Penetrex cream – Look at the label

Penetrex is a top-selling health and beauty product on Amazon. How does it reduce painful inflammation? Let’s look at the label.

Apparently this is another one of those companies that doesn’t like to share product information because I couldn’t I can’t find a complete ingredient list anywhere.  So, here are the active ingredients listed on their website:

  • Vitamin B6
  • Arnica
  • MSM
  • Cetyl Myristoleate
  • Shea Butter
  • Boswellia Serrata

Penetrex claims

  • Penetrex represents a revolutionary breakthrough in the treatment of inflammation related ailments including: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome , Tennis Elbow,  Golfer’s Elbow, Tendonitis, Bursitis, Arthritis, Plantar Fasciitis.
  • Utilizing an innovative topical process, Penetrex delivers …deep into muscles, nerves, ligaments & tendons.
  • Researched & developed by a renowned Chemist in Southern California, Penetrex is available without a prescription.

How does Penetrex work?

This one is a puzzle to me since, as far as I can tell, it doesn’t contain any of the approved over-the-counter drug actives for inflammation. The website provides a breakdown of what each ingredient does but unfortunately this information seems to be more anecdotal in nature than anything else. What I mean by that is they claim these ingredients are known to work yet they don’t cite any specific studies proving the point. The only example of a clinical study which is cited is in regards to Cetyl Myristoleate. However this particular study was done on oral dosage with the patients also using topical treatment “according to their perceived need.”  If they tested a combination of the orally ingested compound along with the topical treatment there’s no way to tell if the topical treatment alone is effective!

The Beauty Brains bottom line

I don’t see anything to demonstrate that this product would really be effective but they do offer a money back guarantee. I suppose if you want to buy some of this you can always return it but let the buyer beware!  By the way, if anyone from Penetrex happens to read this and you have any additional information on how your product works, we’d be happy to publish it.