If you’ve been shopping for CBD topicals, this is the one list you need to read to find the best CBD lotions.

We’re starting with a list of the top of 9 CBD creams, lotions, and topicals of 2023. We’ll also get you up to date on the latest research into the benefits of CBD topicals and a buying guide, so you can always make sure you get the best quality CBD on the market.

CBD topicals are one of the newest ways to enjoy and get benefits from CBD, so let’s get started with the best of the best for 2023.

What are the Best CBD Creams, Lotions, Balms, or Salves?

Best CBD Cream

CBD creams are often easier to apply to specific areas in order to get targeted relief. Let’s take a look at a few of the best CBD creams you can buy. 

R+R Medicinals CBD Cream

R+R Medicinals CBD Cream makes the top of our list of the best CBD creams because it offers everything you’re looking for, including full spectrum CBD, third-party laboratory testing, and a new vegan formula. We’re happy to see that R+R Medicinals listened to community feedback and developed a new formula that is easier to apply and works for more people. It’s very easy to apply R+R Medicinals CBD Cream for targeted relief. 

Why We Love It

• New formula is vegan and easier to apply 
• 1,000 mg of CBD per container 
• About 33 mg of CBD and 4 mg of other cannabinoids per quarter-sized drop of cream
• Full-spectrum CBD 
• 3rd Party lab tested 

Charlotte’s Web Hemp-infused Cream With CBD

We love Charlotte’s Web because of its commitment to the natural ingredients that they put in each one of their products. Charlotte’s Web Hemp-infused Cream With CBD is formulated using full spectrum CBD, oat extract, and aloe vera. This CBD cream is also vegan, free of several major allergens, and formulated without harmful ingredients like Parabens, GMOs, and artificial dyes. Charlotte’s Web Hemp-infused Cream With CBD stands out as the CBD cream of choice for people who prioritize natural ingredients straight from the Earth. 

Why We Love It

• Multiple size options 
• Free of 8 major allergens 
• Vegan and not tested on animals 
• Formulated without harmful ingredients like Parabens or PEGs
• New formula has 2x more CBD per ounce 

Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream

Fitness fans are going to love Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream for great post-workout muscle relief. This CBD cream contains 2,000 mg of CBD, which definitely packs a punch. It’s also got other ingredients like lavender which can help soothe sore muscles. Extract Labs holds their products up to a high standard, including being USDA organic, certified cruelty-free, answered party laboratory testing. 

Why We Love It

• USDA Organic 
• 2,000 mg of CBD
• Cruelty-free and lab tested 
• Received a Men’s Health Award 
• Hemp grown in USA

Best CBD Salve

CBD salves or a good option for people looking for something in between creams and lotions. This is great for targeted relief, but it also works for helping larger areas like patches of dry skin.

Joy Organics CBD Salve

Most of the CBD products on this list are full spectrum, meaning they contain 0.03% THC or less. However, plenty of people are looking for a CBD Salve with no THC and that’s where a Joy Organics CBD Salve comes in. This USDA organic CBD Salve contains 0% THC, but it still contains other cannabinoids thanks to its broad spectrum formula. 

Why We Love It

• Lab tested
• USDA organic 
• Contains 0.0% THC 
• Broad spectrum CBD
• Made in the USA

Best CBD Balms

The advantage of a CBD balm is that it’s going to excel in delivering a long-lasting, more direct application than other products. This might not be the right choice if you’re looking to apply CBD over a large area, but it’s pretty effective when you really want to work CBD to a trouble spot. 

CBDistillery CBDol CBD Balm

CBDistillery has an outstanding reputation, and CBDistillery CBDol CBD Balm is no different. CBDistillery CBDol CBD Balm was the recipient of the High Times number 1 hemp-derived CBD salve recognition and the quality of their product definitely earned this title. CBDistillery uses natural farming practices when sourcing their hemp as well as US hemp Authority-certified ingredients in their balm. This balm also uses non-GMO hemp oil, and it’s been third-party tested for safety and purity. 

Why We Love It

• High Times #1 Hemp Derived CBD Salve of 2017
• Natural Farming Practices
• US Hemp Authority Certified 
• Third party lab tested 
• Non-GMO Hemp Oil 

Read our CBDistillery Brand Review

Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery Full Spectrum CBD Balm

It’s the unique design of Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery Full Spectrum CBD Balm that really makes it stand out. Having your CBD balm in a convenience stick design means that you can quickly rub it on to troubled spots to get targeted relief exactly when and where you need it. Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery Full Spectrum CBD Balm is a full spectrum hemp product which contains other beneficial cannabinoids as well as terpenes. Their newly redesigned formula has been third-party laboratory tested and is a great choice for people looking to get relief for sore muscles. 

