Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
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.
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.
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
As part of our selection process, we also considered:
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.
This oil is packed with skin-healthy ingredients like jojoba oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. Most of the hemp is sourced from Lazarus Naturals’ farm, with the rest coming from other growers in Oregon.
Batch-specific test results can be found on the product page. The company offers a 60% discount to veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income households.
It can be hard to mask the earthy scent of CBD, but California-based Papa & Barkley does it well. Their Releaf Body Oil is one of the best-smelling massage oils on this list.
It contains a blend of essential oils — specifically tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender — to infuse your massage with an extra touch of calm.
You can find the COA for this product online or by scanning the QR code on the package.
Empower’s roll-on luxury CBD body oil contains a soothing aromatic blend of lavender, bergamot, and wintergreen. The THC-free formula is also vegan and free of parabens and artificial fragrances.
In addition to 500 milligrams (mg) of CBD, a higher potency oil than others on this list, a host of essential plant oils make this oil intensely moisturizing. The high potency may also make it more likely to help with pain relief for those who need it.
The brand sources its CBD from USDA-certified hemp farm East Fork Cultivars.
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.
Navigating the world of CBD products can be confusing, even for more experienced users. Here’s what to look for when evaluating a product:
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.
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.
Watch out for red flags when shopping. These include:
You can learn more about how to read a CBD product label here.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last medically reviewed on October 13, 2023
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Oct 16, 2023
Written By
Breanna Mona
Edited By
Christina Snyder
Copy Edited By
Suan Pineda
Oct 13, 2023
Medically Reviewed By
Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC
VIEW ALL HISTORY
Share this article
OUR BRANDS