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The 5 best CBD creams, lotions, and balms of 2024, according to experts

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid compound concentrated and extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. (1) CBD is commonly taken in oil, capsule, gummy, or drink form with the aim of improving mood, reducing stress, and supporting health conditions like anxiety and arthritis pain. (1, 2

Some formulations of CBD can be absorbed through the skin, which is why CBD-based skin treatments, like creams, are becoming more popular. When applied topically, some CBD skin products, like CBD creams, have been shown to play a role in reducing muscle pain, improving neuropathy symptoms, reducing inflammation, and supporting health in several other ways, though research is still in its early stages. (3, 4

Some CBD types contain tiny amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive or intoxicating component of the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects. The products in this roundup are made with full- or broad-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD contains all components of the cannabis plant, including CBD, essential oils, and very low amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to sull-spectrum CBD, but contains no or only trace amounts of THC. (1, 2)

Even so, we wanted to find out if CBD cream could benefit athletes, people with certain health conditions, or those with everyday aches and pains. To narrow down the best 5 CBD creams on the market, our team extensively researched and evaluated dozens of products, critiquing each based on safety, effectiveness, ingredients, and cost. Each of the following products are available over the counter.

Editor’s choice: Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream

Packing 1,000 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD per two-ounce jar and made with cooling menthol, Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream earns our pick for editor’s choice. This product also contains Arnica, a medicinal herb that may provide pain relief when applied to the skin. (5)

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Our picks for the best CBD cream

Compare CBD creams

Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream Canna River CBD Body Lotion CBDfx CBD Balm Stick Lazarus Naturals Repair Cream Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm
Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream Canna River CBD Body Lotion CBDfx CBD Balm Stick Lazarus Naturals Repair Cream Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm
Rating
4.7/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.7/5
4.6/5
Firmness $89.99 $50 $39.99-$99.99 $28 $44.95
Material Full-spectrum Broad-spectrum Broad-spectrum Full-spectrum Full-spectrum
Cooling 1,000 mg per 2-ounce jar 1,250 mg per 3.4-ounce container 750-3,000 mg per 2-ounce stick 2,000 mg per 2.5 ounces 1,000 mg per 1.7-ounce jar

Best CBD cream for inflammation: Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream

A woman holds a bottle of Aspen Green Relief Cooling Crema

Best CBD cream for inflammation

A woman holds a bottle of Aspen Green Relief Cooling Crema
Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream is made with full-spectrum CBD, which may help calm inflammation when applied to the skin.
Fortune Score:
4.7 / 5

Key product features

Icon Quality
CBD per container 1,000 mg per two-ounce jar
Brand Icons copy 2
Contains THC Up to 0.3%
Icon Subscription 77
Subscription available Yes

What you should know

Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream is physician-formulated and third-party tested, making it a safe choice to combat inflammation.

  • Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream is third-party tested and free from ingredients such as plasticizers, artificial preservatives, and synthetic ingredients, which many people prefer to avoid in their skincare products. 
  • Each two-ounce jar costs $89.99, making it the most expensive product in our roundup. 
  • This CBD cream is made with full-spectrum CBD, arnica, and menthol, all of which have been studied for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. (3, 4, 5, 6)
Pros
Contains full-spectrum CBD
Free from plasticizers, artificial preservatives, and synthetic ingredients
Made with menthol and arnica, which may have anti-inflammatory properties
Physician formulated
Third-party tested
Vegan
Cons
Contains some THC
Expensive compared to other options

Why we like Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream as best for inflammation

Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream is made with certified organic full-spectrum CBD, a type of CBD that contains all components of the cannabis plant, including CBD and other cannabinoids (like THC), as well as flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils. (1, 2)

Many of these components, including CBD and other cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG), have been researched for its potential anti-inflammatory effects and may decrease inflammation when applied topically. For example, studies show that cannabinoids like CBD can reduce inflammation in human skin cells by acting on a signaling network known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS plays a role in regulating several critical processes in your body, including inflammation and pain sensation. (7, 8) In the ECS, CBD acts on certain receptors, such as cannabinoid receptor type 1, cannabinoid receptor type 2, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), which promote anti-inflammatory pathways and may reduce nerve pain. (9) This is why topical CBD application may benefit those with inflammatory conditions. (9

In addition to 1,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD, each jar of Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream contains menthol and arnica, both of which have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties. Research on CBD is only a few decades strong, and as a result, the precise concentrations needed to achieve anti-inflammatory effects are not yet well-established.

