CBD is the heavenly cream that alleviates chronic pain in millions of people each year.
When you apply CBD creams topically, cannabidiol and other wholesome compounds instantaneously ease irritated skin, inflammation, and pain.
CBD creams have never been more available than they are in 2024. While sharing common qualities, not all CBD creams are identical. And it’s not just the brand that makes them different.
Read on and see the best CBD balms, lotions, and salves money can buy in 2024.
Best CBD Creams in 2024
Each company that produces CBD creams tends to assert their product is the best quality to reduce pain. But, not all creams are as effective as they claim to be, and some are better than others.
Doing our review, our experts put their noses to the grindstone to test, evaluate, and analyze the creams listed below from every angle. This includes reading manuals, reaching out to manufacturers, and engaging in long discussions to determine the best CBD creams on today’s market.
After thorough analysis and debates, we’ve composed a list of what we believe are the top-quality CBD creams:
- Charlotte’s Web Topical Formulas
- Joy Organics CBD Creams
- Sabaidee Relief Rub
- CBD American Shaman CBD Topicals
- cbdMD Recover
- PureKana Topical CBD Cream
- CBDFx Muscle and Joint Cream
- Receptra Naturals CBD Topicals
- EirTree Skin Spray
- SolCBD Creams and Balms
- CBDistillery CBDefine Skin Cream
- Kats Botanicals CBD Cream
- Medterra Relief + Recovery Cream
- Elixinol CBD Cream
- Endoca CBD Cream
- Mana Artisan Botanics
- RE Botanicals Relief Body Oils
- Green Roads CBD Skin Creams
- Bloom Hemp Topicals
- CBDPure Muscle & Joint Formula
Below we will individually examine each product and its benefits and therapeutic properties.
Charlotte’s Web Topical Formulas
Concerning the details, Charlotte’s Web CBD Hemp-Infused Cream has 150mg of natural cannabinoids, while all their topical creams contain 300mg of CBD per ounce.
The price of their products can range, but they usually come at about $15 per container. Their products are free of artificial colors, dyes, and aromas and are 100% allergen-free.
Joy Organics CBD Creams
Based on our research and analyses, Joy Organics CBD creams are applied topically on affected areas and help alleviate pain and moisturize dried skins. Moreover, their creams can help with joint and muscle aches.
Their CBD Sports Cream has become particularly popular among some athletes and those who regularly exercise. If you suffer from sore muscles caused by contractions or a tiring workout, just rub the cream on the affected area, and the results will be quick to show.
These two Joy Organics CBD creams cost between $33 for a 250mg bottle and $40 for a 400mg bottle.
Sabaidee Relief Rub
It is a broad-spectrum cream, meaning it contains CBD and all other beneficial compounds of the cannabis plant, excluding THC, the component of the cannabis plant responsible for its psychotropic effect. The Sabaidee Relief Rub has a sweet-smelling menthol fragrance, and several labs have thoroughly tested it for quality and efficacy.
Depending on the cream, their products’ cost varies between $36 and $49, and each container includes 250mg of CBD.
The balm is massaged on sore areas. The avocado, camphor, sunflower, jojoba, blue tansy, and wintergreen leaf oils and compounds added to the formula will help with any pain or soreness.
CBD American Shaman CBD Topicals
Powered by the company’s proprietary nanotechnology and made with non-GMO hemp cultivated in the USA, CBD American Shaman products are ideal for treating specific body parts.
They have at least eight CBD products, including 500mg CBD per jar and a 250mg CBD per jar topical creams; a 15mg CBD per ounce CBD lotion; CBD face cream; 15ml and 5 ml Terpene Rich Topical Serums; a CBD Under Eye Serum, and a Topical Serum Roll-On.
