Applying CBD cream for pain has become very popular with those needing relief from soreness, inflammation, aches, stiffness, and other physical ailments.
Providing more targeted relief compared to CBD tinctures, edibles, or vapes, these CBD creams and topicals ensure you get the benefits of CBD exactly where you need it.
But getting the benefits of CBD from a high-quality product isn’t always as straightforward as you might think. Given its new-found popularity, there are an enormous number of CBD topicals on the shelves these days, making it hard to find the best CBD creams for any need — let alone choosing a CBD cream for pain.
To make sure you get the maximum benefits and save yourself from wasting money on ineffective products, check out our top picks for the best CBD pain cream. Chosen thanks to their quality, manufacturing, and ingredients, these products will surely provide you with the topical pain management solutions you need to live a happier, healthier life.
Top 5 Summary
1. CBDfx – Best CBD Cream for Pain
2. Green Roads – Best for Backaches
3. CBDistillery – Best for Post-Workout Recovery
4. Aspen Green – Best for Sensitive Skin
5. Batch – Best for Nighttime Use
Detailed Reviews of the Best CBD Creams for Pain
1. CBDfx – Best CBD Cream for Pain
Pros:
- Cooling menthol sensation
- Multi-cannabinoid formula
- All-natural botanical ingredients
- Greaseless application
Cons:
CBDfx Company Highlights
A brand recognized worldwide for its premium CBD products meant to support anxiety, sleep, pain, and other wellness issues, CBDfx brings a lot to the table. Their wide range of products are made using organic hemp grown in the USA and extracted using CO2, so you can be confident that all the benefits of CBD will be delivered without any unsafe additives.
When it comes to pain, CBDfx ensures the quality of its products via independent lab testing and medical reviews. These methods ensure that the CBD creams are free of pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins — while also being effective against inflammation and discomfort.
CBDfx Cooling Muscle & Joint Cream
When muscles and joints need to be soothed, CBDfx Cooling Muscle & Joint Cream delivers with a unique blend of cannabidiol (CBD) and botanical extracts. The broad-spectrum CBD oil used in the cream contains CBD, CBDv, and CBG. These major and minor cannabinoids working together provide a powerful healing sensation that helps ease discomfort quickly.
Providing fast-acting relief, the cream is absorbed immediately into the skin, leaving only cooling, calming menthol behind. Thanks to its all-natural formula, the CBD cream is free of parabens and formaldehydes — making it safe for you and your skin.
To ensure maximum potency no matter the reason for use, CBDfx includes a range of botanical ingredients such as white willow bark and caffeine in the formula. The white willow bark helps reduce inflammation, while caffeine helps invigorate tired muscles while also relieving muscle pain.
This cooling broad spectrum CBD cream is available in 1000mg and 3000mg concentrations of CBD. The lower-strength formulas are best to relieve pain that’s minor, while the higher-strength options are useful for more severe ailments. All bottles come with a pump dispenser to make application simple and accurate.
Why We Picked CBDfx Cooling Cream
This fast-acting, greaseless CBD topical provides the benefits of multiple cannabinoids, menthol, and botanical extracts to create an effective product for all types of pain. The independent lab testing and medical reviews ensure that the CBDfx products are safe and potent, while the range of CBD concentrations makes it easy to find one that works best for your needs.
2. Green Roads – Best for Backaches
Pros:
- High CBD potency
- Vitamin-enriched formula
- Pharmacist formulated
- Fast-absorption
Cons:
Green Roads Company Highlights
Green Roads is a trusted name in the health and wellness marketplace known to be a provider of CBD products that are of the highest quality and CBD potency. Their products are pharmacist-formulated to ensure safety and reliability — a key factor when it comes to managing chronic aches and pains.
With detailed usage instructions for all of its CBD creams for pain and an expert customer service team ready to answer all your questions about which product is best for you, Green Roads makes it easy, safe, and effective to take care of your aches and pains the natural way.
Green Roads CBD Pain Relief Cream
When lower back pain is keeping you down, Green Roads’ CBD Pain Relief Cream delivers fast-acting relief right where it’s needed most. The vitamins and minerals are carefully blended with broad-spectrum CBD oil to create an effective topical cream that is smooth and quick to absorb.
The addition of menthol helps ease the discomfort even further, making it an excellent choice for those with sore muscles and joints. The CBD cream also contains methyl salicylate, a natural analgesic that helps reduce inflammation and provides even more comfort.
