7 best CBD creams in 2022: Top brands for pain and inflammation relief

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CBD cream is one of the most popular and trending hemp cannabis-based products in the market. The use of CBD topicals is on the rise partly because it is a natural way to pursue relief from pain and inflammation with a minimum of potential side effects. CBD cream is legal in all 50 states, which makes it a perfect choice for people who want to take advantage of the benefits that CBD has to offer without breaking the law.

CBD topical products are applied to the skin and absorbed through the pores. This makes them a great option for people who are looking for pain relief, anxiety reduction or other benefits that CBD can provide. CBD creams are also meant to be “lightweight” and can be used in easy-to-reach places, such as the arms, hands, or face. Using topical CBD products gives you the ability to target problem areas directly. With this capability and the wide range of benefits that CBD can provide, it is no surprise that there are a number of ways to get this amazing natural treatment. Below are the review team’s picks for the top CBD creams available today.

Top 7 CBD Creams

1. CBDfx – Best Overall CBD Cream Options

2. Green Roads – Pharmacist Formulated CBD Cream

3. CBDistillery – Best CBD Cream Variety

4. Aspen Green – Foundational Excellence

5. Receptra Naturals – Seriously Stalwart Relief

6. CBD American Shaman – Nanotechnology CBD Refinement

7. Absolute Nature CBD – Educational Innovation

Reviews – Best CBD Creams

1. CBDfx – Best Overall CBD Cream 

• Top quality ingredients

• Respected industry leader

• Excellent topical CBD variety

• Original packaging is required in order to activate the 60-day product guarantee (so keep the packaging until you fall in love with it!)

CBD Cream Product Highlights

CBDfx has been a consistent market leader in the CBD space since 2014. The company is committed to the use of natural ingredients, safe and thorough CBD extraction methods, and rigorous quality controls and testing. This commitment shows through in its lineup of superb CBD cream products, including:

CBD Cream Muscle & Joint – This cooling formula CBD pain cream employs broad-spectrum CBD combined with natural pain relief through caffeine, willow bark, and menthol. The review team found this CBD cream for pain to provide deeply penetrating soreness and pain relief in joints and muscle tissue. This CBD topical cream comes in 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 3000 mg sizes.

CBD Balm Stick, Cooling – This topical CBD product is somewhat similar to the item above, with a few important differences. For one, it is contained in a convenient stick applicator making application to the skin easy and clean. The product consists of soothing broad-spectrum CBD relief for muscles and joints combined with wintergreen and peppermint oil along with camphor oil to unravel tight, sore muscles. Both 750 mg and 3000 mg sizes are available.

CBD Balm Stick, Soothing – Tea tree oil and lavender lead the way to the soothing and calming effects of this CBD topical. And either of its 750 mg or 3000 mg of broad-spectrum CBD pair well with the Roman chamomile oil and shea butter to moisturize the skin while renewing it.

Additional topical CBD products from CBDfx include CBD foot cream, bath bombs, bath salts, and masks, face masks, and combination packs consisting of multiples of one or various types of these products.

Discounts & Promotions

Use the promo code RELAX for a full 35%% off your order and orders above $75 also qualify for free shipping. There is also a highly rewarding loyalty program based on points earned through purchases, making repeat orders a very attractive prospect.

Why It Made This List

The CBDfx commitment to quality ingredients runs deep in this company’s culture. Organic hemp is sourced directly from Kentucky and the CBD is extracted with a proprietary CO2 extraction process under self-imposed Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations. This commitment to quality along with the great array of topical products and competitive pricing are why CBDfx is in the #1 spot on this list of the best CBD creams available today.

