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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
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?
- 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?
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
The best CBD lotions, creams, and topicals for you can depend on whether you’re looking for CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum formulations — and what potency level you prefer.
- Best CBD balm: CBDistillery CBDol CBD Balm
- Best CBD cream: R+R Medicinals CBD Cream, Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream
- Best CBD balm sticks: GoGreen Hemp CBD Relief Stick, Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery Full Spectrum CBD Balm Stick
- Best CBD lotions: Calm by Wellness Lavender Lotion
- Best CBD salves: FAB CBD Body Salve, Joy Organics CBD Salve
There are lots of ways to use cannabidiol (CBD). But if you’re looking for relief from aches and pains or help with skin conditions, a topical might be your best bet.
A CBD topical is any cream, lotion, balm, or salve that’s infused with CBD and can be applied directly to the skin.
Read on for what you need to know about this type of product, as well as some of the best options to try.
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Every product and brand featured has been vetted by our team for medical and business standards. Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made by a company that discloses the source of their hemp
- contains no more than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
As a part of our selection process, we also considered:
- the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
warning letter - whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Where available, we’ve included special discount codes for our readers.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$75
- $$$ = over $75
To get a full picture of the price of a product, it’s important to read labels for:
- serving sizes
- amounts
- strengths
- other ingredients
CBD glossaryYou’ll see the following terms mentioned in the products below. Here’s what they mean:
- CBD isolate. This is pure CBD, with no other cannabis compounds. That makes it as close to THC-free as you can get.
- Broad-spectrum CBD. This type of CBD contains most cannabinoids, but it generally doesn’t include THC. You’ll also find some flavonoids and terpenes.
- Full-spectrum CBD. This type of CBD contains all cannabis compounds and cannabinoids, including THC. However, federally legal products will only contain 0.3 percent THC at most.
Best CBD balms
CBDistillery CBDol CBD Balm
- Price: $$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 500 mg per 1-oz. container
- COA: available on product page in image slideshow
Full-spectrum and full of calming and moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, almond oil, and aloe, this balm can help aid your aches.
You’ll get 500 mg of CBD in each 1-oz. jar. Like all CBDistillery products, this one is made using U.S. Hemp Authority certified hemp grown in the United States without genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Use code “healthline” for 20% off sitewide or choose the subscription option for 20% off the first 2 subscription orders and 25% off the 3rd order.
Pros
- made from domestically-grown hemp
- subscribers get 30% off plus free shipping
- comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- product texture may be adversely affected by warm or hot temperature
- contains THC and shouldn’t be used by pregnant people
- product is often out of stock
Best CBD cream
R & R Medicinals CBD Cream
- Price: $
- CBD type: full and broad spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,000 or 2,000 mg per 2.5-oz. tube
- COA: available online
This infused cream is fully vegan. It’s made with arnica, calendula flower, and jojoba, with no artificial fragrances, dyes, or menthol.
A quarter-size amount of R+R’s full-spectrum cream delivers roughly 33.33 mg of CBD.
Pros
- contains anti-inflammatory ingredients
- comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee
- was reformulated to an improved, fully vegan formula
- veterans get a 25% discount
Cons
- contains THC, pregnant people should not use
Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,500 mg per 2.95-oz. tin
- COA: available on product page
This muscle cream is designed to relieve tension and soreness in the muscles and joints. Full-spectrum CBD from Colorado is blended with cooling menthol and arnica for reliable relief.
Apply as needed to any spots that need a little TLC.
Pros
- contains menthol and arnica for added pain relief
- comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee
- made from domestically-grown hemp
- all ingredients are certified organic
Cons
- product is expensive, compared to other brands
- shipping fees go up in warm weather to cover the cost of ice packs and insulation
Best CBD balm stick
GoGreen Hemp CBD Relief Stick
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 2.2-oz. stick
- COA: available on product page
GoGreen limits their ingredient lists to the essentials to avoid any allergens or skin interactions. It’s just beeswax, MCT oil, and broad-spectrum CBD.
The stick design allows for easy application to specific areas that need relief. Be sure to follow the application instructions on the package.
Pros
- A simple ingredient list reduces the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritation
- derived from organically-grown hemp
- users say it provides relief for up to three hours
Cons
- expensive when compared to some comparable brands
Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery Full Spectrum CBD Balm Stick
- Price: $
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 3,000 mg per 2.1-oz. package
- COA: available online
In addition to full-spectrum CBD, this Lazarus Naturals Balm Stick contains other ingredients like organic mango butter and organic beeswax, adding to the soothe factor. It comes in mint, cedar citrus, lavender, Portland rose, and unscented varieties.
