Active Cream exists to support that decision. It's named for the people who make it daily—who lace up shoes and stretch tight muscles and keep moving despite the thousand small reasons not to. The philosophy embedded in the name isn't about what the cream does. It's about what you've decided to do.
But we also know something the laboratory studies can't fully capture: the simple satisfaction of reaching for a remedy that humans have trusted for 500 years, one that connects us to generations of people who understood the mountains, the plants that grew there, and the wisdom of paying attention to what actually works.
The four pillars emerged from that need. Chondroitin because the research supports it and because joint hydration matters. Glucosamine because cartilage needs building blocks. MSM because connective tissue needs sulfur and because its anti-inflammatory properties complement structural support. Arnica because athletes need recovery support and because traditional wisdom, backed by modern research, points to its value.
Active Cream contains chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, and organic arnica—compounds chosen for their documented roles in supporting joint health and recovery. Shellfish-free sourcing makes it accessible to people with allergies. The goat milk base supports absorption and provides its own skin-health benefits.
One important distinction worth understanding is the difference between topical arnica preparations and homeopathic arnica. Homeopathic preparations use extremely diluted concentrations based on a different philosophical approach to healing. Topical preparations like creams and oils contain more concentrated arnica extract applied directly to the skin.
Arnica can be processed in various forms: dried flowers, tinctures, extracts, oils. We use arnica blossom oil because it provides excellent delivery of the botanical's active compounds in a form that integrates beautifully with our goat milk base.
When applied topically, arnica's compounds can be absorbed through the skin to reach underlying tissues. This is one reason why the base formula matters so much. In our Active Cream, we pair arnica with fresh goat milk, organic aloe, and shea butter—ingredients that help carry the botanical compounds while nourishing the skin itself.
Arnica is one tool in a complete recovery approach that includes nutrition, sleep, programming, and stress management. No topical product replaces adequate protein intake or seven-plus hours of sleep. But within a solid recovery foundation, arnica provides targeted support that can make the difference between showing up for your next session feeling ready and showing up still compromised.
In 2007, a study published in Rheumatology International quietly challenged everything athletes thought they knew about managing muscle and joint discomfort. Researchers compared topical arnica—a flowering plant that's been used for centuries in traditional medicine—directly against ibuprofen gel in patients with confirmed joint issues. The results weren't just encouraging. They were paradigm-shifting.
The first World Championship took place in Oberhausen, Germany in 2019, drawing roughly 600 participants—mostly German, since the sport hadn't yet expanded significantly beyond its home country. German athletes Lukas Storath (the first man to finish under one hour) and Imke Salander claimed the inaugural titles.
The numbers tell a remarkable story. According to Strava's 2024 Year in Sport report, running club participation increased 59% globally in a single year. Women joining running clubs surged by 89% over the previous year. Running USA estimates that over 50 million Americans now run or jog, and industry data suggests approximately 25% are connected to some form of running club or group. When Strava surveyed Gen Z participants, one-fifth reported going on a date with someone they met at a group fitness activity.
The story of the CrossFit Games begins in early 2007, when Dave Castro—who would become the longtime Director of the CrossFit Games—invited Glassman to his family's ranch in Aromas, California. Glassman looked around the property, with its open spaces and rustic facilities, and suggested hosting what he called a "Woodstock of Fitness" for the CrossFit community.
The skin's barrier function takes time to recover from environmental stress. Research indicates that compromised barrier function can persist for hours after exposure to harsh conditions. This is why the immediate post-run period is so critical—the products you apply during this window encounter skin that's actively trying to repair itself, making them more effective than the same products applied hours later.
Before examining specific interventions, it's essential to understand that not all athletic pain is created equal. The pain from a sprained ankle minutes before competition demands different management than the accumulated muscle soreness from a week of intense training. Sports medicine has developed increasingly sophisticated frameworks for categorizing and addressing different types of athletic pain.
One thing that sets our Active Cream apart for runners is the fresh goat milk base. Running is notoriously hard on skin—between chafing, weather exposure, and the drying effects of repeated showering, runners often struggle with skin health alongside muscle recovery.
Modern research has explored the mechanisms behind arnica's traditional use. The flower's bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, have been studied for their effects on inflammatory processes and microcirculation.
Our Active Cream uses USDA Certified Organic Arnica Montana blossom oil, which means the arnica meets organic standards for purity and sourcing. We formulate at concentrations established by traditional use and current best practices—enough to be effective, not so much as to increase risk unnecessarily.
In our Active Cream, we use organic Arnica montana as one of our key ingredients precisely because we understand how it fits into the bigger picture of athletic recovery. Combined with MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine, it's part of an integrated formula designed to support the active bodies that use it.
Active Cream includes MSM in every batch—that same methylsulfonylmethane the research identifies as having anti-inflammatory properties that work synergistically with arnica. We've added chondroitin and glucosamine (both shellfish-free for those with allergies), ingredients traditionally taken orally for joint support but increasingly studied for topical application.
Other creams might contain arnica or MSM, but suspending these ingredients in goat milk rather than water or synthetic bases changes how they interact with your skin. It's one of our key differentiators as a goat milk skincare company.
There's a yellow flowering plant that's been used for thousands of years to address exactly these concerns. It grows in the mountainous regions of Europe and Siberia, and today you'll find it in North America too. It's called Arnica Montana, and if you haven't heard of it yet, you're about to discover why professional athletes and weekend warriors alike have made it a staple in their gym bags.
When you use arnica, particularly arnica formulated thoughtfully with complementary ingredients like fresh goat milk and MSM, you're giving your body natural support for the recovery process. You're working with your physiology, not against it. And over time, that makes all the difference.
Studies explored arnica's effects on inflammatory pathways, examining how its compounds interact with cellular processes involved in healing and recovery. Germany's Commission E conducted formal evaluations and approved arnica for external use on bruises, sprains, and rheumatic complaints—a significant validation in a country known for rigorous herbal medicine standards.