If you have ever been to a massage therapist, physical therapist, or other healthcare professional, chances are you have heard of and used the topical pain reliever Biofreeze. Its main active ingredient is menthol and it acts as a temporary relief to minor aches and pains. Although it is a great alternative to steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it doesn’t provide any long term relief to pains of sore muscles and joints.

The Biofreeze formula, also contains a few questionable ingredients that all sports creams have in common. Scroll down to see the top toxic 6 ingredients that have our heads shaking.

All of our products made with natural botanical active ingredients that are healing and nontoxic.

Unlike biofreeze products, our salves are organic, contains proprietary and unique cooling menthol formula along with our own blend of essential oil and extracts (arnica montana flower extract, boswellia carterii resin extract, calendula officinalis extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract among others) and is designed to -*Reduce inflammation and pain

*Increase blood circulation (to drive out stasis and reduce swelling)

*Promote healing and sooth dry skin

*Help manage arthritis types of complaints, range of motion issues, and pain

*Promote the health and proper movement of joints

6 toxic chemicals found in Biofreeze and other sports creams

Methyl Salicylate

Methyl Salicylate is a chemical relative of aspirin and both drugs belong to the anti-inflammatory analgesics known as salicylates. Methyl Salicylate is more toxic than aspirin and is dangerous to consume orally. 

Camphor

Camphor is a waxy substance that when applied topically, creates a warming sensation and dulls the nerve endings. it is used as a topical analgesic, pain relief solutions, and many products utilize the usp grade ingredients for joint pain, sore joints, arthritis pain, lower back pain, neck pain and can cover larger muscle areas. Products containing high percentages of camphor can cause allergic reactions and need to be used with caution and care. 

Petroleum

Petroleum based ingredients are very toxic and can be found in over 90% of skincare and topical (external use) products. Petroleum byproducts can be found in breast tumors, suffocation of the skin, premature aging and aggravated acne sites. Some of the common ingredients in topical products that are petroleum derived are and should be avoided for health reasons –

• Parafin wax
• Mineral oil
• Toluene
• Benzene
• Anything with PEG (polyethylene glycol)
• Anything with DEA (diethanolamine) or MEA (ethanolamine)
• Butanol and any word with butyl: butyl alcohol, butylparaben, butylene glycol
• EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid): found in many pain relieving gel
• Any word with propyl—isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, propyl alcohol, cocamidopropyl betaine
• Parfum or fragrance—95 percent of chemicals used in fragrance are from petroleum. This one word can contain many, many chemicals that don’t need to be listed and are likely endocrine disrupters.

Propylene Glycol

A form of mineral oil, an alcohol produced by fermentation of yeast and carbohydrates. There are different grades of Propylene Glycol, pharmaceutical grade and industrial. It can cause skin irritation and people with sensitive skin should avoid it.

Industrial grade: less concentrated and is used as an active ingredient in engine coolants and antifreeze, airplane de-icers, polyurethane cushions, and paint products.

Pharmaceutical grade: concentrated and used in topical and beautiful products. 

It can trigger eczema and other skin allergies. Some studies have suggested that cells undergo mutation when exposed to Propylene Glycol. More research is needed to determine the long term harmful effects of this ingredient. 

Triethanolamine

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, and Cosmetic Ingredient Review, strong evidence exists that triethanolamine is a “human skin, immune system, and respiratory toxicant.” It has been shown in animal studies to affect the sensory organs at very low doses, and to show positive mutation results on cells. It has also been shown to cause liver and bladder cancer and testicular changes. 

Polysorbate – 80

The Cosmetic Database reports concerns about Polysorbate 80 being linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity and neurotoxicity.