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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? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
CBD topicals offer many benefits, from pain management to improving skin health. Read more about our top picks and hands-on review here.
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 federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. 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.
CBD type: broad-spectrum CBD potency: 500 mg per 1-oz jar, 1,000 mg per 2-oz jar COA: available onlineAvailable scents: Lavender Eucalyptus Third-party tested: yes Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off .
MNT‘s review This broad-spectrum, THC-free, phytocannabinoid-rich CBD salve may promote skin health and relieve muscle pain.
Joy Organics provides publicly accessible lab reports on all its products.
Its active ingredients include beeswax, lavender essential oil, and eucalyptus essential oil.
Joy Organics has a 3.3-star rating out of a possible 5 on Trustpilot, based on eight customer reviews.
The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A+ rating.
Read our Joy Organics review.
Subscriptions and savings
People can opt for automatic deliveries every 2–12 weeks and save 20% off each purchase. If a person chooses this option, they also benefit from:
canceling or modifying their subscription plan at any time
doubling reward points on a person’s first purchase
reportedly receiving the best price each month Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
Pros & cons
contains 100% organic hemp from U.S. farms free from pesticides, waxes, fats, and other foreign compounds offers a 90-day trial of all products contains a high CBD content
not suitable for people with a sensitivity or allergy to essential oils higher cost, which may not be suitable for people on a smaller budget not suitable for vegans as it contains beeswax
contains 100% organic hemp from U.S. farms free from pesticides, waxes, fats, and other foreign compounds offers a 90-day trial of all products contains a high CBD content
not suitable for people with a sensitivity or allergy to essential oils higher cost, which may not be suitable for people on a smaller budget not suitable for vegans as it contains beeswax Product details
Returns: full refund within 90 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Returns: full refund within 90 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
CBD type: full-spectrum CBD potency: 300 mg per 0.5-oz. jar, 600 mg per 1.0-oz. jar, 900 mg per 1.5-oz. jar COA: available onlineThird-party tested: yes Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off .
MNT‘s review This balm contains only two ingredients: highly concentrated full-spectrum hemp extract and shea butter to nourish and moisturize the skin.
Nuleaf states that is uses proprietary genetics to create a whole plant CBD extract that contains secondary cannabinoids, which can help contribute toward the “entourage effect”. The entourage effect is the positive contribution made by the addition of terpenes to cannabinoids. The company also claims it uses a greener CO2 extraction method without any harsh chemicals.
While Nuleaf does not hold any organic certifications, it says that it uses organic hemp.
Subscriptions and savings
Nuleaf offers a subscribe and save feature. Once a person signs up, they will receive 20% off each order and benefit from free automatic delivery every 2–12 weeks.
What our tester says
“I used this balm on my calves after running to relieve soreness. It has a hemp-y but rather mild scent.
“The texture of this balm is super strange. It’s grainy but not coarse — it pills (or crumbs) a bit and takes a lot of effort to massage into the skin without making a mess. I definitely would recommend using in warmer temperatures or working it with your fingers to help the balm melt more, otherwise you get little balls of balm everywhere!
“However, I don’t know if I saw a real difference in my soreness after using this balm.
“Overall, I enjoyed using this balm as a post-run treatment, but didn’t love the texture of it. I am not sure the CBD really did anything for me personally, but it didn’t do any harm and the massage felt nice (once the little crumbs melted!).” – Jamey Powell, former Senior Market Editor.
“I used this balm on my calves after running to relieve soreness. It has a hemp-y but rather mild scent.
“The texture of this balm is super strange. It’s grainy but not coarse — it pills (or crumbs) a bit and takes a lot of effort to massage into the skin without making a mess. I definitely would recommend using in warmer temperatures or working it with your fingers to help the balm melt more, otherwise you get little balls of balm everywhere!
“However, I don’t know if I saw a real difference in my soreness after using this balm.
“Overall, I enjoyed using this balm as a post-run treatment, but didn’t love the texture of it. I am not sure the CBD really did anything for me personally, but it didn’t do any harm and the massage felt nice (once the little crumbs melted!).” – Jamey Powell, former Senior Market Editor.