Those wanting to support skin health and relieve pain from aching muscles will be happy to know that the pharmacist-formulated CBD product also contains avocado oil and vitamin E. These skin-nourishing ingredients help protect and moisturize the skin while reducing inflammation, discomfort, and stiffness.
Bottles of Green Roads’ CBD cream for pain are available as one-time or subscription orders. In addition, the containers feature an airless pump design that ensures no product is ever wasted or spilled during application.
Why We Picked Green Roads CBD Pain Relief Cream
The high CBD potency, vitamin-enriched formula, and pharmacist-formulated ingredients make Green Roads’ CBD cream an excellent choice for those dealing with back pain due to muscle or joint discomfort. All-natural, absorbent ingredients facilitate fast relief, while the addition of potent botanicals and natural analgesics provides even more pain relief.
Visit Green Roads to learn more
3. CBDistillery – Best for Post-Workout Recovery
Pros:
- Full spectrum of cannabinoids
- Travel-sized container
- Highly absorbent formula
- Infused with essential oils
Cons:
- Delivery may not be possible to all US states
CBDistillery Company Highlights
Known for its premium CBD products that are expertly crafted and rigorously lab-tested, CBDistillery is popular among CBD users for its reliability, top-tier quality, and affordability. The brand uses industrial hemp organically grown in the USA, blended with natural and organic ingredients to create a range of CBD creams for muscle and joint relief.
The effort that goes into each product is evident in its smooth consistency and potency. From CBD salves to cooling creams, CBDistillery has something for everyone looking to manage post-workout aches and pains.
CBDistillery CBD Skin Cream
For post-workout muscle recovery and inflammation relief, the CBDefine Skin Cream contains powerful ingredients that help soothe sore muscles and tendons. Additionally, the major and minor cannabinoids in the 500mg full-spectrum CBD formula work together to support a healthy inflammatory response and promote faster recovery times.
The fast-absorbing properties of this silky smooth CBD cream for pain directly result from the added coconut oil, hemp oil, and almond oil. These ingredients facilitate a rapid endocannabinoid receptor response that helps reduce discomfort and restore mobility so you can continue your day – no matter the intensity of your workout.
Moreover, this CBDistillery pain cream isn’t just great for soothing muscle pain. Combining essential oils from rosemary, frankincense, lavender, and tea tree helps nourish and protect the skin while providing an extra comfort boost.
One-ounce jars of the pain cream are available in unlimited quantities as a one-time or subscription order. Subscription orders offer more savings and convenience while still being covered by the brand’s 60-day money-back guarantee should you decide it isn’t the product for you.
Why We Picked CBDistillery CBD Pain Relief Cream
The full spectrum of cannabinoids, highly absorbent formula, and travel-sized container make CBDistillery’s Skin Cream an excellent choice for those dealing with post-workout recovery. Plus, the infusion of essential oils ensures that your skin stays nourished and protected for long-lasting comfort and relief.
Visit CBDistillery to learn more
4. Aspen Green – Best for Sensitive Skin
Pros:
- Free from artificial ingredients
- Gluten-free & non-GMO
- Made with organic CBD oil
- Stimulates entourage effect
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other products on this list
Aspen Green Company Highlights
Extracting premium CBD oil from certified USDA-organic hemp to create potent CBD products is only one of the many ways Aspen Green has established itself as a leader in the CBD industry. Additionally, the brand employs a team of in-house pharmacists to help ensure its products’ safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Their CBD creams are especially popular due to the company’s understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its ability to craft products that take advantage of the “entourage effect” — a phenomenon wherein CBD works better when used in conjunction with other naturally occurring compounds.
Aspen Green Pain Relief Body Balm
The CBD cream to treat pain at Aspen Green tackles two common skincare issues — discomfort and dryness. The first issue is handled by the product’s 100mg of full-spectrum CBD oil. The full range of cannabinoids in the balm comprehensively stimulates the endocannabinoid system, reducing inflammation and providing relief for sore muscles.
The other issue is taken care of thanks to added jojoba oil and beeswax. These two ingredients create a protective barrier skin that helps retain moisture, lessening discomfort and straining due to dry, inflamed, or irritated skin.
This CBD cream contains no parabens, artificial preservatives, or synthetic ingredients that would otherwise damage sensitive skin. Additionally, the balm is non-GMO and gluten-free to provide extra protection for those with allergies and dietary restrictions.
