9 Best Menthol Ointments 2025 | Vicks, Tiger Balm, and More
Menthol ointments have always been present in our households and are dubbed as a cure-all for minor illnesses from headaches to joint pains. It is particularly useful now that the majority of us are working from home as our physical activity is limited. This can lead to sore, stiff muscles and the occasional ngalay - a consequence of being hunched over in our chairs.
This makes menthol ointments a great remedy as it provides instant relief with just a quick application, seeing as not all of us have the designated space nor time to move around. In this article, we will guide you through the ingredients in menthol ointments as well as our 9 best products. We even have a simple stretching exercise that isn't a pain in the neck!
Quick List - Top Menthol Ointments
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What Are Menthol Ointments?
A menthol ointment is handy whenever we get muscle aches, back pains, or headaches. It is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical pain reliever that provides a cool and warm sensation to the skin, which in turn relieves any pain.
Unlike oral analgesics, such as aspirin or paracetamol, menthol ointments take effect almost immediately as it is directly applied onto the skin. However, it only provides temporary relief.
It is also handy for clearing blocked sinuses, relieving cough, and insect bites, which makes them a rather all-purpose salve to have in your home.
How to Choose a Menthol Ointment - Buying Guide
Growing up, many of us have probably experienced being slathered in menthol ointments as a cure-all for the most common and mild illnesses. We’ll show you the magic behind this salve in our buying guide.
Look for Ingredients That Help Relieve Pain
As children, menthol ointments are a bit of a mystery for their apparent healing properties. But its ingredients play a huge role in its efficacy! Here is what makes them extra special.
Menthol Provides a Cooling Sensation
Menthol is easily the most recognized ingredient in ointments. It is often made from the extracts of mint oil, which is responsible for its cooling sensation.
This counteracts pain by providing temporary relief to minor aches, thereby distracting you from the pain. Take note that it is not actually a treatment, but instead, it desensitizes you to the pain. In this regard, it is also helpful for decongesting clogged sinuses and relieving insect bites.
After use, remember to wash your hands, as it can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and mouth and can leave a burning sensation. Do not use menthol if you have irritated or injured skin, as it may exacerbate the side effects.
Camphor Relieves Inflammation
Camphor is extracted from the bark of the camphor tree and sometimes turpentine oil. It is an ingredient that is often used in conjunction with menthol. It is a mild pain reliever, which makes it effective for treating body aches such as arthritis, as it increases blood flow to act as a counterirritant.
It is noted for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Aside from numbing muscle pains, it can speed up the healing process for burns and toenail fungus. It is also useful in treating insect bites and warts.
Similar to menthol, it is important to take care not to use camphor on broken skin or ingest it, as it can enter the body and have toxic effects in high doses.
Treat Aches With Methyl Salicylate
Methyl salicylate works similarly to menthol in the sense that it also provides a cool then warm sensation to the skin. It is derived from the wintergreen plant, which is related to aspirin.
This gives it anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties as well. It is useful for relieving muscle and joint pain such as arthritis, sprains, and bruises.
Select a Consistency That Is Easy To Use
A balm or ointment is rather stiff and thick in contrast to gels and creams. It contains the highest oil content, making it rather sticky sometimes. However, it is great if you want a concentrated dose of the product as it does not easily evaporate and instead clings to the skin.
Liniments, on the other hand, have a rather watery viscosity, which makes them excellent for rubbing onto your skin. However, you would have to take care not to pour too much lest you end up spilling the contents.
Take Note of the Packaging
Now that we have covered the basics about menthol ointments, let us not forget the packaging. You can choose between jars, tubes, and bottles for your ease of application.
Tubes and Bottles Are Mess-Free
Need pain relief in a pinch? Tubes and bottles provide a mess-free application, as you do not need to sully the entire product. This also protects the ointment from oxidation.
It is convenient especially for those who are on-the-go and great for travel too as you only dispense what you need! The downside is, it can be difficult if you have accidentally dispensed too much product.
Waste No Product With Jars
If you really want to make the most of your ointments, jars are a great option. You can also obtain the appropriate amount without worrying about squeezing too much. This way, you don’t have to worry about any leftovers as you can quite literally use them until the last drop.