Pros & cons
comes in different strength options, suiting a majority of people shea butter can help moisturize and soften the skin uses a greener extraction method than some competitors
our reviewer states she did not experience much pain relief the texture may be crumbly
comes in different strength options, suiting a majority of people shea butter can help moisturize and soften the skin uses a greener extraction method than some competitors
our reviewer states she did not experience much pain relief the texture may be crumbly Product details
Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $74
Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $74 Best for extra moisturization
CBD type: full-spectrum CBD potency: 500 mg per 1-oz jar COA: available on product page Third-party tested: yes 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.
MNT‘s review This hemp-derived CBD balm may help relieve localized muscle pain.
Each jar of Oooh Distilled contains 500 milligrams (mg) of full-spectrum CBD extract alongside numerous essential oil extracts.
Active ingredients, including shea butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, camphor oil, and beeswax, may help moisturize the skin and make it more supple and smooth.
CBDistillery states that it sources non-GMO hemp through natural farming practices.
CBDistillery has a 3.9-star rating out of a possible 5 with Trustpilot and an A+ rating with the BBB.
Read our review of CBDistillery.
Subscriptions and savings
CBDistillery offers free shipping on any order over $75 .
People can opt into the company’s subscribe and save feature to benefit from automatic deliveries, free shipping, and 30% off products. Individuals can choose delivery every 4–12 weeks.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
Pros & cons
the product comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee suitable for people who wish to purchase a full-spectrum CBD balm the product comes in a small jar that fits easily into bags, making it ideal for on-the-go treatments GMO-free contains rosemary extract and botanical extracts for anti-inflammatory effects
not suitable for vegans as it contains beeswax not suitable for people who wish to avoid products with THC not suitable for people who wish to avoid essential oils
the product comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee suitable for people who wish to purchase a full-spectrum CBD balm the product comes in a small jar that fits easily into bags, making it ideal for on-the-go treatments GMO-free contains rosemary extract and botanical extracts for anti-inflammatory effects
not suitable for vegans as it contains beeswax not suitable for people who wish to avoid products with THC not suitable for people who wish to avoid essential oils Product details
Returns: returns within 60 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 60 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75 Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 25% off .
MNT‘s review This product contains menthol and peppermint oil to cool and relieve muscle pain alongside the CBD oil. It is paraben and GMO-free.
It contains 20 mg of THC per product. Other ingredients include:
Learn about the best CBD lotions.
Cornbread Hemp has four reviews on Trustpilot, giving it an average of 4.1 stars out of 5. On the manufacturer’s website, customer reviews say the lotion helped their rheumatic and arthritic pain.
Subscriptions and savings
Cornbread Hemp offers free shipping and 20% off each order if someone signs up for a free subscription. This subscription automatically delivers products every 30, 45, or 60 days.
People can skip or cancel their deliveries at any time.
What our tester says
“I used Cornbread’s CBD menthol lotion on sore muscles, after hard gym days and long days sitting at a computer.
“The lotion was very smooth, absorbed fairly quickly, though did leave a bit of a residue. There was a hint of coolness from the menthol, though not aggressive.
“The lotion worked for me – it lessened the severity of aching muscles. I found it worked best on smaller sore areas (forearms, neck muscles, shoulders), rather than larger areas (quads). I felt its benefits most when I massaged the area while applying the cream: the lotion facilitated the massage, and then soaked in and provided longer relief.”
– Laramy Applekamp, Content Project Manager
“I used Cornbread’s CBD menthol lotion on sore muscles, after hard gym days and long days sitting at a computer.
“The lotion was very smooth, absorbed fairly quickly, though did leave a bit of a residue. There was a hint of coolness from the menthol, though not aggressive.
“The lotion worked for me – it lessened the severity of aching muscles. I found it worked best on smaller sore areas (forearms, neck muscles, shoulders), rather than larger areas (quads). I felt its benefits most when I massaged the area while applying the cream: the lotion facilitated the massage, and then soaked in and provided longer relief.”
