Best CBD Creams For Pain In 2023: 5 Topicals For Natural Pain Relief
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- Written by Kate Barrington, Health Expert
Medically reviewed by
Victor Nguyen, PharmD.
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CBDfx
- Broad-spectrum hemp CBD with cooling menthol
- Available in 500mg and 1,000mg concentrations
- Free shipping on orders over $35
25% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Spruce CBD
- Made in the USA, 100% natural
- Lab-grade CBD (300mg per jar)
- Free shipping, save 15% with a subscription
Free Shipping and 15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Joy Organics
- Premium USDA organic CBD
- All products are lab-tested and THC free
- Enjoy free shipping and money back guarantee
25% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
As you get older, your body may not work as well as it used to. Everyday activities leave you feeling sore and pain is more likely to become part of your daily life. According to the CDC, over 20% of American adults[1] experience chronic pain, and for more than 36% of those who reported chronic pain, it has a high impact on their daily life. Let’s find out the best CBD cream for pain available on the market in 2020.
Mild or occasional pain can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories, but if you suffer from pain on a daily basis you may be looking for an alternate solution. That’s where CBD products come in.
Best CBD Creams For Pain On The Market In June 2023
- CBDfx – Best Cooling Cream
- Spruce CBD – Best Overall
- Joy Organics – Best Organic
- Royal CBD – Best Option
- CBD Pure – Best for Joint Pain
- Medterra – Best THC-Free
- Kanibi – Best for Athletes
- cbdMD – Best Variety
- Penguin CBD – Best Subscription
- Endoca – Best for Severe Pain
CBD Cream For Pain
Though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only changed regulations on CBD to declassify it as a controlled substance in 2018, medically reviewed research on the benefits of CBD is still limited. That being, cannabinoids like CBD[2] and THC have been studied for their potential anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic benefits.
Evidence for this, especially in specific populations such as older subjects and cancer patients is still in the works but shows promise. If you experience chronic pain, CBD pain cream could help. Rather than ingesting cannabidiol along with a carrier oil, you apply the product directly to the site of your pain to experience faster relief and specifically to the applied area.
In this article, we’ll explore the subject of CBD for pain relief, particularly in its topical form. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best CBD creams for pain.
10 Best CBD Topical Cream For Pain Relief In 2023
CBDfx CBD Cream For Muscle & Joint
25% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Sometimes heat simply doesn’t do the trick, so try CBDfx cooling creams to soothe pain, available in 500mg or 1,000mg strengths.
- Broad-spectrum CBD with cooling menthol
- Available in 500mg and 1,000mg concentrations
- Free shipping on orders over $35
- Hemp source may not be from USA
While many CBD cooling creams rely on heavy concentrations of menthol, CBDfx knows cannabidiol is the real star. Their creams come in concentrations of 500mg or 1,000 mg of CBD per 50ml bottle. In addition to CBD oil, these topicals contain anti-inflammatory botanical extracts like white willow bark and caffeine for added relief from pain and inflammation.
Spruce CBD Cream
Free Shipping and 15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
When it comes to CBD pain cream, you don’t want to waste your money on something that doesn’t work. With Spruce CBD, you know you’re getting high-quality CBD at a reasonable price point.
- Made in the USA, 100% natural
- Lab-grade CBD (300mg per jar)
- Free shipping, save 15% with subscription
- Only one option is available
If you’re looking for a premium CBD product you can trust, look no further than Spruce CBD. Their CBD pain cream is made with 100% natural, lab-grade full-spectrum CBD and plant-derived scents. This cream comes in a 2-ounce jar with 300 mg of CBD. Spruce CBD products are made in the USA and they use third-party testing to verify purity and potency. Plus, you can save 15% with a subscription and receive free shipping.
Joy Organics CBD Sports Cream
25% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
For the highest quality hemp-derived CBD products made with organic ingredients, look no further than Joy Organics.
- Premium USDA organic CBD
- All products are third-party lab-tested and THC free
- Enjoy free shipping and satisfaction guarantee
- Limited options in CBD concentration
When it comes to pain relief, you can’t afford to compromise with low-quality ingredients. Joy Organics not only uses premium, USDA organic CBD, but they combine it with other organic ingredients including aromatic essential oils. Their Organic CBD Salve features a subtle lavender eucalyptus fragrance while their CBD cream is unscented. Enjoy free shipping on all orders along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Royal CBD Cream
20% Off Coupon: HC20
Choose from a CBD cooling cream or roll-on gel, both made with a high concentration of broad-spectrum CBD and other natural ingredients.
