Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
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.
Here’s our process
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
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?
Read more about our vetting process.
CBD topicals offer many benefits, from pain management to improving skin health. Read more about our top picks and hands-on review here.
Share on Pinterest
A quick look at the best CBD topicals:
Best overall: Joy Organics CBD Salve | Skip to review
Joy Organics CBD Salve
Skip to review
Best for massages: NuLeaf Naturals CBD Balm | Skip to review
NuLeaf Naturals CBD Balm
Skip to review
Best hydrating: CBDistillery Oooh Distilled 500 mg CBD Balm | Skip to review
CBDistillery Oooh Distilled 500 mg CBD Balm
Skip to review
Best cooling: Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion, Menthol Formula | Skip to review
Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion, Menthol Formula
Skip to review
Best fast-absorbing: Ojai Energetics Full Spectrum CBD Sports Gel | Skip to review
Ojai Energetics Full Spectrum CBD Sports Gel
Skip to review
Best fragrance-free: Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Relief Body Balm | Skip to review
Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Relief Body Balm
Skip to review
Best high-potency: Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream | Skip to review
Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream
Skip to review
Best calming: Lazarus Naturals Relax + Unwind Full Spectrum Balm Stick | Skip to review
Lazarus Naturals Relax + Unwind Full Spectrum Balm Stick
Skip to review
Best for pain relief: Soul CBD Rapid Relief Cream | Skip to review
Soul CBD Rapid Relief Cream
Skip to review
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.
state laws
9 of the best topical CBD products
Joy Organics CBD Salve
CBD type: broad-spectrum
broad-spectrum
CBD potency: 500 mg per 1-oz container, 1,000 mg per 2-oz container
COA: available online
available online
Available scents: Lavender Eucalyptus
Third-party tested: yes
Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.
$54.95 AT JOY ORGANICS
*Price may vary.
This broad-spectrum, THC-free, phytocannabinoid-rich CBD salve may promote skin health and relieve muscle pain.
Joy Organics provides publicly accessible lab reports on all its products.
Its active ingredients include beeswax, lavender essential oil, and eucalyptus essential oil.
lavender
eucalyptus
Joy Organics has a 3.3-star rating out of a possible 5 on Trustpilot, based on eight customer reviews.
Trustpilot
The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A+ rating.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Read our Joy Organics review.
Joy Organics review
Subscriptions and savings
People can opt for automatic deliveries every 2–12 weeks and save 20% off each purchase. If a person chooses this option, they also benefit from:
canceling or modifying their subscription plan at any time
doubling reward points on a person’s first purchase
reportedly receiving the best price each month
Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
“Unlike other salves that I’ve tried in the past, Joy Organics Organic CBD Salve has a light, smooth feel that isn’t greasy or oily.”
“I’m prone to dry skin, with my fingertips often cracking. After using the salve for just a few nights, my finger tips started to heal and now feel great after almost two weeks of regular use.”
“While I’ve noticed slight improvements in muscle pain around my shoulders, I’m hopeful that I’ll continue to experience further improvements with longer-term use.”
“I’ve also found the lavender and eucalyptus scent to be relaxing before bed.”
“I would recommend it for people with dry skin or mild muscle soreness. It smells great, isn’t oily, and has already had noticeable effects.”
Kelli McGrane, MS, RD Nutrition and Fitness Editor
“Unlike other salves that I’ve tried in the past, Joy Organics Organic CBD Salve has a light, smooth feel that isn’t greasy or oily.”
“I’m prone to dry skin, with my fingertips often cracking. After using the salve for just a few nights, my finger tips started to heal and now feel great after almost two weeks of regular use.”
“While I’ve noticed slight improvements in muscle pain around my shoulders, I’m hopeful that I’ll continue to experience further improvements with longer-term use.”
“I’ve also found the lavender and eucalyptus scent to be relaxing before bed.”
“I would recommend it for people with dry skin or mild muscle soreness. It smells great, isn’t oily, and has already had noticeable effects.”