– Laramy Applekamp, Content Project Manager
Pros & cons
contains naturally derived organic ingredients, with menthol as an additional pain reliever clearly labels how much THC is in each bottle available as a lotion, which may have a more lightweight feel than salves and creams contains hemp flowers only so there are no stems, seeds, stalks, or leaves paraben- and GMO-free
essential oils may irritate sensitive skin not suitable for people with a soy allergy not suitable for people who want to avoid THC
contains naturally derived organic ingredients, with menthol as an additional pain reliever clearly labels how much THC is in each bottle available as a lotion, which may have a more lightweight feel than salves and creams contains hemp flowers only so there are no stems, seeds, stalks, or leaves paraben- and GMO-free
essential oils may irritate sensitive skin not suitable for people with a soy allergy not suitable for people who want to avoid THC Product details
Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75 MNT‘s review This water-soluble gel contains full-spectrum CBD, which the manufacturer says absorbs once it touches the body.
It also contains other active ingredients that may soothe aching muscles, such as:
It is free from gluten, soy, synthetics, and GMOs.
Learn about other CBD topicals for athletes.
Ojai has an average customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, from nine reviews.
Subscriptions and savings
Ojai does not offer any subscribe and save options.
However, people can purchase multipacks of three or six sports gels. Doing so reduces the cost of each bottle to $33.61 when buying the three-pack, or $31.35 when buying the six-pack.
Pros & cons
water-soluble, which may mean it has a lighter feel than creams and salves gluten-, soy-, synthetics- and GMO-free organic contains arnica and calendula, which may help soothe pain
some reviewers state the gel leaves a sticky feeling ingredients such as eucalyptus and black pepper may irritate sensitive skin
water-soluble, which may mean it has a lighter feel than creams and salves gluten-, soy-, synthetics- and GMO-free organic contains arnica and calendula, which may help soothe pain
some reviewers state the gel leaves a sticky feeling ingredients such as eucalyptus and black pepper may irritate sensitive skin Product details
Returns: free returns Shipping: free shipping on orders over $200
Returns: free returns Shipping: free shipping on orders over $200 Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off .
MNT‘s review This balm does not contain toxins or gluten. Aspen Green claims it may help relieve pain.
Learn more about using CBD for pain management.
It contains high levels of full-spectrum CBD from plants grown in the Rocky Mountains in California. The manufacturer claims the climate helps produce the finest quality hemp and cannabis plants.
Other ingredients include:
Despite the botanical ingredients, reviews state it does not have a smell.
Individuals can apply a pea-sized amount as and when they need pain relief.
The company has a 3.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 50 reviews.
Read our review of Aspen Green.
Subscriptions and savings
Aspen Green offers free shipping on orders over $74 .
People can also opt into a free subscription, receiving the balm every 4, 6, or 8 weeks. This option provides free shipping regardless of the order price.
Pros & cons
people only need to use a small amount of product uses USDA-certified organic ingredients plasticizers-, synthetics-, gluten-, and artificial preservatives-free
more expensive than many other options unsuitable for people who wish to avoid THC
people only need to use a small amount of product uses USDA-certified organic ingredients plasticizers-, synthetics-, gluten-, and artificial preservatives-free
more expensive than many other options unsuitable for people who wish to avoid THC Product details
Returns: returns within 60 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $74
Returns: returns within 60 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $74
CBD type: full-spectrum CBD potency: 2,000 mg per 2.95-oz container COA: available on product page Third-party tested: yes MNT‘s review This product contains menthol and arnica to provide relief and restoration. It also includes 2,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD.
The manufacturer suggests this cream may promote recovery, alleviate soreness, and relieve stiffness.
This product is GMP compliant, certified Kosher and Halal, USDA-certified organic, Leaping Bunny-certified, and third-party lab tested.
Extract Labs recommends that people try the product for 1–2 weeks and then assess if they need to increase or decrease the amount they use.
Extract Labs has a 3.4-star rating out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on seven reviews. It has an F rating with the BBB. The organization warns about alerts relating to alleged misleading advertising.
Subscriptions and savings
The company offers a 50% discount through discount programs for certain people, including veterans and active military personnel, teachers, healthcare workers, and low-income households. Individuals can read about the eligibility criteria.
People can also enter a subscription and receive the balm every 1 or 2 months, saving 25% off each order.
