Chronic pain affects at least 50 million Americans today. That’s more than 20% of the entire nation. Furthermore, it causes around $80 million in losses every year. And if we don’t do something to help alleviate it, the problem will simply grow worse.
Naturally, most people rely on pain medication and various therapies. However, while some of those methods can be quite effective, more often than not they are just not enough. There are times when the pain we feel is so intense that we simply need something beyond our meds. That’s when people turn to supplements, and in the past few decades, the supplements which got the most attention all contain one particular compound, namely cannabidiol, also known as CBD.
The variety of CBD products is staggering, especially in the past few years. By far the most popular are CBD oil and tinctures. The reason behind their popularity is how easy they are to use. It just takes a few drops of the product under the tongue and we’re good to go. Other products, like gummies, brownies, sodas, and honey sticks, are all quite fun and interesting to take. However, one type of product, in particular, might just be the best possible solution for any type of pain, and that’s CBD topicals.
With that in mind, we will cover some of those topicals in this article, in our quest to find the best CBD cream for pain in 2021. Naturally, we have our own top pick, but the other options we’re going to list are also an excellent way to start a CBD therapy and to rid ourselves of pain, acute or chronic.
What Is CBD Cream?
The easiest answer to this question is that it’s a cream infused with CBD. However, it is so much more than that. Depending on the product, this cream can handle different types of pain, and it can also contain different dosages of CBD (and different amounts of other materials). We apply CBD cream as we do with any skincare product on the market, but instead of getting rid of wrinkles, we’re getting rid of inflammation.
CBD cream is a good solution since it can tackle some of the more difficult spots directly. We can apply the cream to any joint, as well as our forearms, back arms, thighs, feet, wrists, fingers, and even neck and sometimes face. Really, if we feel any kind of joint pain, it’s a good idea to apply some CBD cream until it’s fully absorbed. As such, the CBD in the cream will directly interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in order to reduce the frequency of pain signals sent to the brain. Furthermore, it helps by boosting the production of natural cannabinoids in our body, giving us a new fighting chance against pain.
Best CBD Cream for Pain: The Top 10 of 2021
1. Royal CBD
It’s no surprise that the best CBD cream for pain might come from Royal CBD, which is why we have this brand at the very top of our list. In fact, the whole line of topicals from Royal CBD is so good that we can recommend any of their products to any user, both old and new. So let’s go over them quickly.
In 2021, buyers have two options regarding Royal CBD topicals. One is a warming cream that contains lots of natural, herbal elements that help with soothing inflamed parts of our body. The other is a cooling roll-on gel with menthol, making it even more potent than it already would have been with CBD alone.
Every single ingredient within Royal CBD topicals comes from nature. Nothing was grown in a lab, nor did the experts from the company add any synthetic materials or harmful chemicals in the process. What’s more, the brand exclusively uses CO2 extraction to get the best, purest CBD extracts possible – says The Observer in their recent review on the best CBD brand evaluation. The whole process gives us a clean, safe product that will, admittedly, feel a bit greasy after application. But if that’s the only tradeoff for using Royal CBD, it’s barely worth mentioning.
In terms of potency, Royal CBD topicals are broad-spectrum products that contain 500 mg of CBD. Each individual batch is tested by third-party labs in order to make sure they are safe for human use. The cooling gel is perfect for mild, persisting pain, while the warming cream can tackle piercing, insufferable pain, and inflammation.
This intelligently-formulated warming salve comes highly recommended by industry experts in a variety of different niches, including Herald Net, Weed News, Seattle Weekly, Juneau Empire, and many others.
Pros
- Choice of two product types
- 500 mg of CBD per topical
- Ingredients come from an organic source with 0% GMOs or synthetics
- Broad-spectrum topicals with no traces of THC
- Organic, homegrown hemp
- CO2 extraction method
- Soothing aroma with added menthol freshness
Cons
- Somewhat greasy after being applied to the skin
Learn more: Best CBD Gummies for Insomnia
2. Gold Bee
There are times when a product is so good that we simply can’t find it on the market. Yes, the runner-up for the best CBD cream for pain is such a product, one that isn’t even available on the main store of the brand. And that is a shame since Gold Bee’s roll-on pain gel is at the very top in terms of effectiveness and battling pain.