The price range for their products is between $10 (CBD Body Lotion) to $109 for the 500mg Topical Cream.
cbdMD Recover
Their broad-spectrum CBD tinctures are made from the best-quality CBD oil extracted from hemp grown in the U.S. The hemp components infused in their tinctures, creams, and balms come from hemp grown under the highest standards in the United States. Their premium skincare products range from 250mg botanicals to 500mg body lotions and everything in between Body Butter, Dry Body Oil, CBD Dynamic Serum, CBD Facial Oil, moisturizers, and various other body care products.
From skin moisturizing to pain relief and overall skincare, the effects their CBD-rich products create are multifaceted.
The price tag on body care products ranges from as little as $9.99 for the refreshing Bath Bombs to up to $239.99 for their CBD Bundles.
PureKana Topical CBD Cream
PureKena’s Topical CBD Cream is a moisturizing and refreshing 600mg CBD per bottle ointment. They include in their cream the same high-quality hemp extract as in their CBD oils. The hemp is premium quality and is grown and cultivated in Kentucky.
It is an ordinary moisturizing skincare cream enhanced with CBD-rich hemp oil. The cream cools the skin while the CBD gets absorbed into the skin and starts acting. The cream is intended for topical use in targeted areas.
Though many CBD creams and balms completely exclude THC, PureKena’s ointment contains less than 0.3% THC of the compound. Some of the ingredients in the cream include Hemp Extract Oil, Arnica, Fruit, Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp), Seed Oil, Hemp Extract Oil, etc.
The cream costs $80 and has a 30-day refund policy.
CBDFx Muscle and Joint Cream
CBDFx has over half a dozen CBD products, but none better for sore areas than their Muscle and Joint Cream. This cream is made with broad-spectrum CBD, hemp-based cannabinoids, and plant-based compounds such as menthol, white willow bark, caffeine, and other elements/ All have been proven effective in relieving muscle and joint pain.
The cream is made according to the highest standards and has PETA’s ‘Cruelty-Free’ stamp. The cream comes in 500mg, 1000mg, or 3000mg bottles and comes from hemp that is grown 100% organically.
The 500mg is priced at $29.99, the 1,000mg at $49.99, and the $3,000 at $99.99.
Receptra Naturals CBD Topicals
Receptra Naturals’ CBD topicals include ointments, creams, salves, balms, tinctures, and lotions.
The Serious Relief Arnica Targeted Topical Stick contains 640mg per stick. It is priced at $54.99 but worth every penny. It is made from full-spectrum hemp and intended for targeted areas of the body affected by inflammation or soreness.
It’s for external use only and can be applied on muscles and joints, blemishes, wrinkles, bruises, wrinkles, and dry skin for quick results. It can also provide temporary relief from inflammation, thanks to its organic ingredients. Its soothing sensations stem from infused fragrances like jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, and camphor.
EirTree Skin Spray
Recommended by many health professionals and approved by scientists and chemists, EirTree’s Skin Spray is touted as the ‘world’s best CBD Spray.’ It is the only product on this list that is not necessarily rubbed on targeted skin areas.
According to EirTree, the spray has been triple-tested and is cGMP-certified, and has a 99.9% bioavailability, meaning nearly 100% of the spray enters and is used by your system.
The spray has zero THC, and clinical tests have proven absolutely no side effects to using the spray. EirTree’s HYPO CBD Spray is packed in a 12mL bottle, with each bottle containing 900mg of THC-free CBD.
The HYPO CBD Skin Spray is priced at $90.
SolCBD Creams and Balms
SolCBD sells a CBD Infused Herbal Balm containing 12 herbal extracts and 250mg of organic hemp CBD for fast muscle and joint relief. The balm also has a soothing effect on your skin and a potent effect against soreness.
The 250mg CBD balm is priced at $41.00, with subscribers getting a 10% discount for a single pack. A two-container package comes at $79.00, while a three-pack is priced at $114.00.
CBDistillery CBDefine Skin Cream
CBDistillery has a colorful assortment of CBD-infused topical salves, relief sticks, warming, and skincare creams, priced between $22.00 to up to $110.00 for an all-encompassing kit. The CBDefine Skin Cream, one of their most sought-after products, contains 500mg of CBD per container.
