CBD cream works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body, to produce a variety of effects. 

When applied topically, CBD can target specific areas of the body and provide localized pain relief and a reduction of inflammation. In the realm of skincare, CBD is often used to improve the appearance of the skin, reducing redness, dryness, and other signs of aging and irritation.

One of the key benefits of using CBD cream is that it is non-psychoactive, meaning that it does not produce the "high" associated with cannabis use. This makes it an attractive option for people who are looking for a natural way to relieve pain or improve their skin's appearance without the fear of unwanted side effects. 

Additionally, because CBD cream is applied directly to the skin, it can be a superior method for localized pain relief and skincare treatments compared to CBD products taken orally.

It's worth noting, however, that while CBD cream is generally considered safe, there is a lack of regulation in the market. This means that there is a wide range of quality and potency that comes with any CBD cream for pain or skin care. 

So, how do you wade through the various CBD creams in order to find the best CBD cream? We have created a 4-step process to find the best CBD creams and have found seven different CBD topicals that are safe, potent, and natural. 

We will analyze in detail these 7 products before revealing our 4-step process and providing you with more general information on the CBD cream industry.

Best CBD Cream in 2023

1. Best Broad Spectrum CBD Cream: CBDfx CBD Cream for Muscle & Joint

2. Best CBD Skin Care Cream: CBDistillery CBDefine Skin Care Cream

3. Best Over-the-Counter CBD Cream for Pain: Green Roads Pain Relief CBD Cream

4. Best Cruelty-Free CBD Cream: Aspen Green Pain Relief Body Cream

5. Best CBD Pain Cream for Athletes: Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream

6. Best of the CBD Topicals: CBD American Shaman 250 Topical Cream

7. Best Extra Strength CBD Cream for Pain: Social CBD Extra Strength CBD Muscle Cream

What is CBD Cream? (And What Can CBD Creams Help With?)

CBD cream is a topical cream that contains cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in the cannabis plant. 

CBD creams work by being applied directly to the skin, where they interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. 

Some of the most common ways CBD creams can help you include:

• Pain relief
• Reducing inflammation
• Hydrating dry skin
• Relieving aching muscles

CBD creams are available in a variety of strengths and formulations and can be found at health food stores, online retailers, and through licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Also keep in mind that while we’re talking about CBD creams today, there are tons of other CBD products that may be right for you, including CBD oil, CBD gummies or even CBD sprays.

The Best CBD Cream Options, Reviewed

If you’re ready to learn more about the best CBD cream for your needs, these are some of our favorite options available today.

1. Best Broad Spectrum CBD Cream: CBDfx CBD Cream for Muscle & Joint

Why We Like CBDfx

When deciding which CBD creams are best for you, there are two questions you should ask yourself: 

• The first is whether you are looking for something that is focused on pain relief or skin care. 
• The second is whether you are looking for a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD. 

If pain relief and broad-spectrum are your answers, CBDfx makes one of the best CBD creams around.

CBDfx’s Cooling Formula Cream mixes all kinds of localized topicals with broad-spectrum CBD oil for a fast-acting product that can relieve muscle pain quickly and effectively. By using water-based CBD topicals in their muscle cream, the body more quickly absorbs the formula, helping to relieve pain in localized areas faster. 

Furthermore, CBDfx also takes advantage of the positive effects of menthol and caffeine when it comes to pain relief. Caffeine has been linked to a lowered perception of pain. Menthol has been shown to have a cooling effect that makes for effective pain relief.

When added to the anti-inflammatory qualities of CBD and you’ve got a product that will quickly and effectively reduce muscle pain.

CBDfx provides an ethical and wholesome solution to your needs. Made without animal testing, gluten, and GMOs, their product is guaranteed to be natural and safe. 

CBDfx also ensures the highest quality through third-party lab testing and American-based manufacturing. 

With a 60-day return policy, you can have peace of mind knowing you've chosen a reliable and effective CBD cream for both mental and physical wellness.

Pros

• GMP-certified, third-party tested, American-based CBD oil products that are cruelty, GMO, and solvent-free
• Fast-acting water-based formula that has numerous, natural ingredients for pain relief
• Contains white willow bark, which is a proven anti-inflammatory
• Helps lower the perception of pain while also using anti-inflammatory and cooling agents for advanced pain relief

Cons

• Some studies indicate that full-spectrum CBD creams may be better for pain relief

What Customers Love

When reading the customer reviews for CBDfx’s Cooling Formula Cream, you’ll see a range of users. Some are athletes who use CBDFx’s cream as a means to soothe sore muscles after working out. 

