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Our editor tested a wide range of CBD creams for pain relief, looking at potency, ingredients, and brand integrity. Find out why CBDfx, Aspen Green, Cornbread Hemp, and more made our list.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
If you’re looking for a cannabidiol (CBD) product to soothe your aches and pains, you have a ton of choices. With gummy, pill, and oil options available, CBD products abound, and they have the potential to help alleviate discomfort. But for muscle or joint pain, topical CBD — such as a CBD cream — may be particularly useful.
But it can be a bit tough to sift through the many CBD products on the market. How can you tell which CBD creams are the real deal?
Read on for my experience testing all the creams hands-on; I provide honest feedback on what worked for me — and what didn’t!
All the products listed below meet our rigorous criteria for quality. Each CBD cream in this article:
has been hands-on tested and reviewed by an editor, who received the products for free; all opinions are our own
is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
is made by a company that discloses the source of its hemp
contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
We also considered:
the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
product potency
overall ingredients
indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
You might also notice that some of our picks include extra ingredients that may help with pain relief, including arnica, camphor, and menthol.
I was diagnosed with sciatica in January 2022 and went to physical therapy until I was deemed OK to return to the gym. After I was feeling better, I switched my workout style from lifting (think heavy kettlebells, pushing a sled, and more) to swimming laps (my one true fitness love), yoga, and walking.
I still have sciatica flare-ups from time to time, and pain relief CBD creams have been life-saving when my physical therapy exercises aren’t quite doing the trick. CBD cream is nice to have when my pain is unpredictable. All the creams that I tried are easy to transport and pack in a backpack, gym bag, or suitcase.
Just knowing that I have my trusty CBD cream in my bag helps me push myself on hikes, bike rides, and long walks.
Research into CBD’s pain-relieving abilities is still in the early stages. However, so far, there’s some evidence that topical CBD products, like creams, may help with a variety of pain sensations, including:
Arthritis-related pain: A 2016 animal study in rats found that topical CBD may help with arthritis-related pain and swelling. More recently, an anonymous, questionnaire-based 2022 study suggests that CBD use is linked with a perceived decrease in arthritis symptoms. Additionally, a 2023 study in mice suggests that cannabinoids like CBD and cannabichromene may help reduce inflammation, a common arthritis symptom.
Nerve pain: A small 2020 study looked at the effects of topical CBD oil on pain. Many people in the study, all with nerve damage, reported having reduced pain levels. They described feeling a dip in sharp, intense, and cold and itchy pain sensations.
Jaw pain: A small 2019 study looked into how topical CBD may provide relief from a specific kind of facial pain that mainly affects the jaw. The study found that people who applied topical CBD about two times a day experienced a lot less pain after 2 weeks.
Another 2020 study found that some people in palliative care use THC or CBD regularly and that topical products, in particular, help reduce pain.
If you’re interested in trying an alternative treatment for your pain, you might want to give CBD a shot. However, keep in mind that CBD isn’t a replacement for doctor-prescribed treatments. It can also interact with some medications, including those with a grapefruit warning. If you take any of these medications, CBD may not be a good fit for you.
If your doctor or healthcare professional gives you the OK, though, and you’re looking to target specific pain areas — like arthritis in your fingers, for example — a topical may provide some relief.
CBD might help you get some pain relief, but there are a lot of products out there to sift through. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a CBD topical.
Third-party testing
The FDA doesn’t guarantee the safety, quality, or efficacy of any CBD product — at least for now. It can still take action against companies committing fraud or peddling false health claims, but it’s important for you to carefully read labels before buying.
Look for a product with a COA that’s up to date and comes from a reputable third-party lab. Check that what’s listed on the COA matches up with the company’s product description and that the lab has performed contaminant testing.
We recommend looking for results for heavy metals, molds, and pesticides. If the company uses a solvent-based extraction method, it’s also a good idea to check for residual solvent testing results.
CBD type
Isolates are typically a good option if you’re looking to avoid THC and other cannabinoids, but broad- and full-spectrum may offer more benefits than isolates.
Keep in mind that while any CBD product can have trace levels of THC, full-spectrum CBD will intentionally contain a low level of THC — up to 0.3% in federally legal products.
Ingredients
Choose CBD creams made from all-natural, U.S.-grown hemp. Since you’ll be applying the cream to your skin, check the ingredient label for any known irritants or allergens.
If you’re looking for a CBD topical specifically for pain relief, you may also want to look for products with additional pain-relieving ingredients. Warming and cooling creams, which often contain menthol or arnica, provide an added pain relief component for aches and pain.
Potency
Most topical CBD products contain around 3–8 mg of CBD per recommended application. If you have chronic pain, you may want to opt for a higher potency product. But if you’re new to CBD, it’s best to start with a lower potency product.
For more information on how to approach CBD dosage-wise, check out our CBD dosage guide.
It’s always best to read the instructions on the package before using any CBD cream. However, in general, CBD creams are meant to be applied topically and massaged into the skin wherever you’re experiencing pain. Have arthritis in your hands? Rub the cream onto your hands, focusing on the painful joints.
If a product contains ingredients specific for pain relief, like menthol or arnica, you might feel cooling or warming sensations. Start with a small application in case those sensations bother you.
Patch test the product by applying a little to the inside of your wrist and waiting to see if you experience any irritation. Even the most natural products can irritate sensitive skin.
Keep CBD cream away from mucous membranes and broken skin.
A 2017 research review showed that CBD is generally safe to use.
Most topicals are for external use only, so you shouldn’t ingest them unless the packaging says it’s safe to do so.
If you have any sores or open wounds, wait to apply CBD cream. Many products shouldn’t be used on broken skin.
While small amounts of low dose CBD products shouldn’t make you feel “high,” some people occasionally experience side effects like:
sleepiness
diarrhea
changes in weight or appetite
However, topicals are unlikely to absorb into your bloodstream and cause full-body effects.
Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional before using CBD since it can interact with certain medications.
Research is still ongoing, but some smaller studies and animal research suggest that CBD may reduce inflammation and help provide pain relief. Studies have specifically looked at CBD for arthritis, nerve, and jaw pain.
Some possible side effects of CBD are:
sleepiness
diarrhea
appetite changes
weight changes
Whenever you’re using a product that’s new to you, it’s important to check ingredients carefully to avoid any known allergens.
Never apply CBD to broken skin, and remember to perform a patch test before using it for the first time. This can determine if any ingredients in the topical will irritate your skin.
It depends on the person but generally between 15–30 minutes.
Yes. CBD oils meant to be taken orally can also be rubbed into the skin. Just make sure to read the ingredient list for any irritants before you apply oils directly to the skin.
Keep in mind that you can apply some CBD oils to the skin, but don’t ingest products meant specifically for the skin.
The jury is still out on whether CBD topicals offer up definitive pain relief, but many people report having success with creams, lotions, and salves for all kinds of ailments.
For the best results possible, pick a potent, full-spectrum CBD cream from a reputable company that sources quality, organic ingredients.
Remember that the most reputable CBD brands are transparent about their products — including clear descriptions on their website about where products are grown and how they’re processed. Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional before trying CBD.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
