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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.

Manufacturers often add cannabidiol (CBD) to topical products, including lip balms. While many people believe CBD lip balms have positive effects on inflammation and scarring, these products could also help soothe and repair sore, cracked lips.

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CBD is a compound in the Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) plant. It is distinct from another compound in the plant: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for causing the “high” sensation that many people associate with cannabis.

This article looks at how to choose a CBD lip balm and provides a list of example products.

Research and studies are ongoing into the safety and efficacy of CBD products. With this in mind, before purchasing these products, a person should exercise caution and consult with a doctor.

Below we look at some helpful information that may help individuals understand more about CBD and the terminologies they are likely to encounter.

TermMeaning
CBDA compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use.
THCA compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use.
Full spectrumA full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products.
Broad spectrumBroad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts.
CBD isolateThis is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC.
CannabinoidsThe compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are over 120. CBD is the second richest compound in the plant after THC.
TerpenesAnother compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits.
Certificate of analysis (COA)Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products will have a scannable smartphone code that directs people to the COA online.

The FDA has only approved one CBD product: the prescription drug Epidiolex, which treats some forms of epilepsy.

However, the FDA does not approve any other CBD products due to the limited data regarding their safety and efficacy. Additionally, FDA regulations relating to prescription drugs and supplements do not apply to CBD products. Despite this, the agency will issue warning letters to companies that illegally market products labeled as containing CBD.

There is little evidence to indicate the benefits of CBD lip balm. However, according to a 2020 study, CBD in its purest form without THC may help with lip inflammation.

A 2020 systematic review concluded that some people may experience some mild side effects from CBD, including:

  • drowsiness
  • appetite changes
  • weight changes
  • diarrhea

The FDA also advises of similar side effects from CBD use and adds that some unnoticeable effects are possible, such as:

  • liver injury
  • interactions with alcohol and medications
  • male fertility damage

A person should ensure the company they purchase their CBD lip balm from uses good quality plants from reputable farming processes. In addition, people may wish to consider the below factors:

  • Dosage: Those new to CBD products may wish to try a lower dose first and gradually increase the dose as required.
  • Third-party testing: Reputable CBD manufacturers are transparent in their labeling and should engage in third-party testing to prove their product labeling is accurate. Third-party lab results are typically available on a company’s website.
  • Cost: Some CBD products are more expensive than others, so budget and reputation are important considerations.
  • Ingredients: A person should check whether CBD and other listed ingredients in the product they intend to use do not interact with other medications they take. It is also a good idea to consult with a doctor before using CBD products.
  • Ethical and responsible processes: Companies should demonstrate they use cruelty-free, sustainable, and ethical farming, extraction, and testing processes.

Below is a list of CBD lip balms to consider. Each product comes from a reputable brand that uses United States-grown plants to manufacture CBD.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.

All guide prices are correct at the time of publishing this article.

CBDfx Overnight Recovery Mini Balm

Best overnight option

This broad-spectrum balm contains 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD in a 15 milliliter (ml) pot. Its ingredients aim to protect and moisturize the skin and include:

  • evening primrose oil
  • lavender
  • orange oil
  • shea butter

According to CBDfx, the company grows its plants sustainably in the U.S. Additionally, the FDA recommends companies follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations regarding production methods, facilities, and manufacturing. CBDfx also uses CGMP-certified labs to extract the CBD and test for chemicals and purity. A person can view these lab reports on the company’s website.

The CBDfx Overnight Recovery Mini Balm is available to purchase online for around $15.

CBDistillery Lip Balm

Best for a cool spearmint flavor

This broad-spectrum, spearmint flavored lip balm from CBDistillery contains 25 mg of CBD per tube. The company claims the product has 0% THC.

CBDistillery also engages in third-party testing and shares these reports on its website.

The company has certification with the US Hemp Authority and uses natural farming processes and non-genetically modified organisms (non-GMO) in its CBD oil.

