Editorial standard: We distinguish merchant claims from independent evidence and do not claim personal product testing unless explicitly stated.
Where topicals make the most sense
Mayo Clinic notes that topical products tend to work best on joints close to the skin, including hands and knees.
Evidence hierarchy matters
Topical NSAIDs have a stronger evidence base for osteoarthritis than many other OTC topical categories. Capsaicin and counterirritants use different mechanisms and may suit different preferences.
Botanical products
Botanical-style creams may appeal to shoppers who want a non-NSAID topical, but product-specific evidence should be evaluated separately from ingredient marketing.