Gold Bee’s roll-on pain gel is a broad-spectrum product with a staggering 2000 mg of CBD per batch. The warming and cooling gel variants contain nothing but natural, organic ingredients, including the purest CBD extracted from homegrown Californian hemp. Independent lab testing is also mandatory, so users can rest easy knowing that Gold Bee focuses entirely on their safety.
Of course, the main bread and butter of Gold Bee is the fact that none of its products contain animal-derived ingredients. The same is true about its roll-on gel. Everything, from the CBD itself to the smallest of ingredients, comes from plants. It’s one of the most vegan-friendly brands on the market and they’re proud of that fact. And since it’s a roll-on gel, the topical is incredibly easy to apply to any inflamed spot. To sum up, Gold Bee’s topical product is truly one of the best, and it’s a shame that it’s currently not available on the company’s website.
Gold Bee CBD cream products are well-recognized in the online space as well — you’ll find mentions of the brand on websites including CFAH, Peninsula Daily News, We Be High, and others
Pros
- 2000 mg of CBD per topical
- Independent lab testing for purity
- Two different options of gel are available
- The roll-on design makes the product easy to apply
- Natural Californian hemp used as the CBD source
Cons
- The company website does not have the product in stock at present
Learn more: Best CBD Capsules Reviewed for 2021
3. Hemp Bombs
One thing that made Hemp Bombs a household name is the variety of its products. Looking at the company website, we can find dozens of variations of CBD oil, CBD gummies, CBD capsules, etc. And yes, the same can be said about the many topicals that the brand has to offer.
Hemp Bombs offers three Pain Freeze relief rubs and a single Pain Freeze roll-on. The roll-on has a potency of 200 mg of CBD, perfect for new users. On the other hand, each of the Pain Freeze options offers a different potency, ranging between 100 mg, 400 mg, and 1000 mg of CBD per pain relief rub. Each of these topicals is a full-spectrum product, which means they contain very small amounts of THC for the entourage effect. They also happen to emit a rather sharp smell, which could be a bit repellant to some users.
Ethical cultivation practices are the MO of Hemp Bombs. Their experts source everything organically, and each product goes through independent testing. In addition, the creams contain no animal products or synthetics. So, if we need the best CBD cream for pain, Hemp Bombs might just offer us 4 excellent candidates for that illustrious spot.
Pros
- Organic, all-natural hemp
- Dosages of 100, 200, 400, and 1000 mg of CBD
- Wide product selection
- Independent lab testing results
- Full-spectrum products that activate the entourage effect
Cons
- Creams and the roll-on all have a distinct, sharp smell
Learn more: Best CBD Gummies for Pain Management
4. Spruce
Hemp Bombs isn’t the only brand with multiple topical options. In fact, most of the products on this list will follow its example and offer users several options, with each of them being our potential best CBD cream for pain. Spruce’s own options are right up there alongside Hemp Bombs, and the topicals the brand offers are excellent in almost every way.
Natural and organic is the way to go, so Spruce makes sure that every single product it offers comes from non-synthetic, non-GMO hemp. Furthermore, the products are all full-spectrum with incredible terpene profiles for an extra boost. Yes, they might include some THC, but that allows the creams to activate the entourage effect, nullifying the pain quicker than CBD would on its own. And naturally, third-party lab experts test every single product for purity. The potency range of the products isn’t too varied, which might be a bit of a drawback.
So, how many products does Spruce provide in their topical range? Well, if we’re interested, we can get one of three topicals. The first is a single-dosage full-spectrum cream. Next, we have the lotion, also available in just one dosage. And finally, there’s the salve which, unlike the previous two, comes in two dosages. No matter which of the three we buy, we will get them at a reasonable price. That balance of price and quality is difficult to find, which only goes to Spruce’s advantage. After all, the best CBD cream for pain ought to consider the users’ level of income as well. In other words, everyone should have access to CBD topicals, and Spruce’s items are the perfect option in that regard.
