The National Institutes of Health reports that cannabidiol (CBD) has excellent pain relief qualities and notes that topical CBD solutions are an effective and safe way to control neuropathic pain. CBD is also an effective painkiller for those who have not found relief from traditional painkillers or treatments. But what are the best CBD creams on the market?
THE BEST CBD CREAM FOR PAIN: THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The best CBD creams for pain are topicals made with a number of all-natural ingredients, each of which is carefully chosen to help fight against inflammation and body aches. CBD creams are meant to be applied to targeted areas of the skin that are most affected by pain. While it takes CBD some time to penetrate the skin, once absorbed, it can begin to naturally relieve the targeted area.
CBD topical creams are safe and can be applied repeatedly as needed.
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has many potential health benefits without any psychoactive effects. In other words, it will not get you high but it will help you feel good because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. Furthermore, it can provide ample pain relief without the dangers associated with other painkillers.
CBD is one of over 100 chemical substances in the cannabis plant known as cannabinoids and CBD pain relief creams are an excellent way to relieve pain while simultaneously nourishing your skin. The benefits of CBD range from anti-inflammatory to helping find optimal homeostasis.
Those with chronic pain can benefit from CBD for pain creams because they can be applied directly to the source of the pain and the cream is quickly absorbed by the skin, providing instant relief without any psychoactive effects. Unlike other pain relief methods, CBD creams are safe and can be applied repeatedly as needed. In fact, these are some of the best ways to take CBD.
CBD pain relief creams are especially beneficial for the elderly, frail, or adults with sore muscles or painful joints. Because these topicals can reduce inflammation, they can also ease aches and pains.
CBD lotions tend to come in three different extract types:
- Full Spectrum – Contains all of hemp’s cannabinoids.
- Broad Spectrum – Contains all of hemp’s cannabinoids except for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- Isolate – Purely CBD and no other cannabinoid.
Each extract type provides slightly different effects. Before purchasing the best CBD cream for pain, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these.
TOP 10 RATED CBD CREAM FOR PAIN RELIEF
OUR TOP PICK
Medterra
Specifications
Extract Type Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product. | Isolate |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 125mg - 1000mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $24.99 - $64.99 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.06 - $0.31 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | 0.0% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | View Report |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 3 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 5 |
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Pros
- Two formulas incorporate menthol and arnica
- Can also be purchased in manuka honey cream
- CBD isolate means 100% THC-free
Cons
- Prices vary greatly (on a per mg basis) depending on type of product
Starting off our list, Medterra offers some of the best CBD creams for pain with their selection of roll-ons and other topicals. Most notably, their Pain Relief Cream is a popular choice for muscle and joint pain as it incorporates Arnica and Menthol to help further comfort. This cream can be purchased in either 500mg or 1000mg and is definitely our top pick for pain relief!
However, if you’re looking for something a bit lighter, you can also opt Medterra’s Rapid Recovery Cream. This is made using a nearly identical formula to the Pain Relief Cream, but can also be purchased in 250mg and 750mg. Not to mention, if you’re interested in either that Pain Relief or Rapid Recovery formulas, both are also offered in roll-ons.
Finally, Medterra also offers a Manuka Honey cream. While this isn’t nearly as optimal for pain relief as the other products here, manuka honey may be able to help in healing wounds and preventing infection. Admittedly, this is the most expensive topical Medterra offers (on a per milligram basis).
BEST FULL-SPECTRUM
FAB CBD
Specifications
Extract Type Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product. | Full-spectrum |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 600mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $49.00 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.08 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | <0.3% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | View Report |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
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Pros
- Full-spectrum extract allows for entourage effect
- Comes in a blood orange scent
Cons
- Free shipping only available on orders of $99 or more
FAB CBD’s cream isn’t the strongest on our list, but it has one benefit that may prove to be beneficial for pain. It’s made using a high-quality full-spectrum extract that is loaded with all the beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytonutrients found in the hemp plant.
Each jar can be purchased for $49.00 and comes in a Blood Orange Scent. With 600mg packed into a 2-ounce jar, you can guarantee you’ll be getting a good dose of CBD with each use.
