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CBD balms are a good choice to soothe aching and painful joints. Here, we discuss our favorite balms from Lazarus Naturals, CBDfx, and more.

CBD is one of many cannabinoids, or chemicals, present in the Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) plant that may help treat some health conditions.

CBD does not have any psychoactive properties, unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another cannabinoid in the C. sativa plant. THC is the chemical responsible for the “high” that many people associate with cannabis.

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.

This article discusses CBD balms, their benefits, and how to use them. It also lists five CBD balms to consider.

A CBD balm is a balm containing CBD oil.

There are many CBD balms available on the market. Below, we list five products for consideration.

The following table provides a comparison of the above products.

Total CBD per productContains fragrances or essential oilsVolumePrice
Lazarus Naturals 800 or 3,600 mgyes0.5 or 2.54 oz$12 or $42
CBDfx750 or 3,000 mgyes2 oz$39.99 or $99.99
PlusCBD100 mgyes1.3 oz$35.99
NuLeaf Naturals300, 600, or 900 mgno0.5, 1, or 1.5 oz$24 to $59
Aspen Green1,000 mgyes2 oz$89.99

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.

Currently, the FDA does not regulate CBD products. A 2022 study showed that the product labels on almost half of the 80 CBD products reviewed were not labeled accurately.

Therefore, when looking for CBD topicals, including CBD salves and CBD balms, a person should make sure that the products:

  • contain no more than 0.3% THC, per the Agriculture 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.

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 the skin.

Learn more about allergy testing.

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. A 2020 study into how well the skin absorbs CBD concluded that paraffin oil ointments and hydrophilic gels provided the best absorption. Therefore, topical CBD products may be a useful way for people to benefit from the potential of CBD.

While research is still in its early stages, some evidence suggests that topical CBD may have some benefit in treating muscle soreness. Another older 2018 review notes the potential of CBD for pain and inflammation.

A 2019 research article and a 2020 randomized controlled trial also highlight the pain relief properties of topical CBD, while a 2021 review showed that CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), and CBD with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) all showed anti-inflammatory effects.

Other research also notes that topical CBD may help treat certain skin disorders. A 2019 study suggests that CBD ointment is a safe and effective treatment for inflammatory skin conditions and may help improve skin hydration and elasticity.

The American Academy of Dermatology also suggests that topical CBD may help treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Learn more about CBD for skin.

CBD may interact with certain medications. People who take prescription medications should speak with their doctor before using any CBD products.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cannabidiol does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm.

Most of the known CBD side effects relate to consumable products and so are unlikely to be relevant to topical products such as balms. According to the FDA, side effects can include diarrhea, mood changes, drowsiness, and sometimes liver damage.

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.

Research suggests that short-term CBD use is unlikely to result in side effects, but long-term use may have mild adverse effects.

Learn more about CBD dosage.

Below are some advantages and disadvantages for a person to consider when using CBD balms.

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.
  • They are easy to apply.
  • CBD balms can offer targeted relief.

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.

Common uses for CBD body balm include relieving arthritis pain, easing chronic pain, and soothing tired and aching muscles and joints.

The best CBD balm will depend on the person’s needs and tolerance to CBD.

However, we rate Lazarus Naturals balm highly because it is a good value, is available in different sizes, and comes as a stick, which makes it easy to apply.

Yes, topical CBD can work for pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory, according to 2022 research.

A CBD balm is a topical skin care product usually containing butters, 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.

A CBD cream will contain more water than a balm and may be better suited to hydrating the skin than a balm.

CBD balms may help moisturize the skin and relieve soreness, inflammation, and discomfort.

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.

CBD resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.

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.