The Fast Facts
- CBD creams, or cannabidiol creams, can offer many benefits like pain management.
- Our team tested some of the CBD creams in this roundup.
- Joy Organics’ CBD Salve is our best overall pick.
The following table compares all the CBD topicals in this article on key points:
| Price | Type | Size | Dosage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy Organics | $54.95 to $79.95 | Salve | 1 to 2 oz | 500 to 1,000 mg |
| NuLeaf | from $30 | Balm | 0.5 to 1.5 oz | 300 to 900 mg |
| CBDistillery | from $50 | Salve | 1 oz | 500 mg |
| Lazarus Naturals | $12 to $42 | Balm | 16 to 72 g | 800 to 3,600 mg |
| Soul CBD | $75 | Cream | 3.4 fl oz | 1,500 mg |
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process.We choose products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNTchooses products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNTchooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage.
- Serving size: MNTselects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage.
- Third-party labs: MNTchooses products that undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results.
Medical News Todayfollows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound of the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD topicals are any CBD product a person can apply directly onto the skin.
Other than creams, types of CBD topicals include:
Individuals may try CBD creams to manage various conditions, such as acne, joint pain, and muscular soreness. Research into the effectiveness of CBD creams is limited but ongoing.
CBD is only one of the
CBD’s potent antioxidant properties may help prevent skin inflammation or damage from UV rays and environmental pollutants.
Topical CBD might offer a more targeted form of treatment that may address musculoskeletal and joint pain as well as chronic skin conditions. According to the Arthritis Foundation, CBD shows the potential to effectively manage arthritic pain.
A
In a
Scientific research into the effects and health benefits of CBD topicals is still at a relatively early stage. However, there is increasing evidence that it may have numerous medicinal properties. However, people should not use CBD as an alternative to other treatment options without discussing it with a healthcare professional first.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about topical CBD products.
In this article, the Extract Labs Muscle Cream contains the most CBD per product.
Yes. CBD absorbs into the skin through receptors and penetrates through the epidermal and dermal levels.
CBD topicals come in a variety of fragrances, ingredients, and doses.
People can look for additional ingredients they enjoy using, such as lavender oil. They should also look for ingredients to which they may have an allergy or sensitivity.
Individuals may also consider whether the product contains THC and how much CBD is in it.
A person should also choose a topical that is within their budget.
Yes, there is evidence that topical CBD does really work and may have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Effects may vary depending on the dose a person uses. People may want to start with the lowest possible dose and increase it gradually until they reach their desired effect.
The most effective form of CBD may depend on what a person intends to use it for.
Topical CBD may be the best option for people with localized aches or pains, as they rub it directly into the affected area.
Ingestible CBD, such as oils and gummies, may be most suitable for those looking for general wellness.
Cannabidiol (CBD) topicals may help ease muscle soreness, joint inflammation, and chronic skin conditions.
CBD products can contain other cannabinoids and trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), depending on the extraction process.
High quality CBD products undergo third-party laboratory testing that checks for CBD concentration, product quality, and contaminants.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.