It also contains menthol and capsaicin to create a cooling-warming sensation.
Use code “Healthline10” for 10% off your first order. One-time use only.
Pros
- comes in a variety of soothing scents, plus an unscented option
- budget priced
- now available in a convenient, transportable stick
Cons
- may not be appropriate for use in people who take medications contraindicated with grapefruit
Best CBD lotion
Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 200 mg per container
- Size: not specified
- COA: available on product page
Calm by Wellness is focused on providing CBD products made with natural ingredients, all of which are free of fillers and made with hemp grown in the United States.
This lotion is formulated with aloe vera, a type of plant that has been
Pros
- current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) certified
- 30-day return policy
Cons
- brand has a rewards program but doesn’t seem to have discounts available through assistance programs like other popular CBD brands
- product size is not listed
Best CBD salves
FAB CBD Body Salve
Price: $$
CBD type: full-spectrum
CBD potency: 1,000 milligrams (mg) per 1-ounce (oz.) jar
COA: available on website
This salve contains organically grown, full-spectrum hemp that’s farmed in Colorado. It contains no heavy metals or pesticides.
It comes in a twist tube as a roll-on salve. Dosing information comes with the product.
This salve contains organic essential oils and added ingredients that provide cooling and warming sensations when applied. Users say it’s soothing and helpful for sore muscle relief. It may have a burning effect if used on sensitive skin and is not designed for use on genitalia.
Users also mention enjoying this balm’s scent, which contains rosemary, mint, lemongrass, and ginger essential oils. Since FAB CBD contains THC, it’s not recommended for use by pregnant persons.
Pros
- made from organic ingredients
- derived from domestically grown, organic hemp
- good for sore muscles
Cons
- contains THC and cannot be used by people who are pregnant
- may create an unpleasant sensation on sensitive skin
Joy Organics CBD Salve
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 500 milligrams (mg) per 1-ounce (oz.) jar
- COA: available on product page
This broad-spectrum CBD salve from Joy Organics is formulated to address muscle and joint pain without THC. It’s made without water, so it’s a thicker consistency than a lotion or cream.
It contains organic medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, beeswax, and lavender and eucalyptus essential oils for added skin-soothing and relaxation benefits.
Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.
Pros
- doesn’t contain THC
- helps nourish dry, cracked skin
- beneficial for muscle aches
- made from organic ingredients
Cons
- users need to experiment with dosage before determining the best amount to use.
| Product | Price | CBD type |
|---|---|---|
| CBDistillery CBDol CBD Balm | $$ | full-spectrum |
| R+R Medicinals CBD Cream | $ | full-spectrum |
| Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream | $$$ | full-spectrum |
| GoGreen Hemp CBD Relief Stick | $$ | broad-spectrum |
| Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery Full Spectrum CBD Balm Stick | $ | full-spectrum |
| FAB CBD Body Salve | $$ | full-spectrum |
| Joy Organics CBD Salve | $$ | broad-spectrum |
While research on CBD is still in its early stages, the little we do know about CBD topicals is promising in some areas.
Pain and inflammation
A
Skin disorders
Some preliminary research suggests that CBD may help for certain skin conditions.
A
Additionally, a small
Still, more research is needed to confirm CBD’s effect on skin conditions.
Quality matters
It’s important to keep in mind that not all CBD products are created equally, which is why it’s so important to shop carefully. CBD’s effectiveness varies depending on a variety of factors, like the:
- source
- quality
- dosage
As evidenced by the products above, there are many different types of CBD topicals. Here’s what to consider when choosing among them.
Benefits
When you’re trying to choose the right topical product for your needs, think about your motivation for buying. Are you hoping to benefit from a hydrating boost of CBD for your face or body in general? Are you treating tenderness somewhere specific? Being clear about the result you want can help you zero in on a product that will best suit your needs.
Product type
Pay attention to the name of the product as well. Lotions will generally be lighter in texture, while ointments, salves, and creams tend to be thicker. Oils will be, well, oilier, and best suited to body-wide use.
Product form
Also, consider the ease of application. Some products are available in stick form, while others are packaged in tubes and tins.
Ingredients
Finally, check out the ingredients list. If you have allergies or sensitivities to botanical ingredients, you’ll want to avoid those.
There’s a lot of information to keep in mind when shopping for a CBD topical. Let’s go over the basics.
Potency
The first thing to look for is potency. CBD doesn’t pass through skin easily, so it’s important to use a potent product for best results.
When it comes to CBD topicals like lotions and creams, average potency products contain between 3 and 8 mg per recommended application. High potency products contain at least 8 mg per recommended application.
CBD source
Chances are, you may have seen the terms isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum before. These terms refer to the ways in which CBD is extracted.