The potency of the CBD-rich cream gives instant, short-term relief to swollen or otherwise irritated skin. It’s applied externally on any affected part of the body.
Besides CBD, the cream contains Coconut Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Almond Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Apricot Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Lavender, Rosemary, Frankincense, and other Essential Oils, Full-Spectrum Hemp Cannabinoid Extract, etc.
Kats Botanicals CBD Cream
Kats Botanicals has a range of full-spectrum CBD topicals, including the popular CBD Salve, the CHILL Relief CBD Roll-on, and the RENEW CBD Lotion. The CHILL Relief CBD Roll-on comes in 300mg or 1,000mg CBD containers priced between $29.99 and $69.99.
The full-spectrum Renew CBD Lotion packs a potent nutritional skincare effect thanks to the premium CBD and addition of a 0.3% THC. It comes in an amber-scented 150mg CBD bottle priced at $24.99.
Lastly, the CBD Salve is sold in 500mg and 1000mg CBD containers with price tags of $44.99 and $59.99, respectively.
Medterra Relief + Recovery Cream
This California-based company has gained a reputation for its top-quality creams and roll-ons. Medterra’s Relief + Recovery Cream provides rapid muscle and joint relief thanks to powerful ingredients. Such are top-quality CBD, arnica, and menthol.
Additional ingredients include sunflower Aloe Vera, seed oil, leaf juice, ginger, safflower seed oil, and lemon peel. The hemp-based ingredients are grown and extracted in the U.S. The Relief and Recovery Cream is THC-free and comes in strengths of 250mg, 500mg, and 750mg.
The product is thoroughly tested and approved by the Kentucky Department of Agricultural Industrial Hemp Pilot Program and is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority.
Elixinol CBD Cream
Elixinol has several creams, balms, and gels, with the CBD Hemp Balm and Sports Gel being its flagship products. The Sports Gel contains 1000mg CBD per bottle. Along with broad-spectrum CBD, it includes ingredients like capsaicin, arnica, and camphor.
It produces a warming and moisturizing sensation to any affected external area. The full-spectrum Hemp Balm is offered in strengths of 50mg, 250mg, and 500mg bottles.
Elixinol’s Sports Gel and Hemp Balm cost $59.99 and $9.99, respectively.
Endoca CBD Cream
Endoca has a long list of top-quality CBD products, including CBD Cream, CBD Face and Body Oil, CBD Hemp Balm, and a CBD Salve. Their vitamin-E-infused CBD Cream can be applied on any part of the body and is highly effective in replenishing cracked and dry skin. The CBD Salve is recommended for targeted areas where the skin is dry or irritated.
Endoca’s balm can likewise be applied on any part of the body, including the face, to reap its soothing, moisturizing, and nourishing benefits. Each Endoca product is made with 100% natural ingredients and high-quality hemp extracts.
Depending on the product, the CBD density per container ranges from 20mg in the balm to between 450 mg and 1500mg in the Hemp Whipped Body Butter.
The price range of their topicals is between €7.34 for the balm to €25.69 for the Whipped Body Butter.
Mana Artisan Botanics
The Mana Artisan Botanics company boasts a series of high-quality balms, creams, oils, and other skincare CBD products. All their products are organically grown, thoroughly tested, and certified. Their two main products are the Hawaiian Hemp Massage Oil and the Hawaiian Hemp Balm. The latter, in particular, has been a customer favorite thanks to its rich blend of hemp extract, organic essential oils, organic coconut oil, and organic Hawaiian beeswax.
The application of the cream is multi-layered. It can be used to treat swollen or sore joints, sunburns, irritated or dry skin, muscle aches, and scratches.
A single container has 300mg of CBD and is priced at $35.00.
RE Botanicals Relief Body Oils
RE Botanicals offers various CBD-infused creams, ointments, muscle rubs, body oils, and other products bearing the USDA Organic stamp.
