There are lots of ways to use cannabidiol (CBD, but if you’re looking for relief from aches and pains or help with skin conditions, a topical might be your best bet.
A CBD topical is any cream, lotion, or salve that’s infused with CBD and can be applied directly to the skin.
While research on CBD is still in its early stages, the little we do know about CBD topicals is promising.
A 2016 study done on rats discovered that topical applications of CBD could help manage pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
The American Academy of Dermatology even suggested using topical CBD products as an adjunct measure for acne, eczema, and psoriasis at their annual meeting in 2018.
CBD’s effectiveness, however, varies depending on a variety of factors, like the:
• source
• quality
• dosage
So, how can you discern the CBD products that are the real deal from the fakes? We’ve gone ahead and done all the heavy lifting for you, listing 10 great options below.
How we choose our CBD lotions, creams, and salves
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
• is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
• is made with U.S.-grown hemp.
• contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the certificate of analysis.
• passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
As a part of our selection process, we also considered:
• the company’s 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)
• whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Where available, we’ve included special discount codes for our readers.
Pricing
• $ = under $50
• $$ = $50–$75
• $$$ = over $75
To get a full picture of the price of a product, it’s important to read labels for:
• serving sizes
• amounts
• strengths
• other ingredients
Come into MOTA and allow our helpful, friendly, knowledgeable budtenders to recommend the absolute best CBD products for your exacting needs.
CBD GLOSSARY
You’ll see the following terms mentioned in the products below. Here’s what they mean:
• CBD isolate: pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids or THC
• Broad-spectrum CBD: contains most cannabinoids, but it generally doesn’t include THC
• Full-spectrum CBD: contains all of the plant’s cannabinoids, including THC