Your back aches, your knees protest every time you stand up, and that stubborn shoulder pain just won’t quit. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with physical discomfort, whether caused by injuries, overexertion, or chronic pain conditions.  

In a world where traditional pain medications often come with a laundry list of unpleasant side effects, CBD topicals are emerging as a gentler alternative for pain treatment. These cannabis topicals offer a streamlined approach to comfort, directly targeting pain at the site.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll introduce you to the best CBD creams for pain relief. We’ll explore how they work, the benefits they offer, and tips on how to choose the right one for your needs. Without further delay, let’s get right to it!  

 

Summary of the Best CBD Pain Cream

1. Best Overall: Soul Rapid Relief CBD Cream
2. Best Formula: Aspen Green Relief Full-Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream
3. Best for Fast Relief: Medterra Rapid Recovery CBD Cream
4. Best for Athletes: Joy Organics CBD Sports Cream
5. Best for Chronic Pain: BATCH CBD Cream

 

Potential Benefits of CBD Cream

There are several good reasons why so many people are turning to CBD topicals for pain alleviation. Here’s an overview of some of the perks these products may offer:  

Targeted Relief

CBD topicals stand apart from edibles, vapes, and other types of CBD products for their ability to offer targeted results. When you apply these products to the affected area, they quickly go to work, delivering pain relief where you need it most. 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

CBD has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Applying topical CBD products to the skin can help soothe swelling and puffiness, which may reduce discomfort. 

Better Mobility

Stiff joints and pain can make even the simplest tasks harder than they have to be. Topical CBD works to ease joint tension and discomfort by altering pain perception and addressing movement-hindering inflammation. This can make it easier to get around and stay active.

Reduced Soreness

After a tough workout or a long day on your feet, your muscles may be sore and aching. CBD cream can help soothe them, promoting faster, more thorough recovery, so you can get back to the activities you love.

Physical Therapy Enhancement

CBD topicals can help you get the most out of physical therapy by easing aches and discomfort. Simply massage the cream into your skin at the pain site before and after your therapy sessions to enhance your recovery. 

Better Skin Health

With their anti-aging properties and moisturizing ingredients, topical CBD can help support optimal skin health. Many users report that these products hydrate dry skin, soothe irritation, and mitigate symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions.  

 

Best CBD Pain Cream

1. Best Overall: Soul Rapid Relief CBD Cream

Our testers found Soul Rapid Relief CBD Cream to be the best overall pick for stomping out pain and improving skin health. Its smooth texture and convenient pump bottle make application a breeze. It’s made with all-natural ingredients, including organic, USA-grown hemp and soothing botanicals for enhanced effects.  

Designed to deliver fast-acting results, Soul CBD Cream is formulated with moisturizing shea butter to keep your skin hydrated while easing discomfort. Buyers love the tingly, cool sensation and portable, mess-free packaging. Plus, the company has all of its products third-party tested for potency and purity and shares the lab reports on its website. 

Pros:

• Completely THC-free
• No artificial ingredients
• Fast-acting formula

Cons:

• Contains coconut oil, a possible allergen

Specs:

• CBD type: Isolate
• Size: 3.4 ounces per bottle
• Strength: 1,500 mg CBD per bottle
• Scent: Not specified

Learn more about Soul Rapid Relief CBD Cream today

 

2. Best Formula: Aspen Green Relief Full-Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream

Aspen Green Relief Full-Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream stands out for its absorbency and efficacy. This topical boasts a water-based formula for smooth application and easy absorption with no greasy residue. It’s formulated by a healthcare professional, and its active ingredients include botanical powerhouses like menthol and tea tree oil to help reduce pain and inflammation.     

Endorsed by Forbes Health and Healthline, this topical is made with organic, Colorado-grown hemp and produced in an FDA-registered facility. It has been carefully lab-tested and is confirmed free from contaminants like heavy metals and mold. No synthetic preservatives or plasticizers are used, and the company is a trusted member of several reputable organizations, including the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and the National Hemp Association.

