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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
CBD topicals offer many benefits, from pain management to improving skin health. Read more about our top picks and hands-on review here.
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.
The below table compares all the CBD topicals in this article on key points:
| Price | Type | Size | Dosage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy Organics | $54.95–$79.95 | Salve | 1–2 oz | 500-1,000 mg |
| NuLeaf | from $24 | Balm | 0.5 – 1.5 oz | 300-900 mg |
| CBDistillery | from $50 | Salve | 1 oz | 500 mg |
| Cornbread Hemp | $49.99 | Lotion | 2 oz | 750 mg |
| Ojai | $46.95 | Gel | 1 oz | 100 mg |
| Aspen Green | $89.99 | Balm | 2 oz | 1,000 mg |
| Extract Labs | $89.99 | Cream | 2.95 oz | 2,000 mg |
| Lazarus Naturals | $12–$42 | Balm | 16–72 g | 800–3,600 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.
Common types of CBD topicals include:
Individuals may try CBD topicals to manage various conditions, such as acne, joint pain, and muscular soreness. Research into the effectiveness of CBD topicals is limited but ongoing.
The following table contains some useful terms relating to CBD.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
| THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
| Full-spectrum | A 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-spectrum | Broad-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 isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
| Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are |
| Terpenes | Another 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 have a scannable smartphone code directing people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
According to an older 2018 report by the
However, to avoid unwanted drug interactions or side effects, a person could consult a doctor or healthcare professional before using CBD products.
For more information on CBD and how to shop for it, read our complete buyer’s guide to CBD.
Humans have a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their skin. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate several bodily functions. When a person applies CBD topically, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the epidermal and dermal skin, acting as an anti-inflammatory and helps relieve pain.
A 2022 review that investigated the effects of CBD application on rheumatic conditions in dogs concluded that CBD oil improved pain, activity scores, and the quality of life index in dogs with osteoarthritis.
However, there are limited studies on the use of topical cannabinoids in humans.
CBD is only one of the
CBD’s potent antioxidant properties may help prevent skin inflammation or damage from ultraviolet 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 small
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. 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.
A person could contact a doctor before using any CBD products, particularly if they have known pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescribed medications.
Individuals may also consider speaking with a doctor or healthcare professional if they experience side effects from a CBD product. Though often well tolerated,
If side effects occur, a person should discontinue using the product immediately.
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 the CBD directly into the affected area.
Ingestible CBD, such as oils and gummies, may be most suitable for people looking for general wellness.
CBD topicals may help alleviate muscle soreness, joint inflammation, and chronic skin conditions.
CBD products can contain other cannabinoids and trace amounts of THC, depending on the extraction process.
High-quality CBD products undergo third-party laboratory testing that checks for CBD concentration, product quality, and contaminants.