New!

| Most Popular Article Of The Week:

16 Sublime CBD and Hemp Products to Help Stop Pain in Its Tracks

Soothe aches and pains with these effective CBD solutions.
Julie Keller Callaghan

Share

Photo: Shutterstock

My family and I have had a rather accident-prone, pain-filled year. My mom, a lifelong tennis player, has tennis elbow and newly diagnosed arthritis in her hip. My brother fell off an electric skateboard and broke his foot, and my other brother has recurrent back pain from an old sports injury and a job that has him driving hundreds of miles per week to see clients. My 74-year-old father decided to single-handedly build a deck in my parents’ backyard, lugging heavy lumber and materials by himself. Meanwhile, my husband wiped out on his bike and got a bruise the size of Texas, and I have used my Peloton cycle to manage stress in this extremely stressful year, which has resulted in my muscles pretty much always aching. Needless to say, we’ve all been a bit of a sore mess and in serious need of pain relief.

Enter cannabidiol (CBD), an ingredient that has become a darling in the wellness industry. Studies on its effectiveness continue, but it has shown great promise for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and its ability to treat conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, joint pain, nerve pain, and much more due to its effectiveness in interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system and signal specific bodily functions, including repair.

CBD—and other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and more—have indeed been lifesavers for the Keller and Callaghan crews over the past year. Here are some of our favorites for pain relief:

Botanika Life Super Soothing Pain Serum + Lidocaine + Menthol
Ingredients of Note
  • 500 mg full-spectrum CBD
  • Lidocaine hydrochloride 4%
  • Menthol 1%

With a blend of CBD and an extra dose of pain relief thanks for lidocaine and menthol, this serum was my youngest brother’s top pick for most effective pain relief product. The menthol, which has been used for centuries to treat minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, goes on cool and then slowly warms, providing comfort and relief while the full-spectrum CBD eases inflammation. Additionally, the serum is free of gluten, sulfates, and parabens; non-GMO; cruelty-free, and is made in the USA.

Cause + Medic CBD Pain Cream ($40)
Ingredients of Note
  • 400 mg of CBD
  • Menthol
  • Camphor
  • Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
  • Beet root extract
  • Cannabis sativa seed oil
  • Capsicum frutescens fruit extract (cayenne)
  • Sunflower seed oil

Combining the powerful regenerative properties of 400 mg of water-soluble CBD with other active botanical ingredients, including soothing menthol and camphor, a couple pumps of this pain cream provide immediate relief from aches, pains, sore muscles, arthritis, sprains, strains, and inflammation. Additionally, it is vegan, cruelty free, and free of parabens and sulfates.

Kool For Men Extra Strength Relief Rub with EMU 1000 mg CBD ($69.99)
Ingredients of Note
  • 1,000 mg of CBD
  • Emu oil
  • Menthol
  • Arnica extract

Though this is, technically, a men’s line, its pain-relieving powers are good for everyone. It miraculously shrank my husband’s monster bike-crash bruise in record time, and it’s my go-to for sore legs post-workout. This ultra-effective rub features a powerful 1,000 mg dose of CBD, as well as emu oil, which works to fight pain and inflammation. It is ideal for tackling muscle and joint pain, tension, stiffness, and sore muscles. Plus, you can feel good while you do good— Kool for Men will donate $5 from the sale of every Extra Strength Relief Rub to GO Campaign. It’s also not tested on animals and is free of gluten, sulphates, parabens, phthalates, polyethylene glycol, and synthetic perfumes and fragrances.

Cani-Mend Broad Spectrum CBD Cream 1200 ($49.99)
Ingredients of Note
  • 1,200 mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract (CBD, CBG, CBDA)
  • Aloe vera
  • Coconut, sunflower, rosemary, camphor, and jojoba oils
  • CBD
  • Vitamins E and C

This broad-spectrum CBD topical cream for muscle discomfort provides fast-acting, long-lasting, soothing relief to muscles. Its light and airy texture makes it easy to apply, and it absorbs quickly into the skin to provide instant relief to the affected area. The blend of coconut and sunflower oils and aloe vera also nourish and hydrate, and other anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients like camphor and rosemary oils enhance the product efficacy. Plus, the convenient tube is great for on-the-go relief. My dad used this for a sore back and said it worked quickly and effectively for him and he was able to sleep better at night because of the reduction in pain.

