Comparing AleveX To Other Topical Pain Relievers

Thank you for your question! I can certainly understand your confusion. 

AleveX is a topical pain relief product that was first introduced in 2021. Although it carries the 'Aleve' name, it is not a pain relief medication you take by mouth.

Aleve tablets and capsules contain naproxen, a long-acting NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

AleveX does not contain an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), but instead, contains camphor and menthol.

AleveX Ingredients

As mentioned, AleveX contains two active ingredients:

• Menthol 16%
• Camphor 5.5%

AleveX is available in three different formulations:

• Lotion
• Rollerball applicator (lotion)
• Spray

All of these products contain the same active ingredients, in the same strengths (Menthol 16% Camphor 5.5%). Below is the drug label for the Rollerball applicator product:

Both menthol and camphor are classified as counter-irritants. They produce mild irritation and inflammation to help reduce the sensation of pain from other causes. The FDA defines a counterirritant as follows:

'An externally applied substance that causes irritation or mild inflammation of the skin for the purpose of relieving pain in muscles or joints by reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures'

Counterirritants, like menthol and camphor, generally produce a soothing sensation while applied. Additionally, they have 'rubefacient' properties, meaning they increase blood flow to the applied area, which causes the skin to redden.

AleveX Vs. Other Topical Pain Relievers

Below is a table comparing AleveX to the many similar topical analgesics that are available over the counter:

What Is AleveX Most Similar To?

As you can see in the chart from the prior section, there are many similar products to AleveX.

The most similar products to AleveX are the ones that contain both menthol and camphor. They are:

• Sombra Warming Gel
• Tiger Balm Extra Strength
• Tiger Balm Ultra Strength
• Salonpas Original Patch
• Ultra Strength Bengay Cream

It is important to note that most of the over-the-counter analgesic products contain different inactive ingredients, and it's not uncommon that individuals report feeling better effects on one specific product versus another.

For example, even though Biofreeze gel contains menthol 4% and IcyHot Original Roll-on is quite stronger (menthol 16%), many people swear by Biofreeze as the better pain reliever. It really does seem subjective in many cases, so don't consider just the strength of the active ingredient as the be-all-end-all.

What About Anti-Inflammatory Effects?

If you are looking for an over-the-counter topical product to help with inflammation, like arthritis pain, AleveX, and other products containing only menthol or camphor, are not the best option.

AleveX does not have anti-inflammatory effects since it doesn't contain an NSAID (which can be confusing as the product carries the Aleve name).

Better options for anti-inflammatory effects include:

• Aspercreme Original
• Salonpas Original patch
• Voltaren Gel
• Aleve Arthritis Pain Relief
• Ultra Strength Bengay Cream
• Greaseless Bengay Pain-Relieving Cream
  

These products contain either diclofenac or a 'salicylate', both of which have anti-inflammatory effects.

Final Words

Wrapping things up here by going back to your question, AleveX is not an alternative to the 'regular' Aleve products you take by mouth.

Think of it more as an alternative to other topical pain relief products, like IcyHot, Biofreeze, and Tiger Balm.

If you need something like Aleve to help treat pain associated with an inflammatory condition, such as arthritis, a product that contains diclofenac or methyl salicylate is going to be a better option.