Kelli McGrane, MS, RD Nutrition and Fitness Editor
contains 100% organic hemp from U.S. farms
free from pesticides, waxes, fats, and other foreign compounds
offers a 90-day trial of all products
contains a high CBD content
not suitable for people with a sensitivity or allergy to essential oils
higher cost, which may not be suitable for people on a smaller budget
not suitable for vegans as it contains beeswax
contains 100% organic hemp from U.S. farms
free from pesticides, waxes, fats, and other foreign compounds
offers a 90-day trial of all products
contains a high CBD content
not suitable for people with a sensitivity or allergy to essential oils
higher cost, which may not be suitable for people on a smaller budget
not suitable for vegans as it contains beeswax
Returns: full refund within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Returns: full refund within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
NuLeaf Naturals CBD Balm
CBD type: full-spectrum
CBD potency: 300 mg per 0.5-oz. jar, 600 mg per 1.0-oz. jar, 900 mg per 1.5-oz. jar
COA: available online
available online
Third-party tested: yes
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off.
$24.00 AT NULEAF NATURALS
*Price may vary.
This balm contains only two ingredients: highly concentrated full-spectrum hemp extract and shea butter to nourish and moisturize the skin.
Nuleaf states that is uses proprietary genetics to create a whole plant CBD extract that contains secondary cannabinoids, which can help contribute toward the “entourage effect”. The entourage effect is the positive contribution made by the addition of terpenes to cannabinoids. The company also claims it uses a greener CO2 extraction method without any harsh chemicals.
positive contribution
While Nuleaf does not hold any organic certifications, it says that it uses organic hemp.
Subscriptions and savings
Nuleaf offers a subscribe and save feature. Once a person signs up, they will receive 20% off each order and benefit from free automatic delivery every 2–12 weeks.
“I used this balm on my calves after running to relieve soreness. It has a hemp-y but rather mild scent.”
“The texture of this balm is super strange. It’s grainy but not coarse — it pills (or crumbs) a bit and takes a lot of effort to massage into the skin without making a mess. I definitely would recommend using in warmer temperatures or working it with your fingers to help the balm melt more, otherwise you get little balls of balm everywhere!”
“However, I don’t know if I saw a real difference in my soreness after using this balm.”
“Overall, I enjoyed using this balm as a post-run treatment, but didn’t love the texture of it. I am not sure the CBD really did anything for me personally, but it didn’t do any harm and the massage felt nice (once the little crumbs melted!).”
– Jamey Powell, former Senior Market Editor.
“I used this balm on my calves after running to relieve soreness. It has a hemp-y but rather mild scent.”
“The texture of this balm is super strange. It’s grainy but not coarse — it pills (or crumbs) a bit and takes a lot of effort to massage into the skin without making a mess. I definitely would recommend using in warmer temperatures or working it with your fingers to help the balm melt more, otherwise you get little balls of balm everywhere!”
“However, I don’t know if I saw a real difference in my soreness after using this balm.”
“Overall, I enjoyed using this balm as a post-run treatment, but didn’t love the texture of it. I am not sure the CBD really did anything for me personally, but it didn’t do any harm and the massage felt nice (once the little crumbs melted!).”
– Jamey Powell, former Senior Market Editor.
comes in different strength options, suiting a majority of people
shea butter can help moisturize and soften the skin
uses a greener extraction method than some competitors
our reviewer states she did not experience much pain relief
the texture may be crumbly
comes in different strength options, suiting a majority of people
shea butter can help moisturize and soften the skin
uses a greener extraction method than some competitors
our reviewer states she did not experience much pain relief
the texture may be crumbly
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $74
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $74
CBDistillery Oooh Distilled 500 mg CBD Balm
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 500 mg per 1-oz jar
COA: available on product page
Third-party tested: yes
Use code “healthline” for 20% off sitewide or choose the subscription option for 20% off the first 2 subscription orders and 25% off the 3rd order.
$60.00 AT CBDISTILLERY
*Price may vary.
This hemp-derived CBD balm may help relieve localized muscle pain.
Each jar of Oooh Distilled contains 500 milligrams (mg) of full-spectrum CBD extract alongside numerous essential oil extracts.
essential oil
Active ingredients, including shea butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, camphor oil, and beeswax, may help moisturize the skin and make it more supple and smooth.
shea butter
coconut oil
almond oil
peppermint oil
camphor oil
CBDistillery states that it sources non-GMO hemp through natural farming practices.