Learn more at CBDfx.com

2. Green Roads – Pharmacist Formulated CBD Cream

• Excellent variety of CBD creams

• Convenient potency ratings

• Pharmacist-formulated compounds

• Some of the website type is small and may be difficult to read for some

CBD Cream Product Highlights

Green Roads prides itself on its pharmacist-formulated product line. In fact, one of the company’s co-founders was a compounding pharmacist licensed for more than two decades before starting Green Roads. The company views its users as patients rather than customers – a mindset that rings true at every turn. CBD cream topical options include:

Pain Relief Cream – Methyl salicylate pairs with 750 mg of broad-spectrum CBD, designed for pain relief where you need it most. This “mighty” potency product also includes ingredients helpful for healthy skin like avocado oil, cucumber fruit extract, and vitamin E. Find this CBD pain cream in 150 mg, 350 mg, and 750 mg per ounce size options, which lets you choose the strength.

Muscle & Joint Relief Cream – This 1 oz CBD cream designed for pain relief contains 750 mg of CBD isolate, along with a botanical blend of lavender and avocado oil to help soothe muscle aches and keep your skin glowing. Vitamin E bolsters the effort, supporting skin health, while the cream’s lavender scent makes it a patient favorite. It also comes in a convenient 0.3 fl. oz travel size with 50 mg of CBD isolate.

Additional CBD topicals include roll-ons, other travel-size options, and product bundles.

Discounts & Promotions

The review team loved that you can easily land a $25 credit for purchases by referring a friend. That friend then gets a whopping 40% off their first order, which is quite the deal. Green Roads also runs a “Mystery Summer Sale” in which you can score a free mystery item with every purchase. Pair the sale with a 20%% discount coupon by joining the email list, and you have a competitive price model that is hard to beat.

It should also be noted that the Green Roads’ subscribe and save system adds an extra layer of savings to the tune of 20%%off and free shipping on subscription orders. What’s more, every fifth order’s discount increases savings to a full 50%% off!

Why It Made This List

More than 30,000 5-star customer reviews tell quite the story of their quality hemp-derived CBD products. And the Green Roads mindset of treating customers like patients shows in every aspect of this brand, from its convenient rating system, showing clear potency options for purchase consideration, to the product packaging itself, which is more reminiscent of a prescription item than over-the-counter.

Learn more at GreenRoads.com

3. CBDistillery – Best CBD Cream Variety

• Massive variety of options, including CBD creams, balms, salves, lotions, and serums

• 60-day satisfaction guarantee

• Great pricing and discounts

• Text sizes on the site can be difficult to read, but accessibility options are available on every page, so easy remedies to this are a click away

CBD Cream Product Highlights

Fair pricing and quality ingredients and production methods are central to CBDistillery’s CBD creams and other CBD topical products, which include:

CBDol Topical Salve – A 1 oz bottle of CBDistillery’s CBDol salve includes 500 mg of full-spectrum CBD designed for fast pain relief wherever you choose to apply it. Tea tree oil and coconut oil add to the purposefully non-greasy formulation, as this CBD salve is intended for convenient application without uncomfortable slipperiness.

CBDefine Skin Care Cream – 500 mg of full-spectrum CBD combined with coconut oil and essential oils make for a great addition to your skincare routine. Relieve and soothe with this light, skin relief CBD cream intended for daily use.

CBD Warming Cream – This 1.7 oz cream pump is designed to relieve muscles with a subtle warming effect and 0%% THC in its 500 mg of CBD isolate. Use this fragrance-free option any time, day or night, and includes moisturizing ingredients to boot.

The wide variety of CBDistillery CBD cream options also include a CBD Isolate Cooling Cream, a Hyaluronic Acid Serum, face creams, eye creams, night creams, face lotions, and even a Micellar Cleansing Toner with witch hazel. The options are truly astounding.

Discounts & Promotions

Free shipping on orders over $75 or use the subscription model to save 30 % on all orders along with free shipping. Get 25% off your order by signing up for the CBDistillery list with your email address. Veterans and active military qualify for a 30% discount across the board, as do first-responders like firefighters, police, and EMTs. Join the CBDistillery loyalty program for even more compounded savings.

