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The manufacturers of skin creams that contain cannabidiol (CBD) claim that these products ease pain and reduce inflammation, making them beneficial for people with certain health conditions. However, experts say that more research is necessary to validate these claims.

CBD is one of many chemicals present in the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD skin care products usually contain little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive compound of the plant that makes a person feel high.

This article highlights the benefits of CBD skin creams and the conditions for which they may be helpful. It also lists some possible side effects and names three specific products that a person may wish to consider trying.

Learn more about the difference between CBD and THC.

Manufacturers often add CBD to oils, such as hemp seed oil, which they then use as an ingredient in skin creams and lotions. Research suggests that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate the symptoms of some skin conditions.

Additionally, CBD skin cream may help with painful joints. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that further research will help determine whether CBD products are equally effective as other pain medications, such as ibuprofen, in providing pain relief.

CBD skin creams most often use broad-spectrum CBD, which is CBD with either no THC or only trace amounts.

The other two common forms of CBD are full-spectrum and CBD isolate.

Learn more about the most common forms of CBD.

Research indicates that CBD skin creams have benefits for various conditions.

Acne, psoriasis, and eczema

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) says that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may aid treatment for acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Arthritis

A 2016 study in rats found that some CBD products may have long lasting therapeutic effects on inflammation and behaviors associated with arthritis.

Learn more about CBD skin cream and arthritis.

Peripheral neuropathy

A 2020 study found that CBD oil can significantly reduce pain for people with peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage that generally causes discomfort, numbness, and weakening in the feet and hands.

Learn more about CBD and nerve damage and pain.

Jaw pain

A 2019 study found that people who experience temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may notice an improvement in their condition after using CBD products. TMD can cause pain and stiffening in and around a person’s jaw.

In general, people apply CBD skin creams directly to an affected area of the body.

The creams and lotions can provide relief at both the surface and deeper muscle levels. In some cases, they can also aid relaxation to help an individual sleep.

As well as creams, CBD can be present in balms, salves, and transdermal patches.

People looking for a CBD skin cream should consider a few factors, including those below.

Dosage

It is essential that a person read the ingredients label of any CBD product, as this will indicate the potency or dosage.

Most creams list the dosage in milligrams (mg). It may be best for a person to start with a lower dose cream and change to a higher dose if necessary.

High potency CBD skin creams tend to provide 8 mg per recommended application, whereas low potency ones typically provide 3 mg of this substance.

Learn more about CBD dosage.

Environmental considerations

A person may wish to consider whether the other ingredients in a skin cream are organic and where or how the cannabis plant grows.

Also, some CBD extraction processes use harsh chemicals that may be harmful to the environment and leave traces in the end product.

Cost

Some CBD skin creams may be expensive. A person should consider the price range and how often they may need to purchase the product.

A product may not necessarily be of better quality or have any added benefits just because it is more expensive, so research is essential.

A 2017 review of data and studies found that some of the most common side effects of CBD products include tiredness, diarrhea, and a change in appetite or weight. However, the same review also notes that CBD products have fewer side effects than other drugs that doctors use to treat the same conditions.

The AAD says that contact dermatitis may be a side effect of skin cream but notes that this can occur with any topical lotion, not just CBD skin creams.

Some individuals may have concerns about the use of CBD in medications. However, the AAD claims that CBD creams contain little to no trace of THC, meaning that they will not make a person feel high.

Below, we list some of the CBD skin creams currently available on the market.

Vertly Relief Lotion

The Vertly Relief Lotion is a full-spectrum lotion that uses Colorado-grown hemp. Each tube contains 500 mg of CBD.

Vertly uses a unique blend in this CBD cream, as it also includes arnica, which the company says targets aches and pains. In addition, it contains aloe vera, peppermint, and lavender, all of which research has shown to be soft on the skin.

The company says that this product is vegan and organic. The production involves a supercritical carbon dioxide extraction process, which is common in the manufacture of certified-organic products.

Shop now.

Calm by Wellness Hemp CBD Lavender Lotion

Calm by Wellness produces this lavender-scented CBD lotion, which contains 200 mg of broad-spectrum CBD. The company advises users to apply a dime-size amount initially and gradually use more if necessary.

The company claims to use 100% organic, natural ingredients and to grow the hemp in the U.S. Other ingredients include aloe leaf juice, coconut oil, lavender extracts, and jojoba seed oil.

Calm by Wellness claims that this product helps with dry skin, scar reduction, sunburn, stress reduction, and sleep.

Use code MNT20 for 20% off.

Shop now.

Lord Jones High CBD Formula Body Lotion

Lord Jones has cultivated this grapefruit-scented CBD body lotion from selected hemp that grows in the United States.

Each 50-milliliter bottle contains 100 mg of CBD. The company estimates that each pump of lotion contains 2 mg of CBD.

Lord Jones claims that this product is cruelty-free and has undergone lab testing to check for purity and consistency. It contains broad-spectrum CBD.

Shop now.

Alternatives to CBD skin creams often contain other forms of pain management or skin-soothing ingredients, including:

CBD skin cream may be helpful for people with various health conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, and inflammation.

Various brands offer CBD skin creams. A person new to CBD products should start by using only a small amount and, if necessary, gradually increase the amount over time.

A person can speak with a doctor about the safest way to use CBD products.