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CBD skin cream manufacturers claim these products ease pain and reduce inflammation, benefitting people with certain health conditions. However, more research is necessary to validate these claims.
CBD is one of many chemicals present in cannabis. CBD skin care products usually contain little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive compound of the plant that makes a person feel high.
This article highlights the potential benefits of CBD skin creams and the conditions for which they may be helpful. It also lists some possible side effects and names specific products a person may wish to consider trying.
Learn more about the difference between CBD and THC.
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“I love how this balm stick glides on easily, and starts cooling my skin and muscles immediately – great for stiff joints!”
Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor
Manufacturers often add CBD to oils, such as hemp seed oil, which they then use as an ingredient in skin creams and lotions.
Additionally, CBD skin cream may help with painful joints. The
CBD skin creams most often use broad-spectrum CBD, which is CBD with either no THC or only trace amounts.
The other two common forms of CBD are full-spectrum and CBD isolate.
Learn more about the most common forms of CBD.
Research indicates that CBD skin creams may have benefits for some conditions.
The American Academy of Dermatology states that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may help in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
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Learn more about CBD skin cream and arthritis.
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Learn more about CBD and nerve damage and pain.
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People can apply CBD skin creams directly to the skin of the area they want to treat.
The creams and lotions may provide relief at both the surface and deeper muscle levels. In some cases, they can also aid relaxation to help a person sleep.
As well as creams, CBD can be present in balms, salves, and transdermal patches.
People should be consistent when using CBD creams. Research shows that CBD creams work better if they are applied as part of the person’s regular daily routine rather than applying a larger amount sporadically.
For example, a
Similarly, in a 2019 study, 20 participants with psoriasis and eczema were asked to apply a CBD ointment on their affected skin twice daily for 3 months. It not only improved the participants’ quality of life, but it also improved their skin hydration and elasticity.
People looking for a CBD skin cream should consider a few factors, including:
According to a
However, the same review also notes that CBD products have fewer side effects than other drugs that doctors use to treat the same conditions.
The American Academy of Dermatology states that contact dermatitis may be a side effect of skin cream but notes it can occur with any topical lotion, not just CBD skin creams.
Some people may have concerns about the use of CBD in medications. However, the American Academy of Dermatology claims that CBD creams contain little to no trace of THC, meaning they will not make a person feel high.
Below, we list some of the CBD skin creams currently available on the market.
Calm by Wellness produces this lavender-scented CBD lotion, which contains 200 mg of broad-spectrum CBD. The company advises users to apply a dime-size amount initially and gradually use more if necessary.
The company claims to use 100% organic, natural ingredients and to grow its hemp in the United States. Other ingredients include aloe leaf juice, coconut oil, lavender extracts, and jojoba seed oil.
Calm by Wellness claims this product helps with dry skin, scar reduction, sunburn, stress reduction, and sleep.
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CBDfx states that this broad-spectrum creamy roll-on balm stick glides onto the skin, leaving it soft and moisturized. It also provides a cooling sensation. Its botanical scent aims to promote a sense of calm and balance.
Its botanical ingredients include lavender to calm and soothe and shea butter to moisturize the skin. Additionally, it contains tea tree, rosemary, lavender, coconut oil, chamomile oil, and hemp seed sourced from U.S. hemp farms.
CBDfx claims that the product is cruelty-, GMO-, and solvent-free.
CBDistillery claims this cooling menthol stick is one of its top-selling topicals. It contains 500 mg of CBD isolate and menthol to cool the application area.
It comes in stick form, so it is well-suited for on-the-go relief and recovery.
The company states it is a good product to use after physical activity. Additionally, the company claims that the stick’s omega oils and plant terpenes nourish and relieve distressed skin.
CBDistillery states its products are third-party tested, cruelty-free, contain no GMO ingredients, and that its CBD is from U.S.-grown industrial hemp.
This full-spectrum cooling cream includes all of the cannabinoids, alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids in CBD. It also includes botanicals, such as organic tea tree oil and menthol, and 33 mg of THC per container.