Why It Made This List

CBDistillery’s commitment to competitive, affordable pricing for its wide array of CBD topicals is a central reason as to why it appears on this list. Each product is well reviewed by customers, adding a layer of trustworthiness to an already trusted brand.

Learn more at TheCBDistillery.com

4. Aspen Green – Foundational Excellence

• Foundational principles of quality, integrity, and transparency

• Full-spectrum CBD excellence

• Competitive pricing & discount programs

CBD Cream Product Highlights

A solid variety of sought-after CBD cream products are available from Aspen Green, including:

Muscle Relief Cooling Cream – This full-spectrum CBD cream designed for pain relief is great for muscle soreness in any non-sensitive area of the body. A full 1000 mg of CBD is included in this physician-formulated product, bolstered by bisabolol, eucalyptol, limonene, and myrcene terpenes, among others.

Pain Relief Body Balm – This CBD cream designed for pain relief is a balm that is a full 2 oz and includes 1000 mg of full-spectrum CBD along with a proprietary blend of botanicals and organic emollients in an organic, oil-based application. The product also includes phytocannabinoids like CBN, CBDA, CBC, CBG, and a legal amount (less than 0.3%) of THC for effective pain relief.

Nourishing Body Oil – The name gets at the crux of this one, with full-spectrum CBD extract paired with MCT oils, jojoba, and evening primrose to help elevate skin health. The non-greasy formula makes daily application a breeze, and the review team found it to be an excellent addition to skin health routines, applied directly to the skin or added to a bath.

There are also other CBD cream options like Aspen Green’s Moisturizing Body Butter and the Nourishing Body Oil Back Bar.

Discounts & Promotions

The Aspen Green CBD Quiz grants a 15% discount off your first purchase, and free shipping is available for orders over $74. Free priority shipping is also available for orders over $149. Multiple “subscribe and save” options exist, as does a full loyalty program. Multiple 35-60% off discount programs are also available for military, first-responders, disadvantaged folks, and educators and students.

Why It Made This List

Aspen Green’s “foundational principles” are on direct display when shopping its website. The first of these is quality, with seed-to-store full-spectrum hemp extract in every product, sourced from U.S. providers worthy of the company’s commitment to product purity. Its principle of integrity can be seen in its 60-day return policy and 100% satisfaction guarantee. And the company displays its principle of transparency on every product with easily accessible certificates of analysis by third-party labs.

Learn more at AspenGreen.com

5. Receptra Naturals – Seriously Stalwart Relief

• Seven years in the CBD industry

• Therapeutically potent product line

• Free standard shipping on all orders

• The website’s very small type can be difficult to read for some

CBD Cream Product Highlights

This CBD brand’s founder started the company due to his own personal injury, so you know you’re in good hands. The company’s commitment to clear communications means you get a “no BS” label on every product that is free from marketing “fluff.” CBD cream options include:

Serious Relief + Arnica – Designed for targeted topical relief for acute or chronic pain, this CBD cream consists of 400 mg of full-spectrum CBD in balm form. The 1.25 oz canister blends jojoba and arnica with camphor and ylang-ylang to help reduce swelling, minimize inflammation, and boost muscle and joint recovery. This product also comes in a 0% THC formula, a sport-oriented formula, an 800 mg jar, and a 2 oz/640 mg topical stick.

Hydrating Body Butter + Manuka Honey – This soothing citrus hydrating body butter includes 117 mg of CBD in each jar and is part of the Receptra Naturals Serious Relief series. In it, you will find skin health-boosting botanicals vitamin E, shea butter, and aloe vera. Receptra’s full-spectrum CBD partners well with Manuka honey, providing CBD benefits plus multiple extras like antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Seriously Relax + Arnica – This body oil comes in an 8 fl oz bottle that contains a full 400 mg of full-spectrum CBD hemp extract. Lavender and vanilla essential oils make it a joy to apply and camphor, vitamin E, and jojoba oil make for some “seriously” moisturizing properties in addition to the possible tension-reducing CBD effects.