Pros & cons
high-potency option USDA-certified ingredients, including beeswax and rosemary the company offers a 50% discount for qualifying customers people may only need to apply a dime-size amount of the product to feel its effect
may not be a preferred choice for some people due to its higher cost not suitable for people who prefer products without THC might not be suitable for people with sensitive skin as it contains essential oils
high-potency option USDA-certified ingredients, including beeswax and rosemary the company offers a 50% discount for qualifying customers people may only need to apply a dime-size amount of the product to feel its effect
may not be a preferred choice for some people due to its higher cost not suitable for people who prefer products without THC might not be suitable for people with sensitive skin as it contains essential oils Product details
Returns: returns within 60 days Shipping: free on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 60 days Shipping: free on orders over $75
CBD type: full-spectrum CBD potency: 800 mg per stick COA: available onlineThird-party tested: yes MNT‘s review This balm contains lanolin, beeswax, and jojoba oil to help moisturize, smooth, and soothe the skin. Lazarus Naturals also uses lavender and chamomile, scents that people may find calming.
The company states that this balm has a mess-free application. It may also provide targeted relief to localized pain and discomfort, such as before and after long physical days.
Lazarus Naturals uses hemp that it grows on its own farms. It then extracts the CBD using an ethanol-based process.
The company has an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. It does not hold accreditation with the BBB, but the organization gives Lazarus Natural an A+ grade.
Subscriptions and savings
Lazarus Naturals has an assistance program that offers up to 60% off its products to veterans, people on long-term disability, and people in low-income households. People can learn more about the eligibility criteria by logging into their account and filling out the relevant form.
The company does not offer a subscribe and save feature for this product. However, Individuals can use check out with Sezzle for any order $25 and over to spread the cost over several interest-free payments.
Pros & cons
portable and easy to apply lavender and chamomile are soothing scents has a mess-free application
does not contain as much CBD as other products may have a strong scent, according to some reviews
portable and easy to apply lavender and chamomile are soothing scents has a mess-free application
does not contain as much CBD as other products may have a strong scent, according to some reviews Product details
Returns: full refund within 90 days Shipping: calculated at checkout
Returns: full refund within 90 days Shipping: calculated at checkout Best for targeted pain relief
CBD type: isolate CBD potency: 1,500 mg per 3.4-fl oz bottle COA: available on product page Third-party tested: yes Use code “HEALTHLINE30” for 30% off .
MNT‘s review Soul CBD states that this CBD cream may provide rapid pain relief when an individual applies it topically.
Each bottle contains 1,500 mg of isolate CBD alongside menthol. Other ingredients include eucalyptus, rosemary, camphor, and coconut oil, which research suggests may have anti-inflammatory properties, according to an older study from 2010. Soul CBD also contains shea butter, which may help moisturize the skin.
The company states that it uses organically farmed hemp and that its products are gluten-free.
Soul CBD does not currently have a Trustpilot or BBB rating.
Read our review of Soul CBD.
Subscriptions and savings
Soul CBD offers 15% off on 2-week, 4-week, and 8-week subscriptions.
Shipping is free for all orders over $75.
Pros & cons
can be applied to the source of the pain contains organically farmed ingredients does not contain THC contains essential oils that may have anti-inflammatory properties shea butter can help moisturize the skin
not suitable for people who wish to avoid essential oils some reviewers state it has a strong scent difficult to measure CBD dose with a cream higher cost than other options
can be applied to the source of the pain contains organically farmed ingredients does not contain THC contains essential oils that may have anti-inflammatory properties shea butter can help moisturize the skin
not suitable for people who wish to avoid essential oils some reviewers state it has a strong scent difficult to measure CBD dose with a cream higher cost than other options Product details
Returns: returns within 14 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 14 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75 The below table compares all the CBD topicals in this article on key points:
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound of the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD topicals are any CBD product a person can apply directly onto the skin.
Common types of CBD topicals include:
Individuals may try CBD topicals to manage various conditions, such as acne, joint pain, and muscular soreness. Research into the effectiveness of CBD topicals is limited but ongoing.
The following table contains some useful terms relating to CBD.
