Why use these CBD creams and topicals instead of a regular CBD tincture? These CBD infused cream, lotions, salves, or balms are known to provide localized relief directly where they are applied. In this article, we will explain to you everything you need to know to pick the right product for you.
Why Use CBD Topicals?
Not only are CBD creams and topicals known to support skin health but they can also help with the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. They are also highly effective in supporting exercising by managing muscle and joint pain associated with your workout.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) approved CBD in 2018 and declared that the topical application of cannabis products show promise for skin diseases1. CBD works in harmony with the skin’s endocannabinoid system. It is a great alternative for most skin conditions ranging from acne and psoriasis to dermatitis and dry, itchy skin among many others.
CBD creams and topicals are gaining their reputation for their ability to support pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, naturally. In 2016, researchers noted that the “topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without evident side-effects”2.
In 2011, a study published by the Journal of Pain Research found that the topical administration of cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, is effective for both acute and chronic pain3 . This certainly backs up the fact that the majority of those in the athletic and sports community are adopting these CBD creams in their daily habits. These have the capacity to reduce inflammation, as well as the pain associated with swelling after a particularly intense workout.
Applying a soothing CBD lotion, or salve onto sore muscles will provide localized relief as the ingredients act directly on the area of application.
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How We Chose the Best CBD Topicals
While there are many CBD creams, along with an overwhelming amount of CBD-based products available in the market, not all are equal in terms of quality and safety.
So when you’re choosing a CBD cream or any CBD product in general, it’s very important to keep the following requirements in mind. This is the methodology we use when recommending a product or brand.
Related: The Best CBD Oils Review
The Best CBD Brands
Always choose products produced by transparent CBD brands that have a guaranteed reputation in the industry and are dedicated to providing high-quality products. We make sure we include only these in our lists.
Natural/Non-GMO
The most reliable products are undoubtedly those that are made using all-natural, non-GMO hemp4 (produced without genetically engineered crops) grown in the US. Using natural ingredients limits the amount of processing required, which makes the extraction of the final product simpler. As a result, the product will be safe with minimal to no side-effects.
Third-Party Lab Test Results
To ensure authenticity and reliability, always choose products that have undergone third-party lab tests and made the results available on their websites. These tests ensure that the cannabinoid levels in the product match those claimed on the product label. They guarantee that there are no heavy metals, molds, or pesticides present in the final product.
Active and Inactive Ingredients
Always look at all active (an ingredient that contains CBD) and inactive ingredients on the label to ensure you’re choosing the highest quality CBD product available. When possible, choose an all-natural product made without any artificial ingredients.
Potency
Look for products with different potencies to meet your specific needs. Certain brands offer a wider selection of potency when it comes to their products, while others offer only one or two potencies. When making our recommendations, we try to mention brands and products that offer multiple potencies.
Variety of Price
We try to include products of various prices to meet the needs of everyone’s budget. When looking at the price of a product, keep in mind that these will vary depending on the strength, serving size, volume, and any additional ingredients that may accentuate the health benefits.
Our exclusive lists try to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision that suits your specific desires and needs.
Extraction Method
Try choosing products that are made using clean and safe extraction methods5. There are three common extraction methods when it comes to CBD extraction:
Olive oil method of extraction
The olive oil method of extraction was the first method utilized for extracting CBD from hemp. It is a clean and cost-effective method that involves heating the raw plant material to a temperature that activates the plant. However, the main issue with this method is that the olive oil, activated with CBD, must then be strictly kept in a dark and cool place in order to keep it fresh6.
Solvent extraction
Solvent extraction uses a solvent like the butane, propane, ethanol, isopropyl, or alcohol to extract the CBD from hemp. It is the cheapest and quickest method but can also be dangerous.
CO2 method
Currently, the most common method of extracting CBD is the CO2 method, which is also the most expensive due to the cost of its necessary equipment. However, it provides a potent, safe, and chlorophyll-free product.