While isolates are great for consumers who want to be sure there’s no THC in their products, this extraction method strips away other cannabinoids and compounds like terpenes. This can reduce the overall therapeutic benefits of CBD.
Broad-spectrum products contain most cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but they don’t contain THC.
Full-spectrum products preserve all cannabinoids and terpenes in the final product, including THC. This is important because CBD and THC may work better together than they do alone, thanks to the entourage effect.
Note that any full-spectrum products made from hemp will still only contain 0.3 percent THC or less, so it’s still a relatively small amount.
Has it been third-party tested?
Currently, the FDA doesn’t guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of over-the-counter CBD products. However, in order to protect public health, they can
Since the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products in the same way they regulate drugs or dietary supplements, companies sometimes mislabel or misrepresent their products.
That means it’s especially important to do your own research and find a quality product. The product’s COA should confirm that it passes tests for contaminants and that the product contains the amount of CBD and THC it claims.
If a product doesn’t work for you, you may consider trying another with different ingredients or a different amount of CBD.
Ingredients
Opt for all-natural, organic, U.S.-grown ingredients whenever available — you’ll get all the benefits of the ingredients without the chemicals and pesticides.
When looking at facial products, look out for ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin.
Price
Most CBD topicals fall in the $30 to $60 range.
Pay close attention to products priced at over $100. You may decide they’re worth it, but do a little digging to be sure before you shell out the extra cash.
Ask yourself:
- Do they contain full-spectrum CBD?
- How potent are they?
- Do they contain other beneficial herbs or oils?
What to consider while shopping
- potency
- source
- quality control
- ingredients
- price
Topicals are meant to be massaged into the skin, so you’ll apply them directly to the affected area. However, always read the package directions before applying. Stay away from broken skin and sensitive areas.
Depending on other ingredients in the product, you might feel tingling, warming, or cooling sensations.
If you’re using the product for pain, you should start to feel the effects relatively quickly. If you’re using it for a skin condition, like acne or eczema, you may have to apply it a few times to see results.
Always refer to the packaging for specific directions and recommendations from the manufacturer.
Most topicals are safe to reapply as needed. Pay special attention to the type of carrier oil your product is made with, since products based in coconut oil may melt when exposed to heat. These products should be kept in a cool, dark place.
Be sure to read the packaging. Most topicals are only meant for external use, and many are not meant to be used on broken skin.
CBD is nonintoxicating, meaning it won’t get you high. It’s generally recognized as safe, and there are few side effects, though they do occur occasionally.
Possible side effects
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
CBD doesn’t typically enter the bloodstream through topical application. But according to a 2017 review, it’s possible CBD may interact with some medications, including those with a grapefruit warning.
Some animal research suggests that CBD may interact with liver enzymes and temporarily stop the liver from metabolizing other drugs or breaking down toxins.
Always consult a healthcare professional before using products with CBD, even topicals.
Do not use CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have any concerns about a skin condition, talk with a doctor or healthcare professional. They can provide specific recommendations and guidance for your particular condition or issue.
It’s also a good idea to talk with a doctor or healthcare professional before using CBD products in general, including full-spectrum products that are applied topically. CBD can interact with certain supplements and medications. A doctor can make sure CBD is safe for you to use.
Can CBD be absorbed through the skin?
Yes. Topical use is one of several methods of consuming CBD. But it works a little differently than, say, taking it sublingually, or under the tongue. Instead of entering the bloodstream, topical CBD reaches endocannabinoid receptors through the skin. That’s why you experience localized effects.
Does CBD cream show up in a drug test?
Since they don’t enter the bloodstream, even full-spectrum topical CBD products shouldn’t show up on a drug test.
Does CBD cream work for pain?
It might. Some
Do CBD lotions do anything?
CBD lotions may help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as have a positive effect on various skin conditions, like acne and eczema. However, more research is needed.
Are CBD lotions legal?
CBD lotions made from hemp with less than 0.3 percent THC are federally legal in the United States. However, they are still illegal under some state laws.
Though there’s little information currently available about CBD’s effectiveness as a topical, many consumers report successfully using topicals to relieve a wide variety of ailments.
CBD topicals have the potential to help manage pain and skin conditions like eczema and acne. If you’re seeking the greatest therapeutic benefit, opt for potent, full-spectrum, organic ingredients whenever 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.
Janelle Lassalle is a writer and content creator who specializes in all things cannabis. She’s also insanely passionate about CBD and has been featured in HuffPost for baking with CBD. You can find her work featured in a variety of publications such as Leafly, Forbes, and High Times. Check out her portfolio here or follow her on Instagram @jenkhari.