Quality & science
Confidence in every rep.
WasabiRub is made by a sports pharmacy, certified for clean sport, and built on three active ingredients that each have a clear job to do. Here’s what’s behind the jar.
Clean sport · Athlete safety
The standard
What TruShield™ certification means
TruShield™ is an independent certification focused on clean sport and athlete safety. Carrying the mark is our commitment that what’s printed on the Drug Facts label is what’s in the jar.
- Certified by a third party — verified, not self-declared.
- Formulated with athletes in mind, so it can be used with confidence at every level of sport.
- Clear, consistent labeling — the actives and their percentages are stated on every jar.
Made by a sports pharmacy
Formulated by the pharmacists who serve athletes
WasabiRub is made by SportPharm, a sports pharmacy serving athletes and sports-medicine professionals since 1995. Its founder, Robert Nickell, R.Ph., was the first pharmacist to serve as the official sports pharmacist for the U.S. Olympic Training facilities and the 2004 Athens Games, and was designated to the USA Medical Team.
A licensed pharmacist and past president of the California Pharmacists Association, Robert spent years as lead instructor for pharmaceutical compounding at USC’s School of Pharmacy and helped launch the first Entrepreneur Pharmaceutical Program in the U.S. He has authored numerous articles on pharmacy regulation, science and sports medicine.
- Founded 1995Sports pharmacy, East & West divisions
- Olympic pharmacistFirst official sports pharmacist, US Olympic Training facilities & Athens 2004
- Licensed & accreditedCompounding, repackaging and dispensing under pharmacy standards
The science
Three active ingredients, three jobs
WasabiRub layers a cooling active, a warming active and a topical analgesic. Together they create the cool-then-warm sensation the formula is known for.
Cools on contact
The cool signal
Menthol activates the skin’s cold-sensing receptors (TRPM8), producing an immediate cooling sensation that helps take the edge off how soreness feels.
Brings the heat
The warm signal
Capsaicin — the compound behind chili-pepper heat — works on heat-sensitive nerve endings (TRPV1) to build a gradual, lasting warming sensation where you apply it.
Targets the sore spot
The relief
A salicylate related to aspirin, methyl salicylate works topically as a counterirritant to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.
Uses: for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. Sensation and intensity vary by person and application area. Always read and follow the Drug Facts label.
Recognition
Awards & honors
- Pharmacist of the Year (2000)California Pharmacists Association
- Innovative Pharmacist of the Year (2005)California Pharmacists Association
- Godfather of Sports Pharmacy (2024)Sports Pharmacy Network
- Lifetime Achievement in Sports Pharmacy (2025)Sports Pharmacy Network
Our mission
Pharmaceutical excellence, built for performance
SportPharm is dedicated to delivering pharmaceutical excellence for athletes, high-performing individuals and the sports-medicine professionals who support them — blending clinical expertise, advanced technology and a deep understanding of performance demands to provide safe, effective and compliant solutions. Every product and relationship reflects a commitment to precision, integrity and the pursuit of peak performance.