They have at least six relief body oil products, including Relief Body Oil – Lavender, Relief Body Oil – Peppermint, Extra Strength Relief Body Oil – Lavender, Relief Body Oil – Ginger Lime, Extra Strength Relief Body Oil – Mandarin Turmeric, Menthol Muscle Rub With CBD.
The oils contain between 200mg and 500mg of top-quality hemp-extracted CBD each and are priced between $9.99 and $34.99. The extracts in their oils, coupled with the organic hemp CBD oil and MCT oil, provide a set of benefits.
Such are treating inflamed or dry skin, improving sleep and mood, and helping with anxiety and depression.
Green Roads CBD Skin Creams
Green Roads stands as one of the leading CBD companies in the U.S.
Their award-winning, lab- and pharmacist- tested and formulated products include CBD edibles, beverages, oils, and of course, topical creams and lotions. Their Muscle & Joint Cream comes in 50mg to 750mg broad-spectrum CBD tubes.
These are rich in premium quality CBD and U.S.-grown hemp extracts, as well as nourishing compounds. Such include Methyl Salicylate, menthol, avocado oil, vitamin E, rosemary oil, and eucalyptus oil.
The cream should be rubbed on affected areas three to four times a day. It provides short-term relief for muscle and joint pains, back pain, arthritis, bruises, and strains.
Bloom Hemp Topicals
Bloom Hemp likewise stocks multiple hemp-based creams and lotions, including Essential Evening Roll-On, Zero THC Relief Balm, Morning Roll-On, Full Spectrum Restorative Lotion, and Zero THC Restorative Lotion.
Their Zero THC Relief Balm is the product you need when you need immediate relief from inflammation. Their formula contains full-spectrum CBD hemp extracts from hemp grown in the U.S.
The Zero THC Relief Balm is 100% THC free. It’s a combination of Jojoba oil, emu oil, evening and primrose, as well as sesame and argan oils. All these will rejuvenate your skin and provide immediate anti-inflammatory benefits.
Bloom Hemp’s Zero THC Relief Balm comes in two containers of 100mg and 500mg of CBD per bottle. The former is priced at $24.99 and the latter at $39.99, with subscribers receiving a 15% discount.
CBDPure Muscle & Joint Formula
The CBD-infused Muscle & Joint Formula is a fast-acting balm from CBDPure for targeted areas of the body. Clinically tested and guaranteeing fast results, CBDPure’s topical formula is especially effective in treating sore muscles and joint pain.
The ingredients contained in this 250mg full-spectrum CBD tube are abundant.
These include Willow bark, menthol, essential oils, and other beneficial cannabinoids. The formula is also rich in phytonutrients, responsible for the immediate therapeutic effect in alleviating muscle and joint pains.
The cream is applied topically to sore muscles and joints and shows results within minutes. CBDPure’s product is priced at around $40 per tube.
How We Ranked CBD Creams and Balms
Each CBD cream, balm, lotion, or salve serves some purpose. Whether to relax muscles, moisturize dry skin, relieve pain, these CBD topicals are intended to provide nourishment and ease from multiple discomforts.
We’ve personally tried each product on our list and ranked the CBD creams based on the following criteria.
Amount of CBD
The dosage of CBD per cream is different. Some come in packages with as little as 20 mg of CBD per container, while others are 1000mg or more. The higher the dosage, usually, the more potent the effect.
Efficacy
CBD balms are no ordinary creams. They are highly therapeutic, and that’s one of the key reasons why people buy them. We made sure we included beneficial products for a range of discomforts in our list, including dry skin, sore skin, inflammation, swelling, back and neck pain, arthritis, etc.
Lab Certificates
You’d be surprised to learn just how many CBD products (nearly a third) fail to display the contents of their product. Conducting our analysis, we ensured each product comes from a reputable company with the proper certificates of analysis (CoAs). Each lotion, balm, oil, tincture, or other product we’ve listed are fully transparent. It also lists all the ingredients (CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids) it contains, alongside the compound level in each container.
