I picked up Equate Ultra Strength Muscle Rub because it was the only thing available at a reasonable price in my local general store. I was in desperate need of pain relief in my hamstrings after heavy deadlifts and wasted no time applying the cream. The cream appeared to be very similar to Bengay, but it had a slightly chalky consistency. The cream left a little residue behind, but once it dried up I was able to just brush it off my skin. This product did a great job of cooling my hamstrings while increasing circulation to my affected areas to promote healing. I was amazed by how long the Equate Muscle Rub Cream worked on my achy muscles. I was able to get several hours out of a single application. The only issue I ever had with this product is that I once forgot to wash this product off my body and went for a run in 85 degree weather. 10 minutes into my run and the area I applied the cream was on fire. I ended getting a rash and it took about 2 weeks for it to clear up.

kingoftheink

Westchester, IL

The Bottom Line: Equate Ultra Strength Muscle Rub has the same ingredients, and gives you the same cool and hot sensation as the name brand equivalent, but for quite a bit less money. Works well for the temporary relief of muscle soreness but, like its name brand equivalent, can cause skin rashes on people with a more sensitive skin. I work out quite a bit and lift weights at least four times a week, and will also regularly experience neck aches especially after a bad night's sleep. I have tried many different products, name brands and store brands, and I have found that this Wal-Mart Equate brand works exactly the same as its equivalent name brand, but for much less money. The smell is really strong, and quite unpleasant frankly, but it is because of the main ingredient (30 % of Methyl salicylate), and all products of this kind smell the same. The texture is not too greasy and easy to apply, and will feel cool upon contact, and after rubbing it in for a few minutes, it will quickly start heating up. The hot sensation will last quite a while, and it does help with muscle tension, and particularly on neck aches. It is very important not to use too much product (a little will go a long way), or like me, you could end up with red skin and a rash. This stuff can get really hot if you use too much, so you have to use it sparingly if you have sensitive skin. Always make sure you wash your hand after use, and stay away from all sensitive areas, like your eyes and the groin area. I used it once on my hip flexor area because I had pulled a muscle, and that was a big mistake and it did not give me any relief at all bur rather burned like crazy and I ended up having to wash that area within minutes for the pain to go away. This product is best used on the lower legs, back, and neck.

frnchey75

USA

I had initially sent my husband out to purchase my regular muscle pain relief cream but he mistakenly grabbed this product since the colors and boxing looked so similar to my usual brand. I didn't feel like going over the hassle of trying to return or exchange it so I just decided to use the entire tube and see what happened. I am not usually the type to really like generic store brands but I will say that Equate has actually given the typical ultra strength pain relief brands a run for their money with this muscle cream. It was for one less expensive than my usual leading brand and yet as I compared the ingredients of both of the products together I came to realize that the list was basically identical. As a result I dropped any mental regulations towards the Equate brand and have been completely satisfied using it ever since. A mistake turned into a money saving discovery.

peoples2bolin

Undisclosed

This is one of those products that we decided to give a try because it claims to be just as good as the name brands and it was less expensive than the brand name products of it's kind. I have to say, the product wasn't too bad. It smelled strong (which we like, because it feels like it's working). The ointment itself was typical in the level oiliness/greasiness that you expect from this kind of product. It absorbs into the skin well and doesn't leave a weird greasy feeling, anymore than others. We like that it comes in a tube and not a jar. We occasionally buy this product to have in our cabinet, but it's not one we stay loyal to. We know it can be counted on when in a pinch or if our other products of choice are not available. It is less expensive and a good option for a fallback. We would recommend this product, as long as you know what you're getting and don't have any unreasonable expectations.

sifudonna

Trenton, NJ

The first time I tried Equate Ultra Strength Muscle Rub I assumed it wasn't going to work. I was wrong though, this muscle rub was more effective for me than some of the other name brands I was using and I didn't spend no where near as much money on Equate brand that I would have on them. Equate Muscle Rub has an immediate warming sensation to it, I felt relief within about 15 minutes of using this muscle rub.

blackbettie

USA

Equate ultra strength muscle rub is advertised as being similar to Bengay but a store brand. As such, it costs less than Bengay, which is a plus. It is an analgesic rub, which is basically a cream that you rub on your skin to help give temporary relief for minor sore muscles and joints. I do not believe that you have to be old to use this cream. Now that I think of it, I'm sure that you don't have to be old, but you are supposed to be over the age of 2, according to the package. OK, I feel better now. I am over the age of 2. What I like about Equate Ultra Strength Muscle Rub: - It's cheaper than Bengay. - It's made in the U.S.A. - If you can stand the smell and the heat, it might give some relief to sore muscles. - It's not terribly greasy. - The flip top lid is handy. What I don't like about Equate Ultra Strength Muscle Rub: - Let's just say that I wouldn't want to use this if I were going to be within about a 2-mile radius of anyone...the smell is potent. - Some people might claim that this stuff makes you feel as if you have just set your body on fire - definitely don't get it even close to your eyes or certain body parts that might be a bit sensitive - it is for external use only. It specifically says not to use this with a heating pad...don't worry, I don't think I'd want blisters. **My Viewpoint:** Equate Ultra Strength Muscle Rub is a cheaper alternative to Bengay. I'm really sensitive to smells, and this product definitely has a strong one that doesn't smell very pleasant to me. People who can stand the burning sensation may get some temporary relief for sore muscles and joints, but I think I prefer a heating pad that doesn't have an odor. Better yet, I try to teach or take several yoga classes each week and usually don't have really sore muscles!

Katrena

Piedmont, NC