A Guide to CBD Topicals: How to Choose the Right CBD Topical

• Published October 15, 2021

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CBD is used in many products, including topicals. The topical CBD market is expanding rapidly with the U.S. market projected to grow 32.9 percent during the 2019-2025 time period. The growing list of topical CBD products shows how popular this category of CBD products has become as consumers search for natural ways to revitalize their skin or ease skin discomfort.

What Are CBD topicals?

CBD oils for topical use are sold as creams, lotions, balms and other products that are blends of carrier oils, botanicals and various additional ingredients. Any product that is topical refers to something that is directly applied to the skin anywhere on the body. CBD (cannabidiol) topicals are rubbed into the skin to soothe dry irritated skin. A growing market segment is CBD cosmetics, like CBD lip balms and CBD face masks.

CBD Topicals Pros and Cons

The skin is rich in the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, and there are numerous clinical studies in progress to identify skin permeation of CBD topicals. CBD primarily interacts with the CB2 receptors. For most CBD types, the CBD only reaches into the upper skin layer and does not make it to the bloodstream.

Various studies have found CBD can influence the skin response in a positive way. The transdermal gel is topical and enables CBD to reach the bloodstream, and the one that best modulated was the hydrophilic (mixes with or dissolves in water) gel. The CBD solution that had the best permeation rate and retention rate was the CBD propylene glycol and water mixture. Other permeation enhancers include essential oils like eucalyptus. Several studies found that 10 mg of CBD with no formulation had an 8.6 percent bioavailability.

The skin is an organ that protects the body from environmental threats. Most skin cells are water-soluble which hinders absorption of CBD because it is fat-soluble. That is why CBD topicals with propylene glycol and water mixture work best for bioavailability. The carrier oils added to products are also designed to help the skin and improve CBD absorption through the skin.

CBD Topical Pros

• Can apply directly to an affected area
• Effects are concentrated on the affected area
• Transdermal patches have a relatively high CBD bioavailability compared to other CBD topicals
• They are not consumed, so potency is not reduced through the digestive process
• There are many types of products to choose from, so can select one or more that work best
• Anecdotal evidence by users indicates CBD topicals provide skin relief for conditions like dry skin or for minor muscle and joint stiffness
• Available in a variety of bases like shea butter and coconut oil
• Easy to use

CBD Topical Cons

• Low CBD bioavailability (except for transdermal patches) because it is unable to penetrate below the upper skin layer
• CBD dosage is not precise
• Not enough research has been conducted yet to medically ascertain the benefits of CBD topicals, meaning each person must rely on their personal experience
• Some people may experience side effects so should start using on a small skin area
• Experiencing the maximum impact may require multiple applications since CBD skin absorption may be slow

Types of CBD Topicals

The CBD topicals category has grown significantly in terms of the types of available products and their purpose. For example, you can find various CBD topicals. Following are the types of CBD topicals and their basic characteristics.

CBD Creams

CBD creams are thicker than lotions. They are made with various oils and water but with more oil than water. Creams may also contain other ingredients like glycerin, vitamin B6, and white willow bark.

CBD creams are developed to serve different purposes, including face hydration, localized skin moisturizing, reduced skin irritation, muscle and joint cooling, and recovery from exercise. The botanicals and other ingredients added to the cream depend on the purpose it was developed to address.

CBD Balms and Salves

Balms and salves are similar but not identical. Balms are made with wax and fatty oils and have a thick consistency. Salves are also made with wax and fatty oils but with a lower amount than balms. This makes salves softer and smoother than balms.

Beeswax is a common ingredient, and multiple botanical oils are used that are known to soothe skin, like lemongrass oil and eucalyptus oil. Balms and salves soothe irritated or dry skin, prevent skin chapping and promote relaxation.

CBD Lotions

CBD lotions are not as thick as CBD creams because they have more water than oil, like witch hazel water and rose flower water. Added ingredients are known to benefit skin come from nature and add pleasant scents, like aloe leaf juice, grapefruit peel oil and lemon peel oil. CBD lotions are used similarly to CBD creams.

How does CBD lotion work? It works like the other CBD topicals, except for patches. The carrier oils help the CBD bind with the CB2 receptors in the upper layer of the skin. The additional ingredients add a synergistic effect, giving you the maximum amount of help for your skin.

CBD Gels

CBD gels are water-based which helps with CBD absorption. As discussed earlier, research indicates gels may have the highest bioavailability which is why many products are CBD gels. This is one reason there is a good product selection for people seeking recovery after exercise or playing a vigorous sport.

Many gels are roll-ons, which conveniently address the specific area needing relief. CBD gel roll-ons and rubs contain ingredients like water, isopropyl alcohol, terpenes, menthol, camphor, glycerin, sweet orange peel oil, and more.

