The Fast Facts
- Cannabidiol (CBD) cream for pain might help soothe sore muscles and ease tension, but research is still evolving.
- Anecdotal evidence for CBD creams for pain is mixed, but many people find relief.
- Our tester found Soul CBD Rapid Relief Cream to be smooth, fast-acting, and effective, making it our top pick for the best CBD cream for pain.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
The following table compares the CBD creams in this article on CBD type, main features, and price.
| Product | CBD type | Potency (mg) | Ingredients | Price | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul CBD | isolate | 1,500 | • menthol • coconut oil • camphor oil • eucalyptus oil | $40 | Use code “HEALTHLINE30” for 30% off |
| Joy Organics | broad-spectrum | 1,000 | • olive oil • safflower oil • aloe vera | $49.95 | Use code “JoyCBD” for 20% off |
| CBDistillery | full-spectrum | 500 | • shea butter • coconut oil • aloe extract • peppermint oil | $50 | Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off |
| Aspen Green | full-spectrum | 1,000 | • tea tree • menthol | $89.99 | Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off |
Medical News Today chooses CBD creams for pain that fit the following criteria:
We selected these CBD creams for pain based on criteria we consider strong indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Read more about how MNT vets and reviews brands and products.
We also look at the following factors:
- Pain relief: Where possible, MNT selects CBD creams that brands recommend for managing pain.
- Ingredients: MNT chooses creams containing safe, high quality, and clearly labeled ingredients. Brands should also confirm that the product is free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT selects creams that clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
- Serving size: MNT chooses CBD creams with recommended dosages and usage instructions.
CBD binds to molecules in the body, blocking some protein receptors and inhibiting certain enzymes and acids that play a role in pain and inflammation.
- Easing pain: Studies show that in adults with neuropathic pain, cannabis-based medication may help achieve
more than 50% pain relief compared with a placebo. An additional2021 study shows that CBD may also be effective in reducing pain due to fibromyalgia. - Reducing spasms: A
2022 study suggests that a combination of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may help reduce pain and muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). - Relaxing muscles: The cannabis plant contains two anti-inflammatory agents that aid muscle relaxation and may enhance muscle recovery after exercise. In a
2023 clinical trial , athletes ages 18 to 65 years received two post-exercise doses of a formula containing CBD, cannabigerol, and several other ingredients. After 72 hours, the athletes experienced less muscle discomfort and stiffness, and a greater range of motion. - Reducing inflammation: Studies in dogs, horses, and rats have shown that CBD administration at different doses has positive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, researchers need to conduct more human studies to support these findings.
Medical Perspective“One common myth is that CBD topicals will make you feel “high,” but they don’t unlike THC. CBD applied to the skin doesn’t enter the bloodstream in a way that causes toxicities. Another misconception is that they work instantly for everyone. Realistically, results may vary depending on the product, concentration, and body composition.”
— Alex Nguyen, PharmD, RPh, CPh
Learn more about CBD for pain management.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
People may wish to consider several factors before purchasing a CBD cream for pain. These factors include:
- Third-party tests: A person should only purchase CBD products from companies that provide COAs. These certificates verify that the products’ ingredient lists are correct and that the ingredients are present in the amounts and potencies the company states.
- Ingredients: Buyers should ensure the hemp in a CBD cream is natural and grown in the United States. Sometimes, it is possible to get CBD creams containing certified organic hemp. Individuals with allergies should ensure that all the ingredients are suitable for them. Those with sensitive skin may wish to avoid creams that contain fragrances or irritants they know to be sensitive to.
- CBD spectrum: CBD creams for pain often contain full- or broad-spectrum CBD, but some products use CBD isolate. People need to consider the THC content in full-spectrum CBD, especially if they have regular drug tests. Learn more about CBD spectrums to find out which may be best in a CBD cream for pain.
- Potency: CBD potency refers to the strength of the product. CBD creams with more milligrams per application will be more potent than those with lower values. Those experiencing higher pain levels may appreciate a higher potency product, but CBD creams should not replace medical care to treat severe pain.
- Ease of application: CBD creams for pain may not always be convenient to use, especially if a person wants to manage their pain on the go. Products in tubes may be easier to apply to specific areas, while creams in tubs may work for people using them over larger areas.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
As the inclusion of CBD into health products is a relatively recent development, there is a lack of scientific research examining its long-term risks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, a prescription medication for rare types of epilepsy. As such, no other CBD products, including CBD creams for pain, have FDA approval.
People can apply CBD cream to their skin like any other topical product, but it is important to follow the instructions on the product packaging.
Individuals should perform a patch test before using a new CBD cream on their skin. If they experience a reaction to the product, they should stop using it and contact a doctor. Reactions can include skin itching, redness, or other skin changes, or inflammation.
Medication interactions
Anyone taking medications and considering using a CBD cream should also consult a doctor or a qualified CBD clinician. These professionals can advise whether CBD will interact with the medication.
The law around cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is changing. The changes may bring an industry-wide restriction to CBD and other hemp-derived products, as of November 2026.
Research from 2023 suggests CBD may help manage chronic pain symptoms in adults. However, CBD products may help relieve pain temporarily rather than eliminate it.
Topical CBD may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, according to a 2025 study.
In some cases, CBD cream may cause skin irritation, including discoloration, itching, or a rash.
According to the CDC, some individuals can experience side effects from using CBD, including:
- changes in alertness, including drowsiness or sleepiness
- gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea or decreased appetite
- mood changes, including irritability or agitation
However, this relates to ingestible CBD products.
Forms of CBD for topical (on the skin) use, including creams, balms, and ointments, do not enter the bloodstream.
The effective level of CBD for pain depends on the intensity and type of pain the person experiences. Therefore, there is no one-fits-all rule.
A 2022 review notes that the effectiveness of the CBD a person takes depends on its THC to CBD ratio. Researchers found that products with a higher THC to CBD ratio may be more effective at managing pain than products with a lower one.
Full-spectrum CBD may offer enhanced anti-inflammatory effects compared with broad-spectrum CBD due to the entourage effect, but clinical evidence in humans is limited, and individual responses can vary.
More research is required to determine the best dose or format of CBD for treating inflammation.
Cannabidiol (CBD) creams are products that a person applies to their skin that may help reduce pain and inflammation.
Although CBD creams may provide some pain relief, people need to seek guidance from a healthcare professional first to assess the underlying cause of their pain and receive medical treatment, if necessary.
People also need to consult a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist if they intend to use CBD products alongside prescription or nonprescription medications to reduce the risk of drug interactions and side effects.
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.