Other customers who suffer from arthritis find the cooling cream to be a great pain reliever when their joints flare up. 

The topical, localized usage of the CBDfx Cooling Cream makes using this CBD cream both convenient and simple.

Specs

• Size: 50-milliliter container
• Strengths: 1000 and 3000 milligrams

A similar CBDfx cream that uses a heating formula is also available in the same sizes. 

Free shipping is available on larger orders and all orders come with a 60-Day money-back guarantee.

Check out the CBDfx Cooling Formula Cream here

2. Best CBD Skin Care Cream: CBDistillery CBDefine Skin Care Cream

Why We Like CBDistillery

Let’s return to our two questions, whether you need CBD creams for skin care or pain and whether you want a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD. Where CBDFx offered a product that was great for broad-spectrum and pain, CBDistillery offers a great skincare product that has full-spectrum CBD.

The American Academy of Dermatology has noted that the anti-inflammatory qualities of CBD aren’t just good for pain, but they are also great for treating acne and psoriasis as well. 

This is why CBD skincare creams are becoming such a normal thing on the market. CBDistillery offers one of the best, providing both hemp seed oil and a full-spectrum CBD oil extract in their product. 

CBDistillery takes a similar approach to CBDFx, as their CBDefine Skin Care Cream also has coconut oil, which has moisturizing qualities that can be great for dry skin and eczema. 

CBDefine also contains sunflower, almond, and olive oil. These oils have multiple benefits, as sunflower and olive oil make for great moisturizers, and almond oil has vitamins and minerals the skin needs, like potassium, zinc, protein, and vitamin E.

With a 60-day money-back guarantee and third-party lab testing, CBDistillery’s CBDefine Skincare Cream can be trusted to provide a safe, effective product that will help with all kinds of skincare concerns.

Pros

• Full-spectrum CBD oil provides various anti-inflammatory qualities that can help with psoriasis and acne
• Almond, olive, and sunflower oil bring all kinds of moisturizing and nourishing qualities that can help with acne and eczema
• Uses third-party lab testing to verify the quality and potency of its product
• Offers a 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Coconut and almond oil can be allergenic

What Customers Love

While many customers praise CBDefine’s ability to treat their eczema, psoriasis, and acne, various other customers love using CBDefine as a regular, preventative skincare method. Many customers praise how smooth their skin is, while others love the mild calming qualities that CBD brings them. Many customers have added CBDefine to their post-workout and bedtime routines.

Specs

• Size: 1-ounce tub 
• Strength: 500 milligrams of CBD

It can be purchased individually or as a subscription package for a discounted rate. Subscriptions come with free shipping and all orders come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more about CBDistillery’s Skin Care Cream

3. Best Over-the-Counter CBD Cream for Pain: Green Roads Pain Relief CBD Cream

Why We Like Green Roads

Green Roads was founded by a pharmacist who was disheartened by the lack of effective and side-effect-free options. It has become one of the more popular CBD brands as all Green Roads products, including the CBD cream for pain relief and topical CBD creams, are expertly crafted by a pharmacist in accordance with strict quality standards.

One of Green Roads' premier solutions for arthritic pains, strains, and muscle strains is the Pain Relief CBD Cream. This easy-to-use cream can contain as much as 750 milligrams of CBD, along with safflower for soothing relief, menthol for cooling, and other anti-inflammatory botanical extracts, like avocado oil, all combined with the broad-spectrum strain of CBD.

Green Roads is an excellent company not only because of the third-party lab testing and all-natural ingredients but also because Green Roads is a cruelty-free company that does not use animal testing. 

For those who prefer a more traditional CBD cream for pain, Green Roads Pain Relief CBD Cream is the ideal choice. This powerful and soothing cream can compete with over-the-counter alternatives, containing a unique blend of menthol, methyl salicylate, fruit extracts, hemp-derived extracts, and more.

Pros

• The Green Roads CBD Cream for pain is an easy-to-use product that contains a number of anti-inflammatories
• Contains other ingredients that provide relief of pain and soothing qualities beyond just being anti-inflammatory
• Third-party tested, but not tested on animals
• Company and products are created by pharmacists

Cons

• As with all broad-spectrum products, you may not be getting the full benefits of CBD

What Customers Love

Green Roads products have a loyal customer base due to their ability to provide quick and convenient relief. This CBD cream for pain is a favorite among buyers as it allows for fast relief of pain for a range of reasons, from arthritis flare-ups to muscle strains and sprains from accidents and working out. 

