5 Best CBD Ointments and Salves of 2021 – Healthline

You might have noticed that cannabidiol (CBD) comes in just about every kind of product you can think of: oils, lotions, creams, gummies, pills, beauty products, bath bombs, and salves or ointments, just to name a few.

In case youve managed to avoid the buzz, CBD is one of the countless active compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Theres still a lot we dont know about CBD yet, but so far, available research does point to these benefits:

If youre considering trying a CBD ointment or salve, keep reading. You can check out our favorites and find out how they work, how safe they are, and how to shop for them.

CBD comes in many topical forms like balms, salves, creams, lotions, and ointments.

Salves, balms, and ointments typically use fatty oils and waxes as base ingredients, compared with cream and lotions, which usually use water.

While balms tend to be thick, waxy, and pretty solid, CBD salves and ointments are usually a little softer than balms. Theyre a good choice for applying relief directly to aches and pains.

However, studies on topicals suggest that skin absorbency is pretty low compared with other mucous membranes meaning that when you use a topical product, its a good idea to choose one with a high level of CBD and apply it generously.

We selected these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:

As a part of our selection process, we also considered:

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This certified organic and cruelty-free CBD salve is made with a blend of phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil, organic beeswax, and organic medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. Thanks to the organic essential oils, it has a calming scent of lavender and eucalyptus.

The website displays reviews centered around all of Joy Organicss products and customer service (all positive), so reviews for this particular product are a bit tough to hunt down.

Joy Organics sources their hemp on U.S. farms, according to their website, and uses a proprietary hemp extraction and purification process that includes supercritical CO2.

Joy Organics offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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This nongreasy, non-GMO salve is made with essential oils and shea butter and coconut oil.

Reviewers are overall impressed with this pick. One notes that this salve worked well for her nerve pain.

CBDistillery says on their website that their hemp is grown using natural farming methods and food-safe extraction methods. Specifically, the CBD oil in their full-spectrum products uses CO2 extraction, while the CBD used for their 0 percent THC products is extracted with ethanol.

CBDistillery offers a discount for veterans. The product comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

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This broad-spectrum, non-GMO salve is made with beeswax, MCT oil, and CBD. Its available in two scents: eucalyptus and lavender and Calming Purple which is an unspecified terpene blend.

This pick is a hit with reviewers, one noting that she uses it daily, and others praising its effectiveness.

Go Green Hemp has an assistance program offering 20 percent off for life for active service members, veterans, people on long-term disability, and low-income households.

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Hydrating and moisturizing, this non-GMO ointment offers a satisfying cooling sensation, according to reviewers.

The bottles pump-top dispenser makes application easy, compared with tubs or squeeze bottles that can lead to messes or loss of product.

Reviewers say the pump-top seems to give them the same amount of product every time, making dosage simple. They also note that the ointment absorbs quickly.

PureKana sources all of their hemp from Kentucky farms and uses a solvent-free carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction process.

Their veterans discount offers 25 percent off their complete selection of products.

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This full-spectrum CBD salve is made with hemp sourced from a Colorado farm, using a CO2 extraction process.

Although there are only a small handful of reviews for this product on Harmonious CBDs website right now, theyre very positive. One reviewer says it helps with the onset of her migraine symptoms.

This product is also vegan, non-GMO, sugar-free, and gluten-free.

Not all that glitters is gold. Its important to keep in mind that not all CBD products come with a high level of quality and transparency.

Its best to buy from a company thats transparent about where they grow their hemp and how they make their products.

Its also important to look for a product that comes with an up-to-date, comprehensive certificate of analysis (COA) from a reputable third-party lab. Heres what to look for on the COA:

Additionally, consider only buying from companies with a positive brand reputation. You can look into whether the brand has been involved in any lawsuits and whether its received a warning letter from the FDA.

Finally, check online reviews. You may be able to find reviews on the brands site, but keep in mind these may be filtered to show mostly (or only) positive reviews. Check third-party sites too, if possible.

You can test-drive CBD salves and ointments on a variety of concerns.

Some CBD products that come with extra pain-relieving ingredients like menthol, camphor, and capsaicin could offer even more beneficial effects to the addressed areas.

Along with physical pain, CBD topicals like salves and ointments may be helpful with certain skin conditions.

The American Academy of Dermatology says that topical CBD products show promise for lowering inflammation that can add to skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

CBD topicals may also be able to help with:

Topicals like salves and ointments are the go-to choice for localized aches and pains or the skin conditions mentioned above.

If youre looking for a more measured way to take CBD (especially if youre on the go), you may consider capsules or gummies. You can easily toss these into your bag and take them quickly, compared with applying a topical that can get messy during application and can come with a noticeable scent.

Gently apply your salve or ointment to the desired area, adding more as needed.

CBD salves and ointments are available in varying levels of strength. Topicals can be tough to dose since theyre not as easy to measure as CBD oils or edibles.

Generally, the dosage varies on some key factors like your body weight, experience with CBD products, the products potency, and the condition youre addressing.

If youre trying CBD for the first time, its a good idea to start with the lowest possible dose at first and see how your body responds. You can increase the dose from there as needed.

The World Health Organization says CBD is generally thought to be safe, but some people may experience side effects, like:

Its best to talk to your doctor before trying any CBD product, especially if youre taking any medications. CBD may interact with some medications.

Its also a good idea to use precaution with any new-to-you topical products. Check the ingredient list beforehand to avoid any potential allergic reactions. Dont use topicals on broken skin.

Be sure to perform a patch test before using them broadly. To do this, just apply a little bit of the salve or ointment on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts. If you detect any signs of irritation, like a rash or itchiness, stop using the product right away.

CBD research is still in its early stages. But the mounting evidence and consumer reports point to CBD topicals, like salves and ointments, showing promise to improve ailments like pain and skin conditions like acne and eczema.

As with any new-to-you product, be cautious by checking ingredient lists and performing a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.

Its also a good idea to check in with your doctor before trying CBD, especially if youre taking medication. CBD may interact with some medications.

Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your states laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.

Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, OH. She holds a masters degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment.

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5 Best CBD Ointments and Salves of 2021 - Healthline