Menthol is a compound concentrated in the essential oils of plants in the Mentha plant family. Menthol-containing products, like Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream, have a cooling sensation and can help soothe inflamed skin by reducing levels of inflammatory proteins like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). (6

Arnica has been used for hundreds of years for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties in herbal medicine. Studies show that arnica-based topical treatments are effective for treating symptoms related to inflammatory conditions like arthritis and back pain. (5)

This powerful combination of inflammation- and pain-reducing ingredients makes Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream a great option for relief of everyday aches, pains, and symptoms related to inflammatory conditions like arthritis. (9)

 Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream is physician-formulated, vegan, and made with 100% natural food-grade ingredients. It’s also made with certified organic Colorado-grown hemp. 

This product is third-party tested for quality, purity, and safety, and laboratory results are available on the company’s website. This ensures that each Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream jar contains stated cannabinoids and is free of potentially harmful contaminants such as mold, pesticides, and heavy metals.

It’s important to note that full-spectrum CBD products contain very small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the psychoactive or intoxicating components of the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC,  the federal legal limit for mass distributed CBD products. (10) THC can be absorbed through the skin, so if you want to avoid THC, it’s best to choose skincare products that are THC-free, such as those made with CBD isolate or THC-free broad-spectrum CBD. 

At $89.99, Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream is the most expensive product in our roundup. Though the company regularly offers discounts for those who sign up for a subscription, this product may be too expensive for some people to use regularly.

Specs

Size2-ounce jar
Price$89.99
Type of CBDFull-spectrum
FormCream

Best CBD cream for itchy skin: Canna River CBD Body Lotion

A bottle of Canna River CBD Body Lotion

Best CBD cream for itchy skin

A bottle of Canna River CBD Body Lotion
Canna River CBD Body Lotion is made with broad-spectrum CBD, a compound that has been investigated for its anti-itch properties.
Fortune Score:
4.6 / 5

Key product features

Icon Quality
CBD per container 1,250 mg per 3.4-ounce container
Brand Icons copy 2
Contains THC No
Icon Subscription 77
Subscription available Yes, 20% off

What you should know

Canna River CBD Body Lotion contains a soothing blend of CBD, aloe, shea butter, and other ingredients that may relieve itch. (11, 12, 13)

  • Canna River CBD Body Lotion is third-party tested, cruelty-free, and made with natural ingredients, like essential oils and shea butter.
  • Each 3.4-ounce container costs $50, making it the second most expensive full-spectrum product in our roundup. 
  • The itch-relieving ingredients in Canna River CBD Body Lotion might make it a good option for people with skin conditions that cause itching, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema. (11, 12, 13)
Pros
Contains broad-spectrum CBD
Available in Rosemary and Unscented
Cruelty-free
Third-party tested
Vegan
Cons
Expensive

Why we like Canna River CBD Body Lotion as best for itchy skin

Canna River CBD Body Lotion is made with broad-spectrum CBD, which contains a variety of cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, and cannabinol (CBN), that may help relieve itching. (11) This is because cannabinoids act on the ECS to reduce pruritus, the medical term for the sensation of itching and the urge to scratch an itch. (11)

A 2020 study that included 16 people with eczema found that topical application of a CBD gel for two weeks decreased itching symptoms in 67% of the participants. What’s more, 50% of the participants reported that the CBD gel improved their eczema symptoms, including itching, by more than 60%. (14)

Each Canna River CBD Body Lotion container contains 1,250 mg of CBD, plus other ingredients known to soothe itchy skin. For example, this lotion is made with aloe vera, which has skin-soothing properties that may help improve symptoms of itchy and irritated skin. (12)

Hydrating your skin can also help reduce itching. Canna River CBD Body Lotion contains a blend of moisturizing ingredients, including shea butter, which boosts skin hydration and improves the function of your skin. (15, 16) It also contains sweet almond oil, a moisturizing oil that’s been linked with improvements in eczema symptoms, including itching. (17)

In addition to containing various ingredients known to combat itchy and dry skin, Canna River CBD Body Lotion is third-party tested for quality and purity and is free from artificial ingredients, such as artificial fragrances. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and made with non-GMO hemp.