Additionally, the appealing scent of the products sets them apart from others available on the market, as noted by many reviewers.

Specs

• Size: 1-ounce tube
• Strengths: 150, 350, and 750-milligram of CBD

The product can be purchased one at a time or in a subscription model that ships every 3 weeks. A discount is applied when the subscription is purchased.

Check out Green Roads here

4. Best Cruelty-Free CBD Cream: Aspen Green Pain Relief Body Cream

Why We Like Aspen Green

As a leading provider of full-spectrum products, Aspen Green is dedicated to offering quality, organic hemp-based solutions to enhance health and well-being. The company was founded on the principles of quality, honesty, and transparency, and its commitment to these values is evident in its extensive range of products. All of Aspen Green's offerings are made from hemp grown on regulated farms free from pesticides and other harmful substances.

The Relief Body Balm is a popular choice among customers, providing relief from dry and cracked skin, neck pain, back pain, and more. With full-spectrum CBD sourced from Colorado, the oil-based balm is a great way to stay healthy and feel better. 

The balm is formulated with moisturizing mango butter and beeswax, making it both effective and soothing. This particular CBD cream is great amongst the companies that claim to be cruelty-free as it provides both the benefits of skincare and pain relief, making the product versatile.

Aspen Green provides a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to show that its products are third-party lab tested. Aspen Green claims that its Relief Body Balm is cruelty, toxin, GMO, and gluten-free. It also claims to be FDA-certified organic and comes with all-natural ingredients.

Pros

• FDA-certified organic, made in GMP-certified facilities, and has the Certificate of Analysis to show it is safe and of quality
• Pure full-spectrum CBD product that is grown and made in Colorado
• Provides both pain relief and skincare
• Comes with 1000 milligrams of CBD

Cons

• Not a lot of options as far as sizes and potencies

What Customers Love

Customers love Aspen Green’s CBD topicals for how fast acting and effective they are. Many customers rave about the inclusion of mango butter, which they claim is something they don’t often see in their CBD products. Customers love the array of benefits that the Pain Relief Body Balm provides, both in the realm of relieving pain and skincare. Customers also feel very comfortable with Aspen Green because it is all-natural and certified by multiple third-party bodies.

Specs

• Size: 60-milliliter tin
• Strength: 1000 milligrams of CBD

You can order one at a time or subscribe to receive a new order every 4 weeks. A discount is provided for subscription orders. Orders over a certain amount can receive free shipping. All orders come with a 60-day money-back guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied.

Learn more about Aspen Green here

5. Best CBD Pain Cream for Athletes: Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream

Why We Like Extract Labs

If you are an athlete, Extract Labs has the product for you. We selected this cream due to its unique formula, which features arnica and menthol for enhanced relief. The base of the cream consists of shea butter and jojoba oil, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream contains just 8 organic ingredients, making it a great choice for athletes who are mindful of what they put in and on their bodies. Arnica and menthol work in tandem with CBD to warm up muscles before a workout or ease soreness after one. The potent 2000-milligram formula is highly effective, so you only need to use a small amount. The cream's thick texture is also highly valued, as it stays in place once applied.

Extract Labs carefully watches over the whole process of creating their CBD products. They have their own cGMP-compliant facility and use only organic, non-GMO ingredients. Additionally, Extract Labs is certified as cruelty-free and halal. All products are third-party tested for safety and quality control.

Pros

• The limited amount of ingredients is great, as it is easy to tell what is going on your body
• The ingredients are all natural and proven effective
• Full-spectrum CBD, as previously discussed, is more effective than broad-spectrum
• A powerful 2000-milligram strength means you don’t have to use a lot of the product

Cons

• Only comes in a very small tin

What Customers Love

Reading the reviews, you can clearly see that endurance athletes and runners love this product for its ability to quickly soothe muscle strain. Many customers also appreciate how simple the product is with multiple reviews saying that the limited ingredients helped them trust Extract Labs. Multiple customers also love the inclusion of arnica, an ingredient they don’t see in many CBD products or muscle relief products in general.

Specs

• Size:  2.95-ounce jar
• Strength: 2000 milligrams of CBD

Users are advised to apply a small, dime-sized amount to the affected areas. Extract Labs is confident in its product and offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

Learn more about Extract Labs here

6. Best of the CBD Topicals: CBD American Shaman 250 Topical Cream

Why We Like CBD American Shaman

CBD American Shaman, founded in Kansas City, Missouri, stands out as a unique CBD company driven by a strong mission. They offer a Compassionate Care Program, firmly believing that access to the healing benefits of CBD should not be hindered by financial constraints. Their commitment to safety and quality is reflected in their certification by the US Hemp Authority. CBD American Shaman's dedication to providing a safe and effective product is evident in its efforts to ensure its products meet the highest standards.

