11 Best CBD Creams for Pain in 2024 (2024)

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Our editors tested a range of CBD topicals and chose these 11 as the top CBD creams for pain. See why Aspen Green, CBDfx, and Extract Labs top the list.

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If you’re looking for a cannabidiol (CBD) product to soothe your aches and pains, a topical CBD — such as a CBD cream — may be particularly useful.

But how can you tell which CBD creams are the real deal?

Read on for our experiences testing all the creams hands-on. I — and several bonus testers — provide honest feedback on what worked for us and what didn’t!

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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 lifesaving 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 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.

For those who want a second opinion

*Some names have been changed at the request of testers.

Several more recent testers tried these creams and weighed in on their feedback. Here’s who we are and how we came to use CBD creams for pain:

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ProductTypePotencyBest for
CBDfx Muscle and Joint Cream, Cooling Formulabroad-spectrum1,000 mg or 3,000 mghigh potency
Aspen Green Relief Cooling Creamfull-spectrum1,000 mgpotent full-spectrum
FOCL Deep Relief Cooling Creambroad-spectrum1,000 mg or 2,000 mgbroad spectrum
Extract Labs CBD Muscle Creamfull-spectrum2,000 mgorganic preference
Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion, Menthol Formulafull-spectrum500 mgproduct transparency
PlusCBD Pain Relief Muscle Creamfull-spectrum500 mgfragrance-free
Soul CBD Rapid Relief Creamisolate1,500 mgmoisturizing
Joy Organics Premium CBD Sports Creambroad-spectrum1,000 mgathletes
R&R Full Spectrum CBD Pain Creamfull-spectrum1,000 mg, 2,500 mg, or 5,000 mgacute pain
Sunmed Topical CBD Cream, Maximum Strengthfull-spectrum2,000 mgMSM included
Empower Luxury CBD Cream Peppermint Juniperfull-spectrum750 mgpleasant scent

We selected these CBD creams based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.

As a part of our vetting process, we consider:

  • the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
  • any third-party certifications
  • the company’s reputation and business practices
  • any lab test results
  • marketing claims

Read more about how we vet products and brands.

Additionally, we tested as many vetted brands as we could according to targeted criteria.

Although many people use it as a natural pain management tool, there’s not enough research that looks at whether CBD offers effective pain relief. 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, especially joint pain. 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 oils 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 per 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.

Here at Healthline, our consumer insights team asked readers about their use of CBD products for wellness in the last year:

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Pros

  • Helpful for targeting pain in specific areas: While edibles provide full-body effects, you can apply topicals like creams directly to trouble areas.
  • Works quickly: Because topicals don’t pass through your stomach, they don’t get broken down like edibles. This means they tend to work faster than gummies or capsules.

Cons

  • Less potent than ingestibles: You may feel the effects of topicals sooner than ingestibles, but most creams and lotions tend to be less potent.
  • Difficult to dose: Oils and ingestibles such as gummies or capsules are carefully formulated to ensure you’re getting a specific dose with each dropper or serving. However, when applying creams, it can be difficult to figure out exact dosing.
  • May not be (entirely) effective: CBD cream may not be effective for some pain conditions because it is not absorbed into the bloodstream

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A 2017 research review showed that CBD is generally safe to use.

Most topicals are for external use only, so you should not 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 should not be used on broken skin or with other beauty or grooming products on the area.

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 generally unlikely to absorb into your bloodstream and cause full-body effects.

Absorption into a target area, called bioavailability in medicine, is dependent on factors like:

  • skin hydration
  • skin health
  • the thickness or thinness of the skin
  • whether the area has more fat, muscle, or bone

Since there is little research on topical CBDs and bioavailability, it’s not certain how safe it is to apply CBD creams or oils with other topical agents.

Sometimes, one topical agent can cause increased or decreased absorption of the other depending on the formulation of each product and the order applied. Additionally, the active or inactive ingredients in products may cause a chemical reaction if they are mixed. So it’s best to separate application of products by at least a few hours.

A 2023 study looked at the use of CBD topicals in elite athletes with chronic leg pain. For the most part, the participants reported very few side effects.

You can speak with a 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 CBD pain relief cream starts kicking in within 15 to 30 minutes.

If you’re using a pain cream that contains an ingredient like menthol, you might feel a tingling sensation within a few seconds.

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 do not ingest CBD topicals, as they’re meant specifically for the skin.

Compared with topicals, ingestibles take longer to kick in, but they last longer. Topical CBD might be a better choice if you’re looking for pain relief within the next 15 to 30 minutes.

Ingestibles can also affect the whole body, while CBD balms and creams only affect the areas you apply them to.

The side effects may also differ from one delivery system to the next.

The best CBD product is ultimately one that works for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods.

The jury is still out on whether CBD topicals offer definitive pain relief, but many people report having success with CBD balms, creams, lotions, and salves for all kinds of ailments.

For the best results possible, you can 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 websites about where products are grown and how they’re processed. Talk with a 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.

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.

