Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream – Full Comparison
Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream — it’s a common comparison among shoppers looking for effective, affordable pain relief. Relieving minor aches and pains is an ongoing issue for everyone from seniors to athletes. With so many pain-relieving creams on the market, it can be hard to tell them apart. Rugby Muscle Rub Cream is a relative newcomer, and many people ask us: what’s the difference? In this post, we’ll compare Rugby Muscle Rub vs Rugby Pain Relieving Cream to help you decide which option is best for backaches, arthritis, strains, bruises, and more.
Who Is Rugby Laboratories?
Rugby Laboratories is a trusted, no-frills brand known for delivering high-quality over-the-counter medications at affordable prices. Based in Livonia, Michigan, Rugby is part of Major Pharmaceuticals and has been manufacturing reliable generic medications for over 60 years.
Their most popular topical pain reliever is Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream, often compared to Thera-Gesic®. More recently, they introduced Rugby Muscle Rub Cream — a higher-strength formula designed for those who need extra relief.
Is Rugby Muscle Rub Cream the Same as Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream?
Not quite. While both products are made by Rugby Laboratories and contain the same active ingredients — Menthol and Methyl Salicylate — the strength levels are what set them apart.
Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream, a well-known generic alternative to Thera-Gesic®, contains 1% Menthol and 15% Methyl Salicylate. In contrast, Rugby Muscle Rub Cream is a much stronger formula, delivering 10% Menthol with the same 15% Methyl Salicylate. That’s a 10x increase in Menthol, resulting in a more intense cooling effect — ideal for those needing stronger, deeper relief.
However, that higher Menthol content can be irritating to sensitive skin. If you're deciding between the two, the choice may come down to your skin's tolerance and how much cooling relief you need.
So when comparing Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream, the key difference is intensity. Let’s break it down further by looking at ingredients, cost, and when to use each product.
Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream: Active Ingredient Comparison
Both products share the same two active ingredients — Menthol and Methyl Salicylate — but the strength of Menthol is what separates them.
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream (Extra Strength Formula):
Menthol 10% – Provides a strong cooling sensation that helps block pain signals and reduce discomfort.
Methyl Salicylate 15% – A topical analgesic that penetrates deep to soothe sore muscles and aching joints.
Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream:
Menthol 1% – Offers mild cooling and relief, making it suitable for everyday aches or for those with sensitive skin.
Methyl Salicylate 15% – Same concentration as in the Muscle Rub, offering consistent analgesic relief.
In the matchup of Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream, the standout difference is the 10x higher Menthol content in the Muscle Rub Cream — making it better for those seeking a stronger, cooling effect.
Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream: Effectiveness & Skin Sensitivity
Menthol Comparison:
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream (10%) – Delivers a noticeably stronger cooling effect and deeper pain relief. This higher menthol content is ideal for those with more severe aches, post-workout soreness, or chronic joint discomfort.
Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream (1%) – Offers a gentler, milder cooling sensation. It's a better choice for daily use, people with sensitive skin, or those who don’t want an overpowering menthol effect.
Methyl Salicylate (15%) – Same in Both:
Both creams contain 15% Methyl Salicylate, a time-tested topical analgesic that penetrates the skin to relieve muscle and joint pain. The effect here is consistent across both formulas — the main difference lies in menthol strength.
Choosing the Right Rugby Pain Cream
Still deciding between Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream? Here's a quick guide to help:
Choose Rugby Muscle Rub Cream if:
You need stronger, longer-lasting pain relief
You prefer an intense cooling effect
You’re treating post-workout soreness, back pain, or deep muscle aches
Choose Rugby Pain Relieving Cream if:
You have sensitive skin
You prefer a gentler cooling sensation
You want mild daily relief for minor aches
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream Bulk Discounts
| # of Tubes | Price* | Total | Per oz | Savings |
| 1 | $6.99 | $6.99 | $2.33 | – |
| 4 | $4.99 | $19.96 | $1.66 | 28.6% |
| 24 | $4.19 | $99.84 | $1.39 | 40.1% |
*Shipping is $4.99 for single-tube orders. All savings packs ship free.
Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream Bulk Discounts
| # of Tubes | Price* | Total | Per oz | Savings |
| 1 | $6.99 | $6.99 | $2.33 | – |
| 3 | $6.66 | $19.98 | $2.22 | 4.7% |
| 5 | $5.39 | $26.95 | $1.80 | 22.9% |
| 24 | $4.19 | $99.84 | $1.39 | 40.1% |
*Shipping is $4.99 for single-tube orders. All savings packs ship free.
Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream: Pain Type Recommendations
Choosing the right cream often comes down to pain intensity and skin sensitivity. Here’s when to use each:
Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream is best for:
Mild to Moderate Pain – Ideal for everyday aches, minor back pain, arthritis, sprains, bruises, and strains.
Sensitive Skin – With only 1% menthol, it’s less likely to cause irritation, making it a safe choice for frequent use.