What makes CBD American Shaman’s Topical Cream one of the CBD topicals is that they combine various ingredients from other products we’ve looked at to provide pain management and skin care. Olive oil and coconut oil are here, which, as previously discussed, make for great moisturizers. 

Like CBDfx, this product is partially water-based, which can help speed up the absorption of the cream through the skin. Interestingly, the product comes in broad-spectrum and full-spectrum options, depending on your personal preference.

CBD American Shaman claims to be eco-friendly and uses third-party lab testing to verify the quality and safety of its products. Products are gluten-free and come with a 45-day money-back guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied.

Pros

• Eco-friendly products that are lab tested and certified by the US Hemp Authority
• Contains ingredients that are good for skin care and for management of pain
• CBD cream comes in both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum
• All-natural ingredients that are gluten-free

Cons

• For the size, CBD American Shaman’s Topical Cream is a little more expensive than its counterparts

What Customers Love

Customers love the versatility and speed of the Topical Cream. It relieves pain quickly and provides moisturization for the skin. Customers also talk about how their skin feels ‘calmer’, especially when using the full-spectrum variety. Customers also love CBD American Shaman’s dedication to the CBD industry and the environment.

Specs

• Size: 1-ounce jar
• Strength: 250 milligrams of CBD
• CBD Type: Full and broad spectrum

CBD American Shaman recommends only using two drops of the Topical Cream when applying to an area of need. The product comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

See if CBD American Shaman is right for you

7. Best Extra Strength CBD Cream for Pain: Social CBD Extra Strength CBD Muscle Cream

Why We Like Social CBD

Social CBD topicals provide a double benefit - they nourish your skin and support quick recovery from various discomforts. You can use these topicals for relief from a range of issues, such as sore muscles after a workout or to soothe sunburns and joint pain. 

Social Extra Strength Muscle Cream not only contains ingredients we’ve already discussed, like CBD, menthol, and arnica, but it also contains tea tree, which is both great for relieving pain and is anti-bacterial. 

The inclusion of aloe also allows the product to help with things like rashes and sunburns.

At every stage of production, Social CBD products undergo rigorous potency and purity tests to ensure that they are safe and of the highest quality. 

Additionally, they take extra care to completely remove all traces of THC, so you can have peace of mind when using their products. You can even access lab results for any of their CBD products by scanning the QR code provided.

Pros

• Contains anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients like CBD, menthol, and arnica
• Contains other anti-bacterial and soothing ingredients like tea tree and aloe
• At 1200 milligrams of CBD per bottle, Social CBD Muscle Cream is a powerful product
• Heavily focused on removing all traces of THC, providing the purist, safest product

Cons

• By removing all THC, the Muscle Cream is missing out on the entourage effect

What Customers Love

Customers rave about the versatility of the Social CBD Extra Strength Muscle Cream, noting that they use it for dry skin, rashes, sunburns, and joint and muscle pain. Customers also love the potency of the dose. At 1200 milligrams of CBD, Social CBD is providing an exceptionally powerful product in the world of CBD cream.

Specs

• Size: 3-ounce bottle
• Strength: 1200 milligrams of CBD

Social CBD recommends .1 ounce per dose of this CBD topical, which would be about 40 milligrams of CBD. The bottle can be bought individually or, for a discount, you can subscribe to receive a bottle every 1 or 2 months.

Learn more about this powerful Social CBD product here

How We Picked Our Favorites

When it comes to presenting our list of the best CBD creams, we felt it was important to be transparent about our methodology. 

Our goal was to create an unbiased guide that would give our users the confidence to choose the right product for their needs. We devised a four-step process to evaluate the quality of each product and its review objectively. 

First, we researched and gathered data on the products available in the market. This included studying the composition of each product, as well as its origin and processing methods.

1. Review the Lab Results

We make it a priority to review the lab results of each company we consider for our recommendations. 

By doing so, we are able to ensure that the advertised effects of their products are supported by credible scientific data and evidence. 

This level of due diligence provides us with the confidence to provide our users with the most accurate and reliable information possible, giving them peace of mind when choosing a CBD cream that meets their needs and expectations

2. Credible Media Sources

We took a thorough approach to our research by examining a range of credible media sources to gain insight into the perspectives of experts in the field of CBD creams.

