Global Topical Pain Relief Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Topical Pain Relief Market size was valued at USD 12.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 25.4 billion by the end of 2037, rising at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of topical pain relief is estimated at USD 13.8 billion.
The global topical pain relief market is gaining immense exposure mainly due to its large consumer base suffering from arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, and post-surgical pain. For instance, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2023, above 58.9 million adults in the U.S. are affected by arthritis, which creates a strong necessity for topical pain relief therapeutics in the country. In this context, in 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notified that the producer price index for analgesic manufacturing increased by 3.6% in a year, highlighting the inflation in raw material and logistic costs, thus uplifting the market expansion.
Furthermore, the topical pain relief therapeutics require the raw materials, which are primarily imported from China, which is stated to be 42.8%, and from India, 28.6%. According to a WHO report in 2023, these finished goods are predominantly exported to North America and Europe. In 2024, the U.S. International Trade Commission reported that the U.S. imports 1.8 billion worth of pain relief therapeutics and exports 1.2 billion, highlighting the trade deficit in the region. Furthermore, NIH assigned USD 680.5 million towards non opioid pain management research in 2024. Hence, these factors significantly contribute to the market progression by 2037.
Topical Pain Relief Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
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Affordable healthcare interventions: One of the exceptional drivers for the topical pain relief market is the introduction of cost-effective treatment measures and improvements in medical care. This is inspiring healthcare facilities to opt for non-opioid management strategies due to their strong efficacy in pain management. In this context, a clinical study by AHRQ in 2022 reported that early interference with these pain relief therapies significantly reduced hospitalizations for musculoskeletal pain by 12.3%, which conserved approximately USD 1.5 billion in the U.S. medical expenditure in a span of 2 years. Hence, a positive outlook for market growth with such measures.
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Increasing partnerships & launch activities: Another significant driver for the topical pain relief market is the increasing launch activities by the global players to capture maximum market share. For instance, in 2024, Pfizer Inc. declared a partnership with Walgreens, aiming to expand its OTC pain relief access with a market share of 15.6%, thereby supporting the demand for topical pain relief medications. Furthermore, in 2023, GSK Plc launched a lidocaine-based patch with 30% faster absorption, with a sales value of USD 450.5 million in the first year itself. This is the evidence for a wider scope, thereby driving business in this sector.
Historical Patient Growth (2010-2020) and Its Impact on Market Expansion
The increasing global burden of chronic pain conditions among the aging population has created a strong necessity for pain relief therapeutics. This, in turn, increases the wide adaptability for non-opioid solutions such as lidocaine, capsaicin, and diclofenac-based formulations, with the support of regulatory frameworks. Besides, the opioid shortage increased the demand for safe alternatives in the U.S. and Europe, and Asia, and the rising diagnostic rates led to an increased patient pool, thus denoting a positive outlook for the topical pain relief market expansion.
Historical Patient Growth (2010-2020) in Topical Pain Relief Users (Millions)
|
Country |
2010 Patients (M) |
2020 Patients (M) |
CAGR (2010-2020) |
|
USA |
25.4 |
38.8 |
4.7% |
|
Germany |
8.6 |
13.2 |
4.8% |
|
France |
7.2 |
10.6 |
4.5% |
|
Spain |
4.7 |
7.3 |
4.9% |
|
Australia |
3.5 |
5.6 |
5.1% |
|
Japan |
12.9 |
18.8 |
4.2% |
|
India |
15.7 |
29.3 |
6.8% |
|
China |
22.4 |
41.6 |
6.5% |
Manufacturer Strategies Shaping the Topical Pain Relief Market
The topical pain relief market is significantly supported by the leading manufacturers, who are aiming to strengthen their ecosystem in the global market. They are unveiling the pathway to several tactical revenue opportunities with their strategic collaborations and localized production initiatives. In this regard, in 2023, Pfizer Inc. gained a 12% increase in market share, which is estimated to be USD 480.5 million, with the launch of lidocaine-menthol hybrid gel. Similarly, GSK Plc boosted its sales by 18% with a joint venture in India. Hence, these strategies positively influence the revenue growth and shape the topical pain relief sector.
