Tiger Balm vs Biofreeze vs Icy Hot vs Plant-Based Balm: A Label Facts Guide

If you are comparing Tiger Balm, Biofreeze, Icy Hot, Bengay or Salonpas with a plant-based balm, you want to know what actually differs on the label before you spend money. This guide sticks to label facts so you can compare for yourself.

We make Rematch, so we only state facts about Rematch. For any other brand, check that brand's Drug Facts label or its own website. Formulas and product lines change, and the package in your hand is the source of truth.

Pick your comparison

Each guide below uses the same label checklist, with notes on the format question that matters most for that brand:

• Tiger Balm vs plant-based balm: how to compare
• Biofreeze vs plant-based balm: how to compare
• Icy Hot vs plant-based balm: how to compare
• Bengay vs plant-based balm: how to compare
• Salonpas vs plant-based balm: how to compare

How to compare any two balms

Hold both products and check five things on the labels.

• Active ingredients and their %. On the Drug Facts panel, under "Active ingredients." This tells you what the product uses and how strong it is.
• Inactive ingredients. The base: plant oils and butters or petroleum, and whether there are dyes or added fragrance.
• Format and size. Ounces, and whether it is a balm, cream, gel, roll-on, spray or patch. Format changes how you apply it and how far it goes.
• Where it is made and in what batch size. Look for a country or city on the label.
• Lot code and expiry. Both should be printed on the label or the packaging.

Format matters as much as formula

Balm, cream, gel, roll-on, spray and patch all apply differently. A firm balm goes exactly where you put it and works well around joints that bend. A cream spreads quickly over large areas. A patch covers a fixed area. Decide how you want to use it first, then compare labels within that format.

Rematch at a glance

	Rematch Original	Rematch Travel	Rematch Sensitive	Rematch Cream (preorder)
Format	Balm, 2 oz glass jar	Balm, 1 oz jar	Balm, 2 oz glass jar	Cream, 4 oz tube
Actives	Camphor 6.5%, menthol 1.75%	Camphor 6.5%, menthol 1.75%	None. Cosmetic skin balm, no camphor or menthol, no essential oils	Camphor 6.5%, menthol 4%
Base	Made with organic oils and butters. Contains beeswax, not vegan	Same as Original	Made with organic oils and butters. Contains beeswax, not vegan	Made with organic oils and butters. Contains beeswax, not vegan. No water, no alcohol
Made	Handmade in small batches, Scottsdale, Arizona	Same	Same	Same
Shipping and guarantee	Ships in 1 to 2 business days. Free US shipping over $35. 60-day guarantee	Same	Same	Ships week of Nov 16. Same shipping and guarantee

Shop: Rematch Original 2 oz · Rematch Travel 1 oz · Rematch Sensitive 2 oz · Rematch Cream 4 oz, preorder · Bundles

Why Rematch

• A 12 year formula. Cole Stegman has made and refined it for 12 years.
• Handmade in the USA. Small batches, poured by hand in Scottsdale, Arizona.
• Made with organic oils. Organic coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter carry the actives. No petroleum.
• Transparent labels. Actives printed on the front, every ingredient on the back, every jar lot-coded.
• Real-strength actives. Camphor 6.5% and menthol 1.75%, FDA monograph actives.
• Guarantee. 60 days. If it is not for you, one email gets a refund.

Learn more

• What is actually in your pain relief balm? A transparent ingredient breakdown
• Menthol and camphor: how counterirritants work
• Organic pain relief balm: what organic ingredients really mean on a label

FAQ

Is there a plant-based alternative to Tiger Balm, Biofreeze or Icy Hot?

Yes. Rematch is a camphor and menthol balm made with organic oils and butters, handmade in Scottsdale, Arizona. Compare it with any brand by checking that brand's Drug Facts label or website.

How do I compare two pain relief balms?

Check five things on the labels: the active ingredients and their percentages, the inactive ingredients, the format and size, where it is made, and the lot code and expiry.

Does Rematch contain petroleum?

No. Rematch is made with organic oils and butters. There is no petroleum, petrolatum, mineral oil or paraffin in any Rematch product.

Is Rematch vegan?

No. Every Rematch product contains beeswax, which gives the balm its structure.

What is the difference between Original and Travel?

Nothing but size. Travel is the same formula as the 2 oz Original in a 1 oz jar.

How do I ask a question?

Email info@rematchbalm.com. A person reads every message.

Rematch Original, Travel and Cream are OTC topical analgesics for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. Rematch Sensitive is a cosmetic. Read and follow the Drug Facts panel on any product you use. Brand names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here only to identify products for comparison; Rematch is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.