CBD extract comes in many concentrations, formulas, and forms, but not all CBD extracts are created equal.
That’s why we’ve created this buyer’s guide to CBD topicals for you, so you can explore the benefits and nuances between a wide and ever-growing range of topical products. From creams to balms, roll-ons to cooling gels, and essential aromatherapy options in between, if you have a question about CBD topicals, we hope you’ll find the answer here.
What To Look Out For:
Look for other botanical ingredients: nourishing and moisturizing vitamin B5, aloe, coconut oil, arnica, and shea butter to help calm dry, itchy skin and support skin revitalization.
Make sure the products are non-toxic: Standard chemical emulsifiers, such as polyethylene glycols (or PEGs), are derived from petroleum and have been listed in the registry for toxic ingredients. In addition to being formulated without PEGs, also look for topicals that are: free of major allergens, not tested on animals, gluten free, vegan, and formulated without synthetic fragrances, artificial colors or dyes, sulfates, GMOs, sodium acrylates copolymer, carbomer, shark-derived squalene, or betaine.
There Are So Many Options, What’s The Difference?
What Is the Difference Between CBD Cream and CBD Ointment?
As you search for CBD topicals you will undoubtedly come across a variety of different, yet similar, terms. What is the difference between CBD cream and CBD ointment, for example?
The difference between CBD creams, ointments, and balms ultimately lies in the base ingredients, which results in the different feel on one’s skin. While there can be many different ingredients here are the key components of each: creams tend to have a higher water content and usually include ingredients like aloe vera, cetearyl alcohol (emulsifier), and xanthum gum (thickener); balms typically contain ingredients like beeswax and shea butter and do not require emulsifiers or thickeners; ointments get their texture from petrolatum (petroleum jelly).
What Is the Difference Between CBD Balm and CBD Salve?
As we touched on above, CBD topicals come in many different forms. So, what is the difference between CBD balm and CBD salve?
Many people use these words interchangeably, but there is a difference. Balms are typically a bit firmer which you really notice when you dive your finger into a tin to begin application. Salves, on the other hand, can feel like a midpoint between cream and balm. They’re often oil-based meaning softer than a balm, and if you dig your finger into a tin of salve, it would feel like a thick cream.
How To Use:
How to use CBD Cream
In terms of how to use CBD cream, for best results, we typically recommend applying it throughout the day or night as needed. Be sure to check and see if the product is intended or not intended for facial application.
How to use CBD Balms
Balms and balm sticks are great for targeting different areas of your body. Balm sticks are often great for targeting larger areas of the body, such as the thighs. Balms are typically sold in smaller tins and containers, and ideal for smaller, more specific areas like the knuckles.
For directions on how to use CBD balm, we typically recommend usage upon waking, after a workout, or before bed. Avoid contact with your eyes and apply day or night, to the desired area, as needed.
How to Use CBD Cooling Gels
Beyond balms and creams, there is still a wide range of innovation going on within the CBD topical space.
For best results in learning how to use CBD cooling gel, apply day or night, as needed. We recommend using it anywhere you want a cooling effect on your body (avoid contact with eyes).
How to Use CBD Roll-Ons
Like most topical products, learning how to use CBD roll-ons is a very simple addition to your routine. Apply or “roll on” day or night, as needed, targeting any desired areas, and avoid eye contact. Depending on the essential aromatherapy blend, roll-ons can also be ideal for small areas like the temples, forehead or wrists.
What To Know Before Buying CBD Topicals
Now that you have a broad introduction to the CBD topicals space and its many kinds of products, the last bit of info we’d like to touch on here is where to buy CBD topicals.
Before you make a CBD extract purchase of any kind, it’s important to identify a company or outlet as a source you can trust. A Certificate of Analysis, or CoA, helps expedite these efforts. CoAs help ensure that a manufacturer’s products are made to specification and indicates the quantity of compounds found in each product, such as CBD extract.
CoAs are meant to keep customers safe and informed, but they also help emphasize quality.
How to Choose Which CBD Topical Is Right for You
Everyone is different, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all solution for CBD topicals. In learning how to choose which CBD topical is right for you, you might discover a mix of the products mentioned above (or one product in particular) best suits your individual needs. Whether it’s a cooling gel, balm stick or tin, aromatherapy roll-ons, or tried-and-true CBD cream, the good news is there are plenty of options for you.
