Topical Analgesic Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| CAGR | 6.44% |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Topical Analgesic Market Analysis
The Topical Analgesic Market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.44% during the forecast period.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the studied market during the pandemic due to supply chain alterations and altered production of various consumer healthcare products. However, consumer healthcare products like pain management medicines had high demand during the pandemic. For instance, according to the latest data from the ZOE Health Study in December 2022, the top symptoms reported by contributors in the United Kingdom with positive COVID-19 tests included headache, muscle aches, pains, and other respiratory symptoms. Headaches and muscle aches were reported as top symptoms from the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in the number of individuals who experienced headaches, body discomfort, and fatigue due to COVID-19-related stress boosted sales in the painkillers market, specifically topical pain relievers, due to their easy application. Hence, the market initially experienced a slight adverse impact but attained growth due to the high demand for OTC pain relief products like topical analgesics and is expected to continue steady growth over the coming years.
Certain factors that are driving the market growth include the high prevalence of arthritis, rising cases of sports-related injuries, and the growing geriatric population. Arthritis is the most common joint disease but also one of the major causes of disability in people aged 65 years and above. Pain is a prominent feature of many rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and is the source of much personal, financial, and societal burden. For instance, as per the report published by the European Pain Federation EFIC in October 2022, more than 120 million RMDs of all ages are estimated to experience pain in Europe. Similarly, according to the report published by the Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum in January 2023, currently, 1.5-2.1 million adults and 14,000 children have rheumatic diseases in Germany. The most common are rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. Thus, the high burden of pain diseases like arthritis increases the need for joint pain relief products such as topical analgesics, likely boosting the analgesic market growth.
Furthermore, the new product approvals and launches increase the widespread distribution of products in various regions, likely boosting market growth. For instance, in June 2022, Lumiera Health Inc. launched its Awaye pain relief cream in the United States market. Awaye relieves acute and chronic pain by exploiting the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Thus, all the factors above, like the high prevalence of arthritis and new product approvals and launches, increase the demand for the pain relief products market, likely propelling the market over the forecast period.
However, side effects related to topical analgesics are expected to hinder the market's growth over the forecast period.
Topical Analgesic Market Trends
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) Under Non-opioids Segment are Expected to Hold Significant Share in the Market Over the Forecast Period
NSAIDs work to reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX). Several NSAIDs are available as creams and gels for topical use, known as topical NSAIDs. These agents have been shown to have similar benefits to taking NSAIDs in pill form in osteoarthritis and low back pain. Topical pain medication may be safer than the pill form, which has the common side effect of gastrointestinal discomfort. The rising burden of chronic pain and inflammation caused by various musculoskeletal disorders and rising sports-related injuries is expected to drive high demand for pain relief gel products, likely boosting the market growth.
Sport-related injuries, such as ligament sprains, muscle sprains, tennis elbow, supraspinatus tendinitis, and others, are increasing among young athletes. For instance, according to an article published in Translational Pediatrics in February 2022, it was observed that about 8.6 million athletes suffer from sports-related injuries each year in the United States. Similarly, as per the report published by the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study in August 2022, for the academic year 2021/22 in the United States, there were 4,998 injuries reported, with an injury incidence of 2.02 injuries per 1,000 athletes' exposures in the 20 sports. Thus, the high incidence of these sports injuries increases the need for sports pain relief products such as pain relief gel and analgesic cream for immediate relief, which likely propels the market growth over the study period.
The new product launches increase the availability of products to the public, which likely propels market growth. For instance, in December 2022, Lupin Limited launched an authorized generic PENNSAID (Diclofenac Sodium Topical Solution), 2% w/w of Horizon Pharma Therapeutics. This introduction is expected to contribute to the expansion of the diclofenac spray market. Thus, all the abovementioned factors, like new product launches and increasing sport-related injuries, increase the demand for NSAIDs in the topical pain relief market over the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Have the Largest Market Share Over the Forecast Period
North America is estimated to have a major market share due to the rising prevalence of pain-related diseases and disorders such as migraines, musculoskeletal disorders, and neuropathic pain, as well as the rising number of sports-related injuries. In addition, the growing approval of drugs by the drug regulatory and novel product launches by the key market players in the region is further expected to boost the United States topical pain relief market during the study period.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2021, exercise equipment accounted for about 409,224 injuries in the United States, the most in any sports and recreation category. The injuries caused by bicycles and accessories accounted for 375,797 in 2021. As per the same source, the United States surged 20% in 2021 following a record-low number of sports and recreational injuries reported in 2020. In 2021, 3.2 million people were treated in emergency departments for sports and recreational equipment injuries. Thus, high sports-related injuries are expected to drive the demand for topical pain relievers in the region.
