We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
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?
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.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in a variety of products due to its numerous potential health benefits. CBD may also benefit the skin. Here are some of the best CBD balms.
- Best soothing: Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm | Skip to review
- Best for painful muscles: Go Green Hemp CBD Balm Salve | Skip to review
- Best for a budget: Plus CBD Extra Strength Balm | Skip to review
- Best for sensitive skin: NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm | Skip to review
- Best for pain relief: Aspen Green Relief Full Spectrum CBD Balm | Skip to review
CBD is one of
CBD
This article discusses CBD balm, its benefits, and how to use it. It also lists seven CBD balms to consider.
There are many CBD balms available on the market. Below, we list seven products for consideration.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best soothing: Lazarus Naturals Relax + Unwind Full Spectrum CBD Balm
- List price: $12; $42
- Type: full spectrum
- CBD amount: 800 and 3,600 milligrams (mg)
- Quantity: 16 and 72 grams
- COA: available online
Lazarus Naturals Relax + Unwind Full Spectrum CBD Balm combines lavender and chamomile that the company claims promote a sense of calm. Other ingredients include mango seed butter, jojoba seed oil, beeswax, and full-spectrum CBD hemp extract.
Some reviews mention the product’s fragrance is soothing and that it also eased some people’s inflamed joints and workout soreness.
However, other reviews state that the packaging for this product is too small, making it difficult to access the required amount and that the company’s customer service team is unhelpful.
Pros
- soothing fragrance
- lab-tested
- essential oils may aid healing
Cons
- packaging is too small
- many complaints about customer service
Best for painful muscles: Go Green Hemp CBD Balm Salve
- List price: $29.99–$179.99
- Type: broad spectrum
- CBD amount: 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 mg
- Quantity: 1 and 4 ounces (oz)
- COA: available online
Go Green Hemp CBD Balm Salve is available in varying strengths with additional ingredients, including beeswax and medium-chain triglyceride oils.
The balm comes with a scent of eucalyptus and lavender that may provide an aromatic and soothing experience with essential oils. However, some individuals may find that this product irritates essential oil allergies.
The manufacturer suggests applying the balm to aching areas and painful muscles.
The company backs its products with third-party lab results that people can download and access for free.
Additionally, this product is THC-free, non-GMO, and manufactured in the United States.
Pros
- contains essential oils which may aid healing
- uses non-GMO ingredients
- lab-tested
Cons
- essential oils could irritate some
- more expensive than similar products
Best for a budget: Plus CBD Extra Strength Balm
- List price: $29.99
- Type: full spectrum
- CBD amount: 100 mg
- Quantity: 1.3 oz
- COA: available online
The company combines CBD with tocopherol — a vitamin E derivative, oils, and herbal ingredients.
It contains sweet almond oil, beeswax, industry-standard glycerin, and green tea leaf extract.
This balm also contains willow bark extract. According to the manufacturer, this may provide an anti-inflammatory effect.
However, this product contains peppermint oil, which some individuals may find irritating or sensitizing.
The brand formulates this balm without gluten, GMOs, sulfates, or pesticides. Third-party labs test each batch for CBD purity, salmonella, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Individuals can easily access the test certificates on the company website.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
Pros
- contains willow bark and other herbal ingredients that may support skin healing
- reasonable price
- uses clean ingredients
Cons
- contains peppermint oil, which could irritate some
- contains THC, which some people may need to avoid
Best for sensitive skin: NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm
- List price: $24–$59
- Type: full spectrum
- CBD amount: 300, 600, and 900 mg
- Quantity: 0.5 oz, 1 oz, 1.5 oz
- COA: available online
This heavy moisturizer’s base ingredient is organic shea butter, which may suit those with skin sensitivities.
Most reviews state this balm helped relieve pain in arthritic joints and sprained wrists.
The brand uses third-party labs that confirm its products are free from pesticides, herbicides, mold, fungi, heavy metals, and mycotoxins. Individuals can easily access and read the lab reports.
As this balm only contains shea butter, some people may find it too thick. Some reviews report warming the balm prior to use as this can make it smoother to apply.
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm is available for purchase online.
Pros
- made with shea butter, which is good for sensitive skin
- made with organic hemp
- lab-tested
Cons
- some find balm is too thick to apply easily
- contains THC, which some people may need to avoid
Best for pain relief: Aspen Green Relief Full Spectrum CBD Balm
- List price: $89.99
- Type: full spectrum
- CBD amount: 1,000 mg
- Quantity: 2 oz
- COA: available online
A person can use this full-spectrum CBD balm on their entire body. The website claims that it may assist with alleviating discomfort and agitation.
The product is USDA-certified organic and made with 100% food-grade ingredients. The oil-based balm is easy to apply and spread on the skin.
Each 2-oz jar also contains 33 mg of THC. The website recommends not applying to sensitive areas on the skin, and storing the product at room temperature.
