Why Do Windy Oils and Muscle Rubs Feel Hot or Cold?
Windy oils and muscle rubs may produce warming, cooling or mixed sensations because ingredients such as methyl salicylate and menthol interact with temperature-sensitive nerve receptors in the skin. Methyl salicylate can produce different sensations, while menthol activates cold-sensing receptors known as TRPM8, creating a cooling sensation. [1, 2]
Skin hydration can influence the absorption of methyl salicylate, and some topical products carry warnings against use with additional heat or immediately around bathing. [3–5] A stronger burning sensation does not necessarily mean better relief and may be a sign of skin irritation or injury. [6]
In Malaysia, medicated oils and muscle rubs are commonly used to provide temporary relief of minor muscle and joint discomfort. These products may contain ingredients such as methyl salicylate, menthol or camphor. Depending on the formulation, users may experience cooling, warming or a combination of both sensations. [1, 2]
These sensations occur because certain topical ingredients interact with sensory nerve receptors in the skin, influencing how temperature and pain are perceived. [1, 2]
Understanding these effects can help you use medicated oils and muscle rubs more safely. Some products carry precautions about use around bathing, sweating or exposure to additional heat, so it is important to follow the instructions on the product label. [4, 5]
What ingredients make muscle rubs feel hot or cold?
The warming or cooling sensation depends on the ingredients used, their concentration, and how the skin responds. Methyl salicylate and menthol are two common ingredients that help explain why these sensations can differ between products. [1, 2]
| Ingredient | Typical sensation | What is happening |
|---|---|---|
| Methyl salicylate | Warming or cooling sensations, which may vary between individuals | May influence temperature-sensitive nerve channels and cause temporary changes in blood flow near the skin's surface. [1] |
| Menthol | Cooling sensation | Activates TRPM8, a cold-sensing ion channel in sensory nerves, producing a cooling sensation. [2] |
| Combination products | Sensations may vary depending on the formulation | Some muscle rubs contain both methyl salicylate and menthol. Their different effects on temperature perception may contribute to the overall sensation experienced. [1, 2, 5] |
Why can methyl salicylate produce warming or cooling sensations?
Methyl salicylate, the main compound found in wintergreen oil, is used in some topical pain-relief products. Research suggests that it may influence several temperature-sensitive nerve channels, including TRPV1, TRPM8 and TRPA1, which are involved in sensing heat, cold and irritation. [1]
A 2024 study of topical methyl salicylate found that participants experienced sensations ranging from cool to hot, with the strongest sensations occurring soon after application. The researchers also observed a temporary increase in blood flow near the skin's surface. [1]
Why do menthol muscle rubs feel cold?
Menthol produces a cooling sensation by activating TRPM8, a sensory nerve channel involved in detecting cold temperatures. This explains why menthol-containing balms, gels and rubs can feel cool even without exposure to an external cold source. [2]
Menthol also influences pain-sensing nerves in the skin, which may temporarily change how pain or discomfort is perceived. The cooling sensation can vary with menthol concentration, while higher concentrations may cause irritation or discomfort. [2]
Why should you be careful when using muscle rubs after bathing or when sweating?
Skin hydration can affect how certain topical ingredients are absorbed. Hydrated skin has been shown to allow approximately twice as much methyl salicylate to pass through the epidermis compared with dehydrated skin. [3]
For this reason, some topical methyl salicylate products carry precautions about use around bathing or showering. Certain products may also warn against applying additional heat to the treated area. Therefore, always follow the instructions on the product label. [4, 5]
When using muscle rubs, avoid applying additional heat to the treated area or covering it with tight bandages. Always follow the product label instructions for safe use. [5]
Does a stronger sensation mean better pain relief?
Not necessarily. A stronger warming, cooling or burning sensation does not automatically mean greater pain relief. Topical muscle rubs may produce warming or cooling sensations, but they should not cause pain or skin damage. [6]
How can you use windy oils and muscle rubs safely?
Always follow the directions on the specific product because concentrations, age limits and dosing frequency can differ. General precautions for methyl salicylate- and menthol-containing topical products include: [4, 5]
- Follow the recommended amount and frequency. Use only as directed on the label and avoid applying more than recommended.
- Avoid sensitive areas. Keep the product away from your eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas.
- Apply only to intact skin. Avoid cuts, wounds, or damaged or irritated skin.
- Avoid additional heat. Do not use heating pads or tightly bandage the treated area unless the product instructions specifically allow it.
- Wash your hands after use. This helps prevent accidental contact with your eyes or other sensitive areas.
