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CBD topicals offer a wide range of benefits, from pain management to improving skin health. Effectiveness varies according to their potency, overall quality of ingredients, and cannabinoid profile.
Many CBD products are now available online, including topicals such as body oils, balms, and salves. This article reviews the top CBD topicals and discusses how to choose, considerations, and more.
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 federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. 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.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage.
Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage.
Third-party labs:MNT chooses products that undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
Available certificate of analysis:MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Individuals may choose to try CBD topicals to treat various conditions, such as acne, joint pain, and muscular soreness. Research into the effectiveness of CBD topicals is limited but ongoing.
The following table contains some useful terms relating to CBD.
Term
Meaning
CBD
A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use.
THC
A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use.
Full-spectrum
A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products.
Broad-spectrum
Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts.
CBD isolate
This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC.
Cannabinoids
The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are over 120. CBD is the second richest compound in the plant after THC.
Terpenes
Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits.
Certificate of analysis (COA)
Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products have a scannable smartphone code directing people to the COA online.
Humans have a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their skin. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate several bodily functions. When a person applies CBD topically, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the epidermal and dermal skin, where it acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps relieve pain.
A 2022 review that investigated the effects of CBD application on rheumatic conditions in dogs, concluded that CBD oil improved pain, activity scores, and improved the quality of life index in dogs with osteoarthritis.
However, there are limited studies on the use of topical cannabinoids in humans.
CBD is only one of the 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It does not produce the “high” effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and recreational cannabis consumption. However, CBD and other cannabinoids may help treat epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.
CBD’s potent antioxidant properties may help prevent skin inflammation or damage due to ultraviolet (UV) rays and environmental pollutants.
Topical CBD offers a more targeted form of treatment that may address musculoskeletal and joint pain, as well as chronic skin conditions. According to the Arthritis Foundation, CBD has been shown to also effectively treat arthritic pain.
A 2020 study found that CBD has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help prevent the overproduction of sebum, which is a factor in acne.
In a small 2019 study, researchers from Italy asked 20 patients living with chronic skin diseases to administer an ointment containing CBD twice a day for 3 months. At the end of the study period, all the participants showed significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity.
In one 2022 review of the literature, researchers examined the effects of topical CBD oil in dogs with osteoarthritis. The researchers found that CBD concentrations of 2 mg/kg of oral CBD oil given twice a day improved the dogs’ pain and activity scores.
Scientific research into the effects and health benefits of CBD topicals is still at a relatively early stage. However, there is increasing evidence that it may have numerous medicinal properties. That said, people should not use CBD as an alternative to other treatment options without discussing it with a doctor or another healthcare professional first.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
A person should contact a doctor before using any CBD products, particularly if they have known pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescribed medications.
Individuals may also consider contacting a doctor or healthcare professional if they experience side effects from a CBD product. Though often well tolerated, side effects can include:
Yes. CBD absorbs into the skin through receptors and penetrates through the epidermal and dermal levels.
How do I choose a CBD topical?
CBD topicals come in a variety of fragrances, ingredients, and doses.
People can look for additional ingredients they enjoy using, such as lavender oil. They should also look out for ingredients to which they may have an allergy or sensitivity.
Individuals may also consider whether the product contains THC and how much CBD is in it.
A person should also choose a topical that is within their budget.
Does topical CBD reduce inflammation or just pain?
According to research, CBD reduces inflammation and pain.
Effects may vary depending on the dose a person uses. People should always start with the lowest possible dose and increase it gradually until they reach their desired effect.
Which form of CBD is most effective?
The most effective form of CBD may depend on what a person intends to use it for.
Topical CBD may be the best option for people with localized aches or pains, as they rub the CBD directly into the affected area.
Ingestible CBD, such as oils and gummies, may be most suitable for people who are looking for general wellness.
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