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CBD topicals are becoming one of the most popular CBD products there is. 

Why use CBD topicals instead of a regular CBD tincture? These CBD-infused lotions, creams, salves, or balms are known to provide localized relief directly where they are applied. In this article, we will explain to you everything you need to know to pick the right product for you.

Not only are CBD topicals known to support skin health but they can also help with the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. They are also highly effective in supporting exercising by managing muscle and joint pain associated with your workout. 

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) approved CBD in 2018 and declared that the topical application of cannabis products show promise for skin diseases1. CBD works in harmony with the skin’s endocannabinoid system. It is a great alternative for most skin conditions ranging from acne and psoriasis to dermatitis and dry, itchy skin among many others. 

CBD topicals are gaining their reputation for their ability to support pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, naturally. In 2016, researchers noted that the “topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without evident side-effects”2.

In 2011, a study published by the Journal of Pain Research found that the topical administration of cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, is effective for both acute and chronic pain3 . This certainly backs up the fact that the majority of those in the athletic and sports community adopt CBD topicals in their daily habits. These have the capacity to reduce inflammation, as well as the pain associated with swelling after a particularly intense workout. 

Applying a soothing CBD topical cream, lotion, or salve onto sore muscles will provide localized relief as the ingredients act directly on the area of application.

While there are many CBD topicals and CBD creams, along with an overwhelming amount of CBD-based products available in the market, not all are equal in terms of quality and safety. 

So when you’re choosing a CBD topical or CBD cream or any CBD product in general, it’s very important to keep the following requirements in mind. This is the methodology we use when recommending a product or brand.

Always choose products produced by transparent CBD brands that have a guaranteed reputation in the industry and are dedicated to providing high-quality products. We make sure we include only these in our lists.

The most reliable products are undoubtedly those that are made using all-natural, non-GMO hemp4 (produced without genetically engineered crops) grown in the US. Using natural ingredients limits the amount of processing required, which makes the extraction of the final product simpler. As a result, the product will be safe with minimal to no side-effects

To ensure authenticity and reliability, always choose products that have undergone third-party lab tests and made the results available on their websites. These tests ensure that the cannabinoid levels in the product match those claimed on the product label. They guarantee that there are no heavy metals, molds, or pesticides present in the final product.

Always look at all active (an ingredient that contains CBD) and inactive ingredients on the label to ensure you’re choosing the highest quality CBD product available. When possible, choose an all-natural product made without any artificial ingredients. 

Look for products with different potencies to meet your specific needs. Certain brands offer a wider selection of potency when it comes to their products, while others offer only one or two potencies. When making our recommendations, we try to mention brands and products that offer multiple potencies.

We try to include products of various prices to meet the needs of everyone’s budget. When looking at the price of a product, keep in mind that these will vary depending on the strength, serving size, volume, and any additional ingredients that may accentuate the health benefits. 

Our exclusive lists try to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision that suits your specific desires and needs.

Try choosing products that are made using clean and safe extraction methods5. There are three common extraction methods when it comes to CBD extraction:

The olive oil method of extraction was the first method utilized for extracting CBD from hemp. It is a clean and cost-effective method that involves heating the raw plant material to a temperature that activates the plant. However, the main issue with this method is that the olive oil, activated with CBD, must then be strictly kept in a dark and cool place in order to keep it fresh6. 

Solvent extraction uses a solvent like the butane, propane, ethanol, isopropyl, or alcohol to extract the CBD from hemp. It is the cheapest and quickest method but can also be dangerous.

Currently, the most common method of extracting CBD is the CO2 method, which is also the most expensive due to the cost of its necessary equipment. However, it provides a potent, safe, and chlorophyll-free product. 

Keeping all this in mind, the following are CBD School’s picks for the top 10 CBD topicals available on the market.

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Read Our Doc Patels Brand Review Here

     10% off discount with code                        CBDSCHOOL

Read Our Lazarus Naturals Brand Review Here

     10% off discount with code                        FXSAVINGS

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      15% off discount with code                         TAKE15

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1Public, researchers demonstrate growing interest in cannabis treatment. (2018, February 16). Retrieved December 23, 2020, from https://www.aad.org/news/topical-cannabis 

2Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European journal of pain (London, England), 20(6), 936–948. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.818

3Jorge, L. L., Feres, C. C., & Teles, V. E. (2010). Topical preparations for pain relief: efficacy and patient adherence. Journal of pain research, 4, 11–24. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S9492

4Hilderbrand R. L. (2018). Hemp & Cannabidiol: What is a Medicine?. Missouri medicine, 115(4), 306–309.

5Nuapia, Y., Tutu, H., Chimuka, L., & Cukrowska, E. (2020). Selective Extraction of Cannabinoid Compounds from Cannabis Seed Using Pressurized Hot Water Extraction. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(6), 1335. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061335