BEST VALUE
CBDistillery
Specifications
Extract Type Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product. | Broad-spectrum |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 500mg - 1000 mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $20.00 - $35.00 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.03 - $0.04 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | 0.0% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | On individual product pages |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
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Pros
- Best priced item on our list (on a per milligram basis)
- Offers a subscription service to help you save
- Certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority
Cons
- CBD pain relief only comes as a stick, not cream
CBDistillery is a Colorado-based company that uses 100% natural hemp from plants that are free of pesticides and GMOs. This CBD pain relief stick contains either 500mg or 1,000mg of cannabidiol and provides immediate relief for muscle and joint pain.
Not only does CBDistillery Topical CBD Salve contain the anti-inflammatory qualities of cannabidiol, but it also includes several other natural anti-inflammatory oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender. CBDol is a full-spectrum salve that contains all the necessary cannabinoids to get the full benefits of the hemp plant. This full-spectrum hemp is probably the best CBD cream for arthritis pain.
In terms of a CBD pain relief cream, CBDistillery was close to being my favorite, except there is a slightly off smell I didn’t like and the container is smaller than the others. In regards to rubbing it on and the relief, this was probably the best product I tried. It is priced slightly higher than the Endoca Salve, but if you decide on this one, you won’t be disappointed. The rub-on is very smooth and not too oily.
You can save on this topical by using our CBDistillery coupon codes.
BEST FORMULA
Elixinol
Specifications
Extact Type | Broad-spectrum |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 500mg - 2000mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $39.99 - $89.99 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.05 - $0.08 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | 0.0% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | View Report |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 2 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 3 |
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Pros
- Comes in two high-quality formulas
- Broad-spectrum extract means 100% THC-free
- High strengths are great for pain relief
Cons
- Free shipping only available on orders of $50 or more
Elixinol offers two CBD topicals that are sure to help relieve pain: the Active Sports Gel in either 1000mg or 2000mg ($49.99 – $89.99) and Active Recovery Balm in 500mg ($39.99).
The Active Sports Gel is made using Capsaicin and Arnica along with a special blend of essential oils, including eucalyptus, peppermint, chamomile, and cassia bark. This combination will provide you with a warming sensation and is a great topical for use before an activity that’s bound to bring some sores.
However, if you’re looking for something to help relieve pain after a workout, you’ll likely prefer Elixinol’s Active Recovery Balm. This is also made using Capsaicin and Arnica but also incorporates menthol crystals, lavender, and avocado oil. This combo of ingredients is preferable for providing you with immediate relief before the CBD works its way through the skin.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
NuLeaf Naturals
Specifications
Extract Type Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product. | Full-spectrum |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 300mg - 900mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $23.99 - $63.20 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.07 - $0.08 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | <0.3% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | View Report |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
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Pros
- GMO-free and made with all-natural ingredients
- Offers a subscription service to help you save
- Free 2 to 3 day shipping on all orders
Cons
- Total CBD range changes size of the jar, not potency
If you’re new to CBD topicals and simply looking for something to try, NuLeaf Naturals offers one of the highest quality balms on the market. Each is made using either 300mg or 900mg of full-spectrum CBD extract – ensuring you’ll get the entourage effect from this product.
One of the biggest perks of NuLeaf is its CBD balm only incorporates two ingredients: CBD extract and organic shea butter. This makes this balm one of the most organic on the market. The only downside to these topicals is that you can’t change the potency. The total CBD range instead determines whether you’re looking for a 0.5-ounce or 1.5-ounce container.
FOCL
Specifications
Extract Type Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product. | Broad-spectrum |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 500mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $39.00 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.08 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | 0.0% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | On individual product pages |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
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Pros
- Made using other all-natural ingredients to further relief
- Broad-spectrum CBD means these are 100% THC-free
- Free shipping on all orders
Cons
- Can only be purchased in one potency
We found FOCL’s CBD cream to be one of the most effective on the market. Beyond the 500mg of broad-spectrum CBD, this topical is also infused with camphor oil, aloe, shea butter, arnica, eucalyptus, wintergreen oil, and menthol. This combination of ingredients is bound to provide you with instant cooling relief while also reducing inflammation and soothing aches.