Beam The Fixer ($75)
Ingredients of Note
  • Compound-rich hemp oil
  • Organic beeswax
  • Organic MCT oil
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Organic eucalyptus essential oil

Soreness and fatigue are no match for this all-natural, CBD-infused solution that offers a silky texture and a soothing, non-medicinal scent, courtesy of a blend of MCT oil and organic eucalyptus and lavender essential oils. Organic beeswax helps soothe inflammation and discomfort, and hemp oil is found in a 20:1 hemp-to-CBG ratio, resulting in the preservation of the integrity of beneficial compounds, fatty acids, and terpenes. Need more proof of its power? The Fixer is used by some of the world’s top athletes, including Danica Patrick, Gwen Jorgensen, and Katrín Davíðsdóttir.

Body Bliss CBD Transdermal Gel ($32.95 to $99.95)

Body Bliss CBD Transdermal Gel ($32.95 to $99.95)
Ingredients of Note
  • 125, 250, or 500 mg of CBD
  • Magnesium
  • Anti-spasmodic essential oils

Available in three different doses to address varying pain levels, this gel is also infused with essential oils that specifically work well to sooth cramps and tension as well as magnesium, which is critical to energy regeneration and muscle relaxation, stopping leg cramps that can interrupt sleep. This gel, which is made without artificial color or fragrance, parabens, or phthalates, is deal for use before bed or for when muscle cramps occur. My mom used it and said a little bit went a long way to address her muscle aches after tennis.

Floramye Revitalizing CBD Elixir ($75)
Ingredients of Note
  • 600 mg of full-spectrum, organic hemp CBD
  • MCT oil from fractionated coconut oil
  • Lemon peel and Roman chamomile (Phenom scent profile)
  • Ylang ylang (Bravura scent profile)

This effective ingestible elixir, available in Phenom and Bravura scent profiles, is powered by full-spectrum, sun-grown hemp extract. The formula targets internal systems involved with stress support, pain relief, and restful sleep, so it’s ideal for more than just tackling sore muscles. Interestingly, the formula was inspired by the brand founder’s own experiences after suffering from pain because of a neck injury, as well as the experiences of her husband, an ex-NFL player, who began using CBD for residual pain from past injuries.

Kalyan Botanicals Professional CBD Massage System ($89 for 1.7 ounce retail jar or retail six-pack of .25 ounce jars)

KalyanMassageSystem
Ingredients of Note
  • 880 mg of CBD
  • 88 mg of CBG
  • CBC, CBN, CBL, and CBT

Developed originally for professionals, this system truly stands out as something unique in the industry and offers a well-thought-out approach to CBD massage. It features individually pre-portioned massage creams and a high-performance massage oil that can be custom blended to provide exactly the treatment a client needs. The massage cream offers 880 mg of CBD per ounce as well as 88 mg of CBG per ounce and a custom blend of CBC, CBN, CBL, and CBT that bring the total cannabinoids close to 1,000 mg per ounce, which is significantly more potent than many CBD massage oils on the market. It is ideal for spas, because therapists can target specific areas with concentrated CBD and then use as much or as little of the massage oil needed for optimal glide and client preference. Plus, the individually packaged cream is ideal for homecare for those who want to spot-treat sore areas—I’ve got them in my makeup bag, purse, and gym bag and use them often as needed. 

Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics Natural CBD PMS Cream ($65)
Ingredients of Note
  • Full-spectrum hemp CBD
  • Vanilla
  • Verbena

Muscle relief isn’t the only pain that CBD can soothe—it does wonders for PMS pains with this soothing formula. Featuring an uplifting scent of vanilla and verbena, it’s ideal for applying to the lower back and abdomen to help ease and soothe pain during that time of the month. Effective and soothing, it’s an excellent natural alternative for targeting PMS pain.

Color Up Relieve – Full Spectrum Salve (starting at $10)
Ingredients of Note
  • Full-spectrum CBD oil
  • Organic hemp seed oil
  • Beeswax
  • CBG, CBN, CBC, below .3% THC

This full-spectrum salve provides on-the-go relief anywhere and at any time. It goes on smoothly and penetrates deeply and gives skin a boost of hydration, courtesy of the organic hemp seed oil sealed in with beeswax and paired with CBD oil. The formula uses full-spectrum oil containing a majority amount of CBD and a minor amount of other cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, CBC, below .3% THC) to aid in the entourage effect. It is available in .5-, 2-, and 4-ounce sizes.

Life Elements CBD Ache & Pain Stick ($30 to $96 based on CBD concentration)

Life Elements CBD Ache & Pain Stick ($30 to $96 based on CBD concentration)
Ingredients of Note
  • Cannabidiol (hemp CBD)
  • Comfrey
  • Arnica
  • Turmeric
  • Cajeput
  • Copaiba
  • Honey

This easy-to-apply pain stick features a powerful formulation crafted with organically grown hemp-derived CBD, arnica, turmeric, calendula, and more. It has a non-greasy residue and is made without harsh chemicals, preservatives, or additives. Additionally, it’s available in various CBD concentration to address different pain levels—options range from 125 mg to 100 mg per stick.

