This did work to relieve temporary aches and pains using the bingo dabber type sponge to put it on without getting any on my hands. It was not necessarily all mess free though - because it was a thin liquid, if you are not careful, you can easily spill this stuff on other things. The scent of this was very potent - and polarizing. Not the nicest smelling stuff that I have smelt. Using this in the privacy of home was fine, but it would not be advisable to use this around other people.