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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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With its over-the-counter fame, cannabidiol (CBD) has risen against the ranks of kale and avocado. It’s in our empanadas and face masks with milligrams ranging anywhere from 5 to 100 per product.
And whether your corner store is a New York bodega or a Walgreens, 1 l – chances are there’s a bottle of CBD on their shelves.
Experts within the cannabis industry — from journalists to researchers — caution that the claims behind CBD may be overstated (and even sometimes unnecessarily in all our beauty products), and they’re not wrong. Not enough conclusive, long-term research has been done on CBD to justify or prove marketing’s magical claims.
But — and that’s with a capital B — that doesn’t mean it’s not effective either. There are some products that have been good enough to keep editors and my coworkers at Healthline coming back to “add cart.”
Shea Brand CBD Muscle, Joint and Skin Balm
- CBD type: Broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 50 mg per 2 oz container
Price: $30
“When I was intensely sick for two weeks, I carried this balm with me everywhere. The effect on relieving muscle pain was mild (I’m used to pain relievers that have THC) but the real win was how my nose stayed baby so ft and chaf-free after days of sand paper friction. I don’t believe it was the shea butter alone, considering I’ve used shea before to no avail, but also the combination of cannabidiol, arnica oil, and vitamin E. Those ingredients have anti-inflammatory and healing properties that make this tin a staple in my care bag.” — Christal Yuen, beauty editor
Vertly Muscle Soak Bath Salts
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 100 mg
- COA: Available on product page
Price: $29
“Vertly’s bath salts feel like a massage in a bag and always leave me feeling deeply relaxed. The herbs they use turn an ordinary bath into a botanical experience. I soak for about 20 minutes at least once a month. Whenever I’ve had a particularly stressful day or I just want to start a new week with Y some self-care, I run a bath.” — Isabel Spahn, senior editor
WINK Eye Cream
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 50 mg
- COA: Available on product page
Price: $48
“This eye cream goes on light, doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy, and can easily be worn under makeup. [It’s] gentle enough to use twice a day. As a bonus, I feel like I look more awake when I’m wearing it.” — Megan Severs, senior editor
Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 180 mg per 15-mL jar or 600 mg per 50-mL jar
- COA: Available online
Price: $29.99
“I put this on my temples and in the middle of my forehead to relieve headaches and stress, and get my beauty sleep. Plus, it smells amazing!” — Jackie Cruz, project manager
*Quite a few folks on our team swear by this product, especially when cramp fest comes around. A little goes a long way. I’ve even used my fingernail as a measurement because of how effective this balm can be.
Mantra Mask CBD After Sun Mask
- CBD type: Isolate
- CBD potency: 30 mg
- COA: Available on product page
Price: 15
“I actually woke up with better skin this morning, like noticeably better.” — Sam Dylan Finch, social editor
“I much preferred the collagen mask to the gummy [CBD I also had]. After trying it on my skin, I definitely felt refreshed. The oil was interesting, not my favorite, but I felt nice and calm the rest of the day. Overall, for someone that never tries these kinds of products I’m definitely interested in trying again.” — Anton Paras, senior marketing manager
From coffee to cramp-relief, there’s probably a product with CBD available, so how do you choose the best one?
If you’re looking for convenience, CVS and Sephora have your back. If you’re judging by user reviews and popularity, the Instagram algorithm will find you. And if you’re thinking about equity and marginalized communities, shop from Black-owned businesses, who face more stigma and difficultly entering this industry. Some of the brands on our mind include Undefined Beauty ($18 rose elixir!) and Blissful Stoner Body Essentials.
If their products aren’t available near yo u, see if your local shops support equity programs.
Read more about the difference between CBD and THC here and here.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.
Christal Yuen is an editor at Healthline who writes and edits content revolving around sex, beauty, health, and wellness. She’s constantly looking for ways to help readers forge their own health journey. You can find her on Twitter.