Canna River CBD Body Lotion is THC-free, so it’s safe for people who want to avoid THC-containing products.
Canna River CBD Body Lotion costs $50 per 3.4-ounce container, less expensive than the  Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream but more expensive than the other products in our roundup. To save money, customers can sign up for a subscription on the Canna River website for 20% off their purchase.

Specs

Size3.4-ounce container
Price$50
Type of CBDBroad-spectrum
FormLotion

Best CBD cream for runners: CBDfx CBD Balm Stick

A container of CBDfx Balm Stick

Best CBD cream for runners

A container of CBDfx Balm Stick
CBDfx CBD Balm Stick is made with broad-spectrum CBD and may help soothe running-associated muscle and joint pain.
Fortune Score:
4.6 / 5

Key product features

Icon Quality
CBD per container 750-3,000 mg per two-ounce stick
Brand Icons copy 2
Contains THC No
Icon Subscription 77
Subscription available No

What you should know

Available in two strengths and packaged in an easy-to-apply stick form, CBDfx CBD Balm Stick is a convenient choice for athletes, like runners.

  • This roll-on stick can be tossed into a gym bag or stored in a pocket or running belt for outdoor runs, making this product a good choice for treadmill and outdoor runners. 
  • Depending on the strength, each two-ounce stick costs $39.99-$99.99, so customers can choose a product that best suits their budget
  • This roll-on stick contains a blend of broad-spectrum CBD, cooling menthol, and other ingredients known to reduce inflammation and soothe aching muscles. (3, 6)
Pros
Convenient stick form
Made with pain-relieving essential oils
Third-party tested
Cruelty-free
Available in two strengths
Cons
Not labeled as THC-free
No subscription discount

Why we like CBDfx CBD Balm Stick as best for runners

If you’re a runner, you’ve probably experienced your fair share of muscle aches and pains. Adding a natural and topical treatment, like CBDfx CBD Balm Stick, to your running regimen may help reduce chronic pain associated with intense physical activity and reduce inflammation, which can benefit runners, who often experience running-related muscle and joint pain. (3)

CBDfx CBD Balm Stick is made with broad-spectrum hemp, which contains all of the same compounds found in full-spectrum hemp, but is almost completely free of THC. (10) The cannabinoids in broad-spectrum CBD, such as CBD, CBN, and CBG, have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities and may help soothe running-related pain. Although research on the effects of topical CBD treatment in athletes is limited, some evidence suggests that it may reduce chronic pain in athletes. (3)

A 2023 study that included 20 former professional athletes, including runners, found that twice daily treatment with a topical formulation that included 10 mg of CBD plus essential oils such as wintergreen and camphor for six weeks significantly reduced self-reported lower extremity pain levels and pain-related disability compared to baseline. (3)

CBD may reduce activity-related chronic, acute pain by acting on receptors in the nervous system and ECS that regulate pain and inflammation. (3

In addition to cannabinoids, like CBD, CBDfx CBD Balm Stick contains camphor and menthol-containing oils, like wintergreen and peppermint. Menthol has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, and some research suggests that using menthol-containing skin treatments, like gels, may give runners a “fresh” and energized sensation, improving running time. While these findings are promising, more studies are needed to confirm the potential benefit of this ingredient. (6, 18

Camphor, another ingredient in CBDfx CBD Balm Stick, is a compound derived from camphor trees. It’s a common ingredient in skincare as it has pain-relieving and blood flow-improving properties, which may help reduce running-related muscle pain and support running performance. (19)

CBDfx CBD Balm Sticks are designed to be quickly applied to areas of pain and inflammation. The roll-on formulation makes it a better option than creams or lotions and much more convenient when you’re on a run.  

This product is available in two strengths, 750 mg CBD and 3,000 mg CBD, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. CBDfx CBD Balm Stick is cruelty-free, vegan, and third-party tested for safety, purity, and quality. 

The 750 mg product costs $39.99, while the 3,000 mg product costs $99.99. Though the 2-ounce stick will likely last you a while, the higher-strength product may be out of many people’s price range. A downside to this product is that the company doesn’t offer subscription discounts. That said, CBDfx does offer discount codes, which can be found on the company website.

