Best CBD Creams for Pain Relief: Top Hemp Topicals Review (2023)
CBD topicals are a natural and safe alternative to conventional painkillers. CBD creams have coined a reputation of very effective products when it comes to easing localized pain — especially when the source is inflammation.
Now you’ve got an answer to why so many people are using CBD creams for pain and chronic conditions such as arthritis or chronic back pain.
According to CDC data, around 70 million Americans will suffer from chronic pain by 2040 — that’s a considerable number
The most common solutions for pain are OTC meds and prescription painkillers. However, these medications only mask the symptoms; they don’t focus on the cause of chronic pain. They also lose efficacy over time, meaning you’ll need to increase the dose over time to get the same type of symptom relief.
Many patients end up addicted to opioid painkillers. Over 100 people die each day from an opioid overdose in the United States.
It’s totally understandable that chronic pain sufferers are looking for a healthier and safer alternative for pain relief — and CBD creams are one of the viable options.
Today, we’ll highlight the best CBD creams for pain relief based on our continuous research. We’ve tested dozens of brands and hundreds of products to select the top 3 companies that make top-of-the-shelf topicals. We’ll also cover the scientific evidence supporting the use of CBD creams for different types of pain on top of a concise buyer’s guide.
What Are the Best CBD Pain Creams in 2023? Our Top 3 Brands
1. Royal CBD (Overall Winner)
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Why Royal CBD Offers the Best CBD Topicals for Pain
Royal CBD is a company from Nevada that sells premium-grade products from Colorado-grown, non-GMO hemp. The brand offers full-spectrum CBD oil, soft gel capsules, THC-free gummies, and two types of CBD topicals for pain — CBD-infused menthol roll-on gel and warming cream.
Both products contain broad-spectrum CBD, so each application provides you with a whole range of non-psychoactive cannabinoids and terpenes but without any traces of THC. This means that users can benefit from the entourage effect to some extent.
The roll-on gel comes with a convenient applicator that doesn’t make your hands greasy when you use it. I like the whole formula of this gel; on top of the broad-spectrum CBD, it contains menthol, which further cools the affected area. I use it after workouts to deal with the post-exercise soreness.
The warming salve is great when you need something more potent to relieve the pain; it’s particularly effective in easing muscle stiffness. The cream’s thickness is spot-on; not too loose but not too greasy. It quickly absorbs into the skin.
2. Gold Bee (Runner Up)
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Why We Recommend Gold Bee CBD Creams for Pain
Gold Bee is a Nevada-based company specializing in organic CBD products from locally-grown hemp. The brand offers a broad selection of CBD extracts in various forms, including oils, capsules, honey sticks, gummies, and even pet products.
CBD topicals are the latest addition to Gold Bee’s lineup. The company has decided to introduce two types of topicals: warming salve and cooling roll-on gel. Both products come with 2000 mg of broad-spectrum CBD, which also brings the benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes to the table.
The salve is infused with cayenne pepper extract to provide a warming sensation that helps ease muscle pain and reduce soreness. The roll-on contains menthol for an extra cooling effect that adds another analgesic layer to complement the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD.
On the one hand, the salve feels a bit grainy, which may be unusual if you’ve never tried such products before. But on the other hand, this is actually a good sign because that’s what the texture of handmade creams and salves should look like — so it’s probably a matter of personal preferences.
3. CBDistillery
Why We Recommend CBDistillery CBD Creams for Pain
CBDistillery makes full-spectrum CBD creams for pain, as well as for other localized skin problems. The formula has been enriched with all-natural ingredients, which is another benefit for health-conscious consumers.
CBDistillery is the best company if you’re shopping on a low budget. A 1 oz container that packs 500 mg of CBD costs a mere $0.12 per mg. The hemp used by the company is non-GMO and grown locally, but it doesn’t have an organic certification.
However, considering the overall quality of CBDistillery’s products, the above con is just a drop in the ocean of positives.
4. Hemp Bombs
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Why We Recommend Hemp Bombs CBD Cream for Pain
Hemp Bombs offers a wide range of products that are marketed in a very smart way. The company has maintained its stellar reputation among customers for over 5 years. Hemp Bombs doesn’t play around when it comes to the purpose of its CBD creams; the guys openly state that this is a Pain Freeze cream. The product is available both as a salve and gel, packing 1000 mg of pure CBD.
