Hemp Cream vs. CBD Cream
Before choosing between CBD cream and hemp cream, it is important to understand the difference. Both are topical skin products, but they differ significantly.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
CBD cream and hemp cream may seem similar, but they are not the same.
Hemp extract cream contains hemp seed oil extracted from hemp seeds.
CBD cream always contains CBD (cannabidiol). Before buying hemp cream or CBD cream, examine the ingredient label, check for CBD and read the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Why So Many CBD Creams Are Sold as “Hemp Cream”
The hemp industry uses many terms, including hemp cream and CBD cream. Although people often use these terms interchangeably, the ingredients differ. Product labeling and packaging may look similar, and both may claim to soothe dry skin or deliver other benefits. However, one key difference remains. True hemp cream does not contain CBD, though some manufacturers add CBD extract as an ingredient. CBD cream always contains CBD sourced from the hemp plant’s CBD-rich parts.
Understanding what these industry terms mean is essential to reducing confusion when comparing CBD cream vs. hemp cream. Hemp is a cannabis plant from which hemp seed oil and CBD extract are obtained. Hemp refers to the plant, while CBD (cannabidiol) is a major cannabinoid in the hemp plant.
Hemp seeds are cold-pressed to extract hemp seed oil. It does not naturally contain a measurable amount of CBD. CBD is obtained from the hemp plant’s flowers and leaves.
Hemp seed oil does not contain naturally measurable amounts of CBD. Hemp extract cream often contains ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, along with hemp seed oil. There is hemp cream with CBD. It contains CBD only when the producer adds CBD extract to the formula, combining it with hemp seed oil and other ingredients. There are many hemp creams sold today that contain an unidentified amount of CBD.
The point is that a product name does not necessarily tell you what you are buying. In one study, researchers evaluated 105 topical cannabinoid products for labeling accuracy. The results found that 18 had at least 10% less CBD; 58% had over 10% more CBD; and 24% were accurately labeled for CBD content. Of the 105 products, 15 were CBD creams. Only three were accurately labeled.
The same study also found that 89 of the 105 products stated the total CBD amount in milligrams on the label. The remaining 16 did not mention a specific CBD amount.
Researchers have found that consumers often confuse hemp seed oil and CBD extract. The image of a green leaf and vague hemp labeling makes buyers think a cream contains biologically active cannabinoids.
Researchers found that the amount of husk removed from hemp seeds directly affects whether any CBD or THC is detected. During processing or from contact with other plant parts, CBD and THC can cling to the seed’s husks, which is why the extract may contain cannabinoids. The hemp seed extracts are used in cosmetics. The conclusion was that there is a need for global agreement on transparent ingredient disclosure to ensure consumers know if their hemp cream contains CBD or THC.
How to Check a Cream?
To be an informed consumer, it is important to check three things before buying a hemp extract cream or CBD cream. They are the ingredient label, the CBD amount listed and the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Check the Ingredient Label
If the label lists Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil as an ingredient, the product contains hemp seed oil. This does not mean the cream contains CBD. It only indicates the cream contains hemp seed oil, which provides skin-benefiting nutrients like fatty acids and vitamin E.
If CBD extract was added to the hemp cream, the label should indicate that CBD is an ingredient. For example, a hemp CBD cream may say, “500 mg CBD extract per jar.”
Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest amount. Water comes first, which is what makes this a cream. Balms and salves, which contain no water, usually start with an oil or beeswax. Hemp extract comes after the base (water, aloe, emulsifiers, glycerin, a light oil), and the plant oils and extracts that follow are there for texture and scent.
A CBD cream label will list CBD as an ingredient (in the example, it’s Cannabis Sative Hemp Extract). A transparent brand will clearly state the amount of CBD, normally in milligrams. For example, it may say, “1000 mg CBD per 2 oz tube” or “1800 mg CBD per unit.” Some manufacturers add information like, “60 mg CBD per use” or “CBD per 1 ml.”
