Our team at CBD School is dedicated to provide you, our readers, with the most accurate information so you can make well-informed decisions. We only feature brands we believe in and love. These become our brand partners and offer us a small commission when you make a purchase. Our reviews are real and dedicate to be purely informational and not for marketing purposes.
CBD topicals are becoming one of the most popular CBD products there is.
Why use CBD topicals instead of a regular CBD tincture? These CBD-infused lotions, creams, salves, or balms are known to provide localized relief directly where they are applied. In this article, we will explain to you everything you need to know to pick the right product for you.
Table of Contents
- Why Use CBD Topicals?
- CBD Topicals Quick Guide
- Product Selection Methodology
- cbdMD: Premium CBD Recover Cream
- Medterra: Rapid Cooling Cream
- Joy Organics: Premium CBD Salve
- Doc Patels: CBD Calm Cream
- Lazarus Naturals: CBD Massage Oil
- CBDfx: Muscle and Joint CBD Hemp Cream
- CBDistillery: Warming and Cooling Cream Mix Pack
- Green Roads: Skin Relief CBD Cream
- Charlotte's Web: Hemp Infused Cream with CBD
- Mission Farms: Rest CBD Cream
- References
Why Use CBD Topicals?
Not only are CBD topicals known to support skin health but they can also help with the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. They are also highly effective in supporting exercising by managing muscle and joint pain associated with your workout.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) approved CBD in 2018 and declared that the topical application of cannabis products show promise for skin diseases1. CBD works in harmony with the skin’s endocannabinoid system. It is a great alternative for most skin conditions ranging from acne and psoriasis to dermatitis and dry, itchy skin among many others.
CBD topicals are gaining their reputation for their ability to support pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, naturally. In 2016, researchers noted that the “topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without evident side-effects”2.
In 2011, a study published by the Journal of Pain Research found that the topical administration of cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, is effective for both acute and chronic pain3 . This certainly backs up the fact that the majority of those in the athletic and sports community adopt CBD topicals in their daily habits. These have the capacity to reduce inflammation, as well as the pain associated with swelling after a particularly intense workout.
Applying a soothing CBD topical cream, lotion, or salve onto sore muscles will provide localized relief as the ingredients act directly on the area of application.
CBD Topicals Quick Guide
Brand | Product | Attributes | Price | |
 | Premium Recover Cream |
| $$$ | 20% off discount CBDSCHOOL |
 | Rapid Cooling Cream |
| $$ | 15% off discount CBDSCHOOL |
 | Premium CBD Salve |
| $$$ | 35% off discount CBDSCHOOL |
 | CBD Calm Cream |
| $$$ | 25% off discount CBDSCHOOL25 |
 | CBD Massage Oil |
| $ | 10% off discount CBDSCHOOL |
 | Muscle and Joint CBD Hemp Cream |
| $ | 10% off discount FXSAVINGS |
 | Warming and Cooling Cream Mix Pack |
| $ | 15% off discount TAKE15 |
 | Skin Relief CBD Cream |
| $$ | |
 | Hemp Infused Cream with CBD |
| $ | 10% off discount CWEB10 |
 | Rest CBD Cream |
| $$$ | 15% off discount 15PERCENT |
Product Selection Methodology
While there are many CBD topicals and CBD creams, along with an overwhelming amount of CBD-based products available in the market, not all are equal in terms of quality and safety.
So when you’re choosing a CBD topical or CBD cream or any CBD product in general, it’s very important to keep the following requirements in mind. This is the methodology we use when recommending a product or brand.
Reputable CBD Brands
Always choose products produced by transparent CBD brands that have a guaranteed reputation in the industry and are dedicated to providing high-quality products. We make sure we include only these in our lists.
Natural/Non-GMO
The most reliable products are undoubtedly those that are made using all-natural, non-GMO hemp4 (produced without genetically engineered crops) grown in the US. Using natural ingredients limits the amount of processing required, which makes the extraction of the final product simpler. As a result, the product will be safe with minimal to no side-effects
Third-Party Lab Test Results
To ensure authenticity and reliability, always choose products that have undergone third-party lab tests and made the results available on their websites. These tests ensure that the cannabinoid levels in the product match those claimed on the product label. They guarantee that there are no heavy metals, molds, or pesticides present in the final product.
Active and Inactive Ingredients
Always look at all active (an ingredient that contains CBD) and inactive ingredients on the label to ensure you’re choosing the highest quality CBD product available. When possible, choose an all-natural product made without any artificial ingredients.
