Frequently Asked Questions

  • WHAT IS TIGER BALM AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

    Tiger Balm is used as a topical pain relief product, and is made from a blend of herbal ingredients that provides safe and effective pill-free relief for aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, backache, strains, and sprains. Tiger Balm has various uses including muscle strain relief, neck pain relief, back pain relief, and shoulder pain relief. Our various Tiger Balm products come in a variety of forms and formulations to suit your lifestyle, and can also help with pre- and post-workout recovery in athletes.

    When Tiger Balm is applied onto the skin, it generates a warming sensation due to the increased blood flow to the area of application. The effective blend of herbal ingredients also offers targeted pain relief.

  • WHAT TYPES OF PRODUCTS DOES TIGER BALM MAKE TO RELIEVE ACHES AND PAINS?

    Tiger Balm is available for use in the following forms:

    • Ointments (Ultra Strength, Extra Strength, Ultra Strength Sports Rub)
    • Patches (Pain Relieving Patch, Large Pain Relieving Patches)
    • Rubs (Neck & Shoulder Rub, Arthritis Rub, Active Muscle Rub)
    • Oil (Liniment)
    • Gel (Active Muscle Gel)
    • Spray (Active Muscle Spray)
  • WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE USE OF TIGER BALM AND OTHER TOPICAL PAIN RELIEVERS?

    Unlike most other topical pain relief products, Tiger Balm is formulated using a blend of herbal ingredients.

    Tiger Balm has more than 100 years of proven success and is trusted by millions of people in many countries around the world.

  • CAN TIGER BALM BE USED ALONG WITH ORAL PAIN RELIEVERS?

    Please consult with a medical professional before using Tiger Balm products with oral pain relievers.

  • WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS USED IN TIGER BALM?

    Camphor and menthol are the primary active ingredients used in most Tiger Balm products. To see a complete list of ingredients for any of our products, choose from the “Product” menu above.

  • WHICH TIGER BALM PRODUCT USES THE STRONGEST FORMULA?

    Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Ointment contains the strongest concentration of our active ingredients Camphor (11%) and Menthol (11%).

  • WHERE DOES TIGER BALM’S UNIQUE SMELL COME FROM?

    The one-of-a-kind herbal blend of our active ingredients, Camphor, Menthol, Cassia Oil, etc. produces Tiger Balm’s trademark aroma.If you are looking for a low-odor pain relief product, we recommend using our Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches, which deliver targeted pain relief with minimal odor. Alternatively, you can also use our Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub or Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub.

  • DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION TO BUY TIGER BALM?

    No, Tiger Balm products can be purchased and used without a prescription. Find your nearest Tiger Balm retailer or buy Tiger Balm online with our Store Locator. Tiger Balm is available at leading retailers nation-wide including Walmart and Amazon. You can also check out our Tiger Balm promotions for limited-time deals on our products.

  • IS TIGER BALM FDA APPROVED?

    All Tiger Balm products comply with the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  • IS TIGER BALM SAFE TO USE?

    Tiger Balm is safe for a wide range of pain relief uses when used as directed. Please follow the instructions on the package and consult a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns about using Tiger Balm.

    Tiger Balm may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. We recommend testing on a small area before widespread use.

  • IS TIGER BALM SAFE TO USE ON CHILDREN?

    All Tiger Balm products can be used by children over the age of 12 years old. For children younger than 12 years old, please check with a medical professional before using Tiger Balm.

  • IS TIGER BALM MADE FROM TIGERS?

    No tigers have ever been harmed in the making of Tiger Balm. The tiger represents strength and its ability to pounce on pain. We got our name from one of our founders, Aw Boon Haw, whose name translates to “Gentle Tiger”.

  • IS TIGER BALM VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE?

    Our products’ strength comes from a combination of herbal ingredients and there are no animal byproducts used in most Tiger Balm products.

    Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub does use Glucosamine and Chondroitin which come from animal and shellfish sources.