- Keep away from children. Store products out of their reach. If accidentally swallowed, seek medical help immediately. [4, 5]
What should you do if a muscle rub burns or irritates your skin?
Some muscle rubs may produce mild warming or cooling sensations. However, they should not cause pain or skin damage. If you experience skin irritation, stop using the product and follow the instructions on the label. [5, 6]
Seek medical attention promptly if you develop pain, swelling, blistering or other signs of a skin injury. Although uncommon, skin injuries have been reported with certain topical muscle and joint pain relievers. [6]
When should you speak with a pharmacist or doctor?
You may ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you are unsure which muscle rub is suitable, if you take several medicines regularly, if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies to topical products, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or choosing a product for a child. [4, 5]
Seek medical advice for muscle pain that is severe, persistent, unexplained, associated with significant swelling or weakness, or keeps returning. Persistent symptoms may require further assessment rather than repeated use of muscle rubs alone.
Speak with a CARiNG pharmacist
A CARiNG pharmacist can help you understand the ingredients in topical pain-relief products, check for potential precautions and provide advice based on your medicines, allergies and health conditions.
Find your nearest CARiNG Pharmacy →Useful resources
- DailyMed - Methyl salicylate and menthol topical analgesic label – Current label precautions for heat, broken skin, frequency of use and when to stop.
- Hong Kong Department of Health Drug Office - Topical muscle and joint pain reliever safety alert – Official summary of the FDA warning about rare serious burns.
- Frontiers in Physiology - Topical methyl salicylate study – Research on skin blood flow and hot/cold sensations after methyl salicylate application.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general health education and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Topical pain-relief products differ in ingredients and concentration. Follow the product label and seek medical advice for severe, persistent or unexplained pain, or for significant skin burning, swelling or blistering.
Frequently asked questions about windy oils and muscle rubs
Why does the same muscle rub feel hot to one person and cold to another?
Why should you be careful when using muscle rubs after a shower?
Skin hydration can influence how certain topical ingredients are absorbed. Hydrated skin has been shown to allow approximately twice as much methyl salicylate to pass through the epidermis compared with dehydrated skin. [3] Some muscle rubs also carry precautions about use around bathing or showering, so always follow the product label instructions. [4]
Can I use a heating pad over muscle rub?
Generally, no. Some topical muscle rubs may warn against using heating pads, tight bandages and applying additional heat. Always check and follow the instructions on the product label. [5]
Does a strong burning feeling mean the muscle rub is working better?
No. A stronger burning sensation does not necessarily mean better pain relief. While mild warming or cooling sensations may be expected, significant pain, swelling or blistering may indicate skin irritation or injury. Stop using the product and seek medical advice if these symptoms occur. [6]
Can children use windy oils or muscle rubs?
Age restrictions vary between products. Some muscle rubs require medical advice before use in younger children. Always check the product label or consult a healthcare professional to ensure the product is appropriate for the child's age. Products containing methyl salicylate should also be kept out of children's reach, as accidental swallowing can be harmful. [4, 5]
What should I do if I accidentally swallow a methyl salicylate product?
Seek medical help immediately if you accidentally swallow a product containing methyl salicylate. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Current labels specifically warn that swallowed methyl salicylate products require prompt medical attention. [5]
View references 6 sources
- Versteeg N, Wellauer V, Wittenwiler S, Aerenhouts D, Clarys P, Clijsen R. Short-term cutaneous vasodilatory and thermosensory effects of topical methyl salicylate. Front Physiol. 2024;15:1347196. doi:10.3389/fphys.2024.1347196. Source
- Pergolizzi JV Jr, Taylor R Jr, LeQuang JA, Raffa RB; NEMA Research Group. The role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2018;43(3):313-319. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12679. Source
- Yousef S, Mohammed Y, Namjoshi S, Grice J, Sakran W, Roberts MS. Mechanistic Evaluation of Hydration Effects on the Human Epidermal Permeation of Salicylate Esters. AAPS J. 2017;19(1):180-190. doi:10.1208/s12248-016-9984-0. Source
- DailyMed. Methyl Salicylate patch. Drug label information: warnings include avoiding use immediately before or after bathing, showering or swimming and when sweating. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Source
- DailyMed. Heating Pain Relief - methyl salicylate 18% and menthol 10% cream. Drug label information. Updated 1 October 2025. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Source
- Hong Kong Department of Health, Drug Office. The United States: FDA Drug Safety Communication: Rare cases of serious burns with the use of over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers. 14 September 2012. Source
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