Pros
- Organic, US-grown hemp
- Products come with amazing terpene profiles
- Full-spectrum products with legal amounts of THC
- Three products available, in four different dosages
- Independent lab testing for purity
Cons
- The dosage variety is limited
5. CBDistillery
If your brand’s lowest dosage rate for CBD topicals is 300 mg of cannabidiol per pack, you know you’re on the right track. It’s even better if the other products up the amount of CBD to 500 mg, and even beyond that to 1000 mg. Spread that variety of dosages across no less than 20+ different products and you have a brand that deserves to be promoted. In fact, it’s a brand that may well manufacture the best CBD cream for pain in 2021. So, should it really surprise anyone that we’re talking about CBDistillery?
The brand itself has been around for quite some time. Working with CBD has taught the company the value and importance of variety. That’s why its topicals have such a varied dosage range. But it goes beyond that. CBDistillery’s topicals literally cover the whole of the cannabis spectrum. If we need something mellow, we can get a CBD isolate cream. Do we want more potency? The full-spectrum topicals are right there to order. And for those of us who are somewhat undecided, there’s always a broad-spectrum gel or two to fall back on. And to make matters even more splendid, we can get these products individually or in pairs, or even in sets.
Naturally, there are some issues with ordering CBDistillery products. More often than not, a particular batch will be out of stock. In other words, sometimes that CBD isolates salve we need will not be in store due to popular demand, and it might be a while before it’s back in the lineup. Buying a specific option is a bit of a competition, but once we get it, we know it was worth the wait.
Pros
- CBD sourced from farm-grown and organic hemp
- 300, 500, and 1000 mg of CBD available per individual product
- Independent lab testing for purity
- The range covers the entirety of the cannabis spectrum
- Numerous options available for users
Cons
- A product will often be out of stock due to popular demand
6. Joy Organics
Let’s examine Joy Organics, a brand that’s become quite popular lately. As of 2021, its range of topicals covers several key products:
- CBD Bath Bombs
- Premium CBD Cream
- Premium CBD Sports Cream (with added menthol)
- Organic CBD Salve (with lavender and eucalyptus)
- Premium CBD Salve Stick
Of these products, the only one that isn’t really a candidate for the best CBD cream for pain is the bath bombs, mainly because they are not really a cream. Nevertheless, that gives us four spectacular, organic, all-natural, non-GMO topicals to choose from, each with its own benefits.
Firstly, most of these products are quite potent. The Joy Organics salve, for example, ranges between 500 and 1000 mg of CBD per pack, which is a lot. Next, the CBD in each product is taken via CO2 extraction, the purest process in the industry at present. Furthermore, every single option is broad-spectrum. In other words, we get the benefits of the entourage effect and absorb exactly 0% of THC.
Much like with CBDistillery and Gold Bee, Joy Organics products tend to go out of stock. However, the bigger issue with this brand is the pricing. Joy Organics topicals are more expensive than many other brands on the market out there, even the ones that are more potent and effective. Of course, they are worth every penny, since even the least potent Joy Organics topical will help us alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Pros
- The brand’s rich range of products includes creams, salves, and bath bombs
- Broad-spectrum products with 0% THC
- Independent lab testing for purity
- Potencies range between 250 and 1000 mg of CBD per topical
- The CO2 extraction method used to extract cannabidiol
- Organic, natural, and homegrown hemp used for CBD sourcing
Cons
- The products are a bit too pricey
7. Medterra
Joy Organics offers multiple potencies of broad-spectrum topicals, each as effective as the last. It’s a formula that works, and one which Medterra also seems to employ with success. And while there will still be some entourage effect with all of the product options Medterra provides, it won’t be nearly as powerful as it would be with the presence of THC traces.
Of course, that doesn’t stop Medterra topicals from being effective. The Pain + Relief cream, our prime Medterra choice for the best CBD cream for pain, can help with any aching joints after application. Relief + Recovery cream is great for powerful inflammation, as is the roll-on variant of the same name. And if we require that little bit of extra oomph, there’s always the combination of CBD and Manuka Honey in Medterra’s most potent topical option.