With this type of packaging, you don't have to worry about wasting the ointment. However, this leaves the product susceptible to contamination especially if you use dirty fingers.
10 Best Menthol Ointments to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredient | Type | Packaging | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Tiger Balm White Ointment | | Top Choice for Menthol Ointment Enthusiasts | Dementholised Mint Oil, Cajuput Oil, Camphor, Menthol, Clove Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum | Ointment | Jar | 19 g | |
2 | Vicks VapoRub Cold Vaporising Ointment | | A Childhood Cure-All Staple | Camphor, Eucalyptus Oil, Menthol | Ointment | Jar | 100 g | |
3 | Katinko Ointment | | Go-To Ointment for Its Affordability and Efficacy | Methyl Salicylate, Camphor, Menthol | Ointment | Jar | 5 g | |
4 | Hisamitsu Salonpas Gel | | Pain Relief Gel That Works Exactly Where You Need It | Methyl Salicylate, Menthol | Gel | Tube | 30 g | |
5 | Sanitary Balm Camphor + Menthol | | A Budget-Friendly Menthol Ointment for All-Around Use | Menthol, Camphor | Ointment | Tin Can | 10 g | |
6 | Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relieving Cream | | Targets Muscle Pain to Let You Move More Comfortably | Camphor, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate | Cream | Tube | 113 g | |
7 | Omega Pain Killer Liniment | | Get Fast and Lasting Body Pain Relief From Working All Day | Camphor, Eucalyptol, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, Turpentine Oil | Liniment | Bottle | 120 g | |
8 | DermAid Menthol Rub | | A Mentholated Rub That’s Safe to Use Even for Kids | Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil | Ointment | Jar | 10 g | |
9 | Tai Chi Ginger Rub | | A Mixture of Menthol and Ginger to Relieve Minor Body Pains | Methyl Salicylate, Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil, Gingerols, Thyme Oil, Cedarwood Oil | Ointment | Jar | 20 g | |
Top Choice for Menthol Ointment Enthusiasts
Tiger Balm is well known for its red variant, but people who prefer a menthol ointment should try the white ointment. This particular variety contains more mint extract to provide cooling relief. It is ideal for those who experience headaches, stuffy nose, insect bites, muscle pains, and flatulence.
The brand's expertise in making ointments has made this a top choice for menthol ointment enthusiasts worldwide. The balm's texture is perfect for on-the-go application as well as for massaging onto the affected area. No wonder it received several 5-star ratings from its buyers because of its effectiveness and good scent!
| Key Ingredient | Dementholised Mint Oil, Cajuput Oil, Camphor, Menthol, Clove Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum |
|---|---|
| Type | Ointment |
| Packaging | Jar |
| Net Weight | 19 g |
A Childhood Cure-All Staple
"Vicks can cure everything" has been the motto of Filipino mothers for decades. And it's no wonder because this staple ointment has been present in almost every Filipino household to combat nearly every simple childhood illness. Vicks VapoRub is well-known to help relieve nasal congestion, dizziness, and even headaches.
This wonder ointment is composed of menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, giving it a notable scent. It is a simple yet effective combination that most Filipinos trust. It is also one of the most sought-after products online as most claim that it works well, especially for coughs and colds.
| Key Ingredient | Camphor, Eucalyptus Oil, Menthol |
|---|---|
| Type | Ointment |
| Packaging | Jar |
| Net Weight | 100 g |
Go-To Ointment for Its Affordability and Efficacy
Features and benefits:
- Combines menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate for soothing relief
- Provides a mild warming and cooling effect upon application
- Eases muscle pain, itching, insect bites, and nasal congestion
- Easy-to-apply ointment that absorbs gradually into skin
Reviews mention:
Users frequently praise this as a dependable all-around balm for everything from headaches and muscle aches to insect bites and stuffy noses. It’s often described as a household staple in Filipino homes due to its versatility and instant soothing effect. The herbal scent and classic formulation are part of its nostalgic appeal, and many find it gentle enough for daily use. Some note that it feels both cool and warm — ideal for targeted comfort.
