There are numerous way to use CBD. Each way of intake having its own pros and cons. If you are looking for relief from aches and pains or help with skin conditions, a topical product might be your best bet.
But what is a topical CBD product? A CBD topical is basically any ointment, lotion, cream, salve or even a gel that has been infused with CBD and other hemp extract (hopefully containing other herbs and oils for added function as well). Topicals can be applied directly to the skin, and usually with quick onset and noticeable effects.
Notable Research on Topical CBD
Because research on CBD is still in its early stages, most of what we know is anecdotal, but there are some tests being done and what we do know about topically applied CBD and other hemp extracts is promising.
A 2015 study done on rats revealed that topical applications of CBD could help manage pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Another study done by the American Academy of Dermatology even suggested using CBD as an “adjunct measure for acne, eczema, and psoriasis” at their annual meeting in Feb. of 2018.
A CBD products effectiveness, topical or otherwise, can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, like the:
- source of
- quality of
- total dosage
- active ingredients
So, how can you tell the CBD products that are the real deal from the fakes? We’ve gone ahead and done some of the heavy lifting for you, listing 5 great options below.
1. Hempvada CBD Salve 2000mg, 2oz
- CBD Type: Full Spectrum
- Potency: 1000mg per Ounce
- Price at time of writing: $60
- Cost Per Ounce: $30
- Other Active Ingredients: Essential Oils and Terpenes
Now maybe this seems biased because we’re ranking our product at the top but if you compare the above stats to the rest of the field, there is no doubt we’ve earned it. Just the fact it has added terpenes as well as essentials oils such as lavender as well as peppermint and is not just a salve infused with CBD is enough to make the list. The base is also interesting as it contains healthy oils such as shea, coconut, waxes etc as opposed to a pharmaceutical base. The fact that it doesn’t sacrifice any effectiveness while providing a natural product, in addition to concentration and price is what makes it next level.
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2. cbdMD Recover Cream 3000, 3.4oz
- CBD Type: Broad Spectrum
- Potency: 883mg Per Ounce
- Price at time of writing: $129.99
- Cost Per Ounce: $38.23
- Other Active Ingredients: Histamine Dihydrochloride, Minor Cannabinoids
cbdMD has been around for quite some time now and have definitely earned my personal respect as a topical CBD product user and product formulation specialist myself. The addition of Histamine Dihydrochloride was a smart move because that has been shown to help with skin irritation. The noted addition of minor cannabinoids more or less looks a bit pitchy, almost a marketing ploy but never the less bonus for that as well. The cost per oz and overall cost to purchase is what puts the cbdMD Recover Cream in a firm but close second place.
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3. Cannaphyll Topical Cream, 1oz
- CBD Type: Not-Specified
- Potency: 1000mg Per Ounce
- Price at time of writing: $39
- Cost Per Ounce: $39
- Other Active Ingredients: Lavender Oil, Juniper Oil, Sweet Marjorum Oil, Citrus Oil
Cannaphyll recently hit my radar while doing some research for this article. While they are clearly just relabeling another companies product (zero about section, various addresses in multiple states), i was surprised to find they they did not “skimp” on the CBD content and do indeed have a great arrangement of natural active ingredients in the mix aside from CBD. The overall cost is solid (under $50) but the cost per oz is staggering at almost $40 per ounce. Cannaphyll also use roughly 6% synthetic ingredients in their formula. Third best topical CBD product is fair, if not just a bit lofty.