Specs

Size2-ounce container
Price$39.99-$99.99
Type of CBDBroad-spectrum
FormStick

Best CBD lotion: Lazarus Naturals Repair Cream

A bottle of Lazarus Natural Repair Cream

Best CBD lotion

A bottle of Lazarus Natural Repair Cream
Lazarus Naturals Repair Cream is a high-quality yet affordable CBD-infused lotion perfect for everyday skin hydration.
Fortune Score:
4.7 / 5

Key product features

Icon Quality
CBD per container 2,000 mg per 2.5-ounce bottle
Brand Icons copy 2
Contains THC Yes
Icon Subscription 77
Subscription available Yes, 15% off

What you should know

Affordable, hydrating, and packed with skin-soothing CBD, Lazarus Naturals Repair Cream is safe for daily use.

  • We love that this cream contains a blend of moisturizing ingredients, such as sweet almond and jojoba oil, and is third-party tested for safety and purity.  
  • This product costs $28, making it the most affordable product in our roundup.
  • Lazarus Naturals Repair’s ingredients, such as full-spectrum CBD, moisturizing oils, and aloe leaf juice can help treat and prevent dry skin and may reduce skin inflammation. (8, 20, 21)
Pros
Meant for everyday use
Made with a blend of hydrating oils
Third-party tested
Cruelty-free
Affordable
Cons
Not appropriate for those with nut allergies

Why we like Lazarus Naturals Repair as best lotion

Moisturizing your skin with a high-quality lotion on a daily basis can help keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Lazarus Naturals Repair is a lotion made with full-spectrum CBD and a variety of other moisturizing and soothing ingredients, including jojoba oil, aloe vera leaf juice, and calendula. (8, 20, 21

The full-spectrum CBD in Lazarus Naturals Repair may be effective for reducing skin inflammation and symptoms related to certain skin conditions, like eczema. (11)

In addition to CBD, Lazarus Naturals Repair is formulated with powerful moisturizers, which are substances that increase the hydration of the skin, protect against moisture loss, and improve skin barrier function. (22) Lazarus Naturals Repair contains several moisturizers, including jojoba oil and sweet almond oil. Jojoba oil is a waxy oil derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It has powerful moisturizing properties and anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in skincare, such as body lotions. (20)

Sweet almond oil is another moisturizer used in Lazarus Naturals Repair. Sweet almond oil is hydrating and rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble nutrient that has been shown to protect skin cells from damage and supports healthy skin barrier function. (23)

Although sweet almond oil is an effective ingredient for skincare, because it’s a tree nut, products made with sweet almond oil aren’t safe for people with tree nut allergies. (24)

Lazarus Naturals Repair also contains aloe vera juice, which has anti-inflammatory, ​​antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Aloe is an ultra-soothing skincare ingredient and is commonly used to treat skin ailments such as sunburns and insect bites. (21)  

 Lazarus Naturals Repair is cruelty-free and third-party tested for quality and potency as well as contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals. Like the other products on this list, Lazarus Naturals Repair contains small amounts of THC and isn’t a good option for those who need a THC-free lotion. 

Though this product is made with high-quality ingredients, it’s much more affordable than the other skincare products in our roundup.  A 2.5-ounce tube of Lazarus Naturals Repair costs $28, making it the most affordable product on this list. To save more money, customers can sign up for a subscription on the Lazarus Naturals website for 15% off their purchase.

Specs

Size2.5-ounce tube
Price$28
Type of CBDFull-spectrum
FormCream

Best CBD cream for pain: Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm

A bottle of Carmen's Medicinal Better in Balm

Best CBD cream for pain

A bottle of Carmen's Medicinal Better in Balm
Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm can be used for the targeted relief of muscle tension, skin irritation, and joint pain.
Fortune Score:
4.7 / 5

Key product features

Icon Quality
CBD per container 1,000 mg per 1.7-ounce jar
Brand Icons copy 2
Contains THC Yes
Icon Subscription 77
Subscription available Yes, 20% off

What you should know

Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm is made with full-spectrum CBD, which may soothe occasional muscle aches and joint pain.

