There are numerous ways to use cannabidiol (CBD). Most people are familiar with CBD oil, the flagship product of the CBD market. Other popular oral CBD applications include capsules and gummies.
However, topicals like CBD cream are an increasingly popular application method, particularly for skin care and pain relief.
A CBD topical is any cream, balm, salve, or lotion infused with CBD designed to be applied externally to the body.
Many people opt for CBD cream and other topicals to provide targeted relief. Rather than having a full-body effect, topicals directly address the source of the problem. Read on to learn more about the types of topical CBD products on the market.
Different Types of Topical CBD Products
The topical CBD market is vast. Initially, it started with regular topicals like CBD cream and lotion. However, CBD is now being infused into all sorts of products, and the topical market has expanded markedly.
Companies at the forefront of topical CBD innovation sell CBD transdermal patches, CBD-infused bath bombs, shampoos, and massage oil.
Here are the most popular types of CBD topicals.
CBD Cream
CBD creams tend to have high water content and light consistency. They usually include ingredients like aloe vera, cetearyl alcohol (emulsifier), and xanthan gum (thickener).
Generally, CBD creams are available as pain-relief formulas and incorporate additional ingredients like arnica or camphor, which also support pain management. CBD skin care topicals, such as day and night creams, are also becoming popular.
A high-quality CBD cream is non-greasy and provides deep absorption into the skin.
CBD Balm
CBD balms have a thick, waxy consistency. They typically contain ingredients like beeswax and shea butter and are useful for dry and cracked skin.
Other ingredients often used in CBD balms include cocoa butter, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil. They also often contain refreshing scents, such as grapefruit and eucalyptus. CBD balms are excellent for moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
CBD Roll-On Stick
CBD roll-on sticks were designed to provide an easy and convenient way to apply CBD to the skin. They utilize a simple gel formulation to spread CBD over the purported area.
Typically, roll-on topicals are designed for pain relief and are quite potent, with 1000-3000 mg of CBD per stick. They incorporate other ingredients like menthol to support the pain-relieving properties. CBD roll-on sticks are convenient, hassle-free, and easy to use.
Other CBD Topicals
There are far too many topical CBD products to cover in one short article. Other popular options include CBD salves, cooling gels, face and eye serums, facial cleansers, and more. There is likely a CBD-infused topical to suit your needs.
When shopping for topical CBD, customers should consider their needs and desires. Different ingredients are used to deliver different therapeutic effects, whether it’s a CBD cream, balm, or another type of topical. For instance, one CBD cream may be designed for pain relief, while another is for nourishing the skin.
Why People Use CBD Topicals
There are generally two ways to use CBD – orally or topically. The two application methods differ significantly; one is ingested and works on the inside, while the other is applied externally and works outside the body.
Typically, topical CBD products are formulated for a specific purpose and contain additional ingredients to support this goal. For instance, pain-relieving topicals may incorporate menthol and capsaicin, while moisturizing topicals may include cocoa butter.
People choose CBD topicals for a few very specific reasons. Here are the most popular uses of these products:
- Relieve muscle and joint soreness
- Relieve tension and discomfort
- Soothe dry or irritated skin
- Hydrate the skin
The main advantage of CBD topicals is they are designed to target specific areas of the body. Let’s take CBD cream as an example. If the user applies the cream to their sore knee, it specifically targets that area.
This targeted application means faster results since the CBD extract can directly address the area of discomfort.
Granted, CBD topicals aren’t for everyone, but they can be very beneficial for certain groups of people.
What Is the Right Topical CBD Product for You?
There are many different kinds of topical CBD products on offer. Some may be designed to moisturize the skin, while others are meant to help ease the pain. There are also several other uses for CBD topicals.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for choosing a CBD topical. The perfect product depends on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Above, we have outlined the most popular types of CBD topicals. CBD cream has a light consistency and is often designed for pain relief or skin care. Balms have a thicker consistency and are excellent for moisturizing the skin.
It’s also worth noting that topicals are often formulated for specific areas of the body. Categories include CBD topicals for the face, body, skin, lips, and eyes. Depending on your wellness goals and needs, different types are better suited for different people and purposes.
Final Thoughts on the Topical CBD Market
CBD topicals come in all shapes and sizes to suit different users and wellness goals. Depending on the added ingredients and specific type of topical, each product serves a different purpose.
The primary advantage of topical CBD is that it delivers targeted relief. This means that it addresses the source of the problem rather than working internally and having more of a full-body effect.
Be sure to buy a CBD topical that suits your specific needs for optimal results.