Pros:

• Comes with a satisfaction guarantee 
• Made using CO2 extraction
• Non-GMO, vegan, and organic

Cons:

• Contains trace amounts of THC

Specs:

• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• Size: 2 ounces per jar
• Strength: 1,000 mg CBD and 33 mg THC per jar 
• Scent: Not specified

Learn more about Aspen Green Relief Full-Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream today

 

3. Best for Fast Relief: Medterra Rapid Recovery CBD Cream

The name says it all. Medterra Rapid Recovery Cream is the way to go when you need speedy pain alleviation. With its light texture, it absorbs quickly and easily and goes to work right away. Made with natural ingredients — including CBD isolate, menthol, and arnica — this cream is particularly effective at soothing sore muscles and joints. Choose from two potencies for tailored results. 

This topical is gluten-free, non-GMO, and made with USA-grown hemp. It’s certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority and third-party lab-tested to confirm purity and strength. The convenient pump bottle allows for effortless application, whether at home or on the go. Plus, the company offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind.  

Pros:

• Available in two potencies
• Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan
• No greasy residue

Cons:

• Scent may be too strong for sensitive users

Specs:

• CBD type: Isolate
• Size: 1.7 ounces per bottle 
• Strength: 500 or 750 mg CBD per bottle 
• Scent: Not specified

Learn more about Medterra Rapid Recovery CBD Cream today

 

4. Best for Athletes: Joy Organics CBD Sports Cream

Joy Organics created its CBD Sports Cream with athletes and gym-goers in mind. This cream glides on smoothly and combines a hefty dose of CBD with menthol and camphor to soothe aching muscles and support recovery. The tube is ultra-portable and can be tossed into your gym duffel for convenient on-the-go use. 

Not only does Joy Organics have this cream tested by independent labs for safety and potency, but it also offers a 90-day guarantee, promising a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with your order. This topical is medically reviewed, and its quality is further evidenced by its production in a CGMP- and FDA-registered facility and its use of organic, USA-grown hemp. 

Pros:

• Multiple cannabinoids for synergistic effects
• Non-greasy and fast-drying
• High-potency formula

Cons:

• Strong, herbal scent may be unappealing to some users

Specs:

• CBD type: Broad-spectrum
• Size: 4 ounces per tube
• Strength: 1,000 mg CBD per tube 
• Scent: Cool Menthol

Learn more about Joy Organics CBD Sports Cream today

 

5. Best for Chronic Pain: BATCH CBD Cream

Reviewers with chronic pain conditions — like joint pain, fibromyalgia, and costochondritis — rave about how well BATCH CBD Cream eases their discomfort. Made with non-GMO hemp grown in Wisconsin, this topical is easy to apply and gets its pleasant fragrance from peppermint oil, lavender oil, and aloe vera. These double-duty botanicals also enhance the product’s analgesic and moisturizing properties.  

The use of full-spectrum hemp extract leverages the combined benefits of various cannabinoids for comprehensive and potent effects. BATCH offers a 30-day happiness guarantee and is transparent with its products’ third-party lab reports. 

Pros:

• Hydrating formula
• Refreshing, natural scent
• Made with domestic, non-GMO hemp

Cons:

• Not ideal for those seeking a THC-free product

Specs:

• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• Size: 2 ounces per jar
• Strength: 1,500 mg CBD per jar
• Scent: Aloe, Lavender, and Peppermint 

Learn more about BATCH CBD Cream today

 

How We Picked the Best CBD Creams for Pain

We put a lot of time and care into choosing the best CBD creams. Here’s a detailed look at our meticulous vetting process: 

Quality of Ingredients

We looked for topical CBD products made with clean, natural ingredients, steering clear of those containing artificial dyes, harsh chemicals, or weird fillers. We only featured topicals made with USA-grown hemp, preferring non-GMO and organic formulations whenever possible. To ensure optimal results, we sought out products that also contain other ingredients known to ease pain and inflammation, including tea tree oil, arnica, aloe, and menthol.