Best CBD Topicals
cbdMD
Premium CBD Recover Cream
POTENCY
300mg, 750mg, 1500mg, 3000mg
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$$
We were first introduced to CBD Recover Cream a couple years ago and have found it superior to any of the other CBD lotions we’ve tried for relieving chronic pain associated with previous injuries.
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It worked perfectly for relieving the chronic neck and shoulder pain we experience from long hours spent at the computer.
Third party lab test results are located easily on the product page, ensuring the quality and safety of this particular topical product others have described as “magic” and “miraculous.”
Pros
Variety of different strengths.
Superior pain relief qualities.
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Made with other ingredients aside from CBD that are known for their pain relieving properties.
Cons
Slightly thick consistency that takes time to absorb into the skin.
Formulated specifically to relieve pain and assist with exercise recovery, and advertised for relief from backaches, sore muscles and joint pain.
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Made with a blend of broad spectrum CBD, pain-relieving histamine dihydrochloride and natural ingredients known to soothe muscle pain and tension and support skin. Histamine dihydrochloride expands blood vessels and increases circulation to the area in which it’s applied, creating a soothing warming sensation.
Available in a tub or squeeze tube.
Medterra
Rapid Cooling Cream
POTENCY
250mg, 500mg
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
We personally love the convenience of a roll-on topical CBD product. There’s no mess and the bottle can easily be taken on-the-go.
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The cooling effect this product provides is almost instant.
We were first introduced to Medterra in early 2019 and couldn’t be more pleased with the transparency of this company and the quality products they provide.
Pros
Various strength options.
Excellent, rapid cooling sensation.
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Offered in two different sizes (1.7oz and 3.4oz)
Cons
500mg and 1000mg strength options are actually two separate products of 250mg and 500mg respectively, instead of the full 500mg or 1000mg strengths.
Designed for muscle and joint support with a rapid cooling effect.
Blended with CBD and other proprietary ingredients known for their pain relieving properties.
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Includes camphor which offers the rapid cooling relief in this popular CBD topical. Camphor works so well for pain because it causes a cooling sensation that can make the mind believe body temperature is dropping, which in turn desensitizes nerve endings.
Convenient roll-on applicator.
Joy Organics
Premium CBD Salve
POTENCY
500mg, 1000mg
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$$
When we feel we need a thicker topical for muscle and joint support, Joy Organics CBD Salve is second to none.
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While thicker than a typical cream or lotion, Joy Organics CBD Salve rubs on smooth and isn’t crazy greasy like other salves we’ve tried.
Not only has it offered the relief we’re looking for every single time we’ve used it for muscle and joint pain relief, we’ve also found it’s amazing for supporting dry, cracked skin.
The lavender eucalyptus scent is subtly soothing rather than overpowering, offering an extra added bonus sense of calm as we inhale the organic essential oils with which it’s made.
Pros
Joy Organics products are some of the most trusted in the industry.
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Offers pain relief and supports dry, cracked skin.
Made with all-natural ingredients.
Cons
While not as greasy as other salves we’ve tried, the consistency of this salve is thicker than a cream which might not appeal to some users.
Formulated to support healthy muscles and joints.
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Made with a blend of CBD, organic beeswax and essential oils that is designed to support skin, joints and muscles in a variety of different ways.
10% off discount with code CBDSCHOOL
Read Our Lazarus Naturals Brand Review Here
Lazarus Naturals
CBD Massage Oil
POTENCY
200mg, 800mg, 1600mg
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
Complements a natural approach to wellness.
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Aside from Lazarus Naturals’ commitment to quality, purity and transparency and the simple list of natural ingredients used to create this product, we simply loved how smooth it glided onto our skin.
Pros
Available in three different strengths and sizes.
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Soaks quickly into the skin without feeling greasy.
Excellent for use during massage or after a shower or bath.
Cons
None to mention 🙂
CBD massage oil designed for promoting comfort and relaxation.
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Made with simple, all-natural ingredients (organic jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil and hemp extract), this massage oil is free from dyes, perfumes and preservatives.
Contains 50mg CBD per tablespoon.