CBDistillery has a 3.9-star rating out of a possible 5 with Trustpilot and an A+ rating with the BBB.
Trustpilot
BBB
Read our review of CBDistillery.
review of CBDistillery
Subscriptions and savings
CBDistillery offers free shipping on any order over $75.
People can opt into the company’s subscribe and save feature to benefit from automatic deliveries, free shipping, and 30% off products. Individuals can choose delivery every 4–12 weeks.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
the product comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee
suitable for people who wish to purchase a full-spectrum CBD balm
the product comes in a small jar that fits easily into bags, making it ideal for on-the-go treatments
GMO-free
contains rosemary extract and botanical extracts for anti-inflammatory effects
not suitable for vegans as it contains beeswax
not suitable for people who wish to avoid products with THC
not suitable for people who wish to avoid essential oils
the product comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee
suitable for people who wish to purchase a full-spectrum CBD balm
the product comes in a small jar that fits easily into bags, making it ideal for on-the-go treatments
GMO-free
contains rosemary extract and botanical extracts for anti-inflammatory effects
not suitable for vegans as it contains beeswax
not suitable for people who wish to avoid products with THC
not suitable for people who wish to avoid essential oils
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion, Menthol Formula
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 750 mg per 1.7 fl-oz bottle
COA: available online
available online
Third-party tested: yes
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 30% off.
$49.99 AT CORNBREAD HEMP
*Price may vary.
This product contains menthol and peppermint oil to cool and relieve muscle pain alongside the CBD oil. It is paraben and GMO-free.
It contains 20 mg of THC per product. Other ingredients include:
olive oil
lemongrass oil
lemongrass oil
peppermint oil
rosemary oil
menthol
tea tree oil
Learn about the best CBD lotions.
best CBD lotions
Cornbread Hemp has four reviews on Trustpilot, giving it an average of 4.1 stars out of 5. On the manufacturer’s website, customer reviews say the lotion helped their rheumatic and arthritic pain.
Trustpilot
Subscriptions and savings
Cornbread Hemp offers free shipping and 20% off each order if someone signs up for a free subscription. This subscription automatically delivers products every 30, 45, or 60 days.
People can skip or cancel their deliveries at any time.
“I used Cornbread’s CBD menthol lotion on sore muscles, after hard gym days and long days sitting at a computer.
“The lotion was very smooth, absorbed fairly quickly, though did leave a bit of a residue. There was a hint of coolness from the menthol, though not aggressive.
“The lotion worked for me – it lessened the severity of aching muscles. I found it worked best on smaller sore areas (forearms, neck muscles, shoulders), rather than larger areas (quads). I felt its benefits most when I massaged the area while applying the cream: the lotion facilitated the massage, and then soaked in and provided longer relief.”
– Laramy Applekamp, Content Project Manager
“I used Cornbread’s CBD menthol lotion on sore muscles, after hard gym days and long days sitting at a computer.
“The lotion was very smooth, absorbed fairly quickly, though did leave a bit of a residue. There was a hint of coolness from the menthol, though not aggressive.
“The lotion worked for me – it lessened the severity of aching muscles. I found it worked best on smaller sore areas (forearms, neck muscles, shoulders), rather than larger areas (quads). I felt its benefits most when I massaged the area while applying the cream: the lotion facilitated the massage, and then soaked in and provided longer relief.”
– Laramy Applekamp, Content Project Manager
contains naturally derived organic ingredients, with menthol as an additional pain reliever
clearly labels how much THC is in each bottle
available as a lotion, which may have a more lightweight feel than salves and creams
contains hemp flowers only so there are no stems, seeds, stalks, or leaves
paraben- and GMO-free
essential oils may irritate sensitive skin
not suitable for people with a soy allergy
not suitable for people who want to avoid THC
contains naturally derived organic ingredients, with menthol as an additional pain reliever
clearly labels how much THC is in each bottle
available as a lotion, which may have a more lightweight feel than salves and creams
contains hemp flowers only so there are no stems, seeds, stalks, or leaves
paraben- and GMO-free
essential oils may irritate sensitive skin
not suitable for people with a soy allergy
not suitable for people who want to avoid THC
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Ojai Energetics Full Spectrum CBD Sports Gel
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 100 mg per bottle
COA: available online
available online
Third-party tested: yes
$46.95 AT OJAI
*Price may vary.
