When your muscles are aching, you need quick relief. Thankfully, there are a lot of creams to choose from that promise to calm pain by distracting the pain receptors with cooling, warming, or counterirritant ingredients.

This crema para dolores musculares y articulares is sustainably made with a laundry list of natural extracts and oils including arnica, turmeric, helichrysum, menthol, copaiba, and shea butter to soothe your tired body. It also uses hemp extract, which is thought to support the health of your connective tissues and blood vessels.

A classic muscle rub that has withstood the test of time, this non-greasy option has a one-two punch of cooling and warming. It contains methyl salicylate for pain relief and menthol for that tingly sensation. The going theory is that it works by triggering temperature signals to your brain that override the pain messages in what’s called gate-control theory.

Cooling Comfort: The Best Creams for Soothing Sore Muscles

Physical therapists love this cream because it doesn’t have the greasy feel of other muscle rubs. It’s a little lighter and more cream-like than some of our other picks but still has the menthol to provide that refreshing, calming sensation. It also has a subtler scent and doesn’t stain your clothes. It’s the kind of thing you might keep on your nightstand or in your workout bag to get relief on the go. It’s also a great option to use in combination with your kinesiology tape or as an added layer of comfort when you’re doing a self-massage.