Many people swear by CBD for pain relief and a variety of other conditions from sleep, nervousness, and mood—But with so many CBD products on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
We'll look at some of the best CBD creams for pain relief in this blog post.
By the end of this article, you'll know how they work, what to look for when choosing a cream, and some pros and cons of using CBD cream for back, muscle, and joint pain.
The Key Takeaways:
- CBD or cannabidiol is one of many cannabinoids in the hemp plant that's been found to provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving support when used internally or applied topically.
- CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabis compound that interacts with mammals' endocannabinoid system (ECS) to exert its effects in balancing vital systems in the body
- CBD can be applied to the skin as there are ECS receptors found in the skin tissue to regulate the skin organ's function.
- Topical CBD products have become very popular online and in stores, but you want to make sure that the CBD content is high in the products to experience their effects through the skin.
- Not all topical CBD products are created equal. Ensure you read the entire ingredient list to ensure you're getting the type of product you need for your concern.
7 Best CBD Creams for Pain
- The Highest Potency Per Jar: Neurogan CBD Cooling Cream
- The Best Warming Effect: Zatural Cbd Hot Cream | CBD Cream for Pain
- The Classic: CBDistillery CBDol® Topical - CBD Salve - 500mg
- The Best for Optimal Relief: Aspen Green Relief Full Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream
- The Best for Deep Muscles: Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream
- The Lowest Potent: Joy Organics Organic CBD Salve
- The Best Scent: Cornbread CBD Lotion + Menthol
| Brand | Price | Total CBD | Scent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neurogan CBD Cooling Cream | $45 $60 $125 |
2000mg 4000mg 16000mg |
Lightly Scented with Plant-Derived Essential Oils |
| Zatural CBD Hot Cream | $17.99 $24.99 $55 $90 |
250mg 500mg 1000mg 2000mg |
Natural scent from essential oils |
| CBDistillery Topical CBD Salve | $50 | 500mg | Lavender |
| Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream | $89.99 | 1000mg | Organic Menthol |
| Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream | $89.99 | 2000mg | Rosemary and Lavender |
| JoyOrganics CBD Salve | $54.95 $79.95 |
500mg 1000mg |
Lavender & Eucalyptus |
| Cornbread CBD Lotion | $49.99 | 500mg | Mint |
1. Neurogan CBD Cooling Cream
Originating in San Diego as a family business, the brand stands out with its cGMP certification. Their CBD cream, priced at $45, $60, and $125, offers content levels from 2000mg to a commanding 16000mg, making it the highest potent CBD cream on the market. Additionally, a 25% subscription discount is available for regular users.
With strengths ranging from 2000mg to an unrivaled 16000mg of CBD, this cream is both potent and has a smooth texture, ensuring an easy application without any greasy residue. It carries a gentle peppermint and menthol aroma, offering a soothing cooling effect and bolstered inflammation support.
Customers have highlighted its effectiveness, particularly for ailments like arthritis. The rapid relief the most potent & best cooling cream provides for nerve pain has been noted, and the peppermint scent is a refreshing change from the conventional cannabis scent. Moreover, their thc marijuana gummies also comfort nerves and muscles.
Price: $45 | $60 | $125
Total CBD Content: 2000mg | 4000mg | 16000mg
Scent: Lightly scented with plant-derived essential oils
Discounts: 25% discount on subscription
Pros:
- High Potency
- Affordable
- Offering multiple variant options to cater to a broader range of pain relief needs
Cons:
- Full Spectrum extract and may not be ideal to those avoiding THC.
2. Zatural CBD Hot Cream
Located in Idaho, USA, Zatural offers an extensive array of natural products, not limited to CBD. Their gesture of free shipping on orders over $5 in the US underscores their commitment to accessibility. Guided by Maryann Stanger, a Naturopathic doctor, the brand is a beacon for those seeking genuine, chemical-free wellness solutions.
Zatural's CBD cream varies in strengths from 250mg to 2000mg. It possesses a natural scent from a combination of essential oils and ingredients, further enhanced with the soothing presence of aloe vera. However, the diverse essential oils might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin. Additionally, the cream imparts a noticeable heating effect that might be intense for some.