Price
Health is invaluable. But people still mind the price when buying certain bespoke products. Our listing contains CBD products of every range, from more affordable lotions and balms costing as little as $10 or $20 to more premium items with price tags of $80, $90, and upwards.
Fragrance
Each CBD has its distinct smell. Some, however, are odorless; others smell somewhat unpleasant. Then there are those balms whose scents are nearly as calming as the effect they produce. We ensured we recommended products infused with sweet-scented compounds such as lavender, menthol, and other organic elements with enchanting fragrances.
Hemp and CBD sources
The source of hemp the CBD is extracted from is crucial to the overall quality of the CBD product. For that reason, we paid close attention that the products on our list are made from first-rate, organic hemp grown naturally in the U.S.
Ease of Use
It’s essential that CBD products can be easily applied and absorbed by the skin. That depends very much on how the product is used. We’ve selected products that are not greasy and immediately get soaked within your skin. Each of the abovementioned CBD creams is easy to apply by rubbing, spreading with a stick or by hand, or spraying. None of the products require any special instruction or materials to be used.
CBD Pain Cream Potency and Dosage
The CBD topicals on our list include CBD amounts of anywhere from 20mg to up to 1500mg. Some balms that are not included on our list can have up to 3,000mg CBD per jar.
Studies have indicated that people who apply high-potency CBD creams are not susceptible to any severe side effects. However, high-potency CBD topicals are only recommended for those suffering from acute pain, arthritis, inflammation, or extreme conditions.
Depending on the condition, even low-potency topicals containing as little as 100mg of CBD can show results. Some with more severe pain problems have said they need higher doses to reduce the pain. The higher the dosage, the more CBD your body takes, the greater the effect.
Research has shown that CBD affects your endocannabinoid system and connects with your C1 receptors in the brain and the body and C2 receptors in the immune and gastrointestinal systems.
If you’re uncertain, you can buy two creams – one with high, the other with low CBD levels – and apply small amounts of each to see which works better.
Benefits of CBD Pain Creams: What Do Studies Show?
Multiple scientific studies have confirmed the therapeutic benefits of CBD creams. This is thanks to compounds such as CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids and additional ingredients added to the mix. These include menthol, coconut oil, essential oils, jojoba, willow oil, etc.
One study published in 2018 cited a “growing body of evidence” that points to the beneficial effect of CBD and other cannabinoids in alleviating pain, epilepsy, inflammation, anorexia, schizophrenia, and sleep disorder, among other conditions.
A separate study from 2018 indicated CBD could also help treat arthritis. CBD oil was tested on dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, and researchers concluded the dogs showed significant signs of improvement after taking dosages of the oil.
Separately, a study published in Northwestern Medicine confirmed some of the benefits of CBD oil in helping alleviate pain and provide comfort for inflammation and arthritis. The study also found that one of the most significant benefits of CBD oil is helping people who experience seizures.
According to Northwestern Medicine, one oral CBD solution was given to people suffering from two types of epilepsy — Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome — and it helped reduce seizures in both.
Concerning topical CBD products, a study published in 2016 in the European Journal of Pain discussed the application of topical CBD on rats. The analysis concluded that CBD when used externally on targeted areas, helps reduce swelling and inflammation, increase mobility, and reduce arthritis pain.
Apart from CBD, many balms, lotions, and creams contain other compounds known for their beneficial qualities, such as menthol and eucalyptus. As per one study from 2014, menthol, when applied topically, acts as a natural analgesic and helps provide short-term pain relief.
This was confirmed with an experiment, where researchers tested two creams – one infused with menthol and one placebo – on two groups of slaughterhouse workers. They found that the group that took the menthol cream experienced a significant reduction in pain. An earlier study from 2012 showed similar results of the soothing effect of topical menthol in alleviating discomfort.