All of the products from Medterra go through independent lab testing. Individual results will tell us just how potent and pure each topical really is. The company favors eco-conscious and clean cultivation practices. That is why its hemp is organic and grown locally, all using no chemicals and no additives. In addition, each and every ingredient that goes into making Medterra’s topicals is plant-based and non-GMO. Vegans and vegetarians will adore this brand, though it can appeal to anyone willing to employ a bit of CBD topical therapy for pain relief.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum products
- Organic, domestically cultivated hemp with no additives
- Independent lab testing for purity
- Several different dosages are available
- Wide range of products
Cons
- Low entourage effect
8. Receptra Naturals
Receptra Naturals has its own range of products, each of which might end up being the best CBD cream for pain. They don’t have the title ‘Serious Relief’ for nothing. Once we apply them to our inflamed spots, we can feel the pain subside almost instantly. And that can only come from a brand that knows what it’s doing.
Two of Receptra Naturals products, the Broad-spectrum and Full-spectrum Serious Relief, can be used for any type of pain or inflammation.
However, Receptra has focused on the pain that arises from specific activities, and as a result, it has created an entire line of specialized full-spectrum topicals. One such item handles all pain related to fitness, another focuses on yoga, while the third is perfect for skiers and snowboarders.
Each and every topical is organic and has no GMO additives or chemical contaminants. Furthermore, the hemp used to extract cannabidiol is fully organic and RN experts cultivate it using ethical means. Independent lab testing provides all of the topicals with individual certificates of purity. In other words, the items are safe to use and will cause no serious side effects. The only issue users will have is the somewhat greasy residue that remains after application.
Pros
- Independent lab testing for purity
- 800 mg of CBD per individual item
- Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum topicals
- CBD comes from natural, organic hemp with no additives
- A range of products targets pain from specific activities
Cons
- Some products leave a greasy residue after being applied
9. CBDfx
Like so many successful brands on this list, CBDfx knows that the key to success is variety. That’s why it offers everything from face masks to foot masks, from balm sticks to foot creams and bath bombs. And that’s not counting the potential best CBD cream for pain out there, the CBDfx muscle and joint cream.
This cream in particular comes in three different dosages. The first two are the somewhat standard 500 and 1000 mg of CBD per item. However, the third option is somewhat unique in the world of CBD. Few creams will offer a staggering 3000 mg of CBD per product, and yet CBDfx is doing just that. Granted, the product is broad-spectrum and still not quite as potent as others on this list, but 3000 mg of CBD is still amazing, and definitely worth checking out.
It goes without saying that CBDfx makes sure to go as organic and natural as possible. That includes all-organic hemp sourcing, ethical cultivation, 0% contaminants, and chemicals, proper extraction methods, and independent lab testing. Vegan-friendly and healthy, the CBDfx topicals will be a welcome supplement to people who suffer from mild, yet chronic pain. It might not be as potent with sharp, acute, and instant pain, but it’s nevertheless an excellent option for both new and veteran users.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum product with 0% THC
- Dosage options of 500, 1000, and 3000 mg of CBD per product
- Organic and additive-free products
- Independent lab testing for purity
- Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly items
Cons
- Low in potency when compared to other products on this list
10. Aspen Green
Aspen Green might be the last on this list, but it’s definitely not the least. In fact, it has an interesting range of creams, balms, and oils to offer, all of them full-spectrum and all of them able to activate the entourage effect. Of course, it’s a bit difficult to choose the best CBD cream for pain from Aspen Green’s list of products. Two of them, the standard-size nourishing body oil and the moisturizing body butter are undergoing reformulation. Usually, when a product gets reformulated, it means that something was not entirely good with it. That is why Aspen Green is so low on the list, but we advise still giving AG a go, especially the muscle relief cooling cream, which is still available on AG’s website.
One look at the cooling cream and we can tell exactly why some customers think it’s the best CBD cream for pain overall. Firstly, it contains no gluten, toxins, or animal products. Next, there’s the fact that it’s full-spectrum, with a potency of 1000 mg of CBD per pack. And let’s not forget that the brand gets every single batch tested by third-party lab experts for purity. In other words, it’s a product that won’t harm us or lead to any side effects. So, while two of its products are getting a bit of reformulation done, we can still enjoy the majority of Aspen Green’s catalog and feel the pain melt away with each application.
