Benefits, Uses, and Best Options

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.

Manufacturers often add CBD to oils, such as hemp seed oil, which they then use as an ingredient in skin creams and lotions. Research suggests CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate the symptoms of some skin conditions.

Additionally, CBD skin cream may help with painful joints. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states further research will help determine whether CBD products are equally effective as other pain medications, such as ibuprofen, in providing pain relief.

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.

Acne, psoriasis, and eczema

The American Academy of Dermatology states that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may help in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Arthritis

A 2022 survey and study found that CBD improved pain, physical function, inflammation, and sleep quality in participants who had arthritis.

Learn more about CBD skin cream and arthritis.

Peripheral neuropathy

A small 2020 study found that CBD oil can significantly reduce pain for people with peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage that causes discomfort, numbness, and weakening in the feet and hands.

Learn more about CBD and nerve damage and pain.

Jaw pain

A small 2019 trial found that people who experience temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may notice an improvement in their condition after using CBD products. TMD can cause pain and stiffening in and around a person’s jaw.

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 2022 review notes that a small study found applying a cream containing cannabis seed extract twice daily for 12 weeks reduced oil production and redness.

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:

• Budget: Prices vary within brand, strength, and method of application. A person should consider the price range and how often they may need to purchase the product. Products may not necessarily be better quality or have added benefits because they are more expensive, so research is essential.
• Personal goal: People may wish to use a stick or roll-on if they are looking for relief in a targeted area. Alternatively, they may wish to use a lotion or cream if targeting larger areas of the body.
• Type of CBD: People who wish to avoid THC should choose a broad-spectrum or CBD isolate product.
• Certification of analysis (COAs): Certificates from third-party labs show that the product contains the ingredients the company advertises and ensures it is free from toxic or harmful compounds.
• Amount of CBD: People should ensure the product lists the amount of CBD in each dose to avoid purchasing products that may be too strong or weak for their needs. People can start with a lower dose cream and change to a higher dose if necessary.
• Environmental considerations: A person may wish to consider whether other ingredients in a skin cream are organic and where or how the cannabis plant grows. Some CBD extraction processes use harsh chemicals that may harm the environment and leave traces in the end product.

According to a 2019 review, some of the most common side effects of CBD products include:

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.

Best for dry, itchy, and sore skin: Calm by Wellness Hemp CBD Lavender Lotion

• Price: $35.99
• Type of CBD: broad-spectrum
• Potency per container: 200 milligrams (mg)

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.

Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.

Best for moisturizing: CBDfx Balm Stick

• Price: from $59.99
• Type of CBD: broad-spectrum
• Potency per container: 750 mg and 3,000 mg

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.

Best for recovery: CBDistillery Relief Stick

• Price: $35
• Type of CBD: full-spectrum
• Potency per container: 500 mg

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.

Best for cooling: Aspen Green Relief Full Spectrum Cooling Cream

• Price: $84.99
• Type of CD: full-spectrum
• Potency per container: 1,000 mg

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.

Best fragrance-free: Lazarus Naturals Fragrance Free CBD Balm

• Price: $42
• Type of CBD: full-spectrum
• Potency per container: 3,000 mg

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.

Best roll-on formula: cbdMD Premium Freeze

• Price: from $39.99
• Type of CBD: broad-spectrum
• Potency per container: 750 mg, 1,500 mg, and 3,000 mg

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.

Best for dual effect: FABCBD CBD Body Salve

• Price: from $79
• Type of CBD: full-spectrum
• Potency per container: 1,000 mg and 3,000 mg

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.

Best for a variety of strengths: Level Select Sports CBD Cream

• Price: from $29.99
• Type of CBD: broad-spectrum
• Potency per container: 900 mg, 1,200 mg, and 1,800 mg

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:

Arnica

According to a 2021 review, clinical trials show that arnica extract as a gel or cream has promising effects for acute and chronic pain relief, reducing inflammation, and as an antioxidant.

The review notes that arnica has been successful in treating postoperative pain from:

• varicose vein surgery
• arthroscopy
• artificial knee joint implantation
• cruciate ligament reconstruction

Additionally, arnica has been successful in reducing osteoarthritis pain.

The 2021 review notes earlier studies involving people with hand osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis. Using arnica gel for 3–6 weeks moderately reduced participants’ pain in both studies.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is important for skin development and maintenance. A 2018 study looked at the effects of vitamin B complex and vitamin C on human skin cells. Researchers concluded that B vitamins have a positive impact on wound closures.

Ostrich oil

Ostrich oil originates from traditional medicine to treat inflammation in eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, contact dermatitis, burns, bedsores, and muscular pain.

A 2021 study that looked at the effect of ostrich oil on injured rats reported it had a superior effect on pain management and inflammation than over-the-counter medications, such as diclofenac gel and ibuprofen suspension.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can help manage inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid disorders and osteoarthritis.

Ibuprofen can also effectively treat mild to moderate pain from:

• muscle sprains or strain
• surgery
• fever
• joint aches
• migraine
• sore throat
• colds
• flu

People can purchase it over the counter.

Honey

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 2021 review, studies show it is effective for a broad range of wound healing, such as burns, scratches, leg ulcers, and varicose ulcers.

Additionally, medical-grade honey can reduce inflammation and stimulate fibroblast and collagen deposition. This, in turn, helps skin regeneration.

Chamomile

Chamomile may have some therapeutic effects, such as reducing inflammation and soothing some mild skin conditions.

People often use chamomile in traditional medicine practices, although more research is needed to confirm its safety as a treatment.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera can improve wound healing, according to a 2019 review of experimental studies. Review authors note that it could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days. It may also retain moisture in the skin and help prevent redness, itching, and infections.

Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about CBD cream.

What does CBD cream do to muscles?

CBD creams may temporarily relieve muscle pain and soreness by interacting with pain receptors.

Does CBD cream really work for joint pain?

A 2022 study that looked at CBD as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain found that CBD improved joint pain in 83% of the participants. Additionally, it improved physical function by 66% and sleep quality by 66%.

Is CBD good for arthritis?

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.