A topical formulation comprising an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion of ketoprofen in a racemic or («s)-enantiomer form is provided herein. In some embodiments, the topical formulation is a cream. In some embodiments, the topical formulation includes one or more substances, higher alcohols, drug solubilizing vehicles, surfactants, permeation enhancers, buffering agents, antioxidants, preservatives, and water.