As a water-based product, it may be easier to apply and more easily absorbed into the skin than thicker products.
Aspen Green states this product is specially created to alleviate soreness quickly.
The product contains certified USDA organic CBD and is free from plasticizers, artificial preservatives, synthetic ingredients, pesticides, heavy metals, and toxins. Additionally, it is third-party tested, contains no GMOs, and is vegan-friendly.
Lazarus Naturals claims this organic balm is formulated for maximum effect with minimal scent. It contains organic beeswax, jojoba oil, and full-spectrum CBD.
The company states this balm relieves localized muscle pain and inflammation and recommends applying the balm as and when needed.
The company says people who cannot eat grapefruit should consult a healthcare professional before using this product.
Lazarus Naturals claims its products are third-party tested for potency, pesticides, and heavy metals.
This balm is 60 grams and contains 3,000 mg of CBD.
This CBD roll-on may help ease temporary muscle and joint pain and help people relax.
It is available in three strengths per container:
The company claims this product is gentle but acts and dries quickly. The product uses broad-spectrum CBD, menthol for pain relief, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and yerba mate extract.
CbdMD states the product is suitable for daily use, but people should only apply it up to four times daily.
The company’s products use organic, U.S.-grown hemp and are third-party tested to ensure they contain only the listed ingredients.
FABCBD included camphor oil and menthol crystals to create a salve with a heating and cooling effect. It contains primary essential oils, natural ingredients, and a rosemary mint fragrance.
The company states the salve is suitable for athletes and people who need help supporting their daily wellness.
The product is available in two strengths: 1,000 and 3,000 mg CBD per container.
FABCBD recommends massaging the product into the skin until it is fully absorbed.
The salve is pesticide-free and contains no GMOs, and the company uses U.S.-farmed hemp.
This broad-spectrum cream is available in three strengths, from 900–1,800 mg.
Level Select states this product is formulated with premium CBD and active ingredients, such as menthol. It has a light and cooling mint scent.
The company claims the cream is non-greasy and not only eases pain but also softens the skin.
Level Select recommends people apply a thin layer of the cream to cover their desired area. People can adjust the amount they apply accordingly. People should only apply the cream up to four times a day.
All Level Select products are third-party tested and are cruelty-free.
The following table compares the CBD skin creams in this article on key features:
Many companies sell CBD products. It is important people research the options to find the most reputable brand that is suitable for their needs.
Alternatives to CBD skin creams often contain other forms of pain management or skin-soothing ingredients, such as:
According to a
The review notes that arnica has been successful in treating postoperative pain from:
Additionally, arnica has been successful in reducing osteoarthritis pain.
The 2021 review notes earlier studies involving people with
Vitamin B6 is important for skin development and maintenance. A
Ostrich oil originates from traditional medicine to treat inflammation in eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, contact dermatitis, burns, bedsores, and muscular pain.
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Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can help manage inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid disorders and osteoarthritis.
Ibuprofen can also
People can purchase it over the counter.
Honey has become popular for wound treatment and in regenerative medicine due to its active compounds of flavonoids, organic acids, enzymes, and vitamins.
According to a
Additionally, medical-grade honey can reduce inflammation and stimulate fibroblast and collagen deposition. This, in turn, helps skin regeneration.
Chamomile may have some therapeutic effects, such as
People often use chamomile in traditional medicine practices, although more research is needed to confirm its safety as a treatment.
Aloe vera can improve wound healing, according to a
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about CBD cream.
CBD creams may
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According to the Arthritis Foundation, some people with arthritis who have tried CBD have reported reduced pain and anxiety. Their sleep also improved.
However, not everyone will feel any benefit. It is also important to note that the Arthritis Foundation does not specify which type of CBD people used.
CBD skin cream may be helpful for people with various health conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, and inflammation.
Various brands offer CBD skin creams. A person new to CBD products should start by using only a small amount and, if necessary, gradually increase the amount over time.
A person can speak with a doctor about the safest way to use CBD products.
Last medically reviewed on July 17, 2023
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