I don't use topical. I use drops under the tongue. I'm a huge skeptic about stuff like this but got nagged a little into trying (Glad for that!). It works great. I've had joint pain so bad I could barely function. Mainly my knees and big toe joint. It actually helped the very first time I took it. I used it daily for a week and now just take it every few days or when I feel a joint starting to hurt. I use the Green Roads 550 mg.