Best CBD Salves

Researchers estimate that around 60 million Americans are struggling with chronic joint pain – it’s a hidden epidemic that affects almost one in six of us.  Lower back pain, hip, knee, and shoulder pains keep many of us from living and enjoying life to the full. 

We want relief, yet at the same time, we know that even taking over-the-counter painkillers can have a detrimental effect on our health. Stronger, prescription painkillers can lead to addiction and more, so they’re a last-ditch solution.

That’s why, increasingly, many consumers are turning to CBD products. Salves, in particular, are considered effective in reducing inflammation, to ease muscle and joint pains. Safe, easy to apply directly onto the skin, and with no side effects, they’re easy and pleasant to use. There are no side effects and no risk of addiction. Yet they’ll help you live pain-free.

In addition to providing pain relief, topical CBD products (including creams) make great moisturizers. They’ll nourish and soften your skin.  They’re also now being used to treat a range of skin conditions, including acne and psoriasis.

But as the CBD market booms, there’s a bewildering array of salves on the market, and they’re not always equal. CBD products aren’t subject to approval by the FDA, so care is needed to choose a premium product at a competitive price. 

That’s why we’ve put together this review of 3 of the leading CBD Salve brands – take a closer look at the various options and the things to consider before you buy a salve. It’ll save you money and help ensure you find the best CBD salve for you.

Let’s start by looking at a few CBD salve FAQs, before explaining our review criteria to help you understand how and why we recommend these three brands. 

Top 3 CBD Salve Brands

■ Fab CBD – Best Overall

■ Joy Organics – Best Broad Spectrum

■ Premium Jane – Best Variety 

Factors We Considered in Choosing the Best CBD Salves

Hemp Quality & Origin 

As with everything, the quality of raw materials will define the quality of the end product. That’s why it’s important to know that the hemp used to make your salve is grown on nutrient-rich USA soil. 

The best CBD salves come from farms that have organic certification, so you can be sure that the product you’re using is free from pesticide residues and is GMO-free.

Key Ingredients 

The active CBD in salves will always be added to a ‘carrier oil’. This could be coconut, olive, or MCT oil – so if you have sensitivity to any of these, it’s a good idea to check before buying and go for an alternative option.  

Essential oils from herbs such as lavender and eucalyptus are usually added to the salve, mainly to improve the scent, but also for their relaxing or stimulating properties.

Many salves also contain beeswax, which is unsuitable for vegans. However, others use a base of shea or cocoa butter.

CBD Type 

There are three main types of CBD to know about: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.  

With full-spectrum products, none of the compounds are removed during the extraction process. As the compounds work in synergy – it’s known as the entourage effect. Full-spectrum CBD products are the most powerful. They may be more expensive than other types, but you’ll need to use less to get the same effect

Broad-spectrum products retain most of the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant but have had all the THC removed. THC is the substance that creates the high experienced by recreational cannabis users – CBD has no euphoric effect.

Isolate products have had all the other compounds extracted so that only CBD remains.  It won’t be as strong as full or broad-spectrum products but is a good choice if you are sensitive to any of the other cannabinoid compounds. Most salves on the market are full or broad spectrum.

Brand Transparency 

These days many consumers want to know something about the values and history of the brands they’re choosing to support. If you need to know that a manufacturer broadly reflects your outlook, you should look for one which explains their mission on the website.

Lab Reports 

Every reputable company will make the detailed results of 3rd party lab analysis easily available on their website. Because CBD is a natural product, the exact amount of oil in each plant can vary. However, each batch of products will be tested to ensure consistency – you need to know you’ll be getting the minimum amount of CBD they promise. 

Price 

There should be enough information on their website to allow you to make comparisons with competitor products and determine the cost-quality balance that works for you.  

Some online companies have reward programs for repeat customers, others offer special discounts for veterans, active military personnel, long-term disabled, and other groups Watch out for those that don’t offer free shipping as this can increase your costs.

Effectiveness

CBD is a natural product and its effectiveness may vary from person to person. If the first salve you try doesn’t provide the healing or pain relief you’re looking for, it’s still worth experimenting with a different strength or changing the brand.

3 Best CBD Salves: Our Recommendations for 2021

There are now hundreds of different CBD salves on the market and it’s hard to know where to start. So we’ve evaluated a whole range of options and narrowed our recommendations down to three of the best and most reliable suppliers of CBD salves. 

#1 Fab CBD Body Salve: Best Overall

Founded in 2017 Wisconsin-based FAB CBD has been providing nutritional, health, and skincare products.  Their topical salves and creams offer support for stress regulation, exercise recovery, joint stiffness relief, and other types of pain.  

Their salves are perfect for active golfers, runners, gardeners, cross-fitters, weight lifters, computer warriors, or just help relieve any daily aches or discomfort! 

What’s special about their salves are the unique heating and cooling sensations that they create at the same time. 

Hemp Quality & Origin 

FAB CBD organic hemp is grown in Colorado. Non-GMO, zero pesticides use.

Key Ingredients 

Organic Golden Jojoba Oil, Organic Beeswax, Menthol Crystals (Cooling), Cinnamomum Camphora Oil (Heating), Distilled Full Spectrum Hemp Flower Extract, Organic Rosemary Oil, Ginger Oil, Lavender Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, Organic Tea Tree Oil, Organic Lemon Grass Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Vitamin E.

