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What Is DMSO?

May 01, 2026

If you’ve searched “What is DMSO,” chances are you’re not just curious about an ingredient. You’re looking for a better way to support comfort, movement, and daily life without adding one more complicated step.

Simply put: DMSO stands for dimethyl sulfoxide. It is a sulfur-containing compound known for its ability to absorb through the skin and interact with other substances. It has been studied for its free-radical-scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties, which is one reason it has become popular in topical comfort routines.

In topical wellness products, DMSO is commonly used in gels and creams designed to support a simple comfort routine.

What We'll Cover:

What Is DMSO?

Technically speaking:

DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a clear, sulfur-containing compound with the chemical formula C₂H₆OS. It is widely known as a solvent and penetration enhancer, meaning it can help substances move through biological membranes, including skin.

First discovered in late 19th-century Germany as a byproduct of wood pulping, dimethyl sulfoxide is derived from dimethyl sulfide, a byproduct of paper manufacturing. Dimethyl sulfide is a naturally produced biogenic gas essential for the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles.

Sulfur is also an element of the earth and is essential to life. Since its first discovery, DMSO has also been found in fruits, in the sea, and in the atmosphere.

What Is DMSO Used For?

DMSO has been used in laboratory, industrial, veterinary, and healthcare contexts. In wellness products, it is most often seen in topical formats such as gels, creams, and liquids.

People have explored or discussed DMSO in connection with many different issues, including:

Side effects of DMSO can include temporary local skin irritation and a potential garlic taste and/or smell upon use. See our FAQs page for more information.

“I absolutely LOVE this stuff! From the very first time I applied it, I had relief. I have fibromyalgia with trigger points all over including my feet. I massaged the Frankincense DMSO gel onto the bottoms of my feet and went to bed. Relief! I can't explain it. I went from a feeling of walking on rocks 24/7 to NO rocks!! I will definitely be buying this again.”

— Linda N.

Therapeutic Properties of DMSO

DMSO was and is still used on racehorses and by veterinarians today. For humans, DMSO is commonly discussed for joint and muscle comfort routines.

16 Major Therapeutic Properties of DMSO: Referenced from DMSO, Nature's Healer by Dr. Morton Walker, pages 50 and 152:

  1. It blocks pain by interrupting the conduction in the small c-fibers, the nonmyelinated nerve fibers.
  2. It is anti-inflammatory.
  3. It is bacteriostatic, fungistatic, and virostatic.
  4. It transports numerous pharmaceuticals across membranes.
  5. It reduces the incidence of platelet thrombi in blood vessels.
  6. It has a specific effect on cardiac contractility by inhibiting calcium to reduce the workload of the heart.
  7. It stimulates prostaglandin synthesis — cyclical fatty acids that possess diverse biologic activities that affect cell function in every organ system. PGs have sedative and anticonvulsive effects on the central nervous system.
  8. It enhances antifungal and antibacterial agents when combined with them.
  9. It is a vasodilator, probably related to histamine release in the cells and to prostaglandin inhibition.
  10. It inhibits the release of cholinesterase.
  11. It tends to soften collagen by its peculiar cross-linking effect.
  12. It scavenges the hydroxyl free radical.
  13. It stimulates various types of immunity.
  14. It is a potent diuretic, especially when administered intravenously.
  15. It brings about interferon formation in the organism.
  16. It stimulates the healing of wounds.

Why Use DMSO?

DMSO is often used by people looking for a topical option to support everyday pain relief. Whether you’re dealing with everyday aches, overworked muscles, or long-term discomfort, topical DMSO may be worth exploring.

Unlike many pain-support options, DMSO is easy to apply. It’s not a pill or a shot, but rather a simple topical that you can rub into your skin.

It’s easy for anyone to use, which is part of why so many people are curious about it.

“If joint and/or muscle pain is interfering with your quality of life, I suggest you give dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) a try.”

— Dr. Julian Whitaker

So, Why Go Natural?

If you twist an ankle, overdo it in the garden, wake up with a stiff back, or have a flare-up that makes the day harder, a pill may feel like the obvious first step.

Todd says that’s exactly what many of us were taught to do: take a pill, quiet the pain, and keep going.

And for short-term situations, that may make sense. The issue usually begins when “once in a while” quietly becomes “every day.”