Potency
Look for products with different potencies to meet your specific needs. Certain brands offer a wider selection of potency when it comes to their products, while others offer only one or two potencies. When making our recommendations, we try to mention brands and products that offer multiple potencies.
Variety of Price
We try to include products of various prices to meet the needs of everyone’s budget. When looking at the price of a product, keep in mind that these will vary depending on the strength, serving size, volume, and any additional ingredients that may accentuate the health benefits.
Our exclusive lists try to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision that suits your specific desires and needs.
Extraction Method
Try choosing products that are made using clean and safe extraction methods5. There are three common extraction methods when it comes to CBD extraction:
Olive oil method of extraction
The olive oil method of extraction was the first method utilized for extracting CBD from hemp. It is a clean and cost-effective method that involves heating the raw plant material to a temperature that activates the plant. However, the main issue with this method is that the olive oil, activated with CBD, must then be strictly kept in a dark and cool place in order to keep it fresh6.
Solvent extraction
Solvent extraction uses a solvent like the butane, propane, ethanol, isopropyl, or alcohol to extract the CBD from hemp. It is the cheapest and quickest method but can also be dangerous.
CO2 method
Currently, the most common method of extracting CBD is the CO2 method, which is also the most expensive due to the cost of its necessary equipment. However, it provides a potent, safe, and chlorophyll-free product.
Keeping all this in mind, the following are CBD School’s picks for the top 10 CBD topicals available on the market.
Top 10 CBD Topicals
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$$
- We were first introduced to CBD Recover Cream a couple years ago and have found it superior to any other CBD topical we’ve tried for relieving chronic pain associated with previous injuries.
- Formulated specifically to relieve pain and assist with exercise recovery, and advertised for relief from backaches, sore muscles and joint pain.
Medterra: Rapid Cooling Cream
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$$
- When we feel we need a thicker topical for muscle and joint support, Joy Organics CBD Salve is second to none.
- Formulated to support healthy muscles and joints.
Doc Patels: CBD Calm Cream
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$$
- We love the light consistency of this CBD cream that glides on easily and leaves no thick or greasy residue on the skin whatsoever. Some CBD topicals can leave you feeling like you need to wash your hands after application to the skin. Not Doc Patels CBD Calm Cream. Just apply and go about your business.
- An easy-to-apply CBD cream designed to relieve pain while moisturizing the skin.
- Made with broad spectrum CBD and other natural ingredients that provide beneficial compounds known for supporting the skin.
- Available in a convenient, 2oz tub.
10% off discount with code CBDSCHOOL
Read Our Lazarus Naturals Brand Review Here
Lazarus Naturals: CBD Massage Oil
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
CBDfx: Muscle and Joint CBD Hemp Cream
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
- CBDFX is a company committed to providing quality products.
- Created to penetrate deep into sore muscles and joints to quickly provide relief to minor aches and pains.
CBDistillery: Warming and Cooling Cream Mix Pack
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
- Warming creams are excellent for warming up sore muscles and joints pre-workout and cooling creams are great for promoting post-workout recovery. This offers the best of both worlds.
- A mix pack of two different 300mg CBD creams. One offers a cooling sensation, while the other offers a warming sensation.
Green Roads: Skin Relief CBD Cream
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
Charlotte's Web: Hemp Infused Cream with CBD
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
- Absorbs smoothly into the skin without leaving any thick, greasy residue. Perfect for everyday use, it’s one we’ve returned to again and again.
- Formulated with a blend of full spectrum CBD and other natural ingredients to “revitalize, restore and rejuvenate” the skin.
Mission Farms: Rest CBD Cream
POTENCY
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$$
References
1Public, researchers demonstrate growing interest in cannabis treatment. (2018, February 16). Retrieved December 23, 2020, from https://www.aad.org/news/topical-cannabis
2Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European journal of pain (London, England), 20(6), 936–948. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.818
3Jorge, L. L., Feres, C. C., & Teles, V. E. (2010). Topical preparations for pain relief: efficacy and patient adherence. Journal of pain research, 4, 11–24. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S9492
4Hilderbrand R. L. (2018). Hemp & Cannabidiol: What is a Medicine?. Missouri medicine, 115(4), 306–309.
5Nuapia, Y., Tutu, H., Chimuka, L., & Cukrowska, E. (2020). Selective Extraction of Cannabinoid Compounds from Cannabis Seed Using Pressurized Hot Water Extraction. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(6), 1335. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061335