Ease of Application

CBD balms and creams should be easy to apply. We chose creams with smooth textures that are easy to massage into the skin, avoiding products reported to stain clothes or leave a greasy residue. We also looked for convenient packaging and prioritized creams that come in tubes or pump dispensers to minimize mess and help control dispensation. 

Customer Reviews

We scoured buyer feedback from various platforms, gleaning insights into various products’ efficacy and quality. We paid close attention to both positive and negative comments. This helped us understand how well each CBD product worked for pain relief and any potential side effects users experienced. We only featured topicals that received consistent praise from satisfied customers. 

Third-Party Testing

We made sure every cannabis company we mentioned has its products third-party lab-tested and is transparent with the results, openly sharing them with the public. But we didn’t stop there; we also checked the lab reports for ourselves and verified that they matched what’s on the product labels.

Value

While price is an important factor, we focused on the overall benefit-to-cost ratio of each topical product. A higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean a better product. We aimed to strike a balance between quality and affordability, ensuring you can find effective pain relief without breaking the bank. 

 

Furthermore, each cannabis company we selected offers free shipping, discounts on subscription-based orders, loyalty programs, or other perks to help customers save money on its CBD creams. 

 

How to Find the Best CBD Cream for You

CBD cream can make a world of difference in your quality of life, but picking the right product from such a large pool of options can be tricky. The tips below will help you navigate the crowded market and pinpoint the best CBD cream for your needs.    

Pain Symptoms

First, identify the type of pain you’re experiencing. Is it sharp and sudden, or dull and lingering? Keeping your unique symptoms in mind as you explore the available CBD topical options will help guide you toward products that are tailored to your needs. 

Some CBD creams are better at targeting particular issues than others, so look for products designed to address your specific symptoms. For instance, if you’re struggling with joint pain or inflammation, a cream that’s formulated to alleviate joint discomfort might be particularly beneficial. 

Scent

The fragrance of a CBD cream can impact your overall experience, for better or worse. If you’re especially sensitive to strong scents or plan to use the cream in crowded settings, you may want to stick to unscented options. On the other hand, if scent sensitivity isn’t an issue, you may find fragrances like lavender, mint, or eucalyptus to be pleasant and soothing. 

Skin Type

If you have delicate skin, look for gentle formulas that won’t cause irritation. Avoid products containing ingredients to which you are allergic or sensitive. Hydrating creams made with shea butter or other moisturizing ingredients are ideal for users with dry skin. People with oily or combination skin should stick to lightweight formulas that absorb quickly without leaving behind a greasy residue.  

CBD Type

There are three different types of CBD oil used to make topical CBD products. Each type has unique properties that will impact your overall experience and results, so it’s important to know the differences between them. 

• Isolate CBD contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids. It’s a popular choice for users who want straightforward relief, and it generally comes at a lower price point than its counterparts. If you’re looking for a topical product made with isolate CBD, the Medterra and Soul CBD creams featured above are great choices. 
• Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids found in hemp, including THC. Many users love it for its synergistic effects and ability to provide relief from persistent discomfort. Our selections from BATCH and Aspen Green fall into this category. 
• Broad-spectrum CBD products include all hemp cannabinoids except THC. These formulas typically have a higher price tag because they’re put through a rigorous refinement process. They’re ideal for users who want to experience the synergistic benefits of multiple cannabis compounds while avoiding THC. If this sounds like you, check out our pick from Joy Organics. 