Pros
- Independent lab testing for purity
- 1000 mg of CBD per topical
- Pure organic hemp is grown domestically without pesticides or other chemicals
- Full-spectrum topicals with traces of THC
- Gluten-free, cruelty-free, and toxin-free product with no animal-derived products
Cons
- Some of the brand’s products are undergoing reformulation
Applying CBD Cream
We have several different ways of introducing CBD to our bodies. Usually, it involves ingesting the product orally. With oils, we merely drip a few drops under the tongue and wait until it’s absorbed. Capsules and softgels are easy enough to swallow and digest, while vapes are inhaled allowing the CBD to reach the lungs. And of course, we eat the edibles and drink the drinks.
But CBD cream is different. The first obvious difference is how we apply it, i.e. by rubbing it onto our skin. However, that leads to the second, less obvious difference between CBD cream and other CBD products. Namely, with edibles, oils, etc., the CBD reaches our bloodstream directly. But that’s not the case with topicals. Instead, the CBD is absorbed through the skin. For that reason, we can’t exactly measure the effectiveness of the cream as easily as we can with other products. Simply put, none of the creams ever makes it to the bloodstream. And to go even further, the effectiveness of the CBD cream will depend on how potent it is and what ingredients it contains. It can occur at any point between 10 minutes and several hours.
Interestingly, with most CBD products the potency is significantly reduced if there isn’t any THC. Naturally, THC is still illegal, so brands have to be careful that their products contain only a very specific, small amount of it. But with the cream, we don’t really need THC. That’s because the compound is not as permeable as pure CBD, so it will not enter the skin fast enough. In that regard, broad-spectrum products and CBD isolates might be the better option.
Benefits of Using CBD Cream for Pain
The reason behind so many people championing CBD is because the human body itself, much like cannabis, produces its own cannabinoids. They play a key role in something called the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The system regulates a wide range of actions and processes in our body, including:
- Mood
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Fertility and pregnancy
- Emotion
- Motivation
- Motor coordination
- Memory
- Pain sensation
As good as the best CBD cream for pain can be, we will still not be able to find it in pharmacies, alongside other over-the-counter drugs. That’s because the FDA, even after decades, still has not approved CBD products as viable supplements or medication. Further research needs to be done to check just how safe and effective the compound is before we can see its approval.
So, how do we decide on the best CBD cream for pain if we don’t have the proper approval yet? Well, we turn to user testimony and the many studies that came out over the years which handle CBD specifically. We will focus on back pain and arthritis, but the results can apply to any type of pain out there, no matter how small or brief.
Learn more: Best CBD Oil for Insomnia & Sleep
CBD and Back Pain
The ECS has two types of receptors. One type, called the CB2 receptors, modulate the functions of our nervous system, including reacting to pain stimuli. If we feel sharp pain, a large number of pain signals travel between the ECS and the brain, with the body being unable to produce more cannabinoids.
That’s where CBD comes in. Once it reaches our bloodstream, it helps produce more cannabinoids and starts to regulate the CB2 receptors directly. That way, fewer pain signals actually reach the brain and we feel soothed and relaxed. Now, as we stated earlier, CBD topicals cannot reach the bloodstream directly, but they don’t really have to. According to several studies, applying a topical solution to the inflamed area will have the same effect as taking a CBD-infused pill or vape.
CBD and Arthritis
Arthritis is not like acute pain. It affects our joints for a long time, so a long-term strategy is necessary to help combat it.
CBD was seen as a potential supplement that might achieve just that, but the studies that were conducted over the past decades were not conclusive. In fact, nearly all studies that covered CBD and arthritis specifically between 2011 and 2019 did not yield a definitive answer. However, there was an upward trend that showed how CBD might have inflammation-soothing properties with arthritis sufferers. Using a topical solution might even be the better option than edibles or capsules since the sufferer can apply it directly onto their joints or other inflamed areas.
Learn more: Best CBD Oil for Arthritis & Joint Pain
Best CBD Cream for Pain: The Bottom Line
There are plenty of things we must consider when picking out the best CBD cream for pain. From the cannabis spectrum to the ethics of cultivation, from potencies and dosages to certification and pricing, it’s all-important and we have to pay attention to details. Then there’s the extra challenge of no FDA approval.
For that reason, everyone reading this should consult their doctor or pharmacist before buying CBD topicals of any kind, advised by LA Weekly. In addition, make sure to get yourselves acquainted with the potential side effects of CBD cream, especially if you have a dermatological problem and are already using topical solutions to treat it.
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