- Choose from cooling cream or roll-on gel
- Made with premium CBD and natural ingredients
- Products are non-GMO and gluten-free
- Can be fairly pricey
- Some users prefer full-spectrum CBD
If your pain changes from day to day, you may appreciate a company like Royal CBD that offers two different options for pain relief. For daily soreness, try their CBD Roll-On Gel made with 350 mg of CBD combined with cooling, pain-relieving ingredients like menthol and aloe vera. For severe pain, Royal CBD’s CBD-infused cream may help. Packed with 500mg topical CBD, this cream creates a gentle warming sensation to soothe away the pain.
CBDPure Muscle & Joint Cream
Free Shipping and 15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
If you’re suffering from joint and muscle pain, CBD Pure has the best CBD cream for arthritis pain. Their Muscle & Joint formula contains 250mg of full-spectrum CBD and other anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Made with premium full-spectrum CBD
- Supplemented with anti-inflammatory ingredients
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Only one topical CBD product is available
Why suffer from chronic joint issues when CBD creams may help? CBD Pure keeps it simple with their Muscle & Joint formula which contains 250 mg of CBD per 3-ounce tube. This formula is supplemented with cooling menthol and anti-inflammatory white willow bark extract along with other premium-quality ingredients. Plus, you get a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
Medterra Pain Relief Cream
15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Choose from a variety of topical CBD products for pain relief and never have to worry that it contains THC. Medterra offers both creams and roll-ons.
- Made with broad-spectrum hemp CBD
- Infused with 99% naturally derived ingredients
- Choose from several creams and roll-ons
- Can be pricey, depending on the concentration
When you’re in the market for a broad-spectrum CBD cream, Medterra has what you need. Their Pain Cream + CBD comes in 500mg and 1,000mg strengths and provides fast, proven relief for everything from arthritis to joint stiffness. If you prefer a cooling effect, Medterra’s CBD Rapid Cooling Cream is supplemented with arnica and menthol. All products are free from synthetic ingredients and contaminants and backed by third-party lab testing.
Kanibi CBD Sports Heat Cream
As an athlete, you put your body through the wringer and ordinary CBD creams just might not be enough. With Kanibi, you get CBD topicals designed specifically for your needs.
- Made with full-spectrum hemp CBD
- Unique dispenser eliminates mess and hassle
- Absorbs quickly and fully for fast relief
- Expensive compared to other options
- Free shipping only on orders over $100
Soothe even the most stubborn pain with Kanibi CBD Sports Heat Cream. Made with full-spectrum CBD and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, this product soothes pain and hydrates your skin. It comes in a state-of-the-art dispenser to eliminate mess and hassy, plus it has a light, smooth texture that absorbs quickly.
cbdMD Recover CBD Inflammation Cream
15% Off Coupon: CAUSE
All pain is not equal and neither are all CBD creams. Whether you suffer from nerve pain, sore muscles, or sore joints, cbdMD offers a wide variety of topical CBD products for you to try.
- Choose from a wide variety of CBD products
- Made with broad-spectrum CBD (THC free)
- Save up to 30% with auto-ship orders
- Fairly pricey, depending on the concentration
If you’re having trouble finding a CBD topical product that works, try cbdMD. This company offers a wide variety of CBD products that aren’t limited to traditional pain creams. Choose from roll-ons, sprays, and creams all made with premium CBD and other natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. Verify the purity of your CBD products with Certificate of Analysis (COA) lab test results on the website and enjoy the peace of mind of a 60-day no-risk guarantee.
Penguin CBD Cream
15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Once you find a product you like, you want to keep it on hand. With Penguin CBD, you’ll be rewarded with 20% off when you start a monthly subscription.
- Receive 20% when you start a monthly subscription
- Terpene-rich formula with cooling effects
- Soothing peppermint lavender scent
- Only one CBD cream is available
- May be a little pricey compared to some
CBD products can be expensive, but it’s well worth it when you find one that works. With Penguin CBD, you can save 20% on every order just by starting a monthly subscription. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ll never run out. This topical CBD cream contains 250 mg of CBD per 4-ounce jar and has a pleasing peppermint lavender scent.