Look for Additional Information Panels
Hemp cream products should have a package label that is called the Principal Display Panel. It lists all the active and inactive ingredients. If the hemp cream contains active pharmaceutical ingredients, like menthol or lidocaine, it may have additional information concerning its use.
If CBD extract is added to the hemp cream to make hemp cream with CBD, the product should be labeled with specific terms that identify CBD as an ingredient, the CBD spectrum and the total CBD potency for the package. There should be a batch number or QR code that directly and easily links to a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
CBD cream does not have a Supplemental Facts panel because the FDA reserves that for edible products. CBD creams are regulated as topicals or cosmetics.
Like hemp cream products, CBD cream labels should include the appropriate panel: the Principal Display Panel. Some manufacturers add other panels, like a general Information Panel.
Various state laws also regulate hemp and CBD cream labeling.
You can look for CBD content information. A transparent manufacturer will make it clear on the label whether the product contains CBD and how much. The CBD content is usually expressed in milligrams per cream container.
Again, the container label may say it contains 500 or 1,000 mg of CBD or more, but that is not the amount of CBD per use. Also, note the difference between total hemp extract and CBD content. A hemp cream labeled as having 1,500 mg of hemp extract does not necessarily contain 1,500 mg of CBD.
Review the Certificate of Analysis (COA)
The COA (Certificate of Analysis) is a laboratory report that shows detailed information about the cream’s cannabinoid and hazardous compound contents. It is most valuable when prepared by an independent, third-party laboratory. For CBD cream, it will identify the following.
- Name of the lab with contact information, location and accreditation
- Batch or lot number that matches the number on the hemp or CBD cream package
- Cannabinoids present and their concentrations (potency), which can be compared to the label claims
- Contaminant screens that show whether heavy metals, pesticides, microbials and residual solvents are present
Most products have a scannable QR code on the container or label that links to the COA. Some companies require the consumer to enter a product batch number on their website. Either way, you should be able to access the COA.
It will tell you whether CBD and other cannabinoids are present in the hemp cream and whether the hemp cream and CBD cream labels accurately reflect cannabinoid content.
What is Hemp Seed Oil Cream Good For?
Hemp seed oil contains compounds that benefit the skin. The seeds contain high levels of three polyunsaturated acids. They are linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid. The ratio of omega-6 linoleic acid to omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid is three to one. Hemp seed oil’s major fatty acid is linoleic acid, which accounts for 50-70% of its fatty acid content. It contains a significant amount of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), the same acid found in human milk. Hemp seed oil also contains a significant amount of stearidonic acid (SDA), an omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a precursor to other omega-3 fatty acids.
Hemp seed oil also contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. This vitamin can reduce oxidative stress in cells. The oil also contains smaller amounts of other vitamins like A and D.
The fatty acids, vitamin E, and other antioxidants provide many skin benefits. Clinical research is ongoing.
- Fatty acids help retain skin moisture
- Fatty acids and antioxidants neutralize free radicals
- May accelerate wound healing
What CBD.market Customers Reorder
Most of the best-selling CBD creams in our store (77%) are THC-free formulas, and most creams in the top five hold 1000–2000 mg of CBD. About one in four creams sold (23%) is full spectrum, mostly from Lazarus Naturals and Myriam’s Hemp. Three of the top 12 are cooling formulas with menthol or mint (Level Select, Joy Organics Sports, Medterra Rapid Recovery), and together they make up 28% of sales. Two more are heating formulas from CBDfx.
| Product | Spectrum | CBD per container | Size | CBD per oz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlusCBD Penetrating Cream | Isolate, THC-free | 1000 mg | 2 oz | 500 mg |
| Level Select LVL 3 Sport CBD Cream, Cooling Mint | Broad spectrum, THC-free | 1800 mg | 3 oz | 600 mg |
| Lazarus Naturals CBD Recover Cream | Full spectrum | 2000 mg | 2.5 fl oz | 800 mg |
| Joy Organics CBD Sports Cream, Cool Menthol | Broad spectrum, THC-free | 1000 mg | 4 fl oz | 250 mg |
| Myriam’s Hemp CBD Cream | Full spectrum | 3000 mg | 3.5 fl oz | 857 mg |
A hemp seed oil cream usually lists no CBD amount because it contains no cannabinoids to measure, and it rarely comes with a COA.
