Topical Pain Relief Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2024-2032)

Topical Pain Relief Market Outlook

• The market is significantly driven by the increasing incidence of bone-related diseases and the growing elderly population across the globe.
• The innovative product launches by the market players are contributing to enhanced patient experience, bolstering market growth. 
• The surge in the preference for natural and organic ingredients is one of the major market trends. 

Topical Pain Relief Market Overview

Topical pain relief agents are used to treat muscle pains, sprains, and strains. They can also help relieve painful arthritis. Since topical analgesics have fewer side effects than oral painkillers, they are often prescribed instead of oral painkillers. Factors driving market growth include increased adoption of topical pain-relieving drugs, which have fewer side effects than oral pain relievers, the growing global geriatric population, and an increase in demand for topical pain relievers among athletes. Further, expanding online retail channels for topical therapeutics is expected to provide the industry with lucrative growth opportunities.

Topical Pain Relief Market Growth Drivers

Rising Incidence of Bone-related Issues Boost the Market Growth

The World Health Organization estimated that around 619 million individuals registered with lower back pain (LBP) in 2020. These cases are expected to increase to 843 million cases by 2050. The growing geriatric population significantly drives the increase in the number of cases.

The increasing prevalence of arthritis and other bone-related diseases, as well as diabetic neuropathy, which causes pain, is driving the growth of the market.

Expedited Product Developments to Meet Rising Topical Pain Relief Market Demand

The market is significantly driven by the rising demand for non-invasive, fast-acting pain relief solutions. The market players are considering consumer preference for different formulations and forms of topical analgesics. For instance, in September 2024, Mankind Pharma’s consumer business division launched a new solution for neck pain, Nimulid Strong, a gel and spray formulation to address neck pain, which impacts overall body function. The new solution has 2x diclofenac concentration that claims fast pain relief.  This focus on consumer preference is poised to augment the increased adoption of newly launched topical solutions, especially in spray forms, bolstering market growth.

Further, the growing demand for non-opioid pain relief solutions, coupled with increasing consumer preference for over-the-counter (OTC) medications is driving innovation in the topical pain management market. Moreover, the rising awareness of the harmful side effects of consuming oral pain relievers for the long term is further creating a need for market players to develop targeted, user-friendly solutions. For instance, in September 2023, Kenvue Inc. showcased its new topical Tylenol Precise Pain Relieving Cream at PAINWeek Conference 2023. The new pain reliever ointment consists of maximum-strength lidocaine 40% that provides targeted pain relief seamlessly. In view of recent consumer data, around 40% of individuals dislike the way medicated topical solutions smell and feel. Therefore, Kenvue designed a hands-free application with a rollerball with a fresh scent and fragrance-free formula to enhance the consumer experience.

Topical Pain Relief Market Trends

The market is witnessing several trends and developments to improve the current scenario. Some of the notable trends are as follows: 

Increasing Demand for Natural and Organic Ingredients

The market is witnessing increasing demand for naturally curated natural ingredients due to the rising awareness about synthetic chemicals and potential side effects.

Rising Availability of OTC Solutions

The market is witnessing a growing preference for topical analgesics due to their safety profile against oral pain medications, accelerating their adoption. There is a growing preference for OTC topical pain relief solutions, as consumers are looking for easily available products such as ointments, and drugs, among other pain relief solutions.

Improved Formulations for Enhanced Patient Experience to Boost Topical Pain Relief Market Value

Due to the inconvenience caused by the greasy and oily topical solutions, consumers are increasingly preferring improved solutions that are non-greasy and fast absorbing, contributing to enhanced patient experience.

Adoption of CBD-Based Topical Solutions

The market is experiencing a trend where the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in topical pain relief has increased as it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Some popular products include CBD-infused creams, gels and balms.