  • This product contains evidence-based, soothing, hydrating ingredients, such as lavender, peppermint extracts, and organic coconut oil.  
  • Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm costs $44.95, which is more affordable than most of the full-spectrum products in our roundup.
  • The full-spectrum CBD in Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm may improve pain related to certain conditions, like arthritis and neuropathy. (4, 7, 8)
Pros
Made with 100% organic ingredients
Third-party tested
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Affordable
Gluten-free
Cons
Only available in a single-potency

Why we like Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm as best for pain

The 1,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD packed into every jar of Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm may help reduce pain associated with several ailments and injuries, such as sports injuries, arthritis, and nerve pain. (3, 4, 7, 8)  The study suggests that 10 mg twice daily may be helpful for certain types of sports-related arthritis pain. Still, the research is limited, and it’s difficult to get a true estimate of how many milligrams of CBD is in each application from a balm. (3)

By acting on receptors in the ECS and nervous system, CBD may help reduce inflammation and pain sensation, which can benefit people who experience occasional or chronic pain. (9

A 2022 study that included 18 people with symptomatic thumb basal joint arthritis, a type of arthritis that causes pain at the base of the thumb, found that two weeks of twice-daily treatment with 6.2 mg of topical CBD with shea butter significantly improved thumb basal joint arthritis-related pain and disability compared to shea butter alone. (9)  

Topical CBD has also been shown to reduce pain and other symptoms, such as itchy sensations, in people with peripheral neuropathy, a nerve condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. (4)

This product may also help soothe muscle pain related to sports injuries, making it a good choice for athletes and gym-goers who experience frequent muscle or joint soreness. (3)

In addition to the full-spectrum CBD in Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm, the product contains an array of ingredients that have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, such as lavender and peppermint extracts, and skin-protective qualities, such as eucalyptus and coconut oil  (6, 15, 17)

Carmen’s Medicinals Better in a Balm is vegan, certified organic, and third-party tested for quality and purity. Like the other products on this list, this product contains small amounts of THC and should be avoided by those who need to or prefer to avoid THC-containing products. 

Priced at $44.95 per 1.7-ounce jar, this product is one of the more affordable options in our roundup. Another plus is that Carmen’s Medicinals offers 20% off to customers who sign up for a subscription.

Specs

Size1.7-ounce jar
Price$44.95
Type of CBDFull-spectrum
FormBalm

How we test supplements

With so many CBD creams on the market, narrowing down the best product for your health needs, budget, and skincare preferences can be challenging. To make shopping for CBD creams easier, our team of healthcare providers and industry experts analyzed dozens of products, using criteria like type of CBD, dose, additional ingredients, quality, effectiveness, third-party testing, and price to find the best CBD creams on the market. 

You can read our full supplement testing methodology here.

Efficacy—40%

Our team analyzes each topical CBD product, considering the form and dose of CBD used, synergistic ingredients, and more. Here’s what we looked at:

  • CBD form
  • Clinical evidence
  • Dose efficacy
  • Synergistic effects
  • Proprietary blends
Safety and side effects—35%

We ensure that all of the CBD products we recommend are generally considered safe for healthy people to take and are not associated with serious adverse side effects or long-term health concerns.

To recommend the safest CBD products on the market, we evaluate:

  • Reported side effects
  • Third-party testing
  • Medication interactions 
  • Dangerous or inappropriate label claims 
  • Potentially harmful ingredients
Value—20%

Everyone’s working with a different budget, which is why we aim to include CBD products that are both effective and affordable. 

The factors we look at for this area of testing include:

  • Price per serving
Customer experience—5%

A customer’s experience with a company directly impacts satisfaction, loyalty, and the likelihood of repeat purchases. We include it in our testing process because the consumer experience guides purchasing decisions.

Our factors in this rating include:

  • Ease of purchase
  • Shipping and returns
  • Customer support

What is CBD cream?

CBD creams are skincare products made with CBD, a cannabinoid compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. (25)  

CBD creams are available in various forms, such as balms and lotions, as well as in different CBD strengths. CBD creams often pair CBD with other ingredients known to protect and support skin health, such as moisturizing agents like shea butter and jojoba oil and anti-inflammatory plant extracts like peppermint oils. (6, 15)

Some CBD creams are made for everyday, general skincare, while others are formulated for more specific symptoms, such as pain or muscle aches. 

As with any skincare product, it’s important to read the ingredient labels of CBD creams, as some may contain ingredients that don’t suit your skincare or health preferences.

How to use topical CBD

Depending on the type, topical CBD products can be used as an everyday body lotion or as a treatment for pain and/or symptoms related to skin conditions like eczema. (11)

Potential side effects of topical CBD products

Topically applied CBD, such as CBD creams, are usually well-tolerated and not associated with serious side effects. 