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream is best for:
More Intense Pain – The 10% menthol content delivers stronger relief for deep muscle pain, post-workout soreness, or chronic discomfort.
Normal Skin Types – Best for those who can tolerate stronger menthol without sensitivity or irritation.
Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream: Final Thoughts
When comparing Rugby Muscle Rub vs Pain Relieving Cream, both deliver reliable relief — but each is better suited for different needs:
Choose Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream if you want a gentler, budget-friendly option for general pain relief and daily use.
Choose Rugby Muscle Rub Cream if you need more powerful cooling and relief from more intense or stubborn pain.
Both products are made by Rugby Laboratories and offer excellent value, especially when purchased in bulk at xeteor.com. Whichever you choose, be sure to test a small amount on your skin first — especially if you have sensitive skin — to ensure compatibility before extended use.
Rugby Laboratories Products Mentioned in This Blog Post
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream - 3 oz | Bengay
$6.99
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream – 3 oz | Compare to Bengay Rugby Muscle Rub Cream (3 oz) is a greaseless, fast-absorbing topical analgesic that delivers...… read more
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream - 3 oz | Bengay (4 Pack)
$19.96
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream – 3 oz (4 Pack) | Compare to Bengay Rugby Muscle Rub Cream (4 Pack – 3 oz tubes) is a...… read more
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream - 3 oz | Bengay (24 Pack)
$99.84
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream – 3 oz (24 Pack) | Compare to Bengay Rugby Muscle Rub Cream (24 Pack – 3 oz tubes) is a...… read more
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz | Compare to Thera-Gesic
$6.99
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz | Maximum Strength | Compare to Thera-Gesic® Experience powerful, fast-acting relief with Rugby Pain Relieving Cream — the...… read more
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz (3 Pack) | Compare to Thera-Gesic
$19.98
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz (3 Pack) | Compare to Thera-Gesic® Looking to stock up and save? This 3-pack of Rugby Pain Relieving...… read more
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz (5 Pack) | Compare to Thera-Gesic®
$26.95
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz (5 Pack) | Compare to Thera-Gesic® This 5-pack of Rugby Pain Relieving Cream offers serious value for those...… read more
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz (24 Pack) | Compare to Thera-Gesic®
$99.84
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz (24 Pack) | Compare to Thera-Gesic® Save big and stay stocked with this 24-pack of Rugby Pain Relieving...… read more
About xeteor.com
xeteor.com, started in 2018 is based in Las Vegas, Nevada and is online pharmacy focusing on discount over-the-counter generic medications like Rugby Muscle Rub Cream & Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream, as well as diabetic test strips. We find deals normally reserved for "big pharma" and offer them to the consumer at discount prices. Ranking as the #1 authorized online reseller of Major Pharmaceuticals & Rugby Laboratories products according to Trustpilot.com, xeteor.com has 8,000+ 5-star reviews online, including Amazon, eBay, Trustpilot, and Google. xeteor.com is a Google Top Quality Store, earned by merchants that provide a great shopping experience.
Shipping Time & Cost
All items ship same day when purchased by 3 pm PST Monday - Friday. We offer free shipping nationwide on orders over $30 and all savings packs. Shipping times are between 3 to 8 business days, with an average of 3.3 business days. A link to our full shipping policy is here.
Payment Options
We offer multiple convenient payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal and Venmo.
Return Policy
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the product, you may return it up to 100 days from the date of purchase. We offer free return shipping to ensure you can try the product risk free. A link to our full return policy is here.
How to Reach Us?
If you have questions about the product or need assistance, we are happy to talk on the phone. Call us at 1-833-787-4777 between 9 am - 5 pm PST Monday - Friday. You can also email us at [email protected] or text us at 702-659-7022. A link to our full contact us page is here.
Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this post.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Rugby Muscle Rub Cream and Rugby Pain Relieving Cream?
The main difference is the amount of menthol. Rugby Muscle Rub contains 10% menthol, while Rugby Pain Relieving Cream (also called Rugby Maximum Strength) contains only 1%. Both have 15% methyl salicylate.
Which one is stronger?
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream is stronger due to its higher menthol content. It provides a more intense cooling sensation and deeper pain relief.
Which one is better for sensitive skin?
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream is better for sensitive skin because it has only 1% menthol. It’s gentler and less likely to cause irritation.
Are these the same as Bengay or Thera-Gesic?
Yes, both products have the same active ingredients as Bengay and Thera-Gesic. Rugby Pain Relieving Cream is similar to Thera-Gesic, while Rugby Muscle Rub is more comparable to Ultra Strength Bengay.
Can I use these for arthritis or back pain?
Yes. Both creams can help relieve minor arthritis, backaches, muscle strains, sprains, and bruises.
Can I use these if I have sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, start with Rugby Pain Relieving Cream (1% menthol). Always test a small amount first.
Where can I buy these?
These products are not available on Amazon or Walmart. You can buy them directly from xeteor.com at a lower price.
