As the world continues to face chronic pain disorder burden, efficient and relieving topical pain relief becomes paramount for managing this condition. Given this, global demand for topical pain relief is anticipated to surge at a 5.6% CAGR through 2034.
The market value is projected to increase from USD 11,061.3 million in 2024 to USD 18,994.4 million by 2034. The market was valued at USD 10,513.1 million in 2023 and is anticipated to exhibit a Y-o-Y growth of 5.2% in 2024.
| Attributes | Market Insights |
|---|---|
| Base Value, 2023 | USD 10,513.1 million |
| Global Topical Pain Relief Market Size (2024) | USD 11,061.3 million |
| Market Forecast for Topical Pain Relief Industry (2034) | USD 18,994.4 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.6% |
Rising aging population is surging the demand for pain management solutions, particularly topical pain relief medications for chronic pain problems such as arthritis, back pain, and muscle pain.
These products offer convenience and relief, making them highly preferred over invasive ones. Continuous research & development efforts by leading manufacturers can improve the effectiveness and safety of these pain relief solutions.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, people are adopting healthy habits and engaging in sports activities, which are prone to acute injuries. Sprays are used to relax suffering in these sports.
A competitive industry is created by the various topical pain treatment medications offered by pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. Regulatory licenses and safety regulations are essential in the market as they influence product accessibility and customer confidence.
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The market recorded a historical CAGR of 4.0% from 2019 to 2023. Historically, pain relief medications have been developed through ongoing research and development, focusing on novel formulations, optimizing active component bioavailability, and improving delivery systems.
The incidence of chronic and neuropathic pain rises with age, with adults being more susceptible to these conditions. Chronic and neuropathic pain are increasingly prevalent due to health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. The conditions necessitate healthcare providers to monitor these rates and provide appropriate treatment options.
The growing prevalence of neuropathic and chronic pain is projected to fuel growth of the market, with a focus on non-opioid medications and the development of safer, more effective pain management therapies.
Reimbursement policies by governments are set to encourage healthcare professionals to offer non-opioid topical therapies in palliative care plans.
Consumers seek natural and organic alternatives in healthcare and personal care, leading to the development of topical pain treatment medicines containing natural components. Leading companies and manufacturers are investing in research & development to produce unique formulations for precise and efficient pain treatment.
Technological developments, such as transdermal medication delivery methods, enhance active chemical absorption, providing reliable and long-lasting pain relief.
The market is further projected to grow due to rising geriatric population, high prevalence of chronic diseases, increased sports activity, and accidental injuries. The safety and efficacy of these treatments are projected to push manufacturers to develop unconventional products, such as one-shot technology in sprays, to enhance treatment efficacy.
Principal Consultant
The market is undergoing a shift toward non-opioid alternatives due to increased public awareness of opioid risks and the need for safe alternatives. Due to the severity of abusive opioids and their misuse, physicians have reduced their prescriptions for pain management, which has decreased their sales globally.
According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), around 20 to 30% of opioids prescribed for chronic pain are being misused. It also mentions that up to 10% of the total opioid consumers are addicted to it. The growing incidence of opioid abuse is set to hinder growth in the market.
The table below highlights the anticipated growth rates of leading countries. Among these, China is projected to remain a highly lucrative market for topical pain relief, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.4%. The United States and India are anticipated to follow with CAGRs of 3.8% and 7.1%, respectively.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| United States | 3.8% |
| Germany | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | 2.6% |
| Japan | 2.4% |
| China | 8.4% |
| India | 7.1% |
Manufacturers in the United States often prioritize natural and organic ingredients in their product formulations to satisfy the increasing demand for wellness-focused, clean-label products. Public education campaigns by NGOs and governments have been running to inform people about the benefits of topical painkillers and how to use them safely & appropriately.
CBD, a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory, is gaining traction as a natural substitute for pain relief medicines in the United States. This trend is propelled by pharmacies, drugstores, supermarkets, and internet platforms offering topical pain relief solutions, with direct-to-consumer sales channels emerging due to convenience.
China's growth in the topical pain relief market is notable, with a surge in commercial development through novel product approvals. The country's robust investment in research & development, coupled with a burgeoning healthcare sector, has propelled the demand for topical pain relief.
Growing awareness and adoption of topical pain relief products in various applications contribute to China's flourishing market, positioning the country as a key player in the global landscape.
The demand for over-the-counter pain relievers in China is growing due to the rise in arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and joint pain, as well as the increasing elderly population. Leading companies in China are introducing new pain relief components, delivery systems, and formulations to meet consumer needs.
India is making significant strides in the market. It is projected to showcase positive growth trends by 2034. Chronic pain conditions are on the rise in India due to the growing elderly population and changing lifestyles characterized by more stress & sedentary behavior.
A sizeable section of the populace suffers from conditions such as joint pain, arthritis, and back pain, fueling demand for topical pain relief in India. For instance, millions of Indians have arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common type, especially in older adults.
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The table below signifies leading sub-categories under drug class, formulations, and packaging type categories in the market. The non-opioids segment is projected to surge at a CAGR of 4.7% in the evaluation period. Under the formulation category, the cream and ointment segment is projected to rise at a CAGR of 3.0% by 2034.
| Segment | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| Tubes (Packaging Type) | 3.3% |
| Hospitals (Distribution Channel) | 7.0% |
| Creams and Ointments (Formulation) | 3.0% |
| Non-opioids (Drug Class) | 4.7% |
The non-opioid segment dominated the global market with a 72.5% share in 2023 and is projected to continue experiencing high growth throughout the forecast period. Topical pain medications without opioids are considered safer due to their lower risk of addiction, dependence, and overdose compared to opioid-based alternatives.
Healthcare professionals prefer non-opioid formulations for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, particularly for chronic conditions that call for long-term use. Compared to oral medications, non-opioid topical pain relievers usually have fewer systemic side effects, fueling the segment’s growth.
Cream formulations are widely utilized in topical pain management because of their rapid skin absorption, simplicity of administration, and capacity to deliver targeted comfort.
Various active ingredients meant to lessen pain and suffering are frequently used in pain relief creams. Manufacturers often carry out clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of their cream formulations, further propelling demand.
The tube segment dominated the global market with a 35.7% share in 2023 and is projected to continue experiencing substantial growth by 2034. Since tubes often have a sealed nozzle or cap that helps keep product integrity and avoid contamination, they offer a hygienic application method.
Tubes are also essential for applying topical pain relief medications directly to the affected area, making them easy to use and effective for skin contact. The easy dispensing mechanism of tubes makes the product's smooth and even application possible.
Leading topical pain relief product manufacturers prioritize product innovation and launches to meet high demand and broaden their global consumer base through unique formulations & delivery methods. Manufacturers in the pharmaceutical sector also apply for authorization from regulatory organizations to stay relevant in the market.
For instance
The global market is set to reach USD 18,994.4 million by 2034.
Demand for topical pain relief is slated to rise at a 5.6% CAGR by 2034.
The non-opioids segment is set to lead the global market in 2024.
The market is projected to reach USD 11,061.3 million in 2024.
The United States accounted for around 33.5% share of the global market in 2023.
Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc., and Novartis AG are the key players.
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