This water-soluble gel contains full-spectrum CBD, which the manufacturer says absorbs once it touches the body.
It also contains other active ingredients that may soothe aching muscles, such as:
arnica
rosemary
ginger
ginger
mint
black pepper
black pepper
wintergreen
eucalyptus
It is free from gluten, soy, synthetics, and GMOs.
Learn about other CBD topicals for athletes.
Learn about other CBD topicals for athletes
Ojai has an average customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, from nine reviews.
Trustpilot
Subscriptions and savings
Ojai does not offer any subscribe and save options.
However, people can purchase multipacks of three or six sports gels. Doing so reduces the cost of each bottle to $33.61 when buying the three-pack, or $31.35 when buying the six-pack.
water-soluble, which may mean it has a lighter feel than creams and salves
gluten-, soy-, synthetics- and GMO-free
organic
contains arnica and calendula, which may help soothe pain
some reviewers state the gel leaves a sticky feeling
ingredients such as eucalyptus and black pepper may irritate sensitive skin
water-soluble, which may mean it has a lighter feel than creams and salves
gluten-, soy-, synthetics- and GMO-free
organic
contains arnica and calendula, which may help soothe pain
some reviewers state the gel leaves a sticky feeling
ingredients such as eucalyptus and black pepper may irritate sensitive skin
Returns: free returns
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $200
Returns: free returns
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $200
Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Relief Body Balm
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 2-oz jar
COA: available online
available online
Third-party tested: yes
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off.
$89.99 AT ASPEN GREEN
*Price may vary.
This balm does not contain toxins or gluten. Aspen Green claims it may help relieve pain.
Learn more about using CBD for pain management.
Learn more about using CBD for pain management
It contains high levels of full-spectrum CBD from plants grown in the Rocky Mountains in California. The manufacturer claims the climate helps produce the finest quality hemp and cannabis plants.
Other ingredients include:
mango butter
beeswax
hemp seed oil
jojoba seed oil
jojoba seed oil
Despite the botanical ingredients, reviews state it does not have a smell.
Individuals can apply a pea-sized amount as and when they need pain relief.
The company has a 3.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 50 reviews.
Trustpilot
Read our review of Aspen Green.
Read our review of Aspen Green
Subscriptions and savings
Aspen Green offers free shipping on orders over $74.
People can also opt into a free subscription, receiving the balm every 4, 6, or 8 weeks. This option provides free shipping regardless of the order price.
“The balm feels light and is not greasy, it has the texture of lip balm or beeswax. It smells of hemp, but it is subtle.”
“It does not come out of the container easily (only glides onto my finger a little bit at a time), therefore I had trouble getting a decent amount of product for usage. It’s like beeswax in terms of texture.”
“Based on the trouble I had with the texture of the product, I personally prefer and recommend the Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream instead.”
Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream
– Christy Snyder, Market Editor II
“The balm feels light and is not greasy, it has the texture of lip balm or beeswax. It smells of hemp, but it is subtle.”
“It does not come out of the container easily (only glides onto my finger a little bit at a time), therefore I had trouble getting a decent amount of product for usage. It’s like beeswax in terms of texture.”
“Based on the trouble I had with the texture of the product, I personally prefer and recommend the Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream instead.”
Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream
– Christy Snyder, Market Editor II
people only need to use a small amount of product
uses USDA-certified organic ingredients
free from plasticizers, synthetics, gluten, and artificial preservatives
more expensive than many other options
unsuitable for people who wish to avoid THC
people only need to use a small amount of product
uses USDA-certified organic ingredients
free from plasticizers, synthetics, gluten, and artificial preservatives
more expensive than many other options
unsuitable for people who wish to avoid THC
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $74
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $74
Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 2,000 mg per 2.95-oz container
COA: available on product page
Third-party tested: yes
$89.99 AT EXTRACT LABS
*Price may vary.
This product contains menthol and arnica to provide relief and restoration. It also includes 2,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD.