Some research studies investigating the health effects of topical CBD have reported some mild side effects in participants using CBD products, such as irritation, skin rashes, and skin dryness at application sites. (3)

Though it’s possible to experience side effects when using CBD creams, topical administration of CBD is associated with fewer side effects than oral CBD products, such as oils and capsules. Oral CBD products may cause symptoms such as mood changes, fatigue, and diarrhea, especially when taken in larger doses. (9,16

If you experience side effects when using a CBD product, stop using the product and contact a healthcare provider with expertise in herbal medicine for advice.

How to choose the right CBD cream for you

Before adding a CBD cream to your beauty and wellness routine, it’s important to consider factors such as safety, type of CBD, and additional ingredients.

Type of CBD

There are three types of CBD used in CBD creams:

  • Full-spectrum CBD contains all active components of the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids like CBD and THC (up to 0.3% of dry weight only), plus other compounds, such as flavonoid antioxidants. (10
  • Broad-spectrum CBD is basically the same as full-spectrum but contains zero THC. All broad-spectrum CBD products are THC-free. (10)
  • CBD isolate is CBD only and doesn’t contain the additional compounds found in full- and broad-spectrum products. CBD isolates are completely free from THC. (10)

If you’d like to completely avoid THC, choose a CBD cream that contains CBD isolate or THC-free broad-spectrum CBD. 

It’s important to note that THC can be absorbed through your skin, so THC-containing products, like full-spectrum creams, aren’t safe for people who need to avoid THC, such as those who have to undergo drug testing or professional athletes. (26)

Additional ingredients

Many CBD products may contain additional ingredients, including moisturizers, essential oils, and more. 

Reading ingredient labels can help you narrow down a safe and effective product for your specific needs. For example, if you have any allergies, choosing a product free from potential allergens is critical. (3)

If you’d like to avoid synthetic ingredients, such as artificial fragrances, it’s best to choose all-natural products, such as the ones included in this roundup.

Price

Lastly, you should consider the price of CBD products and pick one that works with your budget.


FAQs

Can you use CBD cream every day?

Yes, it’s safe to use CBD products every day. That said, if you have any health conditions or are taking one or more medications, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider regarding safe CBD use. (3, 4)

Is CBD cream safe?

Yes, topical CBD is usually well-tolerated. However, it’s possible to experience side effects like dry skin and itching, when using topical CBD products, like CBD creams. (3) If this happens, it is generally recommended to stop using the product.

How much CBD cream should you use?

It’s best to follow application directions on product labels. If you have specific questions about safe CBD use, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional with expertise in herbal medicine or medical cannabis.

When should you use CBD cream?

CBD products can be used at any time of day or night. Some products, such as those for muscle and joint pain, are meant to be applied before, during, or after activities like running.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Our experts

Swathi Varansi, PharmD

Dr. Swathi is a pharmacist with a passion about the intersection of personalized medicine and innovation. She received her Doctory of Pharmacy at the Medical University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts at Carleton College. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Medical Affairs in biotech and has training in nutrition from Cornell University.

Dr. Heidi Moawad

Dr. Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and teaches at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She serves on the editorial board of Neurology Clinical Practice and is a reviewer for Neurology.

Anju Goel, M.D., MPH

Anju Goel, M.D., MPH, is a public health consultant and physician in California with a focus on communicable diseases, health policy, health promotion, and disaster preparedness. She’s also a consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the COVID-19 response. Dr. Goel received her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and her Master of Public Health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. She’s board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT

Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.

Lily Moe

Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.

Kelly Uhler

Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.

Jillian Kubala, MS, RD

Jillian Kubala, MS, RD

Fortune Recommends Writer

About Author

Jillian Kubala is a registered dietitian based in Westhampton, NY. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from Stony Brook University School of Medicine as well as an undergraduate degree in nutrition science. Jillian uses a unique and personalized approach to help her clients achieve optimal wellness through nutrition and lifestyle changes. In addition to her private practice, Jillian works as a freelance writer and editor and has written hundreds of articles on nutrition and wellness for health publishers such as Healthline, Greatist, Medical News Today, and Health.

Resources
    1. National Institutes of Health. Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know. Accessed on September 9, 2024. 
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