Customers have shared their positive experiences with the product. Many have found it to be especially effective for areas like the knees, complementing its subtle and inviting scent. It has also been a favored choice for those suffering from arthritis-induced neck pain, even assisting in promoting better sleep. Its rapid relief for sore regions, including knees and elbows, is noteworthy.
Price: $17.99 | $24.99 | $55 | $90
Total CBD Content: 250mg | 500mg | 1000mg | 2000mg
Scent: Natural scent from essential oils and other natural ingredients
Discounts: 20% discount on subscription
Pros:
- Available in various sizes and strengths
- Formulated with calming elements such as aloe vera
Cons:
- The numerous essential oils and other active ingredients may cause skin irritation
- The product's heat effect may be intense
3. CBDistillery Topical CBD Salve
CBDistillery, founded in 2016 and based in Denver, Colorado, is committed to delivering high-quality, reasonably-priced hemp-derived CBD creams. Their topical lineup includes offerings such as CBD oils, gummies, topicals, and vapes, catering to a range of preferences with Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and Isolate options.
Priced at $50, CBDistillery CBD cream contains 500mg of CBD with a calming lavender scent amongst other botanicals. It stands out with its non-GMO ingredients and holds a U.S. Hemp Authority certification. While it offers long-lasting effects with Full-Spectrum CBD, potential users should note it's available in only one potency, and the 1oz size may deplete quickly depending on usage frequency.
Customers appreciate the salve for its effectiveness, especially on areas like the shoulder and hand. Although some find the scent could be improved, the longevity of its effects, lasting all day for many, is commendable. Compared to other creams, this product is favored for its smoother application. A few comments highlight its generous use, especially on the neck, leading to minor inconveniences like staining pillowcases.
Nevertheless, its soothing effects, especially for muscle relaxation, make it a popular choice among users.
Price: $50
Total CBD Content: 500mg
Scent: lavender and other calming botanicals
Discounts: 30% discount on subscription
Pros:
- Non-GMO ingredients
- U.S. Hemp Authority certification
Cons:
- Available in one potency only
- 1oz may only be used for a short time for some users
4. Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream
Based in Colorado, Aspen Green is an American-made hemp producer known for its commitment to quality, as evidenced by its USDA certification. Beyond their products, their ethos shines through with discounts for military, first responders, medical staff, teachers, students, and the underserved, reflecting their mission to serve the community.
Offered at $89.99, Aspen Green's cream boasts a 1000mg CBD concentration, enhanced with an organic menthol aroma. Its water-based formulation ensures rapid absorption. Crafted from organic hemp and all-natural food-grade ingredients, the cream stands out, though its pricing is on the higher side compared to some competitors.
Many appreciate the product's efficacy, but a few have raised concerns about its cost relative to the quantity provided. The synergy of CBD with THC has been a standout feature for several users. Veterans, especially those with past injuries, have highlighted its potent relief capabilities. Active individuals, from construction workers to athletes, also applaud its soothing and relieving properties.
Price: $89.99
Total CBD Content: 1000mg
Scent: Organic Menthol
Discounts: 30% discount on subscription
Pros:
- Water-based for easier absorption
- Contains organic hemp
- 100% natural food-grade ingredients
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other CBD brands.
5. Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream
Founded by Iraq combat veteran Craig Henderson in 2016, Extract Labs emerged from a profound desire to extend the benefits of plant-based wellness to all. Situated in Boulder, Colorado, the company's dedication to quality is evident in its collaboration with local farmers to grow high-grade hemp, underlining its commitment to both community & excellence.
Extract Labs presents a full-spectrum CBD cream, priced at $89.99, which is not only enriched with a potent 2000mg CBD concentration but also accentuated with menthol and arnica for pain relief. Noteworthy elements include certified organic ingredients like nurturing shea butter, hydrating jojoba, protective beeswax, and aromatic rosemary. This composition is praised for swiftly addressing muscle discomfort.