CBD Patches

Medical researchers have ascertained that CBD transdermal patches can deliver CBD deep enough in the skin for it to reach the bloodstream. The patch can work for one or more days and provide a steady supply of CBD via a blend of carrier oils.

CBD Roll-Ons

As mentioned, CBD roll-ons are made with a water-based gel but are also available as a roll-on cream. Added are ingredients like aloe, menthol, lidocaine, a variety of oils, and some glycerin. The CBD roll-on is convenient, easy to apply, and delivers its benefits right where you need them most.

CBD Sprays

CBD sprays are as convenient and easy to apply as CBD roll-ons. The added advantage is the ability to cover a larger area of the skin quickly. They can serve different purposes, like providing temporary relief, promoting a sense of calm, assisting with recovery from vigorous activity and promoting general well-being.

Facial masks

CBD facial masks tighten, moisturize, brighten, and/or soothe facial skin. They are made with botanicals like aloe leaf juice and citrus extracts, lavender oil and olive oil esters, and glycerine or glycol.

Lip Balms

CBD lip balms can help you soothe dry chapped lips and/or serve as a barrier to environmental damage. They contain ingredients like high-quality CBD, almond oil, Vitamin E, shea butter, beeswax, sunflower seed oil, natural flavoring, and/or other similar ingredients. Lip balms are available in stick form applied like a roll-on or as a balm in a container that you apply with your finger or cotton swab.

Bath Salts

This is the only type of topical that covers all the skin. Add bath salts to warm water and enjoy a relaxing, skin-soothing experience. Bath salts contain beneficial ingredients to the skin and may also be mood-enhancing, like peppermint essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil.

You can also use CBD oil topically. To get localized relief, apply the oil directly to the desired skin area.

How to Choose CBD Topical Products?

How Do CBD Topicals Differ?

Spectrum

CBD topicals are made with one of three spectrums:

1. CBD full spectrum contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other compounds in the industrial hemp plant. This means it may have .3 percent THC.

2. CBD broad spectrum contains all the cannabinoids and other compounds and elements in the industrial hemp plant, except for THC. The THC is extracted during the manufacturing process. Products are labeled as THC-free because, at the most, only a trace of THC may remain.

3. CBD isolate is a pure CBD hemp extract. All phytocannabinoids and other compounds, including any trace of THC, are removed. All that is left is CBD. Some CBD transdermal patches are made with CBD isolate. Most creams, lotions and other types of CBD products are made with CBD full spectrum and CBD broad spectrum, though some CBD isolate products are available too.

Added ingredients

Since CBD topicals come in many forms and serve many purposes, the added ingredients are different from product to product. It is important to review the list of ingredients that each product contains to ensure it does not include anything you might be allergic to, like grapefruit peel.

Amount of CBD per Application

With so many CBD topicals, it is not surprising that the amount of CBD per application also varies. The CBD retailer will inform its customers of the amount of CBD per dose. You will find dosage information either on the product label or online.

For example, a container of CBD cream may have 1,500 mg of CBD in total, 50 mg of CBD per one ounce and 25 mg of CBD per application. So an application amount is half an ounce. A CBD cream developed to deliver muscle and joint relief will likely have a higher CBD amount. For example, a 1.7-ounce container with 3,000 mg of CBD may deliver a CBD dose per one ounce of 1,764.71 mg of CBD.

In another example, a CBD lotion might have 700 mg of CBD per container, 7 mg of CBD per 1 ml and 35 mg of CBD per application. The application amount is 5 ml.

A lip balm may have 50 mg of CBD total with 333.33 mg of CBD per one ounce. The application size is .15 ounces.

You can shop around and find the product type and CBD amount per application that best meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many Options Mean Something for Everyone

The many types of CBD topicals available today and the variety within each category means there is an ideal product for everyone. Always purchase CBD products from a retailer with an excellent reputation and great customer service. A high-quality retailer is transparent about product content and has products tested by an independent third-party lab. The lab report should be easily accessible. Be an informed consumer and read the lab report, check for customer reviews and follow the recommended application process.

Sources

1. https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/global-cbd-skin-care-market
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346445200_Topical_Administration_of_Cannabidiol_Influence_of_Vehicle-Related_Aspects_on_Skin_Permeation_Process
3. https://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2020-08/tox202023topicalcbdforwebsite_accessibleinadobepro_0.pdf

About the Author

Michael Levin

Michael Levin is a CBD enthusiast, a researcher, writer and editor in the cannabis space, experienced CBD user and educator. He believes CBD can help improve our overall health and wellbeing.

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