Cat - Brand - Actimas
Modified on Thu, 15 Oct at 10:19 AM
| 1. What is Actimas, and who is it for? Actimas is a range of drug-free creams for adults with everyday joint and muscle aches, stiffness and pain. They are rubbed straight into the affected muscle or joint, and are popular with people who would rather not rely on oral painkillers, including for the discomfort associated with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. |
| 2. What is the difference between Celafen and Boswellia & Commiphora? Both are Actimas muscle and joint creams, but they do different jobs. Celafen is fast-acting, built around Celadrin, and a popular choice when you want quick relief, including for flare-ups and night-time aches. Boswellia & Commiphora is plant-based and vegan, built around frankincense and myrrh, and designed for slower, long-term joint support with daily use. Many people use the two together. |
| 3. What is Celadrin, and how does it work? Celadrin is a clinically researched complex of esterified fatty acids and the key active in Celafen. Applied to the skin, it is thought to support the cushioning and lubrication around joints and muscles while easing discomfort and helping flexibility. In a published, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, people using Celadrin showed greater flexibility and reported less pain than those using a placebo. |
| 4. What are Boswellia and Commiphora? Boswellia (frankincense) and Commiphora (myrrh) are two aromatic plant resins that have been used to support joints for centuries, and Boswellia in particular has been the subject of many published studies on joint comfort and stiffness. In this cream they are massaged into the skin over the affected joint, supported by arnica and comfrey. |
| 5. Are Actimas creams drug-free? Yes. They work through their active ingredients, Celadrin, menthol and arnica in Celafen, and frankincense, myrrh, arnica and comfrey in Boswellia & Commiphora, rather than through painkilling drugs. That makes them suitable for regular, daily use and a popular choice for people who would rather not rely on oral painkillers. |
| 6. Which Actimas cream is vegan? Boswellia & Commiphora is vegan and registered as vegan with PETA. Celafen is not vegan, because it contains animal-derived Celadrin. Both creams are cruelty-free and approved under PETA's Global Animal Test Policy. |
| 7. How quickly do Actimas creams work? It depends on which one. Many people feel Celafen's cooling relief within around 30 minutes, which makes it useful for flare-ups and sudden aches. Boswellia & Commiphora is designed to work gradually, with many people noticing their joints feel more comfortable over a few weeks of daily use. |
| 8. Where are Actimas creams made? Actimas creams are made in Britain and dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. |
| 9. Do they contain nuts or wheat, and are they suitable for sensitive skin? Both creams contain sweet almond oil and wheat germ oil, so they are not suitable for anyone with a nut or wheat allergy. Boswellia & Commiphora also contains pinene and limonene, fragrance compounds that occur naturally in the frankincense and myrrh oils. Both are dermatologically tested and free from parabens, SLS and MI, and we recommend a patch test before first use. |
| 10. How do I use Actimas creams, and how often? Rub a small amount into the affected muscle or joint. Celafen can be used as often as you need, up to several times a day, and Boswellia & Commiphora is best massaged in daily. Both are for external use only, so avoid broken skin and the eye area, wash your hands after applying, and patch test before first use. |
| 11. Can Actimas help with arthritis, osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia? Many customers use Actimas creams to help manage the everyday joint pain, muscle aches and stiffness associated with arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, rubbing them into affected areas such as the knees, hands and hips. They are not a medical treatment and will not cure these conditions, but as drug-free creams they can be a helpful part of a daily comfort routine. If your symptoms are severe, new or worsening, speak to your GP. |
| 12. Can I use Actimas alongside my usual painkillers or medication? Many people use a topical cream alongside their other pain management. If you are taking prescribed medication or are unsure, check with your GP or pharmacist first, and never stop a prescribed treatment without medical advice. |
| 13. Can I use Actimas during pregnancy or breastfeeding? We would not recommend using Boswellia & Commiphora during pregnancy or while breastfeeding without first checking with your midwife, GP or pharmacist, as it contains essential oils. It is sensible to get personalised advice before using any topical product with essential oils at this time, so if you are in any doubt, speak to a healthcare professional first. |
| 14. Can I use Actimas before or after exercise? Yes. Many people use Celafen for aching or overworked muscles after exercise or activity, and its cooling menthol makes it a popular choice for post-exercise soreness. As with any use, apply it to the affected area, avoid broken skin, and patch test before first use. |
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