Is Biofreeze Safe?
Generic: menthol
Generally yes, Biofreeze is safe for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches when used as directed. It's an external pain reliever that provides a cooling sensation without significant systemic side effects, but it's crucial to follow all label warnings.
Who Should Avoid or Consult First
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (consult a doctor first)
- People with wounds, damaged, or irritated skin
- Children (keep out of reach)
Common Side Effects
- Skin irritation, redness, or burning sensation
- Pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin (stop use and consult a doctor if these occur)
Interactions to Watch For
Do not use Biofreeze with other topical products on the same area, as this can increase skin irritation or absorption.
Do not use Biofreeze with heating pads or devices, as this can increase the risk of skin burns or irritation.
People Also Ask
Is Biofreeze safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should ask a healthcare professional before using Biofreeze. While it's a topical product, it's best to consult your doctor to ensure it's appropriate for your specific situation.
Can I use Biofreeze every day?
Biofreeze is intended for temporary relief. If your pain worsens, or if symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or clear up and then return, you should stop use and consult a doctor. For arthritic pain, consult a doctor if it persists for more than 10 days.
What if a child accidentally eats Biofreeze?
Biofreeze should be kept out of reach of children. If it is accidentally ingested, seek immediate medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Can I use Biofreeze with other skin products?
No, you should not use Biofreeze with other ointments, creams, sprays, or liniments on the same area. This can increase the risk of skin irritation or other side effects.
Bottom Line
Biofreeze is a generally safe and effective topical pain reliever for minor aches when used strictly as directed. Always follow label instructions, avoid using with heat or on broken skin, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — Biofreeze
FDA DailyMed: Biofreeze · FDA
- 2.FDA Drug Label — Equate Honey Lemon Cough Drops
FDA DailyMed: Equate Honey Lemon Cough Drops · FDA
- 3.Chronic Pruritus: A Review.
Butler DC, Berger T, Elmariah S, et al., JAMA, 2024 · PubMed
- 4.Fatigue in nurses and medication administration errors: A scoping review.
Bell T, Sprajcer M, Flenady T, et al., Journal of clinical nursing, 2023 · PubMed
- 5.The Use of Peppermint Oil in Gastroenterology.
Scarpellini E, Broeders B, Schol J, et al., Current pharmaceutical design, 2023 · PubMed
- 6.Peppermint and menthol: a review on their biochemistry, pharmacological activities, clinical applications, and safety considerations.
Kazemi A, Iraji A, Esmaealzadeh N, et al., Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 2025 · PubMed
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See full review of BiofreezeEducational content based on FDA labeling, published research, and pharmacist review. Not a substitute for individualized medical advice.