Pros
- Reviewers state that it works to relieve pain
- People claim to have a positive experience with customer service
- Organic ingredients
Cons
- One reviewer reported a slightly pungent scent
- Not suitable for those who do not wish to use a product with THC
- Price is quite high compared to other products
The following table provides a comparison of the above products.
| Total CBD per product | Third-party lab tests | Contains fragrances or essential oils | Volume | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lazarus Naturals | 800, 3,600 mg | yes | yes | 16, 72 g | $12, $42 |
| Go Green Hemp | 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg | yes | yes | 1 oz and 4 oz | $29.99 – $179.99 |
| Plus CBD | 100 mg | yes | yes | 1.3 oz | $29.99 |
| NuLeaf Naturals | 300, 600, 900 mg | yes | no | 0.5, 1, 1.5 oz | $24–$59 |
| Aspen Green | 1,000 mg | yes | yes | 2 oz | $89.99 |
Currently, the
Therefore, a person should look for CBD balms that:
- contain no more than
0.3% THC , per theAgriculture Improvement Act - have proof of third-party testing by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory
- have a current and valid certificate of analysis
- pass tests for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and microbes
- pass product potency evaluations and safety testing
- are not subject to an
FDA warning letter
Additionally, people may also wish to consider the product’s scent, application method, and price.
Researching manufacturer and retailer reputations, including customer reviews, may also help guide a person’s decision.
A CBD balm is a balm containing CBD oil.
To create CBD oil, producers extract CBD from the C. sativa plant and then mix it with a carrier oil. Manufacturers can extract CBD from the plant using various methods, such as the
A balm is a topical skin care product usually containing butter, waxes, oils, and active ingredients. Balms are similar to creams, but they do not contain water. Popular ingredients in balms include shea butter and beeswax.
People should follow all packaging instructions when using CBD products and not exceed the recommended dose.
When applying a CBD balm to the skin, people typically place a small amount of balm on their hands and rub them together. This will help warm and soften the product, making it easier to apply. A person can then gently massage the balm into the required area.
Avoid applying balm to areas with broken skin.
Individuals new to CBD products might consider starting with the lowest possible dosage. Once they understand how their body reacts to CBD, they can slowly increase the dose.
Always perform a patch test before using the product to ensure it will not irritate their skin.
Below are some advantages and disadvantages for a person to consider.
Pros
- Products have the potential to work as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.
- CBD balms could benefit common skin conditions.
- There is a low risk of side effects with short-term use.
- There is a wide range of products available.
Cons
- The FDA does not regulate CBD products.
- There is limited scientific research into safety and benefits.
- Long-term use may cause side effects.
- Some ingredients may interact with certain medications.
- Some of the ingredients may irritate the skin.
Medical News Today carefully vets CBD products to ensure they do not pose health risks to individuals. These include:
- Ingredients: Products must contain safe and high quality ingredients, and their labels must state all ingredients clearly. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: Products must clearly state the CBD dosage.
- Serving size: Manufacturers must suggest a safe serving size.
- Third-party labs: Products must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: The company must demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results.
Learn more about MNT’s product selection and vetting process here.
Scientific research exploring the effects and health benefits of topical CBD is still at a relatively early stage. However, there is increasing evidence that CBD may have many potential medicinal properties.
Evidence notes that the human body contains a complex network of neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors known as the endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS). The signaling of the ECS receptors may help reduce depressive symptoms in people with schizophrenia.
Research also indicates that the ECS may contain multiple promising therapeutic targets and that the skin
While research is still in its early stages, some
A 2019 research article and a
Other research also notes that topical CBD may help treat certain skin disorders. A
The American Academy of Dermatology also suggests that topical CBD may help treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD
However, the
Most of the known CBD side effects relate to consumable products. According to the
Researchers know less about topically applied CBD and which doses may result in side effects. However, when someone applies a balm topically, there is a much lower risk of CBD entering the bloodstream.
A 2018 paper raises questions about the possible side effects of using CBD long term, although researchers should continue to investigate this.
The following are common questions about CBD balms.
Does CBD balm work?
According to current research, CBD balm may help reduce inflammation, pain, and discomfort that people experience due to certain skin conditions.
However, knowledge about the medicinal effects of CBD is still developing.
The
How does CBD pain balm work?
Some research suggests that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This stops the endocannabinoids from breaking down and prolongs their effect on the body.
Research shows there are endocannabinoid receptors throughout the skin, which may help improve the effectiveness of CBD skin balms, oils, and creams.
CBD balms may reduce pain by reducing inflammation, as suggested by a
A more recent 2019 study found that CBD worked as a muscle relaxer, which improved symptoms in people with jaw pain.
Is CBD absorbed through the skin?
Yes, the skin can absorb CBD.
A 2020 study into how well the skin absorbed CBD concluded that paraffin oil ointments and hydrophilic gels provided the best absorption and a mixture of water and propylene glycol.
Does CBD balm have side effects?
CBD may interact with some medications. A person should talk with a doctor before using CBD if they are currently taking medications to check that it is safe for them.
Reported side effects mainly involve oral CBD products and rarely relate to topical balms and creams.
Research to answer questions about long-term CBD use’s effects and whether topical CBD can cause harmful side effects should continue.
Scientists do not know if CBD is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding people, and the
Is CBD balm good for nerve pain?
The research regarding the benefits of CBD balms on nerve pain is limited.
A
A
What is CBD body balm used for?
Common uses for CBD body balm are:
- arthritis pain relief
- easing chronic pain
- soothing tired and aching muscles and joints
- supporting a good night’s sleep
How long does it take for CBD balm to relieve pain?
The effects of CBD balm are different for every person. Some people report significant pain relief and others do not report much, if any. CBD takes effect more slowly when it is applied to the skin. It can take 15 to 45 minutes for a person using CBD balm to feel relief.
CBD balms may help moisturize skin and relieve soreness, inflammation, and discomfort. If people wish to use CBD products, there are a variety of other topical products available and other forms of CBD that they can ingest.
Before purchasing a CBD product, people should ensure it is from a reputable company and passes safety tests. It is also advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using any CBD products.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.