Guide & Top Brands: The Best CBD Lotions, Creams, and Salves

CBD creams can be used to treat dry and sore skin. If you are searching for CBD topicals but don’t know where or how to start, this guide will help. Continue reading to discover which brands are our top picks in CBD creams.

CBD Creams and Topical Products

CBD topical creams can target specific areas of the body, unlike gummies or oils .

CBD creams provide relief for pains and tension by delivering CBD directly to the affected area. CBD creams are often recommended by those suffering from chronic muscle aches, arthritis and fibromyalgia. They can provide immediate, targeted, natural relief. CBD creams can also be used after exercising to relieve soreness and inflammation. Many top-quality CBD salves and balms include natural ingredients such a shea butter and aloe. Essential oils can also be used to moisturize your skin.

Top 3 CBD Topicals: Best CBD Products of 2022

Each product included here was independently selected by the author. Learn more about ‘s review methodology here. We may receive commission if your purchase is made using the provided links.

  • Strongest CBD Cream – Spruce CBD Cream
  • Best for Sprains/Bruises – Plan People CBD Oil
  • Best Post-Workout Creme – CBDistillery CBD Alm

How We Chosen Our Favorite Creams And Salves

There is an abundance of CBD-related products and brands in the market. Brands and products may not be the same. We want to take away the frustration and confusion that comes with finding the right CBD products so you can find the right CBD cream for you.

We evaluated each CBD cream on these key categories.

  • Price — What is the cost of CBD creams?
  • Strong – How much CBD does the cream actually contain?
  • Source — Where did the CBD-rich hemp get its name?
  • Scent— Is the cream fragranced? Does it contain natural ingredients?
  • Transparency — Do you think the brand uses third-party lab testing for quality control?
  • Customer Experience Do customers have positive experiences overall?

CBD Topicals – What the Research Says

Topical CBD creams are effective because CBD can be absorbed into skin. This system is a highly intricate cell-signaling system that was first discovered in the 1990s by researchers who were exploring the cannabis compound tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.

Although researchers and doctors still don’t fully understand the ECS, scientists believe it might play a role regulating various functions in the body.

  • Mood regulation
  • Sleep
  • Appetite
  • Memory
  • Pain
  • Inflammation, immune responses
  • Metabolism
  • Stress

Two major endocannabinoid hormone receptors are found in your body. CB1 is located in your central nervous system and CB2 is in your peripheral nervous. All of these functions aid in maintaining the body in stability or homeostasis. These functions can be affected by injury, chronic illness, or pain. The ECS aids the body to regain normal functioning or balance.

The research has shown that CBD is an anti-inflammatory agent that may be beneficial to the skin. It can reduce oil, relieve pain and itching and moisturize. It is possible to use topical CBD cream to treat eczema or psoriasis.

How to Select CBD Creams, Salves, and Lotions For You

There are many choices available when it comes time to pick a CBD cream. It is vital to do your research so that you can make an informed choice. There are several things you need to know when comparing CBD lotions versus salves.

What to Look Out For

These factors can be used to guide you as you shop for CBD topical creams or lotions.

Strength

The concentration of CBD contained in every cream or lotion you use should be known. This is measured as a percentage of CBD per ounce, although some brands may indicate how much CBD they provide in each application.

Lab Tests

It is important to get independent lab test results before you try any CBD cream. These will ensure that you are not exposed to potentially harmful substances or toxins and that the product has the right amount of cannabinoids.

Added Ingredients

Many CBD creams and other topicals include shea butter or extra virgin olive oil, as well natural botanicals such peppermint, lemon, menthol and camphor. Before you apply, check that you’re not allergic to any listed ingredients.

Types of Products

Topicals are creams that moisturize and soothe the skin. Other topicals contain liniments, balms, salves and ointments that include CBD and other natural substances to produce pain relief.