The new product launches increase the availability of products, which is likely to have a significant impact on the market. For instance, in January 2023, Yaral Pharma Inc. launched a diclofenac epolamine topical system 1.3%, the authorized generic of IBSA Pharma's Flector (diclofenac epolamine) topical system in the United States. Such products contribute to the growth of the diclofenac epolamine topical system 1.3 market in the region. These authorized generics are poised to rapidly expand their product line and will likely have significant market growth in the region.
Therefore, owing to the abovementioned factors, the growth of the topical analgesics market in North America is expected to drive over the forecast period.
Topical Analgesic Industry Overview
The topical analgesic industry is highly fragmented, and key players manufacture most topical analgesic products. The leaders in this industry have established their position in the market, and these manufacturers have a wide product range and an extensive distribution system worldwide. Some of the key players in the market are Haleon plc, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Bayer AG, and others.
Topical Analgesic Market Leaders
-
Johnson & Johnson
-
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
-
Haleon plc
-
Sanofi
-
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Topical Analgesic Market News
- May 2023: Scilex Holding Company, a Sorrento Company, initiated Phase 2, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SP-103 (lidocaine topical system) in subjects with acute low back pain.
- February 2023: Aurobindo Pharma Limited and its subsidiary Aurolife Pharma LLC received final approval from the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to manufacture and market Diclofenac Sodium Topical Solution USP, 2% w/w, which is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the reference listed drug (RLD), Pennsaid Topical Solution, 2% w/w.
Topical Analgesic Industry Segmentation
Topical analgesics are recommended when patients experience acute and chronic muscle and joint pain to relieve their symptoms. The products are applied directly to the skin instead of being injected or swallowed. The Topical Analgesic Market is Segmented by Drug Type (Non-Opioids and Opioids), Formulation (Cream, Patch, Spray, Gel, and Other Formulations), Type (Counter (OTC) Analgesic and Prescription Analgesic), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, and South America). The report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 countries across major regions globally. The report offers the value (in USD) for the above segments.
| By Drug Type | Non Opioids | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) | |
| Capsaicin | |||
| Lidocaine | |||
| Methyl Salicylates | |||
| Other Drug Types | |||
| Opioids | |||
| By Formulation | Cream | ||
| Patch | |||
| Spray | |||
| Gel | |||
| Other Formulations | |||
| By Type | Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesic | ||
| Prescription Analgesic | |||
| Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Europe | United Kingdom | ||
| Germany | |||
| France | |||
| Italy | |||
| Spain | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| Japan | |||
| India | |||
| Australia | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Middle East and Africa | GCC | ||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Non Opioids | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) |
| Capsaicin | |
| Lidocaine | |
| Methyl Salicylates | |
| Other Drug Types | |
| Opioids |
| Cream |
| Patch |
| Spray |
| Gel |
| Other Formulations |
| Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesic |
| Prescription Analgesic |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico | |
| Europe | United Kingdom |
| Germany | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Spain | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| Asia-Pacific | China |
| Japan | |
| India | |
| Australia | |
| South Korea | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC |
| South Africa | |
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | |
| South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America |
Topical Analgesic Market Research FAQs
What is the current Global Topical Analgesic Market size?
The Global Topical Analgesic Market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.44% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Global Topical Analgesic Market?
Johnson & Johnson, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Haleon plc, Sanofi and Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC are the major companies operating in the Global Topical Analgesic Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Global Topical Analgesic Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Global Topical Analgesic Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Global Topical Analgesic Market.
What years does this Global Topical Analgesic Market cover?
The report covers the Global Topical Analgesic Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Global Topical Analgesic Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Our Best Selling Reports
Topical Painkiller Industry Report
The Global Topical Analgesics / Pain Relief Market is segmented by drug type, formulation, type, and geography. The market encompasses various drug types, including non-opioids and opioids, and formulations such as cream, patch, spray, gel, and other formulations. The market is divided into over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics and prescription analgesics, catering to diverse consumer needs.
The industry report provides a comprehensive market analysis, highlighting the market share and market size across different segments. This industry analysis offers valuable insights into the market trends and market growth, helping stakeholders understand the market dynamics. The industry research includes a detailed market forecast, projecting the market outlook and market predictions for the coming years.
The report example and report PDF download offer an in-depth industry overview, presenting industry statistics and industry information that are crucial for market leaders and research companies. The market segmentation covers various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America, providing a holistic view of the market.
The industry reports and industry research emphasize the market value and market data, ensuring that stakeholders have access to accurate and relevant information. The market review highlights the market leaders and their strategies, while the industry outlook sheds light on the future prospects of the market.
The market forecast and market growth are essential for understanding the potential of the topical analgesics market. The industry sales and industry size are critical metrics that reflect the market's performance and growth rate. The industry trends and market outlook provide a forward-looking perspective, helping businesses make informed decisions.
In summary, this comprehensive report offers a detailed analysis of the topical analgesics market, covering all aspects from market segmentation to market predictions. The report serves as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders, providing them with the necessary tools to navigate the market landscape effectively.
