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Cannabidiol (CBD) products are becoming increasingly popular. Research suggests that CBD has several potential benefits, including alleviating pains and strains. CBD is available in various formats, such as topical ointments.
A quick look at some of the best CBD ointments:
- Best with capsaicin: PureKana Topical CBD Ointment
- Best with minimal ingredients: Simply Pure CBD Pure Relief CBD Salve
- Best for a higher strength: CBDMD Recover Tub
CBD is a cannabinoid, or compound, from the Cannabis Sativa plant. It does not change a person’s state of mind or behavior, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the compound that can lead to the “high” that many people associate with cannabis use.
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.
The human body contains an
While limited research leaves some experts skeptical about the effectiveness of cannabinoids, others believe the ECS may contain
There is research that suggests CBD may have pain-relieving properties. A 2019 study indicates a link between CBD and reduced chronic pain. In the study, 94% of participants experienced improvements in their quality of life. Additionally, a
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Other research also suggests that topical CBD may be useful for treating joint and muscle pain associated with other conditions, such as migraine.
Topical CBD may also benefit certain skin disorders. A
The American Academy of Dermatology also notes that topical CBD may be a useful treatment for acne, psoriasis, and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated by many people. With topical CBD products, people are more likely to experience irritation from other ingredients in the ointment. It is, therefore, advisable for people to do a patch test before using the product.
Anyone looking to use CBD should first consult a healthcare professional, as it is possible for CBD to interact with some prescription medications or supplements.
However, topical CBD products are the least likely of any other CBD product to reach the bloodstream and cause any drug interactions.
Some common side effects of CBD, which may be dose-dependent, can
CBD ointments are topical products.
As opposed to edibles and oils which a person ingests, topical ointments are applied to the skin. For this reason, they may be a good way of treating some sources of pain, as well as skin conditions.
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Why CBD ointments over other forms?
CBD ointments are especially useful for localized pain or skin conditions. People can apply the ointment directly onto the area that needs treatment. Ingesting CBD via a gummy or an oil may treat the skin problem, or source of pain, as quickly and as directly.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: Products contain safe and high-quality ingredients and clearly state all ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: Products contain or recommend a serving size of a safe CBD dosage. The label clearly states the dosage.
- Third-party labs: Products undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: The company demonstrates transparency and shares its product’s COA following lab results.
Many CBD ointments are available to buy on the market. Below, we list three that people may wish to try.
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.
Best with capsaicin: PureKana Topical CBD Ointment
- Price: Around $80.
- Type: Broad-spectrum.
- Key ingredients: Organic coconut oil, stearic acid, shea butter, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
- Certificate of analysis (COA): Available online.
- Third-party testing: Yes.
- Organic: No organic certifications.
PureKana topical CBD ointment is a formulation containing 600 milligrams (mg) CBD in a 3.4 fluid ounce (fl oz) pump bottle. The manufacturer states that this ointment is a convenient and easy-to-use way to hydrate, moisturize, and rejuvenate skin.
This product contains capsaicin. This can help provide more heat to the surrounding application areas.
The company recommends taking a small amount of the cream and rubbing it gently over the desired area.
According to its website, PureKana creates its products from CBD-rich hemp oil sourced from the best Kentucky sources.
The lab report for this product is available on the product page.
Best with minimal ingredients: Simply Pure CBD Pure Relief CBD Salve
- Price: Around $59.95.
- Type: Broad-spectrum.
- Key ingredients: Organic medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, beeswax, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil.
- COA: Available online.
- Third-party testing: Yes.
- Organic: No organic certifications.
Simply Pure CBD Salve ointment includes 500 mg broad-spectrum hemp extract in a 1 ounce (oz) tub.
Broad-spectrum means it contains various compounds and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant but typically contains no THC. However, some broad-spectrum products will have trace quantities.
The manufacturer recommends the cream to relieve sore muscles, support joint health, or maintain overall skin health. It also suggests that the presence of essential oils helps soothe the skin and offers relaxation effects.
The product label lists state that most of the ingredients are organic. However, the brand does not list any organic certifications for the product.
A third-party lab tests the product batches for purity and consistency, and the COA is available on the product page.
Best for a higher strength: CBDMD Recover Tub
- Price: Around $59.99.
- Type: Broad-spectrum.
- Key ingredients: Histamine dihydrochloride, MSM, sunflower seed oil, arnica Montana, and shea butter.