FAQs
Is Hemp Cream the Same as CBD Cream?
Hemp cream and CBD cream are not the same. Hemp cream is made with hemp seed oil. Hemp seeds do not contain any measurable CBD or THC. They do contain fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins.
CBD cream is specifically a cream that contains cannabidiol. It is made with CBD extract from the hemp plant’s flowers and leaves. CBD extract initially contains all the cannabinoids. Full spectrum cream has CBD, THC, and minor cannabinoids. Broad-spectrum CBD is processed to remove the THC. Isolate CBD is pure CBD.
Does Hemp Cream Have CBD in it?
Hemp cream does not have CBD unless CBD extract is added as an ingredient. Hemp cream is made with hemp seed oil, which contains no measurable cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. However, a hemp cream with CBD has CBD extract added as an ingredient.
Can a CBD Cream Show up on a Drug Test?
A 2024 study of five hemp-derived topical CBD products found that some formulations allowed CBD to reach the bloodstream. Urine samples did not test positive for cannabis, but THC was detected in the oral fluid of some people. So, CBD is unlikely to show up on a drug test using federal workplace testing standards, but there is a risk. The study showed that product formulation and cannabis testing methods matter.
Drug testing does not test for CBD. It only tests for THC. If concerned about workplace drug testing, the best strategy is to use CBD cream made with broad-spectrum CBD or isolate CBD. Always check the Certificate of Analysis to verify cannabinoid content.
Why is Hemp Cream so Cheap on Amazon?
Hemp cream is often cheap on Amazon because it is made with hemp seed oil rather than more expensive CBD extracts. Hemp seed oil is inexpensive to produce. Also, Amazon does not allow the sale of any products containing CBD or other active cannabinoids, like THC.
Hemp creams sold on Amazon are not necessarily high quality. Some are made to keep costs low. They have inexpensive mineral oils, cheap base lotions and synthetic fragrances.
What Does “mg” Mean on a Hemp Cream Label?
The unit symbol for milligrams is mg. It refers to a unit of weight. On a hemp cream, mg stands for the total amount of hemp extract in the product. It also represents the total amount of CBD if the hemp cream contains CBD.
A hemp cream label may say 1,000 mg, which means the entire jar contains 1,000 mg. The container size affects the strength of the hemp extract and CBD. For example, a 2-ounce jar of hemp cream with 1,000 mg of hemp extract has 500 mg per ounce. In a one-ounce jar, the hemp extract concentration is stronger because it has 1,000 mg per ounce.
Keep in mind you only apply a small amount to the skin, not the whole jar. The label may state the amount of hemp extract or CBD in terms of milligrams per use, i.e. 60 mg of CBD per use or application.
Ingredients Make the Difference
The main difference between CBD cream vs. hemp cream is the ingredients. Hemp cream is made with hemp seed oil. It moisturizes the skin. Unless CBD extract is added, hemp cream does not contain cannabinoids.
CBD cream contains cannabidiol and serves broader purposes that researchers are still investigating. Before buying any product, read the label and verify that the cannabinoid amount reported on the Certificate of Analysis agrees with the label. With so many products available today, take the time to fully understand what you are buying. High-quality products clearly identify ingredients, including cannabidiol content if applicable, and provide independent testing documentation.
Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9301515/#H1-2-ZOI220650
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7759267/#s004
- https://www.jcosmetmed.org/journal/view.html?pn=vol&uid=164&vmd=Full
- https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/hemp-seed-oil-properties
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34067432/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7759267/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11207338/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12248707/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12059866/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41008526/
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