Why We Love It

• Full spectrum 
• Convenient balm stick design 
• Newly redesigned formula 
• 3rd party lab tested 
• Great for the most targeted relief 

BATCH CBD Original CBD Balm

BATCH CBD Original CBD Balm uses organic, Wisconsin-grown hemp, which is some of the best being grown in the United States today. This CBD balm has a convenient twist-up design, so you never have to get messy hands when applying CBD balm to your skin. BATCH CBD Original CBD Balm is also paraben-free, and third-party lab tested, so you can be sure that it lives up to your standards for quality. 

Why We Love It

• Contains lavender and tea tree oils
• Twist up, roll on applicator 
• Paraben-free
• Organic, Wisconsin-grown hemp 
• Lab tested 

Best CBD Lotions

CBD lotions are where it’s at when you’re looking to get a lot of CBD over a large area of skin. Whether you’re hoping to get relief for dry and inflamed skin or find relief for your sore back, these are the best CBD lotions you can find. 

Empower Bodycare CBD-Infused Lotion

Empower Bodycare CBD-Infused Lotion is an ethically sourced product. It’s gently scented with bergamot and other natural aromas, but it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances, parabens, or THC. Empower Bodycare CBD-Infused Lotion uses USDA organic hemp and has a third-party laboratory test report to prove the quality of its ingredients. 

Why We Love It

• Convenient pump dispenser 
• USDA organic hemp 
• THC-free
• Lab tested 

Best CBD Body Oils

Prima Beyond Body Oil

Prima Beyond Body Oil is easily one of the best CBD body oils on the market. This highly concentrated oil is packed with other botanicals that can help restore worn-out skin. Prima Beyond Body Oil also goes the extra mile and is certified not just as cruelty-free but also is plastic-neutral and EWG-verified. If you’re looking for a product that is just as pure as it is potent, Prima Beyond Body Oil is the hemp Body Oil for you. 

CBD body oils are one of the most versatile and unique types of hemp topicals. You can use them as a massage oil, as a lotion, or even add some to a warm bath for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. 

Why We Love It

• Highly concentrated oil 
• Includes other natural botanicals 
• Broad-spectrum CBD
• Certified plastic neutral, cruelty-free, and EWG verified 
• Lab tested

What are the Skin benefits of CBD?

Researchers are just starting to explore the potential benefits of CBD for skin health. The scientific community recognizes that there’s currently a gap between anecdotes from people who use CBD for skin relief and formal research.

Let’s take a look at the information that’s out there to get a better understanding of the potential benefits of CBD for skin health. 

Pain and inflammation

Cannabinoids like CBD act on the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Scientists have discovered the presence of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin. These are two endocannabinoid system receptors that often show up when studying the medical benefits of cannabis and hemp.

One of the potential medical benefits of CBD that has the strongest evidence behind it is using CBD to get relief from inflammation. Inflammation can be a part of a variety of skin health problems ranging from simple rashes to chronic medical conditions.

The presence of endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body also lends favor to the idea that CBD topicals can be used for targeted pain relief. Not to mention the fact that many individuals have experienced positive benefits when using CBD for muscle pain. 

Researchers have also noticed that CBD topicals can have analgesic benefits and anti-itching properties and can even play a beneficial role in wound healing. 

Skin Disorders

Researchers have found that CBD can be a safe and effective way to improve the quality of life for individuals with a variety of skin disorders. This can include eczema, psoriasis, chronic pain, and has been especially helpful for patients that have an inflammatory background. 

How to choose the type of topical CBD to use?

There is a wide range of CBD topicals out there. With everything from roll-on bombs to body oils, how can you pick the right product that’s for you?

We’ve divided this into three key topics that can help you pick the right CBD topical for your needs. 

Benefits

The first thing you always want to consider is the potential benefits that you want to get from your CBD topicals. This will help you narrow down the range of products.

CBD topicals can offer potential benefits ranging from pain relief for sore muscles to reducing redness and inflammation for individuals with chronic skin conditions. CBD products also come in different doses meaning that some products are going to be stronger than others.

All these benefits also coexist with the other ingredients in the CBD topical that you’re looking for. 

Product type & form

Product type is going to be one of the biggest things that you have to think about. We’re going to break down three key product types and who they are best for.

CBD lotions are the classic topical. These are essentially the same as any other moisturizing lotion you would use, but they contain CBD. These are ideal for spreading over a larger area, and they can be a little easier on sensitive skin.

Balms and salves are a little bit thicker than your typical lotion. Balms, in particular, can even come in a stick form that you roll on. These are great for getting targeted release and can be especially helpful if you’re looking to explore CBD for muscle pain.