CBD Type 

All their CBD salves are full-spectrum, for maximum efficacy.

Brand Transparency 

The company is a member of the Hemp Industries Association, and supports several good causes such as Make-a-Wish and 3 Wishes, for children in need. There’s plenty of background information on their website.

Lab Reports 

Detailed 3rd party analysis of contents, by batch, are provided by ProVerde Laboratories. Full reports are available on the website.

Price 

Topical salves:

• 1000mg Full-Spectrum: $79
• 3000mg Full-Spectrum: $159
• Bundle, Full-Spectrum: $205 (normally $238)

Rewards program 

Yes. Free shipping – only on orders over $99

Effectiveness 

Customer reviews on their site appreciate how easy the save is to apply, the pleasant fragrance, and the rapid relief these topical salves provide. Being full-spectrum, only a small amount needs to be used each time you apply.

Pros

• High quality, organic ingredients
• Pleasant scent
• Reputable company with an army of devoted fans

Cons 

• No free shipping under $99

Thoughts 

If you’re going to try CBD topical salves for the first time, FAB CBD salve is a great starting point.  Their salves are simply great to use after a tough workout or at the end of a long, stressful day. 

They regularly feature at the top of ‘Best CBD Salves’ lists and reviews and also receive accolades from environmentally focused sites for their growing and manufacturing practices.

#2 Joy Organics Organic CBD Salves: Best Broad Spectrum

This family-owned and run company was launched in 2018. It has one of the strongest and most consistent commitments to being environmentally friendly at each step of its process, -for example, they use carbon neutral shipping methods. 

In addition to topical products such as salves they also offer tinctures, gummies, soft gels, energy drink mixes, bath bombs, and pet treats. 

Their sports cream is particularly highly rated by professional athletes as well as weekend warriors.

Hemp Quality & Origin 

Joy Organics uses premium-grade, broad-spectrum hemp CBD oil containing 0% THC. Their plants are grown in nutrient-rich soil in Colorado on USDA-certified organic farms.

Key Ingredients 

Their salve contains Organic Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Organics Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Extract, Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Organic Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil. Carrier oil: Coconut.

Caprylic acid is found in coconut oil, palm oil, and cow’s milk. It has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties – however, the site does not specify the exact source used to make the salve.

Salve sticks contain 250 mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract.  They contain 0% THC but are rich in other natural compounds. 

The half-ounce twist-up stick provides beautifying and skin-soothing oils, too: organic shea butter, organic hemp seed oil, organic MCT oil, organic sunflower seed oil, organic jojoba seed oil, and organic rosemary leaf extract. An additional benefit of the salve stick – it’s vegan! 

CBD Type 

Broad-spectrum, containing 0% THC

Brand Transparency 

There is an enormous amount of information on the website, about the company, the products, and CBD in general. 

Lab Reports 

Detailed 3rd party lab results can be viewed on each product page.

Price 

• 500mg Broad-Spectrum CBD Salve: $54.95
• 1000mg Broad-Spectrum CBD Salve: $79.95
• 250mg Unscented CBD Salve Stick: $23.90

Rewards Program

Yes.  Free shipping on all orders.

Effectiveness 

In addition to providing rapid, effective relief for joint and muscle aches and pains, their salves (especially the handy salve stick), provide fantastic nourishment for dry and chapped skin.

Pros 

• Delicious fragrance means you can use it anytime
• Socially and environmentally responsible brand
• Free shipping

Cons 

• No full-spectrum salves are available 

Thoughts 

Joy Organics salves are premium quality, and it’s no surprise that they feature on many leading ‘Best CBD Salves’ lists on influential sites such as dmagazine.com. We especially liked the salve stick, which is easy to carry with you and applied topically any time it’s needed, no matter where you are. A safe choice of brand when you’re just getting started with CBD salves.

#3 Premium Jane Premium CBD Salves: Best Variety

Based in Scottsdale AZ. Their products are made from some of the industry’s purest strains of industrial hemp, and their range includes oils, gummies, capsules, and bath bombs. We especially like their range of beauty products- day and night creams as well as a CBD scrub. Their topical range includes creams a selection of creams, which, being water-based, are absorbed rapidly by the skin

Hemp Quality & Origin 

Premium Jane grows and harvests their organic, non-GMO hemp, in strain-specific microclimates in Kentucky, USA.  It is free from pesticides, herbicides, or other harmful chemicals.

Key Ingredients 

750 mg Topical CBD Salve: Sweet Almond Oil, Hempseed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Beeswax, Full-spectrum Hemp Extract (Aerial parts), Shea Butter, Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil, MSM, CBG isolate (Aerial parts), Clove Oil

1500mg Topical CBD Salve: As above, except that Cocoa Butter is used in place of Shea Butter.

CBD Type 

Full-spectrum, so there may be some trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3% of CBD). This won’t produce any euphoric effects

Brand Transparency 

The website is loaded with information about the brand, the products, and CBD use in general. It’s one of the most helpful sites we’ve found.

Lab Reports 

The results of 3rd party lab testing are available on the site for each product.

Price 

750mg Eucalyptus CBD Topical Salve: $75

1500 mg Cocoa Butter CBD Topical Salve: $125

Rewards program

• No. Discount programs for special groups -yes. 
• Free shipping on orders within the USA
• 20% discount on 1st order