Best CBD Cream for Pain Relief in 2020

Every year millions of people get addicted to dangerous opioids that have been prescribed to them for pain management.

However, CBD is a proven natural alternative that can treat pain safely and effectively.

Below we have put together our top cbd creams that are safe, trustworthy & of the highest quality. 

These products were selected after extensive research into dozens of the top CBD oil manufacturers. 

In addition to brand trustworthiness and overall quality of the CBD itself, I looked at each product and recommended only those that use natural supporting ingredients that are known to reduce pain and inflammation.


Best CBD Creams


Product

Header

Product

Details

Price

Best Overall

CBDfx Muscle & Joint Relief Cream

Best Overall

CBDfx Relief Cream

CBDfx Muscle & Joint Relief Cream 

  • 1000mg CBD
  • Fast pain relief
  • Soothing & Nourishing for skin

Runner Up

Medterra CBD Pain Relief Cream

Runner Up

Medterra CBD Cream

Medterra CBD Pain Relief Cream

  • 1000mg strength
  • Effective Pain Relief
  • Third Party Lab Tested

Higher Strength

cbdMD CBD Freeze Cream

Higher Strength

cbdMD Relief Cream

cbdMD CBD Freeze Cream

  • High Potency 3000mg
  • Zero THC
  • Fast Relief

Fast Acting

Avida CBD Balm

Fast Acting

Avida CBD Balm

Avida CBD Balm

  • Made from USA sourced Hemp
  • Fast Acting- Apply directly to skin
  • Pure CBD

CBDistillery CBD Balm

CBDistillery Balm

Hemp Bombs Pain Freeze

  • 500mg of CBD
  • 3rd Party Lab Tested for purity
  • Mixed with cold therapy rub for longer lasting results

Best Value

Just CBD Relief Cream

Best Value

Just CBD Relief Cream

Just CBD Relief Cream

  • Great Value For The Money
  • 100% Organic
  • Pain Relief & Moisturizing

Consider bookmarking this resource or passing it along to your friends. I will be keeping this page updated with new CBD products that make the cut as they are released so check back! 

Using CBD Creams for Pain and Inflammation

One of the more developed areas of research concerning the topical application of CBD has to do with how it can reduce pain and inflammation. These two symptoms are related, so I have decided to cover them together.  

There are two basic kinds of pain:

1. "Nociceptive pain" is when the nerve fibers are acted on by one of three mechanisms: chemical, inflammation or mechanical.  

When you stub your toe, this is a form of nociceptive pain with a mechanical trigger. If your toe swells up and becomes inflamed, the pain is still nociceptive, only now the cause is the inflammation that is acting on the nerves.  

2. "Neuropathic pain" is actually generated from the nervous system itself, and by definition, it does not have an external cause, rather, it is a malfunction of the central nervous system. It is often described as a shooting or burning pain, sometimes accompanied with tingling “pins and needles” or numbness.  

This kind of pain can be caused by many different factors or medical conditions, including (but not limited to): 

  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Arthritis
  • Shingles
  • Facial neuralgia
  • HIV or AIDS
  • Diabetes
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chemotherapy
  • Spinal surgery
  • Spinal cord compression and/or arthritis in the spinal column
  • Amputation

Although the mechanisms for each kind of pain are clearly different, cannabinoids, in combination with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, have been the focus of a significant amount of scientific research with evidence that points to CBD as effective for both nociceptive and neuropathic pain, as well as inflammation more specifically. 

Whether you are looking for back pain relief or foot cream, the quality indicators are pretty much the same. Although clever marketing campaigns sometimes name certain conditions, the fact is that it is the additional ingredients in a formula that may make a specific CBD better for one or more conditions.  

For example, if you have psoriasis, additional ingredients that are known to help with moisturizing the skin or soothing the itchiness of this condition, in addition to the hemp oil present, would be extra helpful.  

On the other hand, CBD freezes for sore muscles and joints from sports injuries or arthritis may benefit from ingredients such as menthol or arnica. 

Don’t worry! If it sounds too complicated to follow, I have done the research and can guide you through the process of finding the exact right CBD cream for your individual needs.  

All of the products featured below are from companies that I have researched for quality, most of which you can search on my site to find a complete, point by point honest review.  

CBD Cream Reviews


Whether you are looking for an opioid free topical to help with pain from sciatica, arthritis, or fibromyalgia, CBD may be worth trying. 

These picks all come from reputable manufacturers and include a top-notch list of ingredients to support their pain and inflammation reducing properties.


CBDfx Muscle & Joint Relief Cream


CBDfx CBD Cream

An excellent non-greasy topical CBD based product, CBDfx Muscle and Joint Relief Cream is unique in their in how it relieves inflammed joints/muscles. In contrast to salves or creams, this broad spectrum CBD oil based topical delivers a distinct cooling sensation that brings about rapid pain relief.

Enhanced with the anti-inflammatory actions of arnica, CBDfx is ideal for daily use to assist with management of arthritic pain, or athletic post-workout recovery. The gel and roll on versions are also available in assorted CBD strengths from 500mg for minor aches and pains, to the 1000g or 3000mg versions for beefed up analgesia.