Each bottle costs $39 which is one of the most reasonable price points on our list. If you find yourself a fan of this product, you can buy a bundle (3-pack) for $93.60 (20% savings). Furthermore, FOCL offers exclusive coupon codes and a rewards program for even more savings.
cbdMD
Specifications
Extract Type Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product. | Broad-spectrum |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 300mg - 3000mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $29.99 - $149.95 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.05 - $0.10 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | 0.0% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | View Report |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 4 |
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Pros
- Very affordable compared to competitors
- Can be purchased as a roll-on or squeezy tube
- Free shipping on all orders
Cons
- Broad-spectrum extract doesn’t allow for the entourage effect
cbdMD Freeze pain cream with 1,500mg CBD is among the best CBD pain relief topicals I have tested. You can purchase smaller dosages in 300mg and 750mg, but if you are in serious pain, you’ll want the 1,500mg or the higher potency of 3,000mg. This topical just needs a shake and you can roll it on wherever you’re feeling muscle pain, arthritis, or any other tension related to your joints.
The product uses broad-spectrum CBD along with CBG, CBDv, CBN, and more. Because this product is THC free, you won’t get any sort of high from this CBD topical.
What really helps with the muscle pain is the menthol USP natural 4%, which is what gives you that icy hot feeling. Meanwhile, the CBD helps with its anti-inflammatory properties. If you purchase this pain relief topical, you’ll want to use it up to four times daily.
cbdMD is not only a top trusted pain topical provider but it also makes it onto the list for having great customer service via live chat and fast shipping. However, it is the top-priced brand in our best CBD cream for pain review. Still, you can use our cbdMD coupon to save on this product.
Charlotte's Web
Specifications
Extract Type Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product. | Broad-spectrum |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 200mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $39.99 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.20 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | 0.0% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | View Report |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 6 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
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Pros
- Variety of pain relief topicals for different ailments
- Each topical uses a variety of all-natural ingredients
- One of the top CBD brands currently on the market
Cons
- Lower CBD dosage compared to competitors
Charlotte’s Web partnered with CBDMedic to develop a line of pain relief topicals that are some of the finest on the market. Each is made using a specific formula to help with specific ailments such as arthritis, active sports pain, and foot pain. Not to mention, the pain-relieving balm will also moisturize your skin thanks to Charlotte’s Web’s ingredient selection.
Charlotte’s Web selection is without a doubt the best CBD cream for pain.
Another benefit of Charlotte’s Web hemp topicals is that they are reasonably priced compared to many other similar CBD products, and you only need to rub a small amount onto the affected joint or muscle to start feeling its effects. The company also offers a wide variety of other hemp and CBD products, including creams, capsules, oils, and pet products.
Green Roads
Specifications
Extract Type Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product. | Broad-spectrum |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 50mg - 750mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $11.99 - $69.99 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.09 - $0.24 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | 0.0% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | View Report |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 4 |
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Pros
- Offered in a Cool Relief or a Heat Relief
- Offered in a travel-sized container (50mg total CBD)
Cons
- Higher potencies only offered in roll-on, not cream
Green Roads Muscle & Joint Relief Cream contains 150mg of broad-spectrum CBD per ounce, extracted from American-grown hemp and infused into a soothing, non-greasy cream. The pain-relieving cream also contains chamomile extract and lavender oil, offering a soothing, relaxing scent as you rub it on.
Green Roads offers its Muscle & Joint Relief topical in both 150mg and 350mg potencies, so you can choose the strength that suits the relief you need. The company also released a 750mg roll-on recently for extra relief. Whichever dose you choose, you can look forward to using a product that’s reliable and safe, which is one of the benefits of buying from a company founded by a pharmacist.
In addition to the soothing relief this Muscle & Joint Relief Cream promises, Green Roads offers a variety of other CBD products. We personally found this topical to be the best CBD cream for back pain.
SOL CBD
Specifications
Extract Type Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product. | Full-spectrum |
Total CBD Range The CBD amount available for a product option. | 250mg |
Potency Range Potency of the product, can also be called "strength". | Not mentioned |
Price Range Price range of applicable products. | $49.99 |
Value ($/mg) Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value. | $0.20 per mg |
THC Content Amount of THC that is present in the product. | <0.3% |
Lab Report The verified reports of a product's test results. | On individual product pages |
Scent Variations Number of scents offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
Potency Variations Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand. | 1 |
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Pros
- Contains CBD and 12 other all-natural ingredients to ease pain
- Can be purchased in a pack of 1, 2, or 3
- Offers subscription service to help you save
Cons
- One of the pricier CBD topicals on our list
SOL CBD Hemp-Infused Balm blends CBD oil with 12 other essential oils and natural herbal extracts. This CBD pain relief cream uses ucuuba butter which also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Ucuuba butter is used for treating acne, arthritis, eczema, rheumatism, and skin ulcerations. The Nevada-based company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
SOL CBD’s balm is definitely one of the best CBD creams I’ve tried for its smooth rub-on and pleasant smell – this would actually make a great massage oil. It did slightly help with my muscle pain but wasn’t as strong as the other options. It does come in a larger case so lasts longer, but on the downside, it has less CBD than the above pain relief creams I tested.