The CBDistillery Lip Balm is available to purchase online for around $4.

NanoCraft CBD Natural Beeswax Lip Balm

Best for natural beeswax

This lip balm contains 25 mg of broad-spectrum CBD in a 4 gram (g) tube. NanoCraft claims this product is THC-free. It is mint flavored and contains beeswax, aloe vera, and vitamin E.

NanoCraft uses U.S.-grown plants that are non-GMO and contain no chemicals or solvents. The company makes the product with an ethanol extraction process.

NanoCraft also claims the product goes through laboratory testing, but it does not display any lab test results publicly.

The brand also claims this product is vegan, but as it contains beeswax, it may not be suitable for everyone.

The NanoCraft CBD Natural Beeswax Lip Balm is available to purchase online for around $7.

Receptra Naturals CBD Lip Balm

Best for soothing

This full-spectrum product contains 15 mg of CBD in a 4.3 g tube. It features a fresh mint flavor and contains golden jojoba oil, Shorea butter, and vitamin E. It also contains beeswax, so it may not suit some people.

The company claims that it uses plants from Colorado and uses an ethanol extraction process when manufacturing this product. It also tests its products with a third party, and although this particular product does not have a current listing on the company’s website, a person can use their smartphone to scan the product’s QR code and view the lab results online.

The Receptra Naturals CBD Lip Balm is available to purchase online for around $6.

Vertly Lip Butter

Best tinted option

The Lip Butter from Vertly can contain either a 25 mg pot or a 50 mg stick of full-spectrum CBD. Customers can choose between rose or peppermint flavors, which can be in tinted or non-tinted form. The product also contains no parabens and is vegan-friendly.

Other ingredients include:

  • shea butter
  • cacao butter
  • kokum butter
  • apricot
  • jojoba
  • coconut
  • hempseed oil

Vertly claims this product emolliates, repairs, and hydrates the lips. They also say it is an antioxidant and rich in vitamins.

Additionally, the company uses organic plants that grow in Colorado, and that it uses a CO2 extraction method.

Third parties also test Vertly products for chemicals, solvents, heavy metals, and potency, and a person can view the lab results for this product on its website.

cbdMD Lip Balm

Best multipack

This product is available in a triple pack of three different flavors, including blackberry, vanilla, and mint hibiscus. All three tubes contain 50 mg of broad-spectrum CBD. Additionally, the company claims the product is completely THC-free.

The lip balm also contains:

  • sunflower oil
  • coconut oil
  • shea butter
  • cocoa butter
  • rosemary leaf extract

However, this product also contains beeswax, so it may not suit some vegans.

The company uses non-GMO plants from the U.S. It also has CGMP-certification and uses third-party labs to test the products. Individuals can view the lab results online.

cbdMD Lip Balm is available to purchase online for around $13.

Joy Organics CBD Salve Stick

Best organic option

A person can use this unscented salve from Joy Organics on various areas of the body, including the lips. It contains 250 mg of broad-spectrum CBD in a 15 ml stick. It comprises organic ingredients, including:

  • rosemary leaf extract
  • sunflower oil
  • shea butter
  • jojoba seed oil

Additionally, Joy Organics is a member of the US Hemp Roundtable, which reportedly uses safe, high-quality, US-grown plants. The company advises the product contains 0% THC.

This product also features USDA certification for being organic, while third-party labs provide independent testing. A person can view these test results on its website.

The Joy Organics CBD Salve Stick is available to purchase online for around $33.

Products containing CBD may have various medical benefits. However, the FDA does not approve CBD products, and further studies are necessary to confirm its effects in full. In contrast, the WHO says CBD products are generally safe to use.

There are various lip balms and salves available in different dosages, flavors, and sizes. A person should consider starting on a lower dosage and increasing it if necessary.

An individual should also ensure that the company they purchase from uses plants that are safe, free from chemicals, and contain less than 0.3% THC. Many CBD companies offer third-party testing and usually feature these test results online for full transparency.