This means that Hemp Bombs CBD topicals, although undeniably potent, are infused with pure CBD isolate, so there are no other cannabinoids to boost the cannabidiol’s effects.
What I like about Hemp Bombs CBD Pain Freeze is how it interacts with the skin. It leaves a “cooling burn” on the surface that gets more gentle over time, effectively easing physical discomfort.
5. Medterra
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Why We Recommend Medterra CBD Cream for Pain:
Medterra offers two strengths of its award-winning CBD cream for pain: 250 mg or 750 mg of CBD in a 3.4 fl. oz. container. The company also offers a cooling roll-on gel, but this product only comes in 2 oz. size with 250 mg of CBD.
Unlike most companies on this list, Medterra uses 99.6% pure CBD isolate — meaning it doesn’t contain any traces of THC, and no other cannabinoids or terpenes.
Both products provide a relatively quick sense of relief that reduces muscle pain and soothes discomfort in the joints even after a small dose.
6. CBDfx
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Why We Recommend CBDfx Cream for Pain:
CBDfx has been in the business since 2012. The company is known for a diverse product selection, including CBD oils, gummies, drinks, vapes, and even CBD products, along with CBD creams and other topicals for pain.
The CBDfx cream for pain contains 150 or 500 mg of CBD depended on the selected potency. It comes in 50-mL containers and contains other natural analgesics, such as menthol, willow bark, and caffeine. The peppermint scent also leaves a pleasant cooling sensation in the target area, reducing irritation.
CBDfx also offers CBD lotion, which has been formulated with other natural ingredients to nourish and regenerate the skin, such as beeswax and organic Shea butter. It penetrates the skin easily, allowing for quick relief from localized discomfort.
That being said, these products are quite expensive. The 150 mg CBD cream offers 3 mg of CBD per ml and is priced at $0.26 per mg of CBD.
7. Spruce
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Why We Recommend Spruce CBD Cream for Pain:
The Spruce CBD cream is designed for all types of skin, including sensitive ones. It smells great for a hemp-derived product and its texture indicates that it has been made with high-quality natural ingredients. The company uses hemp grown in Colorado and Kentucky, which produce some of the finest hemp for CBD products.
The cream contains 300 mg of full-spectrum CBD, meaning it contains other adjunctive cannabinoids such as CBDA, CBC, and CBG. It also stacks up well with terpenes, carrying considerable amounts of caryophyllene, linalool, geraniol, and limonene. This blend of terpenes provides relaxing and uplifting benefits on top of a light, fruity and floral scent underlined by spicy tones.
All Spruce CBD products are tested by an independent laboratory and free of dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides. The company offers free shipping throughout the USA.
8. Aspen Green
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Why We Recommend Aspen Green CBD Cream for Pain:
Aspen Green specializes in premium CBD products from organic hemp, including the pain-relief body balm that offers 600 mg of full-spectrum hemp — with supportive cannabinoids like CBDA, CBC, CBN, and CBG — as well as with just a small amount of THC (less than 0.3%).
The full-spectrum formula gives this product a slightly botanical scent, but the unique blend of therapeutic terpenes also provides it with a uniquely pleasant aroma profile that enhances the analgesic properties of CBD. The balm deeply penetrates the skin, reaching the joint, ligaments, and muscles.
The terpenes in the Aspen Green pain relief body balm include caryophyllene, cymene, limonene, ocimene, pinene, terpinolene, myrcene, eucalyptol, humulene, guaiol, and bisabolol. We’ve tested it for general aches in the upper parts of the body and it did a great job at easing the discomfort.
9. Joy Organics
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Why We Recommend Joy Organics CBD Cream for Pain
Joy Organics has partnered with the largest farms and manufacturers of hemp in the country to extract raw plant compounds and infuse them into its CBD topicals.
The Joy Organics CBD salve is formulated with a broad-spectrum extract that delivers 1000 mg of CBD alongside other cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBGa, as well as terpenes — including myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene, geraniol, terpinene, eucalyptol, terpinolene, ocimene, limonene, and limonene.
In short, this is an impressive terpenes mix from this company. On top of delicate floral notes, the aroma fo this salve is redolent of eucalyptus, which gives it a refreshing feeling upon application. The terpenes work in synergy with CBD to enhance its anti-inflammatory properties.
Joy Organics also offers an unscented CBD pain cream that is less potent than the salve, so it’s better suited for easing mild discomfort and aches. The 30 mL bottle contains 250 mg of pure CBD.