CBDfx
Muscle and Joint CBD Hemp Cream
POTENCY
500mg, 1500mg
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
CBDFX is a company committed to providing quality products.
It worked exactly as intended.
Pros
The convenient pump tube ensures easy application without a mess.
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The cooling menthol sensation combined with CBD and other ingredients offers rapid relief.
Cons
Only available in 500mg or 1000mg options.
Created to penetrate deep into sore muscles and joints to quickly provide relief to minor aches and pains.
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Made broad spectrum hemp extract and cooling menthol.
Contains white willow bark and caffeine, both of which are excellent for aches and pains.
CBDistillery
Warming and Cooling Cream Mix Pack
POTENCY
200mg
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
Warming creams are excellent for warming up sore muscles and joints pre-workout and cooling creams are great for promoting post-workout recovery. This offers the best of both worlds.
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Absorbs fairly quickly into the skin.
Pros
Works quickly to provide almost immediate relief.
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The mix pack offers two different topical options containing different effects.
Cons
Unlike most other brands, third party test results aren’t available on their website and must be accessed by scanning the QR code on the product itself.
A mix pack of two different 300mg CBD creams. One offers a cooling sensation, while the other offers a warming sensation.
Green Roads
Skin Relief CBD Cream
POTENCY
750mg
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
Comes in a convenient pump application for easy delivery.
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Lighter than a salve, Green Roads Skin Relief Cream glides on smooth and leaves zero greasy residue.
Third party lab test results are available right on the product page.
Pros
Lightweight without greasy residue.
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Extremely soothing to the skin.
Cons
Only available in 200mg options.
Designed to support skin health and offer relief to dry, itchy skin.
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Formulated with broad spectrum CBD and avocado oil and vitamin E, both of which are excellent for supporting skin health.
Lavender oil offers a calm, soothing scent.
Charlotte's Web
Hemp Infused Cream with CBD
POTENCY
300mg
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
Absorbs smoothly into the skin without leaving any thick, greasy residue. Perfect for everyday use, it’s one we’ve returned to again and again.
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Charlotte’s Web is one of the most trusted CBD brands, consistently offering high-quality, trustworthy products.
Pros
All-natural ingredients.
Ideal for sensitive skin.
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No greasy residue or staining.
Cons
Only available in 1oz/300mg or 2.5oz/750mg strength options.
Formulated with a blend of full spectrum CBD and other natural ingredients to “revitalize, restore and rejuvenate” the skin.
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Made without any preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Recently re-formulated to contain twice as much CBD per ounce as the original version.
Mission Farms
Hemp Infused Cream with CBD
POTENCY
300MG, 750MG, 1500MG
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$$
The goat milk base makes it different than any other CBD topical we’ve tried.
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We found it perfect to use before bed and worked exactly as it’s intended.
Soft and soothing, with quick absorption.
Pros
Absorbs quickly.
The proprietary ingredients used are all known for their skin supporting properties.
Cons
Cannot access the Mission Farms website outside the US.
Designed to hydrate the skin, calm the muscles and mind and stimulate collagen and elastin.
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Made with goat’s milk, full spectrum CBD, skin supporting shea butter, coconut oil and meadowfoam oil, organic lavender and chamomile essential oils and other natural ingredients.
Created to “prepare your body for bedtime and treat your skin all night long.”
References
1Public, researchers demonstrate growing interest in cannabis treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2018, February 16). Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://www.aad.org/news/topical-cannabis
2Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European journal of pain (London, England), 20(6), 936–948. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.818
3Jorge, L. L., Feres, C. C., & Teles, V. E. (2010). Topical preparations for pain relief: efficacy and patient adherence. Journal of pain research, 4, 11–24. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S9492
4Hilderbrand R. L. (2018). Hemp & Cannabidiol: What is a Medicine?. Missouri medicine, 115(4), 306–309.
5Nuapia, Y., Tutu, H., Chimuka, L., & Cukrowska, E. (2020). Selective Extraction of Cannabinoid Compounds from Cannabis Seed Using Pressurized Hot Water Extraction. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(6), 1335. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061335