Revenue Potential for Manufacturers
|
Strategy |
Company |
Revenue Impact |
|---|---|---|
|
Hybrid Formulations |
Pfizer |
$480.5 million (2023) |
|
Emerging Market JVs |
GSK |
$270.6 million (India, 2023) |
|
Localized API Production |
Sanofi |
$210 million cost savings (2024) |
|
Telehealth Partnerships |
Johnson & Johnson |
30.3% adherence boost |
|
Premium Patches |
Hisamitsu |
$320.2 million (Japan, 2023) |
Challenge
- Government price controls: One of the major bottlenecks of the topical pain relief market is the price limits imposed by the governments worldwide. Besides, these price controls can hinder profitability in regions such as Europe, where there is a reduced margin of 15 to 20% for the manufacturers. For instance, in 2023, GSK Plc partnered with the Federal Joint Committee of Germany to improve its product margin. Furthermore, WHO states that this limits the pharmaceutical investment, thereby slowing down product innovations, with 60% of nations with low-income countries being enforced with price controls.
Topical Pain Relief Market: Key Insights
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
6.2% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 12.9 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 25.4 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Topical Pain Relief Segmentation
Product (Patches, Creams, Gels, Sprays)
Based on product, the patches segment is expected to garner the highest share of 32.8% in the topical pain relief market by the end of 2037. The dominance of the segment is attributable to the fast-rising demand for pain relief therapeutics among the aging population across the world due to their higher efficacy. Besides, in 2023 CDC states that 25.3% of adults in the U.S will be using the pain relief patches by 2030. Moreover, the governing bodies, such as the U.S. FDA, are offering support with fast-track designations, thus augmenting the segment’s growth.
Distribution Channel (Over-the-Counter, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, Hospital Pharmacies)
Based on the distribution channel, the over-the-counter segment is projected to grow at a considerable rate in the topical pain relief market during the forecast period. In this regard, as per a WHO report in 2024, the dominance of the segment is attributable to the self-care trends and convenience, particularly in developing nations such as India and China, where maximum sort of topical pain relief therapeutics is purchased without any prescription. Moreover, it allows for to conservation of nearly USD 25.6 billion by reducing the medical visits.
Our in-depth analysis of the global topical pain relief market includes the following segments:
|
Product |
|
|
Distribution Channel |
|
|
Therapeutic Class |
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Customize this ReportTopical Pain Relief Industry - Regional Synopsis
North America Market Statistics
The North America topical pain relief market is estimated to account for a share of approximately 40.8% by the end of 2037. The dominance of the region is attributable to the rising burden of chronic pain conditions among the aging population and rising sports injuries in the country. For instance, CMS reported that in 2024, the healthcare expenditure reached a value of USD 1.3 billion. Besides, as per the CDC reports, more than 25 million people in the region are affected by chronic pain. Furthermore, the U.S. FDA fast-tracked over 15 patches or gels in 2023, which significantly contributes to the market expansion.
Canada’s topical pain relief market is gaining traction due to the substantial investments from the federal and provincial sectors for pain management strategies. The market in Canada is projected to grow at 6.7% CAGR, further accelerating market expansion. For instance, in 2024, Ontario assigned USD 120.6 million for topical analgesics, aiming to provide treatment to over 500,000 arthritis patients in the country. Besides, the government support with regulatory approvals and healthcare initiatives improves access in remote and rural areas, further driving growth in the topical pain relief sector.
APAC Market Statistics
The topical pain relief market in Asia Pacific is unfolding remarkable growth opportunities with expanding access to over-the-counter pain medications. The market in the region is projected to grow at 7.8% CAGR, fueled by the developmental tendency of countries such as Japan, China, and India. There is a fast-rising prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in the region, which increases the medical awareness necessitating treatment access. Due to their affordability and ease of use, topical pain relief therapeutics are adopted by innumerable people. Furthermore, the governments in the region are highly supportive, allowing the domestic players to enhance their product portfolio and launch more of such effective formulations.