10. Receptra Naturals
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Why We Recommend Receptra Naturals Cream for Pain:
Receptra Naturals is a Colorado-based brand that was launched in 2016, with athletes in mind. Its product selection includes CBD oils and pet products, but their topicals are hands down among their best-selling formats.
Aside from its CBD, Receptra includes plenty of amazing, high-quality herbal ingredients to relieve pain and inflammation, such as turmeric. The company uses locally-grown, organic hemp that is lab-tested for safety and quality.
The company offers two types of topicals: an all-purpose body butter and a stronger targeted topical — both of which come in a full-spectrum version. The body butter is good for daily use, but at 11 mg of CBD per mL, it won’t target more serious skin problems. However, the company’s targeted topical does the job pretty well, as it contains up to 800 mg of full-spectrum CBD per bottle.
A great thing about Receptra is that it uses a vegan formula that contains organic ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, mango butter, and a range of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, jasmine, and ylang-ylang.
What Is CBD Cream?
The name “CBD cream” refers to a topical product that you use directly on the skin. Creams are only one type of product; you can also find topicals such as salves, roll-ons, and lotions. They all serve one purpose, though, which is to relieve pain and other types of discomfort.
People commonly apply CBD creams to the neck, shoulders, elbows, knees, feet, and other joints.
CBD topicals have potent anti-inflammatory effects on the body. They can also block the pain signals sent to the brain by the firing neurons. According to cannabis experts, deficiencies in our naturally produced cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) may give rise to a range of many medical conditions. Researchers believe that CBD helps the body restore its internal balance (homeostasis) through the signaling of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a complex neurochemical network that helps maintain the aforementioned balance. The ECS is responsible for the way we remember things, process our emotions, learn new things, perceive pain and other sensations, and more. When you apply CBD cream to reduce pain, the CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your skin, producing a wide range of effects, including relief from inflammation and physical discomfort.
Benefits of CBD Cream for Pain
CBD can target pain from many different angles.
A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology reviewed several studies from the past on the effects of cannabinoids on pain. In their review, the authors of the study mentioned the painkilling properties of CBD, focusing on the role of the CB receptors in pain transmission (1). They also added that cannabinoids inhibit the release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters on the presynaptic site of the nerve end.
The reviewers underlined that there is “a moderate amount of evidence that cannabis and cannabinoids exhibit analgesic activity. The research on the benefits of using CBD creams for pain is limited due to complicated regulations around cannabis. Fortunately, the situation is changing dynamically in the favor of the legalization proponents. This, in turn, will open the door to extensive research on CBD and pain.
The authors of the study concluded that CBD helps alleviate neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia without health-threatening side effects.
Another study conducted one year earlier suggested that CBD can relieve pain and inflammation in rodents (2). The researchers investigated the osteoarthritis model of male Wistar rats. They found that the application of CBD cream reduced pain associated with osteoarthritis. They further reported that CBD could potentially become a safe and effective treatment for the condition.
Scientists have yet to verify whether the same effect can be achieved with humans, but animal studies regarding cannabinoids are highly relevant in relation to human models because all animals, except for insects, have the same endocannabinoid system that interacts with plant-derived cannabinoids.
CBD Cream for Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is one of the main causes of disability in the United States. Over 50 million Americans have this condition according to statistics.
Some studies suggest that CBD could help treat arthritis and alleviate the associated inflammatory pain:
- In a 2011 study, CBD was shown to help reduce inflammatory pain in rats by changing the response of the pain receptors to stimuli (3).
- A 2014 review of the existing studies on animals concluded that CBD may effectively treat osteoarthritis (OA) (4).
- A 2016 study found that CBD creams had the potential to reduce pain and inflammation related to arthritis (5).
- In a 2017 study, the authors found that CBD might be a safe and effective treatment for joint pain (6).
However, we still need more clinical trials to support the preclinical findings of CBD’s potential to relieve arthritis pain in humans.
A 2006 study examined the safety and efficacy of a cannabis-based oral solution called Sativex for arthritis (7). However, the oral spray used in the study includes equal ratios of CBD and THC. While the findings from this study have been encouraging, more research is needed to confirm that CBD oil alone could provide similar benefits.
CBD Cream for Back Pain
CBD engages with specialized receptors in a person’s brain and immune system.
The ECS consists of two sets of cannabinoid receptors. One of them, known as the CB2 receptor, modulates the functioning of the immune system, including inflammatory responses.
