CBD skin cream may help with pain, inflammation, and other skin conditions. Here, we pick the best CBD lotions, balms, and salves for arthritis, acne, pain, and more.
Here, we compare the CBD creams in this article on ingredients, strength, and more.
| Best for | CBD strength | Other ingredients | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornbread Hemp | dry and itchy skin | 25 mg per serving | • essential oils • moisturizing agents | $49.99 |
| CBDfx | arthritis pain | 700 to 3,000 mg per stick | • camphor and menthol • moisturizing agents | $59.99 |
| CBDistillery | exercise pain | 1,000 mg per stick | • menthol • arnica • moisturizing agents | $60 |
| Joy Organics | acne | 1,000 mg per tube | • olive oil • aloe vera | $39.96 |
We selected these creams based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Research indicates that CBD skin creams may have benefits for some conditions, including the following:
- Acne, psoriasis, and eczema: The American Academy of Dermatology states that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
- Arthritis: A
2022 survey and study found that CBD improved pain, physical function, inflammation, and sleep quality in participants with 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. - 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.
Read more about our top picks for CBD for arthritis and CBD for neuropathy.
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.
People should be consistent when using CBD creams. Research shows that CBD creams work better if they are applied as part of a 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 to their affected skin twice daily for 3 months. This not only improved the participants’ quality of life but 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.
The American Academy of Dermatology states that contact dermatitis may be a side effect of skin creams 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.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products may be more effective than CBD isolate. The former options contain all other parts of the cannabis plant, which may mean people see more benefits.
Yes, it is okay to use CBD cream every day. In fact, people may find using CBD cream daily is more effective than using it sporadically.
To choose the best CBD cream, people should consider the type of CBD that would be appropriate for their goals, the other ingredients in the cream that may help relieve pain, and only consider CBD creams that have gone through third-party testing.
There is little research to show that one type of CBD is better than the others. The strongest type of CBD is full-spectrum CBD because it contains all of the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including some THC.
CBD cream may help reduce joint pain, as a 2022 survey and study found. Study participants with arthritis found that CBD reduced their pain and inflammation, and improved their physical function and sleep quality. However, research is still in its infancy.
CBD skin cream may be helpful for people with various health conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, and inflammation.
Many products also contain other ingredients that can benefit specific skin conditions. It is important to read the ingredient list to ensure the product is suitable.
A person new to CBD products should start by using only a small amount and, if necessary, gradually increase the amount over time.