The manufacturer suggests this cream may promote recovery, alleviate soreness, and relieve stiffness.
This product is GMP compliant, certified Kosher and Halal, USDA-certified organic, Leaping Bunny-certified, and third-party lab tested.
Leaping Bunny
Extract Labs recommends that people try the product for 1–2 weeks and then assess if they need to increase or decrease the amount they use.
Extract Labs has a 3.4-star rating out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on seven reviews. It has an F rating with the BBB. The organization warns about alerts relating to alleged misleading advertising.
Trustpilot
BBB
Subscriptions and savings
The company offers a 50% discount through discount programs for certain people, including veterans and active military personnel, teachers, healthcare workers, and low-income households. Individuals can read about the eligibility criteria.
eligibility criteria
People can also enter a subscription and receive the balm every 1 or 2 months, saving 25% off each order.
high-potency option
USDA-certified ingredients, including beeswax and rosemary
the company offers a 50% discount for qualifying customers
people may only need to apply a dime-size amount of the product to feel its effect
may not be a preferred choice for some people due to its higher cost
not suitable for people who prefer products without THC
might not be suitable for people with sensitive skin as it contains essential oils
high-potency option
USDA-certified ingredients, including beeswax and rosemary
the company offers a 50% discount for qualifying customers
people may only need to apply a dime-size amount of the product to feel its effect
may not be a preferred choice for some people due to its higher cost
not suitable for people who prefer products without THC
might not be suitable for people with sensitive skin as it contains essential oils
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free on orders over $75
Lazarus Naturals Relax + Unwind Full Spectrum Balm Stick
CBD type: full-spectrum
CBD potency: 800 mg per stick
COA: available online
available online
Third-party tested: yes
$12 AT LAZARUS NATURALS
*Price may vary.
This balm contains lanolin, beeswax, and jojoba oil to help moisturize, smooth, and soothe the skin. Lazarus Naturals also uses lavender and chamomile, scents that people may find calming.
The company states that this balm has a mess-free application. It may also provide targeted relief to localized pain and discomfort, such as before and after long physical days.
Lazarus Naturals uses hemp that it grows on its own farms. It then extracts the CBD using an ethanol-based process.
The company has an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. It does not hold accreditation with the BBB, but the organization gives Lazarus Natural an A+ grade.
Trustpilot
A+
Subscriptions and savings
Lazarus Naturals has an assistance program that offers up to 60% off its products to veterans, people on long-term disability, and people in low-income households. People can learn more about the eligibility criteria by logging into their account and filling out the relevant form.
The company does not offer a subscribe and save feature for this product. However, Individuals can use check out with Sezzle for any order $25 and over to spread the cost over several interest-free payments.
portable and easy to apply
lavender and chamomile are soothing scents
has a mess-free application
does not contain as much CBD as other products
may have a strong scent, according to some reviews
portable and easy to apply
lavender and chamomile are soothing scents
has a mess-free application
does not contain as much CBD as other products
may have a strong scent, according to some reviews
Returns: full refund within 90 days
Shipping: calculated at checkout
Returns: full refund within 90 days
Shipping: calculated at checkout
Soul CBD Rapid Relief Cream
CBD type: isolate
isolate
CBD potency: 1,500 mg per 3.4-fl oz bottle
COA: available on product page
Third-party tested: yes
Use code “HEALTHLINE30” for 30% off.
$75.00 AT SOUL CBD
*Price may vary.
Soul CBD states that this CBD cream may provide rapid pain relief when an individual applies it topically.
Each bottle contains 1,500 mg of isolate CBD alongside menthol. Other ingredients include eucalyptus, rosemary, camphor, and coconut oil, which research suggests may have anti-inflammatory properties, according to an older study from 2010. Soul CBD also contains shea butter, which may help moisturize the skin.
rosemary
research suggests
The company states that it uses organically farmed hemp and that its products are gluten-free.
Soul CBD does not currently have a Trustpilot or BBB rating.
Read our review of Soul CBD.
review of Soul CBD
Subscriptions and savings
Soul CBD offers 15% off on 2-week, 4-week, and 8-week subscriptions.
Shipping is free for all orders over $75.