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
According to an older 2018 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) , CBD causes no dependency effects in humans. Recent studies in mice further demonstrate that CBD is not an addictive substance.
However, to avoid unwanted drug interactions or side effects, a person could consult a doctor or healthcare professional before using CBD products.
For more information on CBD and how to shop for it, read our complete buyer’s guide to CBD.
Humans have a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their skin. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate several bodily functions. When a person applies CBD topically, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the epidermal and dermal skin, acting as an anti-inflammatory and helps relieve pain.
A 2022 review that investigated the effects of CBD application on rheumatic conditions in dogs concluded that CBD oil improved pain, activity scores, and the quality of life index in dogs with osteoarthritis.
However, there are limited studies on the use of topical cannabinoids in humans.
CBD is only one of the 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It does not produce the “high” effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and recreational cannabis consumption. However, CBD and other cannabinoids may help manage epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.
Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD.
CBD’s potent antioxidant properties may help prevent skin inflammation or damage from ultraviolet rays and environmental pollutants.
Topical CBD might offer a more targeted form of treatment that may address musculoskeletal and joint pain, as well as chronic skin conditions. According to the Arthritis Foundation, CBD shows the potential to effectively manage arthritic pain.
A 2020 study found that CBD has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help prevent the overproduction of sebum (an oily substance produced by the skin), which is a factor in acne.
In a small 2019 study , researchers from Italy asked 20 patients with chronic skin disorders to administer an ointment containing CBD twice a day for 3 months. At the end of the study period, all the participants showed significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity.
Scientific research into the effects and health benefits of CBD topicals is still at a relatively early stage. However, there is increasing evidence that it may have numerous medicinal properties. People should not use CBD as an alternative to other treatment options without discussing it with a healthcare professional first.
A person could contact a doctor before using any CBD products, particularly if they have known pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescribed medications.
Individuals may also consider speaking with a doctor or healthcare professional if they experience side effects from a CBD product. Though often well tolerated, side effects can include:
If side effects occur, a person should discontinue using the product immediately.
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about topical CBD products.
What is the most potent CBD salve?
Can CBD be absorbed through the skin?
Yes. CBD absorbs into the skin through receptors and penetrates through the epidermal and dermal levels.
Yes. CBD absorbs into the skin through receptors and penetrates through the epidermal and dermal levels.
How do I choose a CBD topical?
CBD topicals come in a variety of fragrances, ingredients, and doses.
People can look for additional ingredients they enjoy using, such as lavender oil. They should also look for ingredients to which they may have an allergy or sensitivity.
Individuals may also consider whether the product contains THC and how much CBD is in it.
A person should also choose a topical that is within their budget.
CBD topicals come in a variety of fragrances, ingredients, and doses.
People can look for additional ingredients they enjoy using, such as lavender oil. They should also look for ingredients to which they may have an allergy or sensitivity.
Individuals may also consider whether the product contains THC and how much CBD is in it.
A person should also choose a topical that is within their budget.
Does CBD really work topically?
Yes, there is evidence that topical CBD does really work and may have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Effects may vary depending on the dose a person uses. People may want to start with the lowest possible dose and increase it gradually until they reach their desired effect.
Yes, there is evidence that topical CBD does really work and may have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Effects may vary depending on the dose a person uses. People may want to start with the lowest possible dose and increase it gradually until they reach their desired effect.
Which form of CBD is most effective?
The most effective form of CBD may depend on what a person intends to use it for.
Topical CBD may be the best option for people with localized aches or pains, as they rub the CBD directly into the affected area.
Ingestible CBD, such as oils and gummies, may be most suitable for people looking for general wellness.
The most effective form of CBD may depend on what a person intends to use it for.
Topical CBD may be the best option for people with localized aches or pains, as they rub the CBD directly into the affected area.
Ingestible CBD, such as oils and gummies, may be most suitable for people looking for general wellness.
CBD topicals may help alleviate muscle soreness, joint inflammation, and chronic skin conditions.
CBD products can contain other cannabinoids and trace amounts of THC, depending on the extraction process.
High-quality CBD products undergo third-party laboratory testing that checks for CBD concentration, product quality, and contaminants.