Lord Jones + Tamara Mellon High CBD Formula Stiletto Cream ($55)
Ingredients of Note
  • 200 mg of broad-spectrum CBD
  • Cocoa butter
  • Shea butter
  • Olive oil
  • Fruit acids

This formula, created in partnership with footwear guru Tamara Mellon, was inspired by the love/hate relationship with painful, yet gorgeous, high heels. It is perfect for treating hands and feet. Cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, and fruit acids smooth and brighten rough skin, while 250 mg of broad-spectrum CBD soothes even the sorest feet after a day in heels. The lightweight, non-slippery cream is vegan and cruelty free and is also free of formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, sulfates, synthetic dyes, and synthetic fragrance

Melach 33 Luxe CBD Body Butter ($74)
Ingredients of Note
  • 1,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD oil
  • Shea butter
  • Dead sea salt
  • Sweet almond oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Pomegranate seed oil

Supplemented with 1,000 mg of CBD to calm inflammation and ease tension, this rich body butter has a delicate, soothing scent. But it’s particularly unique for its infusion of Dead Sea minerals, which further assist in relieving pain, reducing redness, and decreasing inflammation in the skin. Plus, high concentrations of antioxidant-rich vitamins A, C, and E also soothe, calm, and hydrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Post-bath or -shower is the ideal time for application for maximum absorption and muscle relaxation.

CBD Care Garden HEMPNATURE Massage & Body Oil ($49)
Ingredients of Note
  • Broad-spectrum hemp extract CBD oil
  • Seven plant oils
  • Helichrysum flower extract
  • Vitamin E
  • Natural preservatives

This oil is made with a simple, high-quality plant-based formula made from organically farmed cannabinoid-rich broad-spectrum hemp, seven herbal extracts, and vitamin E. Ideal for use multiple times throughout the day, it soothes sore muscles and aching joints to support an active lifestyle. HEMPNATURE was inspired by the feedback from massage therapists and massage clients who have experienced the brand’s professional spa line and were looking for an effective, affordable retail homecare product.

HempBeauty Good Vibes Relief Roller ($40)
Ingredients of Note
  • 150 mg of CBD
  • Magnesium
  • Lavender
  • Grapeseed, carrot, and arnica oils

This handy roller makes for easy CBD application to sore spots. Plus, it’s infused with magnesium, a popular wellness ingredient that is known for its ability to decrease muscle pain and fight inflammation. Soothing lavender and other pain-busting ingredients like arnica and peppermint further add to its soothing appeal. It can be used up to twice a day for relaxation and relief.

Aspen Green Pain Relief Body Balm ($90)
Ingredients of Note
  • 1,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD
  • CBN, CBG, CBC, CBDA, and THC (under the .3% THC federally legal maximum limit in hemp)
  • Organic mango kernel butter
  • Organic jojoba seed oil
  • Organic beeswax

A little bit goes a long way with this full-body soothing balm that soothes pain and helps to soften and moisturize the skin. The unique blend of therapeutic Colorado-grown botanicals and essential cannabinoids delivers full hemp plant strength plus emollients from organic seeds. Farmed, grown, and extracted in the U.S., the non-GMO balm is toxin-, cruelty-, and gluten-free and is also free of plasticizers, artificial preservatives, and synthetic ingredients.

 

Looking for more CBD solutions for health and wellness? Don’t miss The Buzzworthy Benefits of CBD and Hemp Skincare Plus 17 Products That Help You Achieve a Healthy Glow and 6 CBD, CBN, and CBG Products to Encourage Better Sleep.

About The Author
julieKeller_author-1

Julie is the co-founder of Well Defined and a longtime influencer and advocate in the wellness world. Along with her work at Well Defined, she is an executive recruiter and marketing specialist for Hutchinson Consulting. She is also a consultant and content strategist for numerous wellness brands. She is the former editor-in-chief and publisher of American Spa and was named a 2019 Folio Top Woman in Media in the Industry Trailblazers category and a 2018 winner of ISPA’s Innovate Award. She is also a seasoned journalist, specializing in spa, travel, health, fitness, wellness, sustainability, and beauty. She has been published in Departures, ForbesTraveler.com, E! Online, Gayot.com, Insider’s Guide to Spas, Luxury Travel Advisor, Marin Magazine, Ocean Home, Smart Meetings, Spa Asia, and Travel Agent.