Most users report quick relief with Extract Labs' cream, often needing just a small amount for effectiveness. Some found the menthol strength a bit much, but the company's efficient refund process earned praise. The cream has become a favorite for many dealing with muscle soreness and conditions like pain from sciatica, even leading to word-of-mouth recommendations among varied professionals.
In summary, it's a reliable choice for everyday discomfort and arthritis.
Price: $89.99
Total CBD Content: 2000mg
Scent: Rosemary and Lavender
Discounts: 25% discount on subscription
Pros:
- Fast-Acting
- Contains organic ingredients
Cons:
- Expensive per mg.
- Different shipping rates because of added shipping material during summer
6. JoyOrganics CBD Salve
Joy Organics stands as a beacon in the CBD cream space, synonymous with quality and innovation. Initiated by Joy Smith, driven by her personal health challenges, the brand quickly carved a niche for itself with its adeptness in broad-spectrum CBD. What truly sets them apart is their avant-garde adoption of nanotechnology, enhancing the absorption and potency of their offerings.
Joy Organics presents an organic CBD salve crafted for external aches and skin concerns. It seamlessly blends full-spectrum hemp oil with beeswax, ensuring a silky application. With options of 500mg and 1000mg, this salve is further accentuated by additional cannabinoids and the therapeutic essences of lavender and eucalyptus, fostering relaxation and relief. Although their CBD salve is organically made, they don't have the highest potent CBD salve on the market.
The product has garnered appreciation from its user base. Highlights include its smooth consistency, pleasant fragrance, and proven effectiveness. While some advise regular application for best results, others, like a 92-year-old user, vouch for its positive effects on joint comfort.
Price: $54.95 | $79.95
Total CBD Content: 500mg | 1000mg
Scent: Lavender & Eucalyptus
Discounts: 20% discount on subscription
Pros:
- Contains 100% organic hemp
- Relaxing spa-like effects
Cons:
- Contains tree nuts (coconut), which could cause allergic reactions.
7. Cornbread CBD Lotion
Cornbread's CBD Lotion + Menthol attempts to market itself with a blend of natural organic components. However, their claim of being organic raises eyebrows, as their products aren't certified organic. The addition of menthol, while intended for natural pain relief, is somewhat overshadowed by the brand's questionable claims & practices.
The product claims to offer both soothing and cooling sensations, presumably from its CBD and menthol combination. With just 500mg of CBD, it's worth noting that this isn't a substantial amount when compared to other products on the market. While they emphasize skin hydration and nourishment, the lack of certification casts doubt on its actual benefits. The product is portrayed as non-greasy, aiming for swift absorption, but without an organic certification, its true quality remains a question.
While some feedback might suggest relief from certain ailments, the brand's authenticity is a constant backdrop. Claims of alleviating discomfort from surgeries and inflammation are hard to trust, given their unsupported organic claim and questionable marketing practices. Allegations about using unauthorized techniques to draw traffic to their site further diminish their credibility.
Price: $49.99
Total CBD Content: 500mg
Scent: Mint
Discounts: 20% discount on subscription
Cons:
- 500MG CBD is among the lowest on the market.
- Added essential oils
- False Organic Certified Claims
Does CBD Cream Help With Pain?
There are many CBD creams out there on the market—some are better suited for skincare and nourishing the skin than they are for providing any support for sore muscles or chronic pain.
However, some scientific literature shows that CBD itself has some benefits for pain relief [3, 4].
CBD is a unique cannabinoid in that it doesn't bind readily to endocannabinoid receptors.
However, it does help to increase the natural levels of anandamide (an endogenous cannabinoid) and bind to other receptors to suppress inflammation and pain signals [5].
As a CBD topical, the health effects of CBD are limited as they don't enter the bloodstream to exert broad-ranging effects.
Instead, it focuses its support on where it's applied on the skin, where endocannabinoid receptors are present to help regulate the skin organ's function to support temperature control, inflammation, and pain sensation [6].
These small-scale preliminary studies suggest that topical CBD creams effectively manage pain. Still, more large-scale research and clinical trials are needed to substantiate the effects of CBD for pain relief.