CBD oil is often the most concentrated type of topical. This is ideal for people looking to get the highest dose they can. A CBD body oil also has the most versatility since you could use it as a massage oil, as part of your beauty routine, or even liven up a bath.

Ingredients

You also want to think about the ingredients that are going into your CBD topical.

Individuals with sensitive skin are going to want to find CBD topicals that have pure and simple ingredients. On the other hand, there are plenty of other natural botanicals that can play a role in helping soothe muscles and calm down inflamed skin. 

What to consider when buying CBD topicals

There are countless CBD topicals on the market today. It can get a little difficult to tell which products are genuine and which products are trying to cash in on the CBD craze. We’ve got some Insider information that’s going to help you spot the real deal and avoid scams. 

CBD source

You always want to make sure that the CBD products that you are buying contain the best possible ingredients. CBD topicals start with hemp to source both their CBD, but also other cannabinoids. Here are a few things to look for to ensure that the hemp in your topicals is of the best quality.

The first thing that you can look for is the US Hemp Authority certification seal. This is a marker of quality and will ensure that you’ve got some of the best help out there in your product.

You should also look to see that the topical you are buying is USDA organic. This organic certification is done by an external organization and ensures that the end of your product is definitely organic.

The best CBD comes from hemp that is grown in the United States. Hemp is grown all over the country, but some of the best are surprisingly grown in states like Wisconsin.

In short, you want to find organic hemp that is grown in the United States as the source of CBD and hemp oil in your CBD topical of choice. 

Ingredients

CBD topicals can contain a wide range of ingredients. This means that you need to shop intentionally and know what you’re looking for before you hit the confirm purchase button.

The most basic CBD topicals are going to be oil that only contains CBD extracts and carrier oil. A variety of oils can be carrier oils, including organic hemp oil.

The ingredients list goes up from there. They can contain things like shea butter or natural botanical aromas like lavender.

Looking at the ingredient list is especially important if you are hoping to reduce inflammation or you want to use CBD to get relief from a skin condition. Always check the ingredients of the brand you’re shopping with to make sure there’s nothing that might aggravate already sensitive skin. 

Potency

Potency is incredibly important when you’re looking for a new CBD topical. 

Research is still exploring how the potency of a CBD topical impacts the potential benefits that you can get from this product. However, we always recommend starting to lower potency and then working your way up until you get the results that you’re looking for.

Topical CBD cannot get you high. CBD is non-psychoactive in the first place, and topical CBD is absorbed into the body differently than CBD that is smoked or taken orally. You shouldn’t have to worry about any adverse mental effects when using CBD topicals. 

Third-party lab testing

Third-party laboratory testing is perhaps the single most important thing to see advertised on any CBD topical website. Here’s why.

When a company goes to make a new CBD product, they have to send it off to an independent laboratory that tests for purity and to make sure there are no contaminants left over from the manufacturing process. Third-party laboratory testing is the only way to guarantee that CBD products are within the legal limits for THC and that they don’t contain any unexpected ingredients.

All of the best CBD topical brands include updated third-party laboratory test results on their website. They often have quick summaries that you can get the key information from, but you can also get the full laboratory report if you’re looking to get a little scientific.

Remember, third-party laboratory testing is an absolute must for any CBD topical brand. 

How to use CBD creams, lotions, balms & salves

If you’ve never used a CBD topical before, don’t worry, we’re about to walk you through a crash course in using any of the products on this list. 

1. Clean and dry the area
2. Apply the CBD topical according to the directions on the package 
3. Gently massage the CBD topical into your skin 
4. Reapply as necessary or as directed by your doctor 

Using CBD creams, lotions, and salves is really that easy. All you need to do is make sure that you’re following the directions on the package, and you’re good to go. Keep in mind that each of these products can have a different amount of CBD in it, and you might want to adjust your application accordingly. 

Precautions & side effects of topical CBD

CBD is considered to be very well tolerated by most individuals. The side effects that individuals experience when using CBD topicals are typically related to the other ingredients in the topical rather than the CBD itself. Here’s a few things you should look out for.

The first thing you should do is a spot test for any potential allergies. Apply a small amount of your CBD topical on a clear patch of skin, such as your forearm, and wait a day. This will let you see whether or not you might have an allergic response to this particular product.

Common allergic responses included rashes, hives, and itching in the areas where the CBD topical was applied. In very rare cases, individuals can be allergic to hemp or cannabis plant compounds.

CBD topicals are not known to have any brought effects throughout the body. The effect should be primarily located on the areas where they were applied to.

FAQs for CBD topicals

Wrapping Up

CBD topicals like lotions and oils are a great way to explore the potential benefits of CBD for skin conditions and even muscle pain. There’s a wide variety of products out there, and you’ll definitely be able to find a CBD topical that’s right for you!