingredients.

Is Biofreeze tested on animals?

Biofreeze Gel, Roll-On, Spray and Cream are not tested on animals.

Does Biofreeze include NSAIDs, parabens, capsaicin, or salicylates?

Biofreeze does not include any NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), parabens (preservatives used in cosmetics), capsaicin (the active component of chili peppers), or silicates (chemicals found naturally in food and synthetically in medications, toothpastes, and food preservatives).

Do you need a prescription to use Biofreeze?

No prescription is needed to purchase and use Biofreeze.

Can I use Biofreeze for headaches, open wounds, poison ivy, mosquito bites, or burns?

No, Biofreeze is not intended to be used for those purposes. Be sure to wash your hands after application. If Biofreeze gets in your eyes, it can cause harm.

Can I use Biofreeze with a heating pad or in a tanning bed or sauna?

No, never use Biofreeze in any of these situations. Biofreeze works by creating a cooling effect. Using it with a heating pad could cause serious injury. You may not be able to tell how hot the heating pad is on the treatment area, which could result in severe blistering. Biofreeze is not intended for use in a tanning bed or sauna.

Can I use a wrap (like an ACE bandage) on top of Biofreeze?

You should not tightly wrap or bandage the area where Biofreeze is being applied.

Is Biofreeze safe when pregnant or nursing?

Ask a health professional before using Biofreeze if you are pregnant or nursing.

Can I use Biofreeze on my children?

Biofreeze gel can be used on adults and children two years old and older. Biofreeze spray, roll-on, patch, foam, and cream forms can be used on adults and children twelve years old and older. Consult a physician for children younger than these ages. If Biofreeze is accidentally ingested by a child (or adult) seek medical help immediately.

Can I use Biofreeze on my pets?

Biofreeze is not intended for use on pets. If your pet accidentally ingests Biofreeze, call your veterinarian immediately and have the label on hand for reference.

What should I do if I accidentally get Biofreeze in my eye?

Rinse your eye with cool water or take a shower with cool (not cold) shower water hitting your forehead and running down through your eyes for fifteen minutes. If a problem persists, seek medical help and be sure to take your Biofreeze with you for reference.

What should I do if I get a rash or experience mild skin irritation from Biofreeze?

Stop using the product. Take a lukewarm bath and relax for twenty minutes. If the rash persists, contact your doctor.

What is the difference between green and colorless Biofreeze?

There is no difference in the formula between the green and colorless options. It is simply a matter of preference.

Some people like the green Biofreeze because you can easily see where you are applying the product. Others prefer the colorless Biofreeze because they enjoy products without dyes or color additives.

All of the colorants used in Biofreeze are on the FDA’s list of “Color Additives That Are Subject to Certification and Permitted for Use in Cosmetics” and are labeled as “acceptably used” in the governing documents.

What is the active ingredient in Biofreeze?

The active ingredient in Biofreeze is menthol.

Does Biofreeze have an odor?

Biofreeze contains menthol as an active ingredient. Menthol has a characteristic smell (often described as minty) that typically dissipates and vanishes within minutes of application.

What are the types of Biofreeze?

Biofreeze comes in a variety of options to fit your needs. Biofreeze is available in roll-on, gel, spray, patch, foam, cream and other forms.

What is the difference between Biofreeze and Biofreeze Professional?

The Biofreeze Professional formula was launched in late 2016 as an elite product made exclusively for healthcare professionals. The Gel and Roll-on formulas last longer and have a smoother consistency than the original Biofreeze formula, and it is optimized with 5% menthol instead of 4% for fast-acting results. Biofreeze Professional is available in a variety of types and patient or in-clinic sizes.

Are there different menthol percentages in the different types of Biofreeze?

Yes, the menthol percentages vary depending on the type of Biofreeze you choose. Refer to the packaging label for specific information on menthol percentages.

What are the ingredients in Biofreeze?

All Biofreeze products are made with USP grade ingredients where available and have menthol as the active ingredient. See the individual product pages for the specific inactive ingredients used in each type of Biofreeze.

How often can you use Biofreeze?

Apply Biofreeze to affected areas up to four times a day.

How long does Biofreeze take to work?

The menthol within the Biofreeze works to penetrate the skin and instantly start the cooling process to ease the pain in your joints and muscles.

How long does it take Biofreeze to wear off?

The Biofreeze Patch provides relief for 8 hours after application. All other Biofreeze products (gel, spray, roll-on, and cream) effects can last up to 5 hours after application.

Does Biofreeze have an expiration date?

Yes. Biofreeze has a shelf life of two or three years depending on the product. Check the actual product for the expiration date located on the package.

I can’t get the Biofreeze spray to work / open, what do I do?

If you look down at your Biofreeze spray, directly opposite the side of the sprayer is a very small “dot”. The dot can make it difficult to make the sprayer work initially. If you press with extra force, the seal will break and make spraying possible.

If pressing down firmly on the nozzle is difficult, simply turn the bottle upside down on a table (make sure the sprayer is facing away from you/your face). Then press the container firmly onto the flat table surface to break the seal.

After initially breaking the seal, it should be easy to use the spray nozzle to apply your Biofreeze!

Biofreeze is readily available at retailers nationwide and online at Performancehealth.com and other websites.

Can you take Biofreeze on a plane in a carry-on suitcase?

Yes, Biofreeze 2.5 oz. roll-on, 3 oz. gel, the 3 oz. spray, 3 oz. cream, 3 oz. foam, patches, and on-the-go singles can all be taken on an airplane according to the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.

Larger sizes must be packed in your checked luggage.

Can you use Biofreeze as part of a massage?

Biofreeze is often used as part of a massage.

What are you waiting for? Whether you are getting ready for a big game, gearing up for your next run or spin class, or looking for arthritis pain relief, Biofreeze can help. Enjoy your life, without aches and soreness. Biofreeze comes in a variety of options to fit your needs!

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.