Currently, there are no FDA-approved topical CBD products designed to manage and mitigate pain, but that hasn't stopped people from using CBD pain relief creams to improve their quality of life.
Let's look at some of the research to support CBD creams for pain.
CBD May Support Nerve Related Pain
In a recent study on 29 patients with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy, the group given CBD cream for pain noticed a significant reduction in their pain symptoms compared to the placebo group [7].
This insight has led some to combine different forms of CBD for enhanced effects. For instance, some use cream along with a CBD gummy for nerve pain to boost the potential benefits of CBD. This method leverages both topical and systemic approaches to managing nerve pain, offering a comprehensive strategy for those seeking relief with CBD oil as an alternative to prescribed medications for nerve pain.
CBD May Support Arthritis-Related Pain
There's strong evidence to support CBD oil for helping those living with arthritis pain gain comfort and mobility back in their lives.
Multiple studies point to CBD's anti-inflammatory potential through various pathways—not just one—to inhibit painful inflammation [8].
In higher doses, CBD gummies may support joint and muscle aches through interactions with the vanilloid receptors, which transmit pain signals to the brain [9].
CBD May Support Muscle Pain
Post-workout muscle soreness can get in the way of maintaining a good exercise routine. CBD has become many people's favorite gym companion, especially after grueling sessions.
The soreness typically comes from microtears to the muscles that will rebuild to withstand the type of pressure and stress exerted.
In the meantime, the microtears leave you feeling tender, sore, and achy for a few days until you fully recover. But we don't always have the luxury of time when juggling other responsibilities or having an upcoming competition.
CBD cream is often used to provide relief to sore muscles and aching joints by supporting a normal inflammatory response where it's applied. Many over-the-counter muscle aches and joint pain creams come with cooling and heating agents to support this process [10].
How To Choose A Quality CBD Cream For Pain?
There are a lot of topical CBD products out there—but only a handful will deliver on their promises.
This section will give you a run-down of what to look for in quality CBD topical creams to support sore muscles and joint discomfort.
Unfortunately, the CBD industry is riddled with scammers, and we want to help you get the most out of your experience with CBD and hold brands accountable for the products they put on the market by improving the education of the consumers.
Choose High Potency CBD Creams
One of the most significant issues in CBD topicals is that they don't contain enough CBD to exert any effects.
Many brands will sprinkle the minimum amount of CBD extract into a formula to include the term "CBD topical" in the marketing to charge more money.
This is highly unethical, but it paints the entire CBD industry as a whole as snake oil products when the reality is that CBD has the potential to help many people.
Look for CBD creams with at least 8–10 mg of CBD per ml of the product
You can calculate the concentration by dividing the mg of CBD listed on the container by the number of mg in the bottle. Most of the time, you'll find very dismal concentrations. We've found that the best results had more than 8 mg of CBD.
Opt For Full Spectrum CBD Creams
CBD is only one of the active ingredients found in hemp.
To get the most benefits the hemp plant has to offer, choose a CBD cream with an abundance of other phytochemical compounds to balance and extend the effects of CBD.
Check The Third-Party Lab Tests
We can't always take a CBD cream for face value, so we recommend referring to the company's certificate of analysis on all their CBD products is crucial.
This step isn't mandatory industry practice, but it's become the best practice for identifying the best CBD products for pain. Quality-conscious companies will send a sample of their CBD cream extract to an independent lab for quality assurance.
The report will read the cannabinoid content and potency and the presence of potentially harmful contaminants that could be irritating to the skin.
Read The Other Skin Care Ingredients
Not all CBD creams are designed for pain relief.
Ingredients such as arnica, chamomile, and lavender can help with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory support alongside CBD, and ingredients like menthol and capsicum may provide cooling and healing sensations that can help to distract the mind from pain and offer additional anti-inflammatory support.
However, because these other ingredients are active and have a set of effects on the skin, they may be more prone to irritation. It's crucial that before massaging a large amount of the product to an affected area, you patch test the product on the skin to ensure you don't develop an allergic reaction.