Topical Pain Relief Market Segmentation

Market Breakup by Therapeutics

• Non-Opioids
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs)
  • Methyl Salicylates
  • Lidocaine
  • Capsaicin
  • Others
• Opioids
  • Buprenorphine
  • Fentanyl

Market Breakup by Formulation

• Cream
• Spray
• Gel
• Patch
• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Pharmacies and Drug Stores
• Retail and Grocery Stores
• E-commerce

Market Breakup by Region

• United States
• EU-4 and the United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
• Japan
• India

Topical Pain Relief Market Share

Cream Formulation Leads the Market Share

The market segmentation by formulation includes cream, spray, gel, patch, and others. Cream formulations are expected to lead the market share due to their widespread use, ease of application, and effectiveness in delivering pain relief. Consumers prefer creams as they get easily absorbed into the skin, offering fast-acting relief for localised pain such as muscle aches, joint pain, and arthritis. Additionally, creams often contain popular active ingredients like menthol, capsaicin, or lidocaine, which are highly effective in targeting pain receptors. Their non-greasy texture and availability in over-the-counter and prescription forms contribute to the high demand and increased adoption in the market.

Topical Pain Relief Market Analysis by Region

Based on region, the United States leads the regional market share, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and neuropathy. The market is further driven by the growing geriatric population, and a shift towards self-medication for pain management, contributing to increased adoption of topical pain relief solutions. Increasing awareness about non-opioid alternatives for pain management is collectively fueling the demand for topical pain relief products in the market. Technological advancements in product formulations, including innovations like lidocaine patches and menthol-based creams are attracting a large consumer base, thereby increasing the market share of the region. Moreover, consumer preference for over-the-counter (OTC) products and the widespread availability of topical solutions across various retail channels, including e-commerce, are accelerating the market expansion in the United States.

Leading Players in the Topical Pain Relief Market

The key features of the market report comprise patent analysis, clinical trials analysis, grant analysis, funding and investment analysis and strategic initiatives by the leading players. The major companies in the market are as follows:

Johnson & Johnson

Headquartered in New Jersey, USA, Johnson & Johnson is a multinational pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technologies conglomerate specialising in surgical instruments and technologies.

Pfizer Inc.

Founded in 1849 and headquartered in New York City, Pfizer is a leading biopharmaceutical company. It is renowned for its extensive portfolio in the pharmaceutical market, offering treatments for various medical fields, including oncology, vaccines, internal medicine, and rare diseases, with a strong focus on innovative research.

GSK plc

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in London, GSK plc is a global pharmaceutical company specialising in the research and development of vaccines, medicines, and consumer healthcare products. GSK offers products like Voltaren and Panadol, providing effective solutions for pain management through topical gels and creams.

Sanofi S.A.

Sanofi is a multinational pharmaceutical company with a focus on research and development across various therapeutic areas. Sanofi’s portfolio includes antiretroviral therapies and immunotherapies aimed at improving viral suppression and enhancing patient quality of life. 

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, established in 1999 and headquartered in Slough, England, is a global consumer goods company. Its portfolio in topical pain relief includes well-known brands like Nurofen and Deep Heat, offering a range of products such as gels, creams, and patches for effective pain management.

Other key players in the market include Topical Biomedics, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Haw Par Corporation Ltd. 

Key Questions Answered in the Topical Pain Relief Market

• What was the topical pain relief market value in 2023? 
• What is the topical pain relief market forecast outlook for 2024-2032?  
• What is market segmentation based on therapeutics? 
• How does segmentation by formulation influence market dynamics?   
• What are the distribution channels in the market? 
• What are the major factors aiding the topical pain relief market demand?  
• How has the market performed so far and how is it anticipated to perform in the coming years? 
• What are the market's major drivers, opportunities, and restraints?  
• Which country is expected to experience expedited growth during the forecast period?  
• What are the major topical pain relief market trends?
• Which therapeutic is expected to dominate the market? 
• Which formulation will lead the market segment? 
• Which distribution channel will lead the market?
• Who are the key players involved in the topical pain relief market? 
• What is the patent landscape of the market? 
• What are the current unmet needs and challenges in the market?
• How are partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions among the key market players shaping the market dynamics?