11 Best CBD Creams for Pain in 2024 (2024)

FAQs

11 Best CBD Creams for Pain in 2024? ›

Studies have found CBD, often alongside THC, to be an effective pain reliever for various chronic conditions. In clinical trials, Sativex, a spray with equal parts CBD and THC, proved significantly successful as an analgesic for cancer-related pain.

What is strongest CBD for pain? ›

Summary: Best CBD Oil For Pain in 2024
ProductForbes Health RatingsView More
Canna River Full Spectrum CBD Classic Tincture (3,000 milligrams)5.0Shop Now
Batch CBD Gold Reserve Blend4.1Shop Now
Five CBD Full Spectrum CBD + THC Oil4.0Shop Now
Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum, High Potency CBD Oil Tincture3.9Shop Now
1 more row
Mar 18, 2024

What is the most trusted brand of CBD? ›

A quick look at the top CBD brands
  • Best for capsules: cbdMD | Skip to review.
  • Best for higher potencies: Aspen Green | Skip to review.
  • Best for topicals: PlusCBD | Skip to review.
  • Best for high potency gummies: BATCH CBD | Skip to review.
  • Best variety: Sunmed CBD | Skip to review.
  • Honorable mention: CBDfx | Skip to review.
Jun 28, 2024

Is there a CBD product that helps with pain? ›

Studies have found CBD, often alongside THC, to be an effective pain reliever for various chronic conditions. In clinical trials, Sativex, a spray with equal parts CBD and THC, proved significantly successful as an analgesic for cancer-related pain.

What is the best CBD for severe back pain? ›

Our Top CBD Oils For Back Pain
  • Best High-Potency: Aspen Green Relief Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil.
  • Best Flavor Variety: Canna River Full Spectrum CBD Classic Tincture (3,000 milligrams)
  • Best With CBG: Batch CBD Gold Reserve Blend (4,000 milligrams)
  • Best Rewards Program: Five CBD Full Spectrum CBD + THC Oil.
2 days ago

Is CBD better than gabapentin for nerve pain? ›

Conclusion. When comparing CBD oil and gabapentin for nerve pain, there's no clear winner. Both have good and bad points. CBD oil looks hopeful in early research, while gabapentin is known to help nerve pain, but it might have more side effects.

What is the best topical cream for pain? ›

Aspercreme Pain Relief Cream with Lidocaine won our choice for best pain relief cream with lidocaine due to its fast-acting and highly effective pain-relieving formula.

What medications should not be taken with CBD? ›

Taking CBD with stimulants (such as Adderall) may lead to decreased appetite, while taking it with the diabetes drug metformin or certain heartburn drugs (such as Prilosec) may increase the risk of diarrhea.

What are the side effects of CBD cream for pain? ›

Though it's often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners. Another cause for concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products.

What is the #1 CBD company in America? ›

Top ten U.S. CBD companies 2022, by market share

In the second quarter of 2022, the leading CBD company in the U.S. was Charlotte's Web. The company held a 2.27 percent share of the market, based on revenue. Your CBD Store and Medterra were the next leading companies.

What is the only FDA approved CBD product? ›

EPIDIOLEX is the only FDA-approved prescription CBD medicine, which among many things, means that it has a safety and efficacy profile that has been thoroughly evaluated in clinical trials.

How do I find the best quality CBD? ›

Look for third-party testing and make sure the ingredients, dosage, and expiration date are on the label. The lot number and the manufacturer's contact information should be on the container as well. It's best to purchase CBD products from a pharmacy, state-regulated dispensary, or a trusted manufacturer.

What is the best topical CBD for arthritis? ›

Comparing the best CBD creams for arthritis
PriceCBD potency
Receptra$81.99800 mg
Extract Labs$89.992,000 mg
Level Select$401,200 mg
Bluebird Botanicals$44.95700 mg
5 more rows

What form of CBD is best for chronic pain? ›

Full Spectrum CBD

This type includes trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), usually less than 0.3%, which is not enough to produce psychoactive effects but contributes to the “entourage effect.” It may relieve severe chronic pain, promote relaxation, and lower anxiety.

What is the most effective painkiller for arthritis? ›

NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling. The problem is that some of those enzymes also help blood to clot and protect the lining of your stomach.

What strength CBD should I use for pain? ›

You can take 40 mg on days when you're in a lot of pain. After a week, you increase it to 45 mg, and after a second week, you use 50 mg. At this point, you might feel that your pain is bearable. It might be wise to keep track of how much CBD you're taking and whether your symptoms are getting better.

What is the best CBD ratio for pain relief? ›

10:1 – A high CBD alternative for people who find the 5:1 ratio to be too intoxicating. 20:1 – High CBD levels along with very low THC levels provide a good option for managing inflammation pain.

Is 5000 mg of CBD strong? ›

One of the strongest CBD oils we've seen is 5000mg per 30ml, which would equate to 8.3mg per 0.05ml drop.

Is 3000 mg of CBD strong? ›

High strength, 1500mg, may be appropriate for those who are regular consumers. Extra strength, 3000mg, may be appropriate for those that want the maximum possible benefit.

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