| Key Ingredient | Methyl Salicylate, Camphor, Menthol |
|---|---|
| Type | Ointment |
| Packaging | Jar |
| Net Weight | 5 g |
Pain Relief Gel That Works Exactly Where You Need It
- Applies easily in gel form for direct relief—no greasy residue
- Delivers deep-penetrating comfort for muscle and joint pain
- Combines methyl salicylate and menthol to help reduce pain and soreness
- Helps relieve stiff shoulders, sprains, neck pain, and rheumatism
Reviews mention:
People appreciate how simple it is to apply, especially for sore spots. They often mention how well it works for joint and muscle pain, plus the relief lasts without feeling sticky. It’s frequently mentioned as a mess-free alternative to patches, especially for on-the-go use or daytime relief when discretion is needed.
| Key Ingredient | Methyl Salicylate, Menthol |
|---|---|
| Type | Gel |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Net Weight | 30 g |
A Budget-Friendly Menthol Ointment for All-Around Use
Composed of menthol and camphor, this ointment can be used for headaches, insect bites, coughs, colds, rheumatism, muscle aches, bruises, and even fungal infections. Many users attest to the efficacy of this product, saying it stays true to its tagline, "Sa bawat pahid, ginhawa ang hatid!"
| Key Ingredient | Menthol, Camphor |
|---|---|
| Type | Ointment |
| Packaging | Tin Can |
| Net Weight | 10 g |
Targets Muscle Pain to Let You Move More Comfortably
Features and benefits:
- Contains menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate for powerful relief
- Provides a deep warming sensation to soothe sore areas
- Ideal for arthritis, backaches, strains, and sprains
- Non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into skin
Reviews mention:
Users often say this is their go-to for relieving persistent back pain, stiff necks, and post-workout soreness. The strong warming effect is frequently praised for its ability to penetrate deeply and ease discomfort within minutes. While the scent is noticeable, many accept it as part of the product’s strong effect. Some appreciate that it doesn’t leave a greasy residue and is easy to use daily.
| Key Ingredient | Camphor, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate |
|---|---|
| Type | Cream |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Net Weight | 113 g |
Get Fast and Lasting Body Pain Relief From Working All Day
Omega is one of the well-known brands when it comes to pain relief products. It provides fast and lasting relief from body pain, making it ideal for highly active individuals or those who work all day. It also helps ease tension in aching muscles with an anti-itching effect, so it can address various concerns, from muscle fatigue to insect bites.
It is made from camphor, eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and turpentine oil as active ingredients that can help relieve pain. Several buyers who bought this also found it very effective against stiff muscles, and they loved its warm and relaxing components. Just note that this needs to be shaken before directly applying it to the affected area.
| Key Ingredient | Camphor, Eucalyptol, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, Turpentine Oil |
|---|---|
| Type | Liniment |
| Packaging | Bottle |
| Net Weight | 120 g |
A Mentholated Rub That’s Safe to Use Even for Kids
For best results, just apply a thick layer of this ointment on the affected area to relieve the pain. More than that, it can also be used to treat symptoms of flu, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, and colds. With that said, it's no surprise that some buyers say it's their favorite menthol rub!
| Key Ingredient | Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil |
|---|---|
| Type | Ointment |
| Packaging | Jar |
| Net Weight | 10 g |
A Mixture of Menthol and Ginger to Relieve Minor Body Pains
This rub is made from methyl salicylate, camphor, menthol, eucalyptus oil, gingerols, thyme oil, and cedarwood oil. To get instant relief, just apply a thin layer of this ointment to the affected area and rub gently. Apart from its scent, many users love that its effect is fast.
| Key Ingredient | Methyl Salicylate, Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil, Gingerols, Thyme Oil, Cedarwood Oil |
|---|---|
| Type | Ointment |
| Packaging | Jar |
| Net Weight | 20 g |
Relieve Body Pain With These Items
Working and studying at home no doubt has significantly reduced our physical activities. Sitting up for a prolonged period of time can produce back and muscles aches. If you are sensitive to menthol ointments, these alternatives can provide much-needed relief!
Author: J. Cuizon
Re-editor: Mic Florendo
Top 5 Menthol Ointments
No. 1: Tiger Balm｜White Ointment
No. 2: Vicks｜VapoRub Cold Vaporising Ointment
No. 3: Katinko｜Ointment
No. 4: Hisamitsu｜Salonpas Gel
No. 5: Sanitary Balm｜Camphor + Menthol
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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