Still, scientists are yet to determine with certainty the broad spectrum of benefits and possible side effects of topical CBD. One paper, published in 2020, stated that there is still limited research on the benefits of topical cannabinoids such as CBD.
However, the consensus is that topical CBD, based on up-to-date research, can help with a range of skin disorders. Such are eczema, psoriasis, and pruritus.
Many scientists also agree on the benefits of CBD creams and other topicals in providing quick relief for chronic pain, inflammation, and conditions like arthritis.
Who Should Use CBD Creams?
CBD creams are recommended for all people who want to experience the benefits of this cannabinoid.
CBD topicals are particularly useful for those who have a skin disease or a temporary skin reaction. The high-quality organic compounds blended in the CBD formula only add to its efficacy in alleviating affected areas.
Aside from outer skin rashes, CBD generates core relief for some conditions like arthritis and reduces inflammation, joint, and back pain.
But CBD topicals are not intended only for people with chronic pains or those suffering from skin conditions. They are also widely used by ordinary individuals who take it for their anti-aging qualities or daily skin moisturizing.
CBD Pain Creams Possible Side Effects
Users of CBD topicals have not reported experiencing any side effects from using CBD topicals. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any. However, the known side-effects of CBD creams do not go beyond moderate irritation, redness, and, sometimes, mild allergic reaction.
There is no solid evidence that CBD causes allergic reactions. Some people, however, might experience a reaction as a result of other compounds included in their cream. Such can be an essential or fruit oil extract.
Just to be sure, you can start by taking small doses of CBD, though some studies have indicated that there are rarely significant side effects. That also goes for people who take large amounts of CBD (up to 1,500mg).
CBD Pain Creams FAQ
Q: What are CBD creams?
A: CBD creams are balms, lotions, sprays, salves, and other topicals that contain a specific dosage of the cannabinoid CBD, as well as other organic ingredients.
Q: What do CBD creams do?
A: The CBD in creams and balms interacts with the endocannabinoid system and triggers C1 and C2 receptors in your brain, thus helping reduce pain.
Q: What is the best CBD pain cream?
A: CBD topicals from Joy Organics and Charlotte’s web are reputed for their quality and potency, though any cream on our list contains high-quality, plant-based hemp grown in the U.S.
Q: What do CBD creams contain?
A: Along with a specified CBD dosage, CBD creams can contain a range of other compounds. Such include fruit and essential oils, menthol, and extracts from jasmine, ylang-ylang, and camphor.
Q: Do CBD creams create a high?
A: No. CBD creams won’t get you high, although some may contain minimal amounts of THC.
Q: Can I fail a drug test if I use CBD topicals?
A: No. Though some CBD products have traces of THC, it is improbable to test positive on a drug test.
Q: Are CBD creams legal?
A: Yes. CBD creams have been legalized in all 50 states in the U.S.
Q: How much THC do CBD creams contain?
A: To be approved, a CBD product must contain no more than 0.3% THC.
Q: What’s a full- and what a broad-spectrum CBD cream?
A: A full-spectrum CBD cream or ointment contains all beneficial ingredients and natural compounds within the plant. This also includes a miniature dose of THC. On the other hand, broad-spectrum creams have the same essential elements but without the THC content.
Q: Are CBD pain creams safe?
A: Scientists continue to conduct studies to understand better the far-reaching benefits and likely side-effects of CBD creams. So far, research has shown that even high-dosage CBD products containing up to 1,500mg of CBD extremely rarely cause allergic reactions or leave any severe side effects other than mild skin irritation or redness. As such, they are considered generally safe.
Best CBD Creams in 2024 Conclusion
Scientists have for years been putting CBD creams and their effects under the microscope. Of course, more studies are undoubtedly in order. Even so, the scientific community generally agrees on the therapeutic and calming effect of CBD creams in treating a wide range of conditions. Such include mild cases of eczema and similar skin disorders, inflammation, irritation, arthritis, and joint pain. Try one of the best CBD creams in 2024 on our list above.