- COA: Available online.
- Third-party testing: Yes.
- Organic: No organic certifications.
This product is available in a 4 fl oz tub or a 3.4 fl oz pump for the same price. It contains 750 mg of CBD, 0.05% of histamine dihydrochloride, an analgesic, and leaf extracts including tea tree oil.
The company suggests applying the product up to four times a day.
All the brand’s CBD products go through third-party testing. People can download the COA by scanning the QR code on the product label or searching for it on the website using the batch number.
The following table compares the CBD ointments in this article.
| CBD Type | Key ingredients | Size | Strength | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PureKana | broad-spectrum | • organic coconut oil • stearic acid • shea butter • MSM | 3.4 fl oz | 600 mg | $80 |
| Simply Pure CBD | broad-spectrum | • MCT oil • beeswax • lavender oil • eucalyptus oil | 1 oz | 500 mg | $59.95 |
| CBDMD | broad-spectrum | • histamine dihydrochloride • MSM • sunflower seed oil • arnica Montana • shea butter | • 4 fl oz tub • 3.4 fl oz pump | 750 mg | $59.99 |
Typically, people apply the CBD ointment directly to the affected area and massage gently as necessary. Depending on the product, users might feel warm, cooling, or tingling sensations.
People should follow the instructions on the label and follow any guidance on the packaging. It is also important for people to note that CBD ointments may irritate when used on broken skin.
People should also be aware of the difference between ointments and other topical products, such as creams. Typically, the primary difference is that ointments contain the highest oil content at roughly 80% oil. This means they stay on top of the skin and do not evaporate, ensuring maximum product absorption.
It is important for individuals to choose CBD products based on safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is from a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- contains hemp grown in the United States
- has no more than
0.3% THC , according to the COA - passes safety checks for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
People should also consider:
- company certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to a
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter - whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Confused about CBD? Read our complete buyer’s guide here.
Importance of third-party testing
The CBD industry is currently unregulated, so there is a chance of unethical CBD manufacturers being dishonest about cannabinoid content in their products. This is where third-party testing comes in. It is important because:
- the FDA does not regulate CBD products
- it verifies the quality of CBD products
- it provides a neutral, unbiased source of information
Other topical CBD products are available if people do not want to use CBD ointments. Individuals may also choose to use CBD in another format, such as oils or gummies, for pain relief.
There are also many other alternatives that people can try to relieve pains and strains.
The RICE method is an effective approach to muscle strain recovery. In addition to this, people can take medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to control pain and reduce swelling or inflammation.
People can also try natural pain relief methods, such as essential oils, herbs, and alternative therapies.
Learn more about natural ways to relieve pain here.
For skin conditions such as eczema, people can try topical corticosteroid ointments and creams or use natural remedies, such as gels, oils, or baths.
Below are some common questions about CBD:
Where should a person buy CBD?
The CBD industry is currently unregulated. This means that there is the possibility of unethical CBD manufacturing, particularly regarding the cannabinoid content in the products. This is why third-party testing is crucial.
Third-party testing provides an unbiased, neutral source of information. They verify the quality of CBD products and ensure the CBD content advertised is correct according to lab testing.
People considering CBD products should only purchase from brands that use third-party testing.
What types of CBD products are available?
Several types of CBD products come in various forms, from oils to topicals, and edibles. Depending on the necessary dosage and the condition in question, people can choose which delivery method is most suitable for them.
Common forms of CBD products include:
- Oils and tinctures: A person can administer these directly into their mouth. People can also add these to food items or drinks.
- Gummies: CBD gummies are an easy and discreet way of taking CBD.
- Capsules: Capsules are another convenient form of CBD in the form of pills or CBD-infused softgels.
- Topicals: People tend to use topical CBD products for localized pain and skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
What do CBD product labels mean?
CBD product labels may mention the following:
- Full-spectrum CBD: These products contain all compounds of the cannabis plant, including THC, which is the psychoactive compound associated with the “high” of cannabis.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: These products contain all compounds except THC.
- CBD isolate: These products only contain CBD on its own, isolated, with no other compounds present.
CBD may be a useful ingredient to provide pain relief. People may use different forms of CBD, including oils, gummies, and capsules. However, topical CBD products, such as ointments, could be a better choice for those who do not want to ingest CBD orally.
People should seek advice from a healthcare professional before using any form of CBD.