eli5: why do mouth numbing gels like orajel numb your mouth and teeth but not hands/skin?

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it numbs my tongue instantly but even after 5-10 minutes on skin it feels exactly the same.

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Orajel uses a special formulation that will easily be absorbed by the gums but not the skin. The active material benzocaine is used in different formulations for different purposes, for example sunburn medicine uses it.

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