When it comes to the types of CBD products, a CBD cream is ideal for pain relief as it allows you to target specific areas of the body. The best CBD creams are made using other all-natural ingredients, such as menthol.
How to Use CBD Cream and Pain Relief Rubs
All of the products above will have instructions based on whether they’re a topical cream or a salve. To begin, you’ll want to store these away from heat, light, and humidity. For usage, apply to the affected area not more than three to four times daily.
Rub the cream in thoroughly until it is absorbed. If you’re newer to CBD, try smaller doses to start with and gradually work your way up.
CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING THE BEST CBD CREAM FOR PAIN
When deciding on the best CBD lotion for pain, it was important for us to have strict criteria. Unfortunately, the CBD industry is currently unregulated and, with that, there are a number of companies out there simply trying to make a profit from this booming marketplace. When shopping for CBD online, it’s important to know what to look out for and how to ensure the products you’re receiving are safe and of the highest quality.
In order to develop our list of the best CBD cream for pain, we made sure every company met the following requirements:
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA) – One way brands help to ensure the safety and quality of their products is by running them through third-party lab tests. These tests provide unbiased results looking into a number of aspects of the CBD, including its cannabinoid and terpene count and whether or not it contains any contaminants, such as heavy metals.
- Extract Type – CBD products can be purchased in three different extract types. Each of these will have slightly different effects and, for that reason, you should familiarize yourself with them before purchasing a CBD product.
- Hemp Source – Since hemp is highly absorbent, it can take in contamination from the soil it’s planted in. Because of this, it’s important to understand where the company is sourcing its hemp. We prefer companies that receive their hemp locally from an organic farm.
- Ingredients – CBD creams are made from a number of ingredients. It’s important to look into these to ensure you don’t have any allergies to the product you’re purchasing. Not to mention, we prefer companies that use all-natural ingredients with no artificial additives.
- Potency – The strength of a CBD product is always measured out in milligrams (mg). All reputable CBD brands will advertise the strength of the CBD somewhere on the label and you can confirm this potency by taking a look at the product’s CoA. It’s important to understand how much hemp extract you’re receiving from a product as it will play a large role in how the product affects you.
What are the Medical Benefits of CBD Creams?
While research is still limited, there has been evidence to suggest that CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce sensations for pain. These studies also suggest that CBD may be able to help with specific pain-related ailments, such as:
- Arthritis – In a 2016 study, it was discovered that topical CBD relieved pain and swelling caused by arthritis in rats. However, we need more research to determine what ingredients would make the best CBD cream for arthritis pain.
- Jaw Pain – In a 2019 study, a group of individuals struggling with facial pains were requested to apply a CBD topical twice a day for two weeks. They reported feeling much less pain, specifically in the jaw region.
- Nerve Pain – In a 2020 study, a group of people struggling with nerve damage used CBD topicals and found their pain levels reduced significantly.
Many people are turning to CBD for pain as it provides less risk of addiction in comparison to traditional painkillers. CBD cream for back pain is one of the most popular as it allows you to target specific areas of your back.
Safety and Side Effects of CBD Topical Cream
While CBD is often hailed as an all-natural remedy with no negative reactions, some people will experience mild cases of the following side effects:
- Appetite changes
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
It’s important to mention that if you are currently on prescription medication, you should consult your doctor before taking CBD creams for pain. While it’s fairly uncommon, CBD has occasionally been found to have negative interactions with certain medications.
If you are currently pregnant or lactating, you should avoid CBD altogether. At the moment, there just isn’t enough research to confirm that it’s safe for women of this category to consume CBD products.
Paul James
Paul James is a seasoned cannabis and CBD writer and expert. He is a mental health blogger who advocates CBD as a natural alternative to prescription medications. You can read more about this and other natural alternatives on his blog: https://bedlamite.co/."