Discounts & Promotions

The Receptra Military Appreciation Program grants a 50% discount to members of the military, veterans, and their dependents. A very accessible rewards program adds a layer of savings through points on purchases and VIP levels that multiply earnings and rewards. The refer-a-friend program also gives you $21 for every successful referral, while the person you invite gets $20 off their first purchase.

Why It Made This List

Not only does Receptra Naturals provide quality CBD topicals and CBD oils at a competitive price, but also the company’s commitment to transparency is central to its philosophy and demonstrable in its product line. Receptra Naturals made this list based on consistent adherence to this level of excellence.

Learn more at ReceptraNaturals.com

6. CBD American Shaman – Nanotechnology CBD Refinement

• Unique nanotechnology hemp extraction method

• 100% product guarantee

• Compassionate Care program

• Light on discounts beyond the Compassionate Care program

• Limited product information on the website — may need to look elsewhere for deeper details

CBD Cream Product Highlights

CBD American Shaman employs proprietary nanotechnology to break CBD down at a molecular level. This increases the bioavailability (the ability of the human body to absorb it) of the CBD, making it ultimately more effective. CBD American Shaman uses this method in all of its products, including:

500 Topical Cream – This 2 oz cream is made of non-GMO hemp and includes 500 mg of full-spectrum CBD (hence the 500 in the name). CBD American Shaman uses the best extraction method (CO2 extraction) and, paired with its nanotechnology approach, packs a CBD punch into every ounce of soothing, anti-inflammatory cream. This CBD cream designed for pain relief is also available in CBD isolate (no THC content) and in a 1 oz/250 mg of CBD size as well.

Hydrating CBD Body Lotion – CBD American Shaman’s CBD body lotion is a hydrating formula that comes in CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD versions. Both sandalwood and unscented options are available for this 8 fl oz bottle with pump dispenser. There are 15 mg of CBD per ounce in the large bottle, or you can choose a 2 fl oz travel size instead. The formula includes shea olein butter and cocoa butter for a silky, non-greasy feel.

Other CBD cream options include CBD American Shaman’s CBD Face Cream, CBD Under Eye Serum, a Topical Serum Roll-On, and their Terpene Rich Topical Serum.

Discounts & Promotions

Veterans and low-income persons can take advantage of a full 30% discount for orders of $34.99 or more via the CBD American Shaman Compassionate Care program. You can also sign up for the company’s email newsletter to gain a 20% off discount for your first order.

Why It Made This List

CBD American Shaman makes the list of the best CBD creams on the market due to its unique nanotechnology hemp extraction process, as well as its Compassionate Care program, which makes their fair prices even more affordable for those in need.

Learn more at CBDAmericanShaman.com

7. Absolute Nature CBD – Educational Innovation

• Award-winning education program

• Industry peer-recognized CBD cream products

• CBD Assistance Discount Program

• Product line is strong but limited

CBD Cream Product Highlights

The Absolute Nature CBD product line of CBD topicals consists of two well-reviewed premium CBD products:

CBD Topical Salve – Blending CBD with medicinal botanicals, this CBD cream for pain is the best choice for those seeking an all-around pain and ache reliever. The 1 oz bottle includes 500 mg of full-spectrum, non-GMO, sustainably grown hemp CBD and is designed for soothing acute or chronic pain, targeted joint release, and workout recovery.

CBD Cooling Roll-On – This “relief and recovery” roll-on topical is a full-spectrum CBD product aimed at workout relief. The cooling effect is designed for easing the aches and pains of workouts and sports activity, and the effects can be long lasting. Each 3 oz bottle contains a full 500 mg of CBD, and the company’s strong packaging makes usage on the go a practical option.

Discounts & Promotions

Absolute Nature CBD has a generous CBD Assistance Discount Program. The program offers a 60% discount to veterans, first-responders, low-income households, people operating with long-term disability status, and to families with members on the Autism spectrum.

