Made with high-quality hemp, these easy-to-apply ointments pack a healthy dose of cannabidiol (CBD), along with other botanicals and skin-nourishing ingredients. The result is a functional skin and body product that goes beyond moisturizing benefits. Below, uncover the best hemp CBD balms—and how to find the right one for you. Hemp CBD balms contain cannabidiol, one of the major cannabinoids in the hemp plant, usually combined with other supportive botanicals, like arnica or lavender, as well as skin-soothing ingredients, such as shea butter and coconut oil. While the purpose of CBD balms can vary, it’s often used as a way to promote relaxation or help with rest and recovery. Research surrounding hemp CBD topicals is still emerging, but some studies show promising results. Topical CBD cream has been shown to reduce joint swelling and discomfort in studies2 on arthritic mice, but more research still needs to be done to validate its effect on humans. However, topicals don’t go deep enough into the body to enter the systemic bloodstream, so they offer fewer benefits on mood. Luckily, CBD balms often boast other bioactive ingredients, such as botanicals like lavender, to boost the benefits of the products. For example, a balm containing lavender may promote relaxation, while one containing arnica may be better suited for joint relief3. Sustainability & Packaging: Cornbread Hemp uses USDA-certified organic hemp that’s sourced from local farmers in Kentucky, where the company is based. All products are packaged in dark glass (i.e., tinctures and gummies) or plastic to maintain integrity of the ingredients. Transparency: Cornbread Hemp tests all products for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, fungals, mycotoxins, and other microbes via third-party labs. All COAs are available on the site. Sustainability & Packaging: Based in Colorado, CBDistillery sources its hemp from farmers all over the U.S. Products are packaged in light-blocking bottles to protect the integrity of the ingredients. Transparency: CBDistillery sends all products for third-party testing to check for purity and potency. COAs are available on each product page, or you can enter a specific batch number to access the testing. The formulation is gluten-free and vegan and made without the eight major allergens, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. It comes in a roll-on stick form for easy application. Sustainability & Packaging: Charlotte’s Web is based in Colorado and grows its hemp on its own certified organic farms. The company oversees everything from growth to extraction, manufacturing, and packaging. Transparency: All of Charlotte’s Web’s products, which follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) with intention and rigor, are third-party tested in independent labs. COAs are available directly on the website. Made with CBD isolate, New Zealand Manuka honey, and a handful of other botanicals, (including arnica, aloe, and palm fruit oil), this Medterra Manuka Honey Healing Cream is the best hemp CBD balm for promoting skin hydration and inflammatory balance. It comes in two strengths—125 mg and 250 mg—and can be applied as often as needed, according to Medterra. Sustainability & Packaging: Medterra sources its hemp from Kentucky and uses a whole-plant CO2 extraction process to process the oil. The company works with an in-house medical advisory board as well as Baylor College of Medicine to develop its products to ensure efficacy. All products are packaged in dark or light-blocking packaging. Transparency: All of Medterra’s COAs, including purity testing results, are linked on each product page for easy accessibility and reference. Sustainability & Packaging: Lazarus Naturals uses organic hemp that’s grown in central Oregon and then extracted and packaged in facilities following good manufacturing policies (GMPs). The company oversees the entire production process, including growing, harvesting, and packaging. Transparency: Every single batch of product is third-party tested in independent labs for purity and potency. A full list of test results for all products is available on the site. The Whole Plant Formula CBD Balm combines extra-virgin olive oil, shea butter, mimosa wax, grapefruit oil, rosemary oil, and beeswax with whole-plant, full-spectrum CBD. It’s completely free of formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic dyes, so it’s both nourishing and nontoxic. It goes on completely clear yet has a light grapefruit scent that’s appealing to many. Sustainability & Packaging: Lord Jones features full-spectrum in this product to take advantage of the entourage effect of the full native array of cannabinoids and terpenes. All hemp is sourced from U.S.-based farms, but the company doesn’t provide much information beyond that. Transparency: All of Lord Jones’ products are third-party tested for heavy metals, microbes, solvents, and pesticides. You can access the lab results directly from the website by entering the batch code found on your product label. When using a hemp CBD balm, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in case there are certain guidelines to follow because of the supporting ingredients. It’s important to note that personal care topicals, including CBD balms, are not designed to be used on open (i.e., broken) skin or wounds. If you have a skin or joint condition, you’ll want to consult your health care provider before adding any new product to your regimen.