    All Tiger Balm products are gluten-free.

  • CAN TIGER BALM PRODUCTS STAIN CLOTHES?

    The cassia oil found in our Extra Strength Ointment creates its unique red color and also has the tendency to stain clothes. For stain-free options, check out any of our other Tiger Balm products for use.

  • HOW LONG HAS TIGER BALM BEEN AROUND AND HOW DID TIGER BALM GET ITS NAME?

    Tiger Balm was first created more than 100 years ago, and has served various pain relief uses ever since. It is named after one of our founders, Aw Boon Haw, whose name translates to “Gentle Tiger”.

  • WHERE IS TIGER BALM MADE?

    Tiger Balm products are made in China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.

  • WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

    If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your use of any Tiger Balm products, within 30 days of purchase, please contact us.

  • IS TIGER BALM SAFE TO USE DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

    Women who are pregnant, think they may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before using Tiger Balm.

  • CAN TIGER BALM BE USED BEFORE OR AFTER BATHING OR SHOWERING?

    Do not use Tiger Balm products 1 hour prior to bathing or showering.

    Do not use Tiger Balm products 30 minutes after bathing or showering.

  • CAN I APPLY TIGER BALM TO A SUNBURN OR A RASH?

    Tiger Balm should not be applied to broken or damaged skin, sunburns, or rashes.

  • IS IT HARMFUL TO USE AN EXPIRED TIGER BALM PRODUCT?

    We do not recommend using expired products. Please discard any expired Tiger Balm products.

    For hygiene purpose, always store Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches in the original pouch and remember to discard any unused patches  14 days after opening.

    The active ingredients used in expired Tiger Balm products may have lost effectiveness. Expired Pain Relieving Patches may also not have adequate adhesiveness.

  • WHEN SHOULD TIGER BALM NOT BE USED?

    Tiger Balm products should not be used on the face, on rashes, on wounds or damaged skin, with a heating pad, when sweating (such as from exercise or heat), or right before or after heart surgery.

    Expired Tiger Balm products, and Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches that have been open for 14 or more days should not be used. 

    Tiger Balm should not be used on children under the age of 12 unless prior consent has been given by a medical professional.

    Tiger Balm Active Muscle Gel, Muscle Rub, and Muscle Spray, and Tiger Balm Liniment contain Methyl Salicylate. If you are prone to allergic reactions from aspirin, salicylates, or NSAIDs, consult a doctor before use.

  • CAN TIGER BALM HELP WITH MY ARTHRITIS PAIN?

    Yes, we have two products focused on helping with joint and arthritis pain. Click here to learn more about Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment or Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub.

  • CAN I ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WHILE USING TIGER BALM?

    Yes, Tiger Balm products can be used before, during, and after physical activity

  • CAN I USE TIGER BALM PRODUCTS IF I HAVE SENSITIVE SKINS?

    Tiger Balm’s strength comes from a combination of herbal ingredients which are found to be effective for relieving muscular aches and pains. However, if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients, we do not advise you to use Tiger Balm.

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE USE OF TIGER BALM ULTRA STRENGTH OINTMENT AND EXTRA STRENGTH OINTMENT?

    Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Ointment is non-staining and uses our strongest formulation. It provides a warming and cooling effect.

    Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment uses our traditional formula which provides more warmth. The extra cinnamon in the formulation can stain clothes.

  • DOES THE ULTRA STRENGTH OINTMENT COME IN A LARGER SIZE?

    Yes, our Tiger Balm Ultra Strength formula is available in a 1.7 oz. tin, which is nearly three times larger than our usual jars. Click here to learn more about Tiger Balm Ultra Sports Rub.

  • WHAT CAUSES THE COLOR OF TIGER BALM EXTRA STRENGTH OINTMENT TO CHANGE?

    Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment has a reddish-yellow color at the point of production, which gradually turns to the reddish-brown color a few months later. The color of the product further darkens over time due to the natural aging process.