Customers can order the fast-absorbing, exceptionally smooth CBD balm for chronic pain or acute soreness in 2oz jars. Both one-time and subscription orders are eligible for free shipping, provided specific order conditions are met.
Why We Picked Aspen Green Pain Relief Body Balm
The combination of natural and organic ingredients, full spectrum CBD oil, and the brand’s commitment to safety makes Aspen Green’s body balm a top choice for those dealing with sensitive skin and pain issues.
Visit Aspen Green to learn more
5. Batch – Best for Nighttime Use
Pros:
- Potent cannabinoid blend
- Melts on contact
- Refreshing minty aroma
- Protects skin while relieving pain
Cons:
- No live chat support online
Batch Company Highlights
Batch is a Wisconsin-based CBD company with a mission to make high-quality, effective CBD products accessible and affordable. Batch utilizes all-natural ingredients in its broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBD isolate products to ensure users get the best possible CBD experience.
Batch doesn’t mess around with quality or potency when it comes to pain relief. The CBD pain cream is made using industry-leading standards in accordance with federally regulated Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines.
Batch CBD Pain Cream
Batch’s CBD cream for pain is designed to deliver instant relief on contact, with a refreshing minty aroma that smells great without being overpowering. The cream contains 1500mg of full-spectrum CBD oil created using CO2 extraction methods — considered the best in the industry.
Users will find that the pain-relieving properties of this full-spectrum CBD pain cream are perfect after a long day at work or running around completing errands. Additionally, with a comprehensive array of major and minor cannabinoids stimulating CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin, users will find that other aspects of their nighttime wellness issues including sleep, stress, and anxiety are improved.
The cream also contains skin-friendly ingredients like jojoba oil, lavender, and Ylang Ylang to nurture the skin while providing relief. This makes Batch CBD pain cream an excellent companion to nighttime skin wellness routines designed to support healthy-looking, radiant skin.
Jars of Batch’s pain relief cream are available in 2oz containers that seal tight to preserve product freshness and potency. Delivery options include one-time orders as well as auto-shipped orders every 30 or 60 days.
Batch CBD Relief Cream Vanilla Mint
The Batch CBD cream for pain is an excellent choice for those seeking to relieve persistent discomfort while also reaping the benefits of natural skincare. The full-spectrum CBD oil in the product effectively stimulates the skin’s cannabinoid receptors to help reduce pain, while the refreshing minty aroma adds an extra layer of soothing relaxation, making the product a great way to end the day.
How We Made Our List of the Best CBD Cream for Pain Options
Research showed that in order to make a list of the best CBD creams for pain, we needed to consider products that:
- Are made with organic and natural ingredients
- Follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) guidelines
- Effectively stimulate endocannabinoid receptors
- Provide immediate, targeted relief
- Contain no synthetic fragrances, artificial preservatives, parabens, or other harsh chemicals
- Undergo third-party lab testing for quality and potency
After vetting CBD manufacturers and carefully evaluating their customer reviews and brand reputation, we narrowed it down to the top five CBD pain creams above. From trusted, established brands to up-and-coming CBD companies, we have included something for everyone – no matter your budget or reason for use.
How Do CBD Creams Work?
Well, CBD isn’t just for internal use. When applied topically, CBD absorbs through the skin and interacts with cannabinoid receptors located in the skin’s tissues, providing relief directly to the area where it is applied. This makes topical CBD creams an excellent option for those seeking localized relief that they can’t get with traditional cannabinoid products.
CBD topicals are made with a blend of ingredients that nourish the skin, providing additional nutrients to areas that need it. CBD cream for pain is formulated with essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant-based compounds like jojoba oil and lavender to soothe and condition the skin.
Topical pain management solutions containing CBD have become the preferred choice of millions of consumers looking to find natural relief from discomfort. When combined with other essential oils, vitamins, and herbs, CBD pain creams have the potential to provide targeted relief and fast-acting benefits that can help users go about their day-to-day lives without the burden of chronic pain.
Benefits of CBD for Pain Management
It’s often tricky to differentiate between marketing hype and genuine benefits, especially when it comes to CBD. But CBD pain creams truly have the potential to offer fast-acting relief from multiple conditions or situations that can last for hours.
Arthritic pain
The stiffness and pain associated with arthritis make it hard to carry out everyday tasks. But ongoing research into the benefits of CBD shows promise in providing relief from arthritic pain and inflammation without the side effects of using prescription medications.
CBD creams may also be beneficial for those suffering from nerve pain caused by arthritis, as they can help to reduce inflammation in the applied area.
