The 7 Best CBD Creams and Lotions for Pain, According to Experts

Methodology

Here are the most important considerations when comparing topicals like a CBD pain cream. We chose the brands on our list using these factors:

Type of hemp extract

Always look to see what type of hemp extract a product contains, especially if you're concerned about THC content. We included products on our list with all three types of CBD extract: full-spectrum CBD (whole hemp plant extract, contains no more than 0.3% THC); broad-spectrum CBD extract (full spectrum of cannabinoids minus THC); CBD isolate (just CBD).

Strength

No clinical consensus exists yet to inform dosing, as it depends on your personal needs and pain response. CBD topical products are typically measured in milligrams of CBD per ounce. Make sure you know how much CBD is in the product, and how much is recommended for a single application.

Price

To compare CBD cream prices, we divided the cost by the total amount of CBD in each container or tube to find the cost per milligram of CBD. The brands were then labeled using the following ranges:

$ = Under $0.05 per milligram of CBD
$$ = Between $0.06 and $0.09 per milligram of CBD
$$$ = Between $0.10 and $0.12 per milligram of CBD
$$$$ = Over $0.12 per milligram of CBD

Hemp source

We recommend brands that make products from US-grown hemp. Look for products that use organic or naturally grown hemp extracts.

Independent lab testing

Only use CBD products that are third-party lab tested for safety and quality with the test results easily accessible online or on the product packaging.

Extraction method

CO2 and ethanol extraction are considered the industry standards for safety and efficacy. We tend to prioritize brands that use CO2 extraction.

Brand reputation and reviews

Check out CBD brand reviews for specifics. Brand longevity and size can be relevant, but some newer, smaller brands are serious about quality, too.

Can CBD cream actually help with pain?

As it turns out, topical CBD products may offer some anti-inflammatory properties to help alleviate pain through cannabinoid receptors within the skin. These receptors are a part of the body's endocannabinoid system, or ECS, that governs functions such as our ability to process pain, as well as inflammation, mood, and sleep. The cannabis plant contains phytocannabinoids like CBD that interact with our ECS, which is why hemp has therapeutic properties.

CBD has been shown in clinical studies to help with pain-specific medical conditions including chronic pain, peripheral neuropathy, pain and inflammation, arthritis pain, and myofascial pain. Cannabinoids can also help improve pain in patients receiving palliative care. A 2020 cross-sectional study found that nearly 25% of outpatient palliative care patients use CBD, with topical application being the most common form used.

How to use CBD lotions and topicals

Since CBD topicals work on localized pain, the first step is to identify your problem area(s). You'll then want to carefully clean and dry the area before applying a small amount of the topical on your skin to start.

Cannabinoids have low skin permeability, so you can dose up and apply more of the topical based on how you feel. Spend some time really working it into your skin, massaging gently as you go.

Once you've finished applying, you can wash your hands and wait. Most CBD lotions will take a few minutes before they kick in, but can peak one to two hours later. You may need to reapply a few times a day for full effect.

Do topical CBD products have side effects?

While CBD is safe for use, there are a few caveats you'll want to keep in mind when incorporating a hemp topical into your pain-management regimen.

• Broken skin: Be sure you read the product label thoroughly as not all CBD topicals are designed to be used on broken skin.
• Carrier oils: If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or your skin is prone to irritation, be sure to check the label to see what kind of carrier oil your product contains.
• Facial application: Most CBD topicals formulated for pain relief are designed to be used on the body and not for facial application. Some brands will call this out explicitly.

Is CBD cream right for you?

CBD topicals are a great herbal strategy to help with localized aches and pains, and they are generally considered safe to use. However, the FDA has yet to evaluate mainstream CBD skincare products, which is why you should always do your research and aim to purchase from high-quality companies. If you or your loved one are seeking the best CBD cream for pain, our recommendations are a great place to start.

This article has been medically reviewed by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN, the Senior Editor of Health & Wellness Strategy at Remedy Review, an independent CBD reviews site. Dr. Ferira completed her PhD in Foods & Nutrition at The University of Georgia, where she researched the role of vitamin D in pediatric cardiometabolic disease. The products featured in this article were tested at ProVerde Laboratories in Milford, MA and Avazyme, Inc. in Durham, NC.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before consuming or using any of the products mentioned on this site. For additional information read Health.com's editorial standards and guidelines.

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