Value For Your Money
CBD product prices are all over the map—ensuring you find value for your money spent is always a consideration in any product research.
Expensive isn't always better when it comes to CBD, but at the same time, if you find a too-good-to-be-true price point, be skeptical.
High-quality CBD extracts cost a lot of money to produce because of sustainable farming practices, careful extraction methods, testing, and licensing.
Large companies can get away with selling CBD oil for a better value because they can produce the volume and have the demand for it. Shopping with a well-established CBD brand may give you more value for your dollar, especially if you're looking for high potency CBD topicals.
The best way to determine the value of a product is to consider the price per mg of CBD in the formula. Of course, this isn't going to be an accurate indicator of how much the product is worth, but it does give a better idea for comparing one brand's CBD cream for pain from another.
On average, the price for CBD cream ranges between $0.03–0.10 per mg of CBD in the product. You also want to consider the quality of the added ingredients and the extract type. CBD isolates tend to be cheaper overall.
At Neurogan, our price per mg of CBD is around $0.02—that's because we've created a highly efficient supercritical extraction method to yield high levels of CBD from our crops, and we work with local farmers to reduce the transporting cost.
As a larger, family-run CBD manufacturer, we also have the infrastructure to pass the savings on to our customers from large-scale orders.
Safety & Side Effects Of CBD Cream For Pain
High-quality CBD creams are safe for use for most people.
However, creams should be used for external purposes only, as they may contain other ingredients that can irritate the digestive system. Applying CBD oils to open wounds should also be avoided unless the manufacturer does stipulate that it's safe to do so.
CBD products aren't very likely to induce intoxication. However, some people may experience some adverse side effects when ingesting high doses of CBD, such as:
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
That being said, topical CBD cream doesn't enter the bloodstream to lead to this cascade of effects.
Most of the things you should look out for in topical CBD creams for pain have to do with skin irritation. You should always patch test the product on your skin before using a considerable amount to avoid a full-blown allergic reaction.
Using CBD Cream For Chronic Pain
Some people swear by using CBD cream and internal supplementation such as CBD oils, tinctures, gummies, or smokables for pain relief.
While CBD topicals may help with localized pain, some people say that internal CBD products help with mood, sleep, and relaxation that complement the benefits of their CBD pain cream.
As we explore how CBD creams help with pain, it's important to remember that many also prefer to complement these topical treatments with the best CBD tinctures for pain, combining the direct relief of creams with the systemic benefits of orally consumed CBD.
When CBD is taken internally, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other receptors that affect mood, altering one's perception of pain.
CBD has been shown to improve the brain's capacity to use serotonin, which supports one's mood, and sense of contentment and can shift one's outlook on pain and discomfort [11].
CBD may also have a role in mitigating the stress response by increasing GABA activity in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that counteracts the stress response, which may help the body relax physically and mentally to offer better support towards pain and discomfort [12].
The Takeaway: CBD Cream For Pain Relief
The CBD world is constantly providing innovative ways to incorporate the benefits of the hemp plant into our daily lives. Research has shown that CBD is not only a safe and well-tolerated compound, but it's incredibly versatile, offering health benefits when applied topically and internally too.
One of the most popular uses for CBD is as a topical cream to relieve pain from sore joints, tired muscles, and nerve pain. While more research is needed to understand the effects of topical CBD cream for chronic pain conditions, there's no denying that it has helped many people feel a sense of comfort and improved wellness.
When shopping for the best CBD products for pain, refer to the third-party lab tests to verify the cannabinoid profile, potency, and contaminant safety report. Not all CBD creams and lotions will provide the same set of effects. To use CBD cream for pain, it should have a high concentration of CBD in the formula (upwards of 8-10 mg/mL).
For more support, you may want to look at additional ingredients such as cooling agents (peppermint and methol) or heating agents (capsaicin), which can help address inflammation and pain for added comfort.
Always patch test the product on a small area before applying it directly to the affected area to ensure you don't have any allergies to the product.
