“Gel”, “cream” or “balm” alone does not tell you what a product is for. Before comparing two references, identify their purpose and read the relevant documents: the medicine’s leaflet or the skincare label and directions.
For medicine: find the exact leaflet
The French public medicines database publishes the leaflet for KETOPROFENE BIOGARAN 2.5% gel. Read its indications, contraindications and directions. This educational example is not an offer for sale.
It requires avoiding sunlight and UVA during treatment and for the following two weeks. These precautions come from this leaflet; they cannot be inferred from the word “gel” alone.
For cosmetics: read the label and ingredients
The DGCCRF lists cosmetic labelling information including ingredients, precautions, batch number, expiry date or period after opening and responsible company’s details. Read all information on your product.
Volume and texture help identify the pack. They do not demonstrate a treatment’s effectiveness. If a full ingredients list or instruction is missing from a product page, request it before choosing.
Examine a massage product in the catalogue
The ARNICA SUPREMA 100 ml gel page describes an arnica montana gel to accompany massage. It states applying a suitable amount to the area and massaging gently until absorbed, avoiding eyes, mucous membranes and damaged skin.
This product page information is neither a medicine’s leaflet nor evidence of equivalence to an anti-inflammatory medicine. Read the ARNICA SUPREMA guide for available directions and details still needed.
Ask the right person
- For treatment, combining medicines or difficulty understanding a leaflet: ask a pharmacist or doctor.
- For ingredients, pack size or catalogue product information: give customer service the product name.
French health insurance guidance recommends following leaflet doses and duration during self-medication and consulting if symptoms persist, worsen or change. There is therefore no single frequency or duration for all gels.
Also read the sport guide: massage skincare and medicines and massage gel comparison. For questions about an SMZ Dr Sophie reference, contact us with its exact name.
Sources: French public medicines database, DGCCRF and French health insurance, linked above; ARNICA SUPREMA product page. Consulted on 3 November 2026. The leaflet example is neither a prescription nor a recommendation to choose that medicine.