“The product comes in a nice bottle with a dispenser pump, so it was easy to apply. It’s not greasy or sticky, and rubs in nicely.”
“It smells strongly of menthol. The scent lingered for a while.”
“I used this CBD cream on a tight hip and lower back for some sciatic pain. I noticed a cooling sensation from the menthol and a slight reduction of pain.”
“I personally didn’t get as much pain relief from this cream as I have from other CBD topicals. I do think this is a great topical for anyone who wants to avoid THC altogether. I would, however, recommend going with a more potent and full-spectrum option if you are looking for more intense pain relief.”
“I’d recommend this for those looking to avoid THC, or who want to start with a lower potency of CBD.”
Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor
“The product comes in a nice bottle with a dispenser pump, so it was easy to apply. It’s not greasy or sticky, and rubs in nicely.”
“It smells strongly of menthol. The scent lingered for a while.”
“I used this CBD cream on a tight hip and lower back for some sciatic pain. I noticed a cooling sensation from the menthol and a slight reduction of pain.”
“I personally didn’t get as much pain relief from this cream as I have from other CBD topicals. I do think this is a great topical for anyone who wants to avoid THC altogether. I would, however, recommend going with a more potent and full-spectrum option if you are looking for more intense pain relief.”
“I’d recommend this for those looking to avoid THC, or who want to start with a lower potency of CBD.”
Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor
can be applied to the source of the pain
contains organically farmed ingredients
does not contain THC
contains essential oils that may have anti-inflammatory properties
shea butter can help moisturize the skin
not suitable for people who wish to avoid essential oils
some reviewers state it has a strong scent
difficult to measure CBD dose with a cream
higher cost than other options
can be applied to the source of the pain
contains organically farmed ingredients
does not contain THC
contains essential oils that may have anti-inflammatory properties
shea butter can help moisturize the skin
not suitable for people who wish to avoid essential oils
some reviewers state it has a strong scent
difficult to measure CBD dose with a cream
higher cost than other options
Returns: returns within 14 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 14 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Comparing the best CBD topicals
The below table compares all the CBD topicals in this article on key points:
Joy Organics
NuLeaf
CBDistillery
Cornbread Hemp
Ojai
Aspen Green
Extract Labs
Lazarus Naturals
Soul CBD
How we chose
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.
ISO 17025-compliant
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.
Learn more
What are CBD topicals?
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:
creams
creams
lotions
lotions
balms
balms
salves
salves
oils
oils
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.
acne
joint pain
The following table contains some useful terms relating to CBD.
over 120
limonene
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
terminology and other important CBD information here
According to an older 2018 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD causes no dependency effects in humans. Recent studies in mice further demonstrate that CBD is not an addictive substance.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Recent studies
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.
complete buyer’s guide to CBD
CBD and pain
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.
endocannabinoid system
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.
2022 review
However, there are limited studies on the use of topical cannabinoids in humans.
Benefits of CBD topicals
CBD is only one of the 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It does not produce the “high” effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and recreational cannabis consumption. However, CBD and other cannabinoids may help manage epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.
100
epilepsy
chronic pain
multiple sclerosis (MS)
Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD.
Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD
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.
Arthritis Foundation
arthritic pain
A 2020 study found that CBD has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help prevent the overproduction of sebum (an oily substance produced by the skin), which is a factor in acne.
2020 study
In a small 2019 study, researchers from Italy asked 20 patients with chronic skin disorders to administer an ointment containing CBD twice a day for 3 months. At the end of the study period, all the participants showed significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity.
2019 study
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.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
CBD
When to see a doctor
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, side effects can include:
side effects
dry mouth
dry mouth
diarrhea
diarrhea
reduced appetite
reduced appetite
fatigue
fatigue
If side effects occur, a person should discontinue using the product immediately.
Frequently asked questions about topical CBD
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.
Extract Labs Muscle Cream
In this article, the Extract Labs Muscle Cream contains the most CBD per product.
Extract Labs Muscle Cream
Yes. CBD absorbs into the skin through receptors and penetrates through the epidermal and dermal levels.
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.
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.
does really work
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.
Yes, there is evidence that topical CBD does really work and may have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
does really work
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.
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.
Summary
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.
English