3. Real Consumer Reports

When evaluating CBD creams, we not only looked at the consumer reviews listed on the product websites but also sought out feedback from real people on sites like Google and Reddit. 

This allowed us to get a well-rounded understanding of what users thought about the products, including both the positive and negative aspects.

4. Purchasing and Sampling the Products

We understand the importance of first-hand experience when it comes to evaluating products. That's why our team made sure to purchase and personally use each CBD cream that we reviewed. 

This allowed us to assess the product's authenticity and ensure that it arrived as advertised, with secure and prompt shipping and payment processes.

Best CBD Cream: What should I look for to ensure high quality?

When shopping for CBD creams (or even CBD oils or other CBD products) for pain or skin care, there are some key factors to consider in order to make an informed purchasing decision. 

However, it is important to note that for any questions or concerns regarding the interaction of CBD products (including CBD oils) with your current medications, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional. 

With that in mind, here are some general tips to keep in mind:

1. Read the labels

When evaluating the quality of CBD creams, it is important to pay close attention to the information included on the product label. 

Reputable and trustworthy CBD topical companies are typically transparent with their customers and will include all of the necessary information on their product labels. 

It is recommended to be cautious of a CBD topical that lacks the following details:

• Name and address of the manufacturer
• Cannabinoid content
• Lot, batch, or control number
• Net quantity (weight)
• Expiration date
• Production date
• Suggested serving size or dosing information
• List of ingredients that include additives, fillers, or any ingredients that are not the CBD/hemp itself
• Instructions for the use and storage of the product
• Warnings or contradictions

By checking these key details, you can ensure that you are purchasing a high-quality CBD topical (or CBD oil, or CBD gummy, depending) that is transparent about its contents and intended use.

2. Check for a Certificate of Analysis

The presence of a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a crucial indicator of the quality and reliability of a CBD product. 

A CoA is a document that is generated by a third-party testing company and verifies the product's potency, safety, and quality. 

A legitimate and trustworthy CBD company will typically display its CoA prominently, showing that they are committed to transparency and quality in its products. 

3. Consider what kind of CBD you need

When choosing a CBD topical, it is important to consider whether you prefer a full-spectrum CBD or broad-spectrum CBD cream. 

Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. However, in order to be legally sold, full-spectrum CBD must contain less than 0.3% THC, which is not enough to cause intoxication. 

On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD has all of the other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant, but with the THC removed. Some customers prefer broad-spectrum CBD for peace of mind, as it is THC-free. However, it is important to note that there are potential health benefits associated with the trace amounts of THC found in full-spectrum products.

CBD Isolate is the third type of CBD. This option is strictly pure CBD, meaning that it doesn’t contain any signs or traces of THC as well as no other terpenes or cannabinoids. If you want to use a product that you’re positive only contains CBD, look for CBD isolate.

Ultimately, the choice between CBD isolate, broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD cream is a personal preference, and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

When it comes to determining the best CBD cream, transparency and honesty from the manufacturer or distributor are key indicators. However, once you have established the credibility of the brand, it is important to consider your own health and needs when making your final decision. 

Some CBD creams are going to be great for skin care and cosmetic needs, while others are going to be more focused on pain relief. By factoring in your personal requirements, you can select a CBD cream that best meets your specific needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CBD cream do?

CBD creams are used for a variety of skin conditions, including sore muscles, arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis. They are also used as a natural alternative to traditional pain-relief medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, as they are believed to have fewer side effects and be less harsh on the body.

How do I use CBD cream?

Using CBD cream is incredibly simple. 

Just rub the recommended dosage (depending on what the CBD company recommends) into the area that is experiencing pain, rash, or needs the most care. 

Just remember to make sure that the affected area is clean. Rub the CBD cream or balm into the area until it is no longer visible.

Can CBD cream cause side effects?

CBD cream may be one of the safest CBD products to use, as the only known side effect connected to CBD cream is contact dermatitis, though the American Academy of Dermatology notes that this is true of any topical, not just CBD topicals.

Which CBD Cream is right for you?

As discussed above, as long as your CBD cream is coming from a reputable source, there aren’t really any side effects of CBD cream. 

CBD cream is a safe way to relieve pain and treat various skin conditions. So, the best CBD creams are going to come down to what your specific needs and health concerns are.

Remember, starting any medical regimen should begin with a conversation with your physician, even if the treatment is all-natural. 

However, as long as your body has no adverse allergic reactions to CBD and hemp, and as long as CBD and hemp don’t interact with your medications, CBD cream (or other CBD products, like CBD oils) can be a great, natural alternative to all kinds of medicines.