It’s CBD’s world and we’re all living in it.
The cannabis-derived component is ubiquitous on the virtual shelves, coming in every possible form and alongside a long list of advantageous properties to our mental and physical health. You can place a couple of drops of CBD oil under your tongue for better sleep, to calm anxiety or reduce stress. You can drink it as part of a nootropic beverage. You can take supplements, gummies and even rub it topically into your skin in a balm or cream texture or alongside a whole host of buzzy ingredients in beauty products from some of the biggest brands on the market - some tailored to minimising the symptoms of menopause. It’s far to say it’s a wonder ingredient.
CBD creams have become a go-to solution for many, offering targeted relief with the soothing benefits of cannabidiol. But with so many options on the market, finding the best CBD pain relief cream can feel overwhelming.
Nabila Chaudhri, Medical Director at the UK Medical Cannabis Clinic, Alternaleaf, says: "Many studies have been conducted that prove the beneficial effect of CBD and other medical cannabis treatments can have on chronic pain, mental health conditions, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neurological conditions.”.
How does CBD work in balms and creams?
"Applying CBD oil topically in a cream or balm, helps to target specific areas of the body, such as massaging it into an aching joint or sore muscle. Topical CBD does not get absorbed into the bloodstream. This is useful for something that is more acute or short-term."
Are some forms of CBD better than others?
"There are many forms and types of CBD (cannabidiol), some are more effective than others at pain management. There are key factors to consider and it’s important to take the advice of a medical expert to get the correct prescription for a patient's needs."
What are some common misconceptions about using CBD for pain relief?
"Perhaps because many CBD products are now available in supermarkets, there is a misconception that it is the only form of cannabis that is actually legal in this country. In fact, medical cannabis has been legal for 6 years in the UK, and CBD is just one of many forms the treatment is available.
"There is also a common misconception that CBD can be addictive, which is not true. Studies by the World Health Organisation have concluded that it does not have addictive potential and that it is not associated with abuse. CBD is far less addictive than many of the medications available on prescription for pain, such as opioids, which are also fatal in overdose."
We’ve rounded up all of the best CBD pain relief creams below
HempWell Cooling Muscle and Joint Cream
One of the bestselling CBD creams on the market, the HempWell cooling muscle and joint cream delivers an instant cooling effect on the skin, easing sore muscles, back pain and joints. With 1000mg CBD per bottle, it's a light, creamy lotion with easy application to soothing achy limbs. It's also fully vegan and made using the brand's organically grown EU hemp.
Buy now £49.99, HempWell
Evopure CBD Balm
Evopure’s CBD Relief Balm is a multi-purpose salve specially formulated to offer targeted relief for muscles and joints, making it a must-have in your daily wellness routine. Crafted with broad-spectrum CBD, the organic CBD balm combines natural botanical ingredients, including a blend of anti-inflammatory essential oils and organically grown hemp.
Ideal for sensitive skin, this CBD rub provides a calming effect, making it a safe and effective solution for addressing ongoing inflammatory conditions. When applied topically, the wax-based formula is quickly absorbed, leaving your skin feeling cool without any greasy residue.
Buy now £29.99, Evopure
CBD Reakiro Muscle Relief Cooling Gel
Experience the ultimate post-workout relief for your aching muscles with this CBD Cooling Muscle Relief gel. Crafted with a blend of natural ingredients such as CBD, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil and arnica, this powerhouse gel offers a cooling sensation and deep muscle penetration. The topical application allows precise targeting of affected areas, letting you apply the gel where needed.
Buy now £25.00, Reakiro
CBDFX CBD Balm Stick Muscle & Joint
If you're someone who wants to reap the benefits of CBD without getting sticky hands in the process, this CBDFX CBD Muscle & Joint Balm Stick does the trick easily and efficiently. Ideal for throwing in your gym bag or carrying around to deal with ongoing pain, it incorporates that all-important CBD as well as menthol and essential oils like wintergreen and black pepper.
Buy now £39.99, CBDFX
The London Dispensary High Strength CBD Cream For Muscle and Joints
This award-winning strong CBD cream comes complete with botanicals including arnica and camphor. Containing a high-strength CBD ratio of 1000mg, it's formulated as a natural alternative to support muscle and joint pain and reduce inflammation. While it may seem a little pricey for a cream, a little goes a long way. It also received the best CBD cream for Muscle Pain 2024 in the Beauty Shortlist Wellness Award 2024.
Buy now £55.00, The London Dispensary
Simply CBD Lavender and Cocoa Butter CBD Balm
As well as smelling beautiful, this Simply CBD Lavender and Cocoa Butter CBD Balm does the job when it comes to pain relief, especially after the gym or on aching muscles. While it's a slightly smaller dosage than other products, it easily rubs into the skin and moistures at the same time.
Buy now £15.00, Simply CBD
Edens Gate High Strength CBD Balm For Muscle & Joint Relief
This Edens Gate CBD 500MG Pain Relief Balm uses only organic natural ingredients, offering a truly gentle product known for its natural healing effects. The brand's most potent and sophisticated formulation for muscle and joint pain relief with a rapid healing effect, it uses only organic natural ingredients. Importantly, it's noted for its fast-acting, most prominent effects for users looking for deeper pain relief.
Buy now £34.99, Edens Gate
Blessed CBD 125mg CBD Cream
Conveniently packed in a bag-friendly 50ml tube, this cream brings together a rich blend of CBD and organic hemp. It’s light, non-sticky and boosted with natural oils like jojoba and coconut oil for easy absorption. Ideal for everyday use, it’s the perfect daily solution for maintaining healthy, nourished skin and easing pain simultaneously.
Buy now £24.95, Blessed CBD
Hemp Elf Icy Hot CBD Sports Cream
Can't decide whether you're more into icy cooling or warming heat? Why not try both? CBDrive's Icy Hot CBD Sports Cream is a formulation tailored for the active and athletic, complete with 500mg of high-strength CBD and the invigorating cold/hot sensation that simultaneously warms and cools, providing effective relief from inflammation. Perfect for both pre and post-exercise, this unique cream supports healthy joints, promotes fast muscle recovery, and leaves your skin feeling radiant and rejuvenated.
Buy now £45.00, Hemp Elf
Bristol CBD CBD Muscle and Joint Spray
Bristol CBD's Muscle and Joint Spray is for topical use and is great for pre and post-workout to ease those aching muscles and aid with bruising, inflammation and healing post-injury. It works well with a little applied to skin before or after exercise, or after showering.
Each bottle contains 500mg of CBD plus other cannabinoids as well as arnica, comfrey and rosemary oils: the perfect combo for pain relief in one spray. While it's not a cream as such, it's a simple and effective way to rub CBD into your body on the go.
Buy now £19.99, Bristol CBD
Verdict
HempWell's Cooling Muscle and Joint Cream stands out as the best CBD cream for pain relief due to its potent blend of high-quality CBD and soothing ingredients like menthol. It provides fast-acting, targeted relief while offering a cooling sensation, making it ideal for managing muscle and joint pain effectively.