    The change in the ointment’s color has no impact to the quality, efficacy, or safety with regards to product use. You can continue using the ointment even after the color has changed, while paying attention to the expiration and storage information on the packaging.

  • HOW ARE TIGER BALM PAIN RELIEVING PATCHES DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PATCHES?

    Tiger Balm Pain Relief Patches are formulated with a blend of herbal ingredients for effective pain relief, and use non-toxic gel components which are capable of retaining water, thereby enhancing the comfortability of wearing a Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch. Our patches are also mess-free, non-greasy and won’t stain clothing despite how effective they are for relieving pain.

  • WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE PAIN RELIEF PATCH?

    Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches use our one-of-a-kind herbal formula that has been in use for over 100 years. The clean, simple, and odor-free patch application makes it easier than ever to enjoy the pain relieving effects of Tiger Balm ointments and rubs, without getting your hands greasy or staining clothes. 

    Our Pain Relieving Patches are flexible and stretchable, making them suitable for a variety of uses including leg muscle pain relief, shoulder pain relief, and neck pain relief. Their compact and lightweight size also makes them easy to slip into your day bag or gym bag, giving you instant access to our effective pain relief formulas even when you’re on the go.

  • DO TIGER BALM PAIN RELIEVING PATCHES USE LATEX?

    Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches are latex-free.

  • WHERE CAN I APPLY TIGER BALM PAIN RELIEVING PATCHES?

    Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches are designed to work on any part of the body where muscle aches, strains, sprains, and backaches occur. We do not recommend using our patches for joints as the patch’s adhesion can loosen at bendable areas, like elbows, knees, or other joints.

  • CAN I WEAR TIGER BALM PAIN RELIEVING PATCHES UNDER MY CLOTHES?

    Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches are safe to wear under clothing. Please refer to the package for complete directions and use only as directed.

  • HOW LONG CAN I LEAVE A TIGER BALM PAIN RELIEVING PATCH ON MY BODY?

    Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches can be worn for up to 8 hours.

  • CAN I WEAR TIGER BALM PAIN RELIEVING PATCHES WHILE SLEEPING?

    Yes, you can use each Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch for up to 8 hours.

  • CAN I WEAR TWO TIGER BALM PAIN RELIEVING PATCHES AT THE SAME TIME?

    Yes, you can wear up to two Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches at the same time.

    For convenient back pain relief for lower back and large body areas, we recommend Tiger Balm Large Hydrogel Patches.

  • DO THE TIGER BALM PAIN RELIEVING PATCHES COME IN A LARGER SIZE?

    Yes, our Pain Relieving Patches do come in a larger size that can stretch to nearly three times the size of our standard patches, in the form of our Tiger Balm Large Hydrogel Patches. Learn more about how Tiger Balm can help with lower back pain relief.

  • ARE TIGER BALM PAIN RELIEVING PATCHES REUSABLE?

    Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches cannot be used more than once.

  • CAN TIGER BALM NECK & SHOULDER RUB HELP WITH ‘TECH-NECK’ PAIN?

    Yes, you can use Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub to help with ‘tech-neck’ pains. Find out how Tiger Balm can help with neck and shoulder pain relief.

  • HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TIGER BALM ACTIVE MUSCLE SPRAY TO DRY?

    Tiger Balm Active Muscle Spray dries minutes after use.

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TIGER BALM ACTIVE MUSCLE RUB AND ACTIVE MUSCLE GEL?

    Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub is ideal for pre-workout use and sport pain relief for sporting enthusiasts. The non-greasy cream’s warming sensation soothes muscle aches and pains, and is an effective pre-sport warm up to get you going.

    Tiger Balm Active Muscle Gel is perfect for post-workout use and after-sport cooldown. It helps combat muscle fatigue and aids in recovery with a cooling then warming sensation.

  • DOES TIGER BALM NECK & SHOULDER RUB HAVE A STRONG ODOR?

    No, our Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub leaves a subtle Lavender scent after the initial Tiger Balm scent dissipates.

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