Why It Made This List

Absolute Nature CBD is on the list for providing quality products at competitive prices, but the company is also here because it won two important awards at the Medical Marijuana Awards 2019. Best Natural CBD Products and Most Innovative CBD Training Education Program are high marks for a company as young as Absolute Nature CBD, as it had only existed for a year when it won both.

As is indicative of the name of one of these awards, the Absolute Nature CBD website includes a wealth of educational information not only about the company’s product line but also about CBD in general. The review team loved the long list of educational topics and the inclusion of a guide to CBD laws.

Learn more at AbsoluteNatureCBD.com

Picking the Top CBD Creams

To put this list of the 11 best CBD oils for dogs together, it was important to consider many different factors. Below you’ll get a better understanding of the high standards employed when the reviewers compiled this list.

The CBD brands outlined on this list offer the best CBD cream products on the market today, as outlined by a panel of experts in the hemp cannabis industry. Competing brands had to meet standards including quality, potency, testing, transparent labeling, and positive customer reviews.

What to Consider When Buying CBD Cream

The FDA conducted a research study in 2017 called Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online and found that more than a quarter of tested CBD products contained significantly less CBD than displayed on the label. That’s an alarming prospect and was one of the reasons this review team put this list together.

In order to help you understand the merits of a CBD cream for pain or any other CBD topical product, here’s a handy list of elements and an explanation:

• Testing

• Hemp Source

• Extraction Method

• CBD Type

• CBD Potency

CBD Testing

Every CBD cream product worth its salt will include rigorous third-party testing. This applies to every brand on this list (or they wouldn’t be here). The first thing to consider when looking for a quality product is the third-party testing labs that have been used on the product. It is important that these labs meet certain standards and requirements so that they can be trusted with their results.

The second thing to consider is the self-imposed regulations that companies have put on themselves before selling their products. These regulations can be as simple as not using any harmful chemicals, or as complicated as being lab tested for every batch of products produced.

Third-party CBD testing labs are necessary for the quality assurance and safety of a CBD product. They also provide credibility to the brands.

Third-party CBD testing labs have a few different methods for testing a CBD product, including:

• Gas chromatography (GC) to identify and measure the amounts of various cannabinoids as well as terpenes in the sample

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure the amounts of various cannabinoids in the sample

• Mass spectrometry (MS) to measure cannabinoids and terpenes as well as pesticides, heavy metals, any residual solvents or other substances with a mass greater than 50 amu

• Liquid chromatography (LC) to identify cannabinoids, terpenes, and pesticides

Hemp Source

CBD hemp providers have been popping up all over the world due to the legalization of hemp in some countries and states. However, the hemp source for a CBD product should be considered before purchase. The hemp used can have a major impact on the quality of the product.

Many factors can affect the quality of hemp, such as its genetics, soil conditions, and harvesting time. Also, high-quality CBD will also usually contain organic hemp. Hemp has a rather unique ability to thrive in heavily contaminated soil. Because hemp can absorb and then release dangerous chemicals, metals and other soil pollutants, it’s crucial that hemp plants for CBD oil be grown organically.

Extraction Method

There are three main methods for extracting CBD from hemp. 

The first method is called CO2 extraction. CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide as a solvent to extract cannabinoids from the plant material. This technique is also known as supercritical fluid extraction, and it has been used for many years in food production and pharmaceuticals.

The CO2 extraction method extracts oil from the hemp cannabis plant and is considered highly effective at extracting cannabinoids and terpenes but uses more power than other solvents. This can lead to unnecessary residue in CBD oil, which can lead to a more expensive process to remove it.

CO2 extraction also requires expensive equipment that not every company has. That said, beware of any company selling CBD oil products made using either of the following methods instead, as it may be indicative that a company is putting profits before the safety and quality of the final product.