Endoca CBD Cream
15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
If you’re looking for the best CBD cream for pain relief, you’ll get your money’s worth with a potent CBD cream from Endoca and save by buying in multiples.
- Surprisingly affordable price point
- Full-spectrum hemp cream with organic CBD
- Nourishes and soothes dry skin, relieves pain
- Products not made with US-grown hemp
Get a CBD product that does more with Endoca. Their CBD Infused Cream is made with full-spectrum hemp oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E along with other nourishing, skin-soothing ingredients. Choose from concentrations up to 1,500mg and enjoy relief from back pain, muscle aches, joint stiffness, and more. This pain cream is lab-tested, GMO-free, and organic.
How Does CBD Cream Work For Pain?
Cannabidiol is one of over 100 cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are several varieties of cannabis, but CBD is most highly concentrated in hemp (Cannabis sativa). Its cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is more highly concentrated in marijuana (Cannabis indica). Both of these compounds are thought to work by impacting the endocannabinoid system (ECS)[3] present in the bodies of all mammals.
Cannabinoids bind to or modulate the ECS’ primary receptors (CB1 and CB2)[3] and, in doing so, help modify or regulate certain bodily processes such as inflammation or the expression of pain. Though cannabidiol is typically ingested, it can also be absorbed through the skin to provide more direct relief. That is how CBD cream is thought to work to relieve pain.
Medical research supports the benefits of CBD for pain, but many studies involve treatment with ingested or inhaled cannabidiol products rather than topicals. Anecdotal evidence shows the potential of CBD topicals to relieve pain, but it is unclear how much of the benefit can be attributed to the cannabidiol and how much to other ingredients in the product.
What Is The Best CBD Cream For Pain?
When it comes to the best CBD creams, it’s largely a matter of opinion. Cannabidiol products affect everyone differently, so you may need to work with your doctor to find a CBD pain cream with the right concentration of cannabidiol to address your symptoms. For people using CBD for the first time, you may want to start with a low concentration for a few weeks to see how the body reacts. If you’re not seeing the desired results, increase your dose slowly as needed.
In terms of shopping for CBD topicals, it’s important to choose a company that uses a high-quality source of cannabidiol and other ingredients from nature. Make sure the products you’re considering are tested by a third-party lab for purity and potency – see if you can find a COA online to verify. It also doesn’t hurt if the company offers a money-back guarantee just in case you’re not satisfied with the product.
Do CBD Topicals Have Side Effects?
Generally speaking, CBD is highly regarded as safe. In a medically reviewed 2018 publication, the World Health Organization[4] (WHO) describes CBD as, “generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” They also comment that adverse effects are likely the result of an interaction between CBD and medications the patient is already taking.
That being said, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the possibility of side effects. With CBD, side effects[5] are typically mild and usually limited to drowsiness, diarrhea, and changes in weight or appetite. Keep in mind, however, that these side effects typically refer to ingested products. With a topical product like a CBD salve or cream, negative reactions may be caused by other ingredients in the product such as artificial fragrance or synthetic additives.
Final Thoughts
More research is needed to determine the benefits of topical CBD, but the analgesic properties of cannabidiol are the best supported. People who suffer from chronic pain may experience relief when using CBD cream or salve, though it may depend on the concentration of the product. Talk to your doctor about the recommended dosage for the severity of your symptoms then try out a cream for a few weeks to see how it works. You may need to increase the dose to experience the desired effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. As of 2018,[6] the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) no longer regards CBD as a controlled substance. It is legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
It depends. Ingesting CBD oil may help reduce inflammation and manage chronic pain when used daily but CBD pain cream may help people with flare-ups and severe symptoms.
There is no standard dosage for CBD, so the amount you need may depend on the condition you’re treating and the severity of your symptoms. The best CBD creams come in a range of concentrations, so talk to your doctor for recommendations.
+ 6 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Anon, (2022). Products – Data Briefs – Number 390 – November 2020. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db390.htm.
- Lucas, C.J., Galettis, P. and Schneider, J. (2018). The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, [online] 84(11), pp.2477–2482. doi:10.1111/bcp.13710.
- Zou, S. and Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, [online] 19(3), p.833. doi:10.3390/ijms19030833.
- Geneva (2018). CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Critical Review Report Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Fortieth Meeting. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2.
- Iffland, K. and Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, [online] 2(1), pp.139–154. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034.
- Office (2021). FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products: Q&A. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd.
Written by:
Kate Barrington, Health Expert
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