There is a great opportunity for the topical pain relief market in India, fueled by the rising burden of arthritis in the region and rural medical access. The market in India is projected to grow at 9.7% CAGR, reaching 2.5 billion during the forecast timeline. In 2024, nearly 2.9 million people in India were diagnosed with arthritis. For instance, in 2024, the government of India assigned 19% of its funding towards pain management under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which covers nearly 500 million people for OTC analgesics. Thus, these factors significantly contribute to the market expansion and showcase lucrative growth opportunities.
Companies Dominating the Topical Pain Relief Landscape
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
The global players involved in the topical pain relief market are emphasizing the wide range of marketing tactics to enhance their industrial presence across the world. Companies such as Johnson & Johnson, GSK, and Sanofi held a lucrative share of 30.7% in the market. One of the key trends opted by the market players includes product innovation, followed by improved regulatory approvals. Sun Pharma and Cipla are focusing on providing affordable medications in India and Africa, aiming to establish their footprint internationally. Hence, these trends draw the interest of several key players, thereby encouraging a healthy competition in the market.
Here is a list of key players in the global topical pain relief market:
|
Company Name (Country) |
Market Share |
Industry Focus |
|
Johnson & Johnson (USA) |
12.8% |
OTC pain relief brands (Bengay, BenGay) |
|
GlaxoSmithKline (UK) |
10.6% |
Voltaren Gel, systemic & localized pain relief |
|
Sanofi (France) |
8.9% |
NSAID-based topical analgesics (Diclofenac) |
|
Pfizer (USA) |
8.3% |
Prescription & OTC pain relief (Lidocaine patches) |
|
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical (Japan) |
7.8% |
Salonpas patches (global leader in medicated patches) |
|
Bayer (Germany) |
xx% |
Aleve, OTC pain relief creams & sprays |
|
Perrigo (Ireland) |
xx% |
Generic OTC pain relief (store-brand equivalents) |
|
Sun Pharmaceutical (India) |
xx% |
Affordable generic topical analgesics (Volini, Diclofenac) |
|
Teva Pharmaceutical (Israel) |
xx% |
Generic & branded pain relief formulations |
|
Reckitt Benckiser (UK) |
xx% |
Nurofen topical gels & OTC pain relief |
|
Taisho Pharmaceutical (Japan) |
xx% |
Japanese-market leader in OTC pain relief (Methyl Salicylate) |
|
Cipla (India) |
xx% |
Emerging market-focused pain relief (Omnigel) |
|
Hikma Pharmaceuticals (UK) |
xx% |
Prescription & specialty pain relief |
|
Mylan (USA) |
xx% |
Generic topical analgesics (Lidocaine patches) |
|
Taro Pharmaceutical (Israel) |
xx% |
Dermatological & pain relief formulations |
|
CSPC Pharmaceutical (China) |
xx% |
Leading Chinese topical pain relief (Ketoprofen gels) |
|
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (India) |
xx% |
Affordable pain relief for India & emerging markets |
|
Endo International (USA) |
xx% |
Prescription pain management (Lidoderm patches) |
|
Blackmores (Australia) |
xx% |
Natural & herbal pain relief (Arnica-based topicals) |
|
Kotra Pharma (Malaysia) |
xx% |
Southeast Asian market leader (Counterpain) |
Below are the areas covered for each company under the top global manufacturers:
In the News
- In March 2024, Pfizer Inc. launched a non-opioid topical gel for osteoarthritis pain, in which early sales data show a 15% uptake in the U.S. chronic pain market within Q2 2024.
- In May 2024, Haleon launched a fast-acting pain relief patch called Voltaren RapidPatch, an OTC lidocaine-based patch with a 30-minute onset time, attributed to its portability and faster relief compared to traditional creams.
- In January 2024, Startup Relief Therapeutics developed a smart patch using AI to adjust drug dosage based on real-time pain biomarkers, for which trials showed a 40% improvement in pain management accuracy, reducing overmedication risks.
Author Credits: Radhika Pawar
- Report ID: 2473
- Published Date: May 21, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
