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Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis-derived compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows it can have a positive effect on pain and anxiety.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound in cannabis, CBD is nonintoxicating. This means it won’t get you “high.”
CBD features in many different types of products, including massage oils.
CBD massage oils have the same key benefit as other massage oils — reducing friction on the skin. As a bonus, they may also provide pain relief. Some people even have fun with them in the bedroom.
It’s important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t currently regulate CBD products the same way it does dietary supplements and drugs. That means not every CBD product you find will meet the same standard of safety and quality.
This fact, combined with the sheer number of products on the market, means that finding your “just right” CBD massage oil can be a little tricky.
This article is here to help get you started with some top picks. Read on to find out about three of the best CBD massage oils and discover what makes a quality product. Where available, we’ve included special discount codes for our readers.
- Best spray: Lazarus Naturals CBD Body + Massage Oil | Skip to review
- Best calming formula: Papa & Barkley Releaf Body Oil | Skip to review
- Best high potency: Empower CBD Luxury Body Oil | Skip to review
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing
- is made with U.S.-grown hemp
- contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to a certificate of analysis (COA)
- is tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, and the results are displayed on the COA
As part of our selection process, we also considered:
- the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency, since
studies show that skin has poor permeability with respect to cannabinoids, more potent topical products may work better than less potent ones - whether the product contains any additional ingredients that may support pain relief or relaxation
- whether ingredients are certified organic
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to an
FDA warning letter - whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Additionally, many of the products on this list contain full-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD, also known as whole plant extract, may have some advantages over isolate.
It’s thought that the profile of cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD may work better together than when alone. This theory is called the entourage effect.
CBD massage oils come in many forms, including straight-up oils, which can sometimes also be ingested orally.
If you have very dry skin, consider a cream topical infused with CBD oil. For those who hate the idea of getting greasy fingers, roll-ons, or sprays are both convenient. They’re more travel-friendly too.
There are some important factors to consider when shopping for CBD massage oil.
A good place to start is with the ingredients since you’ll apply a new-to-you topical directly to your skin (or your partner’s skin in the case of massages).
It’s best to choose your product based on how you believe your skin will react to the ingredients. Start by reading labels carefully to make sure the product doesn’t contain any ingredients that may cause you (or your partner) any irritation or even an allergic reaction.
Some CBD products contain coconut oil, meaning it’s a no-go for those with tree nut allergies. Others may contain citrus oil, which can irritate those with sensitive skin. Performing a patch test with the product before applying it to a large area of skin helps you avoid any unwanted irritation or adverse reactions.
If you’re looking for maximum benefit from CBD, opt for a higher potency oil — this is your best bet for pain relief.
Keep in mind that fragrance comes into play with these oils. Check to see if your product contains natural fragrances from essential oils or if it contains artificial scents that may irritate your skin (or your nose).
If you opt for a fragrance-free oil, there’s still a chance it may leave a scent behind — an earthy one. Added fragrances can help mask any earth aroma you may notice.
Finally, decide how you want your CBD massage oil to dispense or apply. For example, there are spray, roll-on, and pump dispensers to consider. This may seem like a small detail, but it can make the difference between a smooth experience and a messy one, depending on your preferences.
| Product | Scent | CBD type |
|---|---|---|
| Lazarus Naturals CBD Body + Massage Oil | labeled fragrance free | full-spectrum |
| Papa & Barkley Releaf Body Oil | tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender | full-spectrum |
| Empower CBD Luxury Body Oil | lavender, bergamot, and wintergreen | broad-spectrum |
Navigating the world of CBD products can be confusing, even for more experienced users. Here’s what to look for when evaluating a product:
Comprehensive, up-to-date COA
The first thing you’ll want to look at is the certificate of analysis, or COA. The COA should be from an accredited third-party lab, not the brand itself.
Review the COA and check to make sure the cannabinoid profile and potency match what’s on the product label. Some companies stop there, but the highest quality products will also be tested for heavy metals, molds, pesticides, and residual chemicals or solvents.
If the company doesn’t have a COA or provides one that’s incomplete or old, their products probably aren’t of the highest quality.
CBD source and type
Look for products made with U.S.-grown hemp, which is subject to agricultural regulations.
Also consider the type of hemp. If you’re looking for a product that’s federally legal, look for a full-spectrum product with less than 0.3% THC, or an isolate or broad-spectrum product.
Red flags
Watch out for red flags when shopping. These include:
- Exaggerated health claims: Although CBD may help with certain conditions, it’s not a cure-all. Avoid companies that claim their product can treat or cure any disease.
- Misleading ingredients: Some brands may try to sell hempseed oil masquerading as CBD. If a product only lists hemp seeds, hempseed oil, or Cannabis sativa seed oil but doesn’t list cannabidiol or hemp extract, then it doesn’t contain CBD.
- Many poor reviews, customer complaints, lawsuits, or FDA warning letters: As with any product, do your research before making a purchase. Read reviews on sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also research whether the company has had any legal trouble in the past.
You can learn more about how to read a CBD product label here.
Find what’s right for you
When looking for a product to suit your specific needs, consider the cannabinoid and terpene profile, potency, type of CBD, and additional ingredients.
For example, if you’re looking for localized pain relief, you may want to opt for a topical product you can rub into a specific area. If you want something to use before bedtime, look for a product that contains high levels of linalool, a terpene found in lavender and cannabis.
You may wonder if adding CBD to a massage makes any noticeable difference.
Evidence suggests that topical CBD
Animal studies also suggest that CBD may help with pain and
The benefit of using massage oil is that it targets the problem area directly. It might not work for everyone though, and it may take some experimenting with potency, so it’s best not to expect an overnight cure.
Topical products are as easy to use as it gets. Simply apply the oil to the desired area and massage it into the skin for at least 30 seconds.
Because the skin doesn’t easily allow cannabinoids to pass through, you’ll want to use a generous amount when it comes to CBD massage oils and other topicals.
Currently, there isn’t a lot of information available regarding the onset and duration of the effects of CBD topicals in humans, but many people who use topicals say they begin to feel the effects within a few minutes.
The overall duration time is variable, though some user reports suggest peak effects occur at 90 minutes. The short duration time is likely why instructions for topical use advise you to reapply as needed.
CBD is considered safe and generally well tolerated in humans at doses of up to
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
You’re less likely to experience such side effects from topically applied CBD products.
If you’re CBD-curious, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor before trying it, especially if you’re taking any medications. CBD products can have significant drug interactions. You can also talk with a knowledgeable cannabis clinician, if one is available to you.
Pros of CBD massage oils
- easy to apply
- may help relieve pain and inflammation
- may help you relax and can help moisturize skin
- unlikely to cause adverse side effects
Cons of CBD massage oils
- can be difficult to dose
- always a potential risk of skin reactions; make sure to test on a small area before applying more widely
Can you add CBD oil to regular massage oils?
Yes, it’s safe to mix CBD oil into regular massage oils. Make sure to consider the CBD potency per amount of drops you add. It may be best to start with a moderate amount and add more if needed.
What does CBD massage oil feel like?
CBD massage oil feels the same as any other type of massage oil. Expect a slippery, oily feel, which helps prevent friction between the skin and hands.
Will CBD massage oil help with muscle pain? If so, how long does it take?
It’s possible, but everyone is different. You may need to experiment with how much oil and what dosage you use.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties make it a great candidate for topical applications, including CBD massage oil. CBD massage oil is applied directly to skin for the purposes of relaxing tense or sore muscles.
Shopping for the right CBD products requires a little savviness. Always be sure to look for COAs with passing tests to ensure you’re getting the highest quality CBD possible.
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 legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so 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.