The second method of extraction used in CBD products is ethanol extraction or “alcohol” extraction, which uses ethanol or other alcohols as solvents to extract cannabinoids from plant material.

Finally, an olive oil extraction method uses olive oil as a solvent to extract cannabinoids from plant material.

CO2 extraction is considered the best extraction method because it yields pure and potent CBD oils. Neither the second nor the third methods are recommended for people who are looking for a clean product (which should be everyone) because it leaves behind plant fats and chlorophylls and a generally impure outcome.

CBD comes in three different types: broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD refers to extract containing the full range of cannabinoids found in hemp. This includes THC, CBN, and CBG as well as others, and includes terpenes, essential oils and other compounds found in hemp cannabis plants.

Broad-spectrum CBD is essentially the same as full-spectrum CBD in that both contain naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds present in hemp – except for THC. Broad-spectrum CBD hemp extract goes through a refining process to remove THC.

CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol, which means it doesn’t contain any other compounds found in cannabis plants. Isolated or purer forms of CBD are a viable option for those seeking pure CBD content.

Full-spectrum is often a little more expensive than broad-spectrum or isolate because it contains more parts of the plant.

Each of the three main types of CBD has been shown to help with an array of ailments, including joint and muscle pain, but full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products are generally favored because of the enhanced effects of the multiple cannabinoids and other natural hemp compounds working synergistically together (the entourage effect).

CBD Potency

CBD potency refers to the amount of CBD contained in a product. Generally, the higher the CBD potency, the more effective it will be for treating certain conditions. The level or potency you should use depends on what you want it to do for you and your condition. If you want a CBD cream for pain relief from chronic pain, then higher amounts might be best, but if you just want to sleep better, then a lower number would probably be best suited for your needs. When in doubt, consult with your physician before self-treating.

In terms of numbers, look for the amount (often expressed in terms of milligrams or mg) of CBD listed on the product label. Note that this number refers to the total amount of CBD in the entire bottle/jar/package. You also want to consider the size of the product, viewing the mg of CBD contained as a percentage of the overall product content.

This aspect also has to do with personal choice. Experts recommend beginning with lower amounts if you’re new to CBD use. Increase amounts as you become more experienced and familiar with how your body responds.

What are the Benefits of CBD Cream?

CBD creams are topical products shown to help relieve many types of pain, anxiety and depression symptoms. CBD is also shown to help with inflammation and pain because CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which means CBD creams can be used directly to soothe the symptoms of arthritis, joint problems, and muscle soreness. CBD cream also can help relieve anxiety and depression symptoms by helping to regulate the endocannabinoid system in the body.

There are many benefits of CBD cream, which make it a great option for people looking for natural relief from different types of pain and ailments.

How to Use CBD Cream for Pain Relief?

To use CBD topicals for pain relief, first apply a thin layer of the cream on the affected area, and then rub it in gently until it is fully absorbed. The CBD will be absorbed through the skin and target the sore muscles or achy joints. For best results, apply at least twice daily or as directed by your health care provider.

Side Effects of CBD

The most common side effects are dryness or irritation of the skin. As is the case with any topical treatment, if these side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor as soon as possible and discontinue use or consider trying a different brand.

Are CBD Products Legal?

CBD products are legal in all 50 states, but there are some restrictions on CBD use. The most important consideration in this regard is the amount of THC contained in the product. All of the brands on this list adhere to federal U.S. regulations requiring less than 0.3% THC content.

Conclusion

CBD is a powerful, natural option to treat a wide variety of ailments. CBD creams in particular are of great value to those seeking to use CBD in targeted areas of the body, often to relieve physical pain or discomfort. Every brand on this list has been reviewed in detail to put you in the best position to choose the products that are best for your needs.

This content is provided for informational purposes only by the advertiser and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Any views, thoughts or opinions in this paid post belong solely to the advertiser and do not represent the views of Brand Ave. Studios or its parent company.

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