For more resources on shopping for quality CBD and incorporating it into a regular wellness routine, you can read our blog and subscribe to our Insider Scoop, with exclusive offers on our CBD products for sale sent straight to your inbox.
FAQ
Can you use CBD cream for leg nerve pain?
Yes, many individuals use CBD cream to alleviate leg nerve pain. The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of CBD may offer relief by reducing inflammation and targeting pain receptors.
Does CBD cream work for neuropathy pain?
CBD cream can be beneficial for managing neuropathy pain. Its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties might offer relief to sufferers, although individual results can vary.
Does Hemp cream for nerve pain work as well?
Hemp cream can provide relief for nerve pain due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. The richness in essential fatty acids might help soothe the nervous system.
What is the best THC CBD cream?
The best THC CBD creams are often those labeled as full-spectrum, containing a range of cannabinoids, including THC, to enhance the cream's effectiveness via the entourage effect.
Is Full Spectrum CBD Cream for arthritis pain best?
Yes, Full Spectrum CBD Cream is often considered best for arthritis pain. Many topical creams contains various cannabinoids that work synergistically to enhance anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, providing comprehensive relief.
What CBD is best for nerve pain?
Full-spectrum CBD products are frequently recommended for nerve pain. The combination of various cannabinoids, including THC, can optimize pain relief through the entourage effect, enhancing overall efficacy.
Resources:
- Huang, W. J., Chen, W. W., & Zhang, X. (2016). Endocannabinoid system: Role in depression, reward and pain control. Molecular medicine reports, 14(4), 2899-2903.
- Anand, U., Pacchetti, B., Anand, P., & Sodergren, M. H. (2021). Cannabis-based medicines and pain: a review of potential synergistic and entourage effects. Pain Management, 11(4), 395-403.
- Eskander, J. P., Spall, J., Spall, A., Shah, R. V., & Kaye, A. D. (2020). Cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment of acute and chronic back pain: A case series and literature review. J Opioid Manag, 16(3), 215-8.
- Boyaji, S., Merkow, J., Elman, R. N. M., Kaye, A. D., Yong, R. J., & Urman, R. D. (2020). The role of cannabidiol (CBD) in chronic pain management: an assessment of current evidence. Current pain and headache reports, 24(2), 1-6.Chicago
- Lu, J., Fan, S., Zou, G., Hou, Y., Pan, T., Guo, W., ... & Xiong, W. (2018). Involvement of glycine receptor α1 subunits in cannabinoid-induced analgesia. Neuropharmacology, 133, 224-232.
- Osafo, N., Yeboah, O. K., & Antwi, A. O. (2021). Endocannabinoid system and its modulation of brain, gut, joint, and skin inflammation. Molecular Biology Reports, 48(4), 3665-3680.
- Xu, D. H., Cullen, B. D., Tang, M., & Fang, Y. (2020). The effectiveness of topical cannabidiol oil in symptomatic relief of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology, 21(5), 390-402.
- Ruhaak, L. R., Felth, J., Karlsson, P. C., Rafter, J. J., Verpoorte, R., & Bohlin, L. (2011). Evaluation of the cyclooxygenase inhibiting effects of six major cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 34(5), 774-778.
- Costa, B., Giagnoni, G., Franke, C., Trovato, A. E., & Colleoni, M. (2004). Vanilloid TRPV1 receptor mediates the antihyperalgesic effect of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol, in a rat model of acute inflammation. British journal of pharmacology, 143(2), 247-250.Chicago
- Ashworth, C. (2021). The Effectiveness of Topical Application of Cannabinoidon DOMS in Collegiate Athletes Measured by Neuropathic Pain Scale.
- Sales, A. J., Crestani, C. C., Guimarães, F. S., & Joca, S. R. (2018). Antidepressant-like effect induced by Cannabidiol is dependent on brain serotonin levels. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 86, 255-261.
- Bakas, T., Van Nieuwenhuijzen, P. S., Devenish, S. O., McGregor, I. S., Arnold, J. C., & Chebib, M. (2017). The direct actions of cannabidiol and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol at GABAA receptors. Pharmacological research, 119, 358-370.