Strength: 500/1000/3000mg options

Application: Pump Applicator

PROS

  • Unique hybrid broad-spectrum process to guarantee ZERO THC
  • Menthol and arnica support and enhance CBD’s pain relieving properties
  • Organic USA grown hemp used
  • Rapid acting, light and non-greasy formulation
  • Assorted strengths ranging from casual to hardcore

CONS

  • Contains a little caffeine

Medterra CBD Pain Relief Cream


Medterra CBD Relief Cream

Named the 2021 Product of the Year* in the CBD Personal Care category, you can massage away arthritis and joint pain in good conscience as Medterra Pain Cream is free of plasticizers, artificial preservatives, and synthetics.

Perfect for sore backs, stiff necks, and anywhere else it hurts, our latest formulation includes 4% more menthol for a little extra cooling!

On user says:

"I highly recommend this cream for anyone seeking relief!! I've recommended this product to all of my friends and family and it has been life changing for all of them. It rubs on real easily, there's no strong smell, and it provides a cooling sensation when they need it most. It's a must have in any household."

Strength: 500mg/1000mg options

Application: Pump Applicator

PROS

  • Product of the year 2021
  • Menthol and arnica support and enhance CBD’s pain relieving properties
  • Organic USA grown hemp used
  • 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

CONS

  • Only available in 500mg and 1000mg

cbdMD Freeze Cream


cbdMD Freeze Cream

cbdMD is based out of Charlotte, NC and is one of the most well known CBD brands on the market. Their CBD Freeze Relief cream is offered in one of the highest CBD potencies. Their 3000mg cream offers fast and intense relief  

Broad spectrum oils have a range of cannabinoids from hemp, as opposed to products developed with an isolated form of CBD. There is research to support the fact that full spectrum hemp oil may have better overall benefits as the compounds found in the hemp plant are thought to enhance each other.  

This formula is specially developed to target aches and pains and contains all-natural ingredients to support pain relief including aloe and menthol.

Strength: 3000mg/oz. full spectrum CBD 

PROS

  • All-natural ingredients carefully selected for optimal pain relief.
  • Additional ingredients such as Aloe for skin health
  • Based on a broad spectrum hemp oil.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Available in roll-on and squeeze-tube applicators.
  • Trusted CBD oil company with a strong reputation.

CONS

  • A little pricey per mg of CBD, but the top-shelf ingredients make it worth while.

Avida CBD Balm


Avida CBD Balm

The Avida CBD brand is relatively new, but within a few short years, they have already become one of the market leaders.

Their CBD Balm is a dose of highly concentrated of Full Spectrum CBD for pain relief and inflammation.  

Each application lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, so it's great for people on the go. It is mainly used for athletes and those who constantly put their body under stess.  

Good stuff! 

Strength: 500mg/oz. full spectrum CBD 

PROS

  • Extremely reasonable price per mg of CBD.
  • Highly potent formula for a fast acting topical to target sore muscles and joints.
  • All-natural ingredients with some excellent high-end additions including Tocopherol vitamin E, Beeswax, Avocado oil, Lavender essential oil, Hemp seed oil, Jojoba oil, and Coconut oil. to support pain relief.

CONS

  • May be too concentrated for first time users.
  • Container may not last as long as the creams

CBDistillery CBDefine Cream


CBDistillery Cream

I gave this one a try myself and hear's what I have to say:

"I felt the effects of this cream almost immediately after I applied it on my hips — within about 5-10 minutes, I felt a nice cooling effect. After about 30 minutes I noticed my skin felt smooth and hydrated."

This cream is a little different than the others. It's thicker and creamier, it feels more like a lotion. It's best used for those who also suffer from dry skin.  

CBDistillery's CBDefine Cream doubles as skin cream as well as the pain relieving power of normal CBD.

Strength: 500mg/oz. full spectrum CBD 

Scent: Light hint of lavender

PROS

  • Rich full spectrum CBD base made from organic and domestically sourced pharmaceutical grade hemp.
  • Excellent supporting ingredients including mango butter, apricot oil, and aloe Vera.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Doubles as skin cream and hydrates dry skin.

CONS

  • Does contain Optiphen, a paraben free preservative.
  • Low strength may not be suitable for all users.

Just CBD - Relief Cream


Just CBD Relief Cream

JustCBD is well known for its quality products and significant results that they can provide with the right amount of CBD. What I love is they offer their creams at the lower 250mg doses. 

This full spectrum pain cream is simple, but can get a little messy compared to the others. Honestly, there is nothing special about this brand but nothing bad. They offer some of the best prices per mg.  

Those looking for a cheap option should consider the 250mg containers.

Strength: 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg

PROS

  • Very well priced.
  • Excellent value when calculated at a per mb CBD rate.
  • Pain relief supporting ingredients including camphor, arnica and eucalyptus.
  • All-natural ingredients.
  • Full spectrum oil for the supporting role provided by additional cannabinoids.
  • USA based business
  • Third party testing available on their website.

CONS

  • Nothing special or flashy
  • Some customers find the hempy scent to be too strong.

Conclusion

I hope this article has been a helpful resource for you in your search for where to buy CBD creams and salves. I tried to offer a wide range of price ranges, with different supporting ingredients so that you can make a choice that fits your lifestyle.  

I always try to keep my readers informed with the latest research on CBD so they can be knowledgeable consumers. Consider subscribing to my newsletter for occasional updates on the latest news and research in the industry.  

If you decide to make a purchase, be sure to check back here to let other readers know about your experience!

Will is the editor here at CBD Oil Geek. He is passionate about CBD and other natural alternatives to dangerous prescription medicines. He lives with his wife in Brooklyn, New York.