Muscle & joint pain
Whether you’re sore from a grueling workout or just dealing with general aches and stiffness, CBD pain creams are an effective way to manage localized muscle and joint pain. CBD cream can also aid in reducing swelling and alleviating tenderness, providing long-lasting relief from discomfort and soreness.
Bruises & sprains
Bruises and sprains can be painful and slow to heal. Applying CBD topicals may help to reduce bruising, inflammation, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, helping you recover faster. And with the added benefit of anti-inflammatory effects, CBD creams are an excellent solution for those suffering from minor injuries.
Skin irritations
Certain CBD creams containing aloe vera, shea butter, and other natural moisturizers are great for soothing skin irritations like eczema and psoriasis. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce redness, swelling, and itching caused by these skin conditions while also providing a layer of protection to reduce the risk of further irritation.
These are just a few of the many potential benefits that CBD topicals offer users for pain management. As cannabinoid research continues to expand, we may soon discover more ways that CBD topicals can help people manage everyday discomfort.
How to Use CBD Cream for Pain
The application of a top quality CBD cream for pain is relatively straightforward. Users only need to apply a small amount to the affected area, rubbing it until complete absorption. If no significant relief in pain or discomfort is felt within 40 minutes, repeat the process until desired results are achieved.
However, using the best CBD cream correctly requires more than knowing how to apply it. Not only does the type of product you choose matter, but understanding how to read CBD labels and selecting quality products are also essential for optimal results.
Using CBD cream for acute pain
If you are using CBD topics creams for infrequent or mild temporary pain, it is best to choose a product with high bioavailability so that it can absorb and work quickly. For example, products blended with hemp oil, coconut oil, or olive oil are some of the most effective CBD creams for acute pain, as they can absorb quickly and offer faster relief.
For those experiencing acute external pain along with internal issues, consider applying less CBD cream to provide immediate relief and supplementing with an oral CBD product to support longer-term symptom management.
Using CBD Cream for chronic pain
Chronic pain sufferers do best using cream formulated with full-spectrum CBD, which can create a more potent CBD cream. Compared to broad-spectrum or CBD isolate formulas, full-spectrum CBD products contain a range of cannabinoids that work together to provide more sustained relief and more potent effects than CBD isolate alone.
Because of the potential higher usage frequency of CBD cream due to chronic pain, select products in airless pump bottles rather than jars. The convenience of an airless pump means less potential for contamination and more product per use. It also means that you don’t have to constantly open and close a jar, thus reducing exposure to oxygen and light for maximum potency and shelf life.
Using CBD cream for skin issues
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can be painful, itchy, and unsightly. The best CBD creams for skin conditions contain moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter. These natural emollients help to reduce inflammation in the affected area while providing a layer of protection from further irritation or infection.
When using a CBD cream for painful skin conditions, it is important to select a product without artificial fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. These ingredients can irritate the skin and cause further discomfort. It is also important to choose CBD creams with non-comedogenic ingredients to avoid clogging pores, which could lead to more skin issues.
How Long Does It Take for CBD Pain Cream to Work?
The onset of effects for CBD pain creams is typically about 15 to 30 minutes. However, this varies on several factors specific to the product type, manufacturing quality, and your level of pain.
CBD onset time based on product type
Products containing broad or full-spectrum CBD may kick in slower than pure isolate extract products. This is because isolated products are highly concentrated, providing the analgesic properties of CBD more quickly than other formulas.
Additionally, CBD creams and balms tend to work faster than other CBD topical products due to the coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and shea butter typical of their formulas. These highly absorbent ingredients ensure that CBD can penetrate deep into the skin to reach its targeted area – without waiting long for effects.
CBD onset time based on manufacturing quality
For CBD pain creams to work quickly, they must be made with CBD of the highest quality. Harsh chemical extractions, inorganic growing processes, and synthetic ingredients can slow CBD onset time and reduce CBD effectiveness.
For optimal results when using CBD pain cream, look for products made with CBD from hemp grown using organic farming methods. Certified organic CBD products are far less likely to contain heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants that can compromise CBD quality and reduce its effectiveness if they get into the formula.
CBD onset time based on pain level
If your pain level is high and you are using a low-dose CBD cream (less than 200mg CBD per bottle), it could take longer for CBD to have an effect. For this reason, chronic pain sufferers or those needing maximum CBD effects should look for CBD creams with 1000mg CBD or more per bottle.
