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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%
Safety and side effects—35%
Value—20%
Customer experience—5%
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?
Is CBD cream safe?
How much CBD cream should you use?
When should you use CBD cream?
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.
Resources
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