Researchers found that when CBD enters the bloodstream, it may interact with CB2 receptors, causing the body to produce natural cannabinoids that bind to them. This interaction results in mitigated pain signals, thus reducing experienced inflammation and pain.
In a 2008 review of research into CBD and its analgesic properties, the authors suggested that CBD could be used in chronic pain management (8).
Where to Buy CBD Cream for Pain Near Me
Having read about all those benefits of using CBD cream for pain, you must be wondering where you can find a decent CBD product near you.
There are two options: you can shop for CBD locally or look for a reputable supplier online.
While shopping for CBD near you may sound like a convenient option, there are limitations to it. First off, you rely solely on the store owner’s definition of “high quality.” Many local stores include CBD products in their selection only for the sake of reaping the benefits from a booming market. It takes time and effort to compare different products and companies locally.
Buying CBD oil online lets you compare hundreds of products without leaving your home, which is the first advantage.
The second perk of finding a reputable online vendor is the abundance of different CBD formats. Online companies sell CBD in oils, capsules, edibles, creams, vapes, and even pet products. Local stores usually have one or two types on the shelves.
Finally, online stores cut out the middleman, so they can offer better prices. You can take advantage of discounts, bulk pricing, reward programs, and coupon codes to save money on your favorite products.
How to Use CBD Cream for Pain
When you open the jar of your CBD cream for pain, use it directly on the skin and wait until it absorbs. CBD will pass through the skin, interacting with local cannabinoid receptors. CBD creams are more effective than THC-infused topicals because CBD has ten times higher permeability.
Most users report first signs of pain relief after around 10–15 minutes, but for some individuals, CBD creams may take more time to act, even up to 120 minutes, depending on a variety of factors.
It’s difficult to tell how much CBD exactly absorbs into the skin. With other formats such as oils, capsules, or vapes, it’s easier to measure the bioavailability of CBD. For example, the bioavailability of capsules is around 6%; the bioavailability of CBD oil has been measured at 35%, while for vaporizers, this number can be as high as 56%.
When we measure the bioavailability of CBD creams for pain, the figure is ZERO, as none of the CBD enters the bloodstream. However, this is not the point when using topical products, as they interact with the ECS through the skin.
Final Thoughts on the Best CBD Creams for Pain
CBD has many potential therapeutic applications. Researchers are fascinated by the remarkable anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects. Experts suggest that the best thing you can do to combat pain in a natural way is to combine CBD oil for general pain and CBD creams for localized discomfort.
When applied this way, CBD can interact with CB2 receptors and relieve inflammation as well as different types of pain. CBD has been shown to alleviate stiff joints, minor aches, and chronic pain — all without dangerous side effects.
If you’re looking for the best CBD cream for pain, we highly recommend Royal CBD warming cream because it combines a broad spectrum of cannabinoids with high concentrations of CBD and a cayenne pepper extract for a warming effect.
Do you use CBD creams for pain? Share your stories in the comment section!
References:
- Vučković, Sonja et al. “Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 9 1259. 13 Nov. 2018, doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01259
- Philpott, Holly T et al. “Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis.” Pain vol. 158,12 (2017): 2442-2451. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001052
- Schuelert, Niklas, and Jason J McDougall. “The abnormal cannabidiol analogue O-1602 reduces nociception in a rat model of acute arthritis via the putative cannabinoid receptor GPR55.” Neuroscience letters vol. 500,1 (2011): 72-6. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2011.06.004
- La Porta C, Bura SA, Negrete R, Maldonado R. Involvement of the endocannabinoid system in osteoarthritis pain. Eur J Neurosci. 2014 Feb;39(3):485-500. doi: 10.1111/ejn.12468. PMID: 24494687.
- Hammell, D C et al. “Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.” European journal of pain (London, England) vol. 20,6 (2016): 936-48. doi:10.1002/ejp.818
- Philpott, Holly T et al. “Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis.” Pain vol. 158,12 (2017): 2442-2451. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001052
- Blake, D R et al. “Preliminary assessment of the efficacy, tolerability and safety of a cannabis-based medicine (Sativex) in the treatment of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.” Rheumatology (Oxford, England) vol. 45,1 (2006): 50-2. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kei183
- Russo, Ethan B. “Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain.” Therapeutics and clinical risk management vol. 4,1 (2008): 245-59. doi:10.2147/tcrm.s1928