 

Other Types of CBD Products

CBD creams are great for targeted relief, but they’re not your only option. If you’re looking for more widespread or varied effects, here are some options worth considering: 

• CBD oils are fast-acting when held under the tongue for at least 30 seconds before swallowing. They deliver full-body effects, which can be helpful for treating symptoms like widespread pain or anxiety. However, these oils can have a strong, hempy taste that some users find off-putting. 
• CBD capsules are filled with CBD oil. They’re easy to take, mess-free, and allow you to bypass the earthy flavor of hemp. They offer steady, long-lasting relief, but they can take between 30 minutes and two hours to kick in. 
• CBD gummies are tasty and discreet. They come in many flavors and are easy to take on the go. Like capsules and other edibles, gummies can take a couple of hours to work their magic. 
• CBD vapes offer the fastest results. You’ll feel the effects in minutes, which may help when treating acute pain or anxiety. However, vaping isn’t the best choice for people with sensitive lungs or respiratory conditions, and the duration of effects is typically shorter compared to other intake methods.

 

Potential Side Effects of CBD Topicals

CBD topicals offer many potential benefits; however, they may also come with some possible side effects, including:

• Mild skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin
• Redness or itchiness at the application site
• Mild allergic reaction to added botanicals 
• Rash or hives
• Breakouts for those with acne-prone skin
• Sensitivity to essential oils or fragrances in scented formulas

Always do a patch test before applying to a large area, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin. If you’re taking medication or have a health condition, talk with your doctor about how CBD cream can fit into your treatment plan.

 

FAQ

What are CBD topicals? 

CBD oil-infused topicals offer a gentle, natural approach to pain management. These products, including CBD lotions and CBD balms, are applied directly to specific areas of the skin for localized alleviation of pain, swelling, and irritation. 

Is CBD cream safe to use every day?

CBD cream is generally considered safe for daily use. Since it’s applied topically, it bypasses the bloodstream, making it less likely to cause systemic side effects. However, everyone reacts differently, so we recommend doing a patch test before slathering it on. Stick to high-quality products, watch out for ingredients that may cause irritation, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. 

Will full-spectrum CBD balms and lotions make me feel high?

While these CBD creams contain small amounts of THC, they won’t get you high. They’re absorbed through the skin, which means the THC won’t enter your bloodstream. You may find yourself calmer and more relaxed from not being in pain anymore, but you won’t experience any psychoactive effects. 

How long does it take for CBD lotion to work?

How long it takes for CBD lotion to work can vary based on factors like pain severity and product potency. Some users notice results within 15 to 30 minutes of application, while others may not feel the effects for up to an hour.

Can I use topical CBD with pain medication?

It’s generally safe to use CBD pain relief cream alongside other pain products. Topicals don’t enter the bloodstream in significant amounts and are less likely to cause drug interactions. However, it’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor before using CBD balms, lotions, or creams to be sure everything will work together smoothly. 

Can CBD cream help with muscle pain?

Yes! CBD topicals, like creams and balms, are a popular choice for muscle pain management. Many users report that topical CBD helps reduce inflammation and ease discomfort caused by injuries or strenuous workouts. 

Are high-potency CBD lotions and creams worth the higher price tag?

In our humble opinion, yes! Many extra-strength CBD balms and creams have a higher price tag; however, they typically offer better value in the long run. A little goes a long way, and you'll likely need less of a high-strength topical than a regular- or low-strength product. Plus, potent formulas are often more effective at relieving severe or chronic symptoms.

 

Conclusion

Topical CBD pain cream can make a big difference in your overall wellness. Whether you’re dealing with muscular soreness, arthritis pain, or everyday aches, the right CBD topical can help relieve pain and inflammation and may even improve mobility. 

As you’re shopping for CBD topicals, remember to always purchase from reputable cannabis brands and consider key factors, like customer feedback, price, ingredient quality, and potency, before buying. Our featured CBD creams for pain relief offer something for everyone. Pain-free days are just a mouse-click away! 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CBD and THC products are not currently evaluated or approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before using these products, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications. Check your local laws regarding CBD and THC usage, as regulations vary by jurisdiction.