Cleveland Clinic advises that over-the-counter NSAIDs should not be used continuously for more than 10 days for pain unless a healthcare provider says it’s okay. Mayo Clinic also recommends using the smallest effective dose for the shortest time possible.

Today’s research continues to examine the risks connected with long-term use of NSAIDs and opioid drugs. From gastrointestinal discomfort and renal risks to addiction and accidental overdose, many people are understandably looking for relief options that do not rely only on pills every day.

NSAIDs are also believed to cause tens of thousands of hospitalizations in older adults annually.

DMSO is often compared to aspirin because both have been discussed in connection with prostaglandins, pain, and inflammation pathways.

Some researchers and DMSO advocates have suggested that DMSO may go a step farther than aspirin because, when used topically, it may also affect pain-fiber conduction.

Unlike aspirin and other popular painkillers, DMSO is not commonly discussed as being irritating to the stomach or gut in the same way oral NSAIDs can be.

Should I Use DMSO?

It’s important to meet with your doctor or qualified healthcare professional and discuss what options are appropriate for you.

Many people use DMSO without issue, but it still deserves thoughtful use.

If you are taking medications, pregnant, nursing, under medical care, or managing a health condition, it’s especially important to consult your doctor before using DMSO.

Because DMSO is known for its carrier-like properties and may support absorption through the skin, it could interact with medications or other substances you are using.

So when in doubt, ask your doctor first.

Where Can I Find DMSO?

DMSO is commercially available in the United States in several forms, ranging from industrial-grade products to highly pure DMSO used for topical wellness applications.

Products intended for human topical use should be clearly labeled, high quality, and made specifically for that purpose.

If you’re looking for a simple way to explore DMSO without having to mix or measure ingredients yourself, Frankincense DMSO Gel with Hyaluronic Acid was designed to make the process easier.

It combines DMSO with aloe vera, frankincense essential oil, and hyaluronic acid in a ready-to-use topical gel.

Simple. Clean. Easy to work into everyday life.

Whether that means gardening, workouts, long workdays, travel, golf, grandkids, or just getting through the morning without your body sounding like a bowl of Rice Krispies.

If you'd like to learn more or see the current ingredients and directions, you can explore it here:

Save $5 Off Your First Order With Coupon Code: FRDG5

>> Yes, I want to try DMSO

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DMSO?

DMSO stands for dimethyl sulfoxide. It is a sulfur-containing compound known for its ability to absorb through the skin and interact with other substances.

What does DMSO stand for?

DMSO stands for dimethyl sulfoxide. It is also commonly described as topical DMSO, DMSO gel, DMSO liquid, or a penetration enhancer.

What is DMSO used for?

DMSO has been used in laboratory, industrial, veterinary, healthcare, and wellness contexts. In topical wellness, people commonly use DMSO gels and creams as part of a comfort-support routine.

Is DMSO the same as NSAIDs?

No. NSAIDs are medications used under drug labeling, while topical DMSO gel is a wellness product applied to the skin. DMSO should not be described as a replacement for medication or medical care.

How do I apply DMSO gel?

Apply DMSO gel to clean, dry skin. Use a small amount, massage gently into the desired area, let it absorb, and wash your hands afterward.

Can I use DMSO if I take medication?

If you take medication, are pregnant, nursing, under medical care, or managing a health condition, consult your healthcare professional before using DMSO.

Want to learn more about DMSO? You’ll enjoy these blogs too:

References:

Jacob, Stanley Wallace, and Jack C. de la Torre. Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) in Trauma and Disease. CRC Press, 2015.

“DMSO: Many Uses, Much Controversy.” Pharmacology of DMSO, Alternative & Complementary Therapies, www.dmso.org/articles/information/muir.htm.

Whitaker, Julian. “DMSO Treatment Relieves Joint & Muscle Pain.” Health Vitamins & Supplements Products, www.drwhitaker.com/dmso-treatment-relieves-joint-and-muscle-pain.

Oler, Dr. Chad. “The Difference between Sulfa (Drugs), Sulfites and Sulfur.” Natural Solutions, 25 May 2017, naturalsolutionsforahealthyyou.com/the-difference-between-sulfa-drugs-sulfites-and-sulfur/.

Dr. Walker, Morton. DMSO Nature's Healer. Avery, 1993.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Consult your healthcare professional before use if pregnant, nursing, under medical care, or taking medications.

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