The topical pain relief market size is estimated to be USD 9,357.12 million in 2022 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.48% during the forecast period 2023-2033. The less adverse effects than those of traditional oral medications, rising demand among athletes for topical analgesics, increase in the number of elderly people, and the prevalence of arthritis are factors contributing to the market growth. However, unfavorable smells and adverse symptoms related to painkillers is expected to hinder the growth.

Segmentation

By Formulation

Based on formulation, the market is segregated into spray, patch, gel, cream, and others. In 2021, the patch segment held the highest market share owing to the fact that it maintains blood levels steady for a predetermined amount of time allowing for a slow and progressive release of painkillers into circulation.

By Type

On the basis of type, the market is bifurcated into prescription pain reliefs and over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliefs. In 2022, the over-the-counter (OTC) segment held the highest market share due to increasing OTC drug approvals from regulatory agencies, taking more self-medication, and moving from prescription drugs (Rx) to over-the-counter (OTC) claim reduced prices.

By Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into retail & grocery stores, pharmacies & drug stores, and e-commerce. In 2022, the e-commerce segment held the highest market share owing to the growth in the number of internet users and the popularity of online pharmacies, an increase in the demand for online medicine purchases over traditional ones.

By Therapeutic Class

In terms of therapeutic class, the market is segregated into opioids, and non-opioids. In 2022, the non-opioids segment held the highest market share due to its usage as an alternative to opioid medications for the treatment of mild to severe pain, and increasing preference for treating pain due to fewer adverse effects than opioids and the absence of substance misuse.

Regional Markets

In 2022, North America region accounted for the highest revenue in the topical pain relief market and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This is attributed to the participation of several region’s biggest industrial players, early approval of topical painkillers, and the widespread use of over-the-counter painkillers in the area. However, the Asia-Pacific region is predicted to grow at the fastest rate during the projection period owing to an increase in public awareness, a rise in disposable money, and a change in manufacturers’ attention to topical painkillers.

Competitor Insights

Some of the key players operating in the topical pain relief market are AdvaCare Pharma (India), Exzell Pharma (Canada), GlaxoSmithKline Plc (UK), Johnson & Johnson (US), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Pfizer Inc (US), Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (UK), Sanofi (France), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (India), and Topical BioMedics (US).

This comprehensive research report focuses on the global and regional market size and forecasts of diverse segments including formulation, type, distribution channel, therapeutic class from 2023 to 2033.

Report Scope:

Segmentation: Topical Pain Relief Market Report 2022 – 2033

Formulation (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• Spray
• Patch
• Gel
• Cream
• Others

Type (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• Prescription pain reliefs
• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliefs

Distribution Channel (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• Retail & grocery stores.
• Pharmacies & drug stores
• E-commerce

Therapeutic Class (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• Non-opioids
• Opioids

By Region (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of LATAM
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Rest of MEA