With a more potent formula, CBD can saturate the targeted area more quickly and provide greater relief from deep, chronic pain. CBD pain creams with 1000mg CBD or more per bottle are also the ideal choice for CBD users with a higher tolerance to CBD’s effects.
What are the Side Effects of CBD Cream?
The natural botanicals and organic hemp used in the best CBD cream for pain products typically create no side effects for users. Reputable CBD brands put their products through rigorous testing to ensure that CBD levels, nourishing ingredients, and quality remain consistent with each product batch.
However, on your journey to better physical health with CBD pain cream, it is important to be aware of potential side effects that occur from:
Allergic reactions
While generally safe for most people, natural products can occasionally cause allergic reactions. CBD cream is no different, so if you have a known sensitivity to tree nuts, essential oils, or preservatives, read the labels before purchasing to ensure a safe, positive experience.
Redness or rash
CBD cream made with low-quality ingredients or unsafe manufacturing practices may irritate the skin, resulting in redness or a rash. Avoid any potential skin irritation by choosing CBD products made with organic hemp cannabis plants, natural botanicals, and approved manufacturing methods.
Increased physical sensitivity
Because CBD compounds stimulate endocannabinoid receptors in the skin and muscle tissues, CBD pain cream may temporarily increase physical sensitivity in the area to which it is applied. If CBD makes you uncomfortable (tingling, mild numbness, etc.), apply CBD cream less frequently or opt for a CBD product with lesser CBD strength.
Using CBD creams and balms properly should result in no noticeable side effects, leaving you feeling relaxed and pain-free in no time. However, because CBD is considered a supplement product, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning use to avoid any potential interactions with existing medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use CBD cream for pain every day?
Yes, CBD cream can be used daily for localized pain relief. CBD is non-psychotropic and generally considered safe for use, so CBD users can feel comfortable using CBD pain creams on a regular basis.
If planning on regular use, it is wise to sign up for a subscription service from your favorite CBD brand. These services auto-ship products to your door regularly, so you never have to worry about being without CBD pain cream.
2. What makes the best CBD creams?
The best CBD creams (including CBD gel options, lotions and CBD salve) are made using CBD from organic hemp grown with sustainable and ethical farming methods.
CBD products created using extraction via harsh chemical processes should be avoided, as these products contain potentially harmful contaminants that can reduce the effectiveness of CBD and irritate the skin.
3. How much CBD should be in pain cream?
The CBD strength of CBD cream should vary according to the type and severity of the pain. For chronic, severe pain, CBD creams with 1000mg CBD or more per bottle are ideal for quick relief. Lower-strength CBD creams (less than 200mg CBD per bottle) can be used for less severe pains or as a maintenance dose to help CBD users manage chronic conditions more easily.
Pain creams with 500mg CBD per bottle are generally considered a good middle ground for treating most pain types.
4. Is CBD cream better than CBD tinctures?
CBD cream may be more effective in some cases due to its ability to directly target sore muscles, tendons, and joints through transdermal CBD absorption. CBD tinctures, on the other hand, are typically more effective for managing systemic pain conditions due to their CBD’s fast-acting effects, which travel quickly throughout the body to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Ultimately, CBD tinctures and CBD creams each offer unique benefits depending on what type of CBD user you are.
5. Are CBD creams legal?
Yes, hemp-derived CBD pain cream is legal in the USA, provided it meets all regulations outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. This includes manufacturing products with no more than the legal maximum of cannabinoid content, avoiding CBD extracts derived from marijuana plants, and not making unsubstantiated health claims. CBD lotion products that meet these criteria can be legally purchased and used in the USA without a prescription.
Solve Pain Issues With the Best CBD Cream
Targeting pain resulting from aging, injury, physical activity, and genetic conditions is difficult. CBD cream offers a powerful, non-invasive solution for reducing pain and inflammation in any area of the body. CBD creams are legal, safe to use, and provide fast-acting relief that may be used daily or occasionally as needed.
With so many CBD pain creams on the market all claiming to be “the best”, it is important to do your research before selecting the CBD product that is right for you. Choosing CBD cream with organic hemp CBD lotion or cream from a reputable company can help ensure users get the relief they need without risking their health.
If you or a loved one need all-natural, plant-based pain management solutions, consider ordering CBD topical products from any of the brands on this list. With their commitment to quality, safety, and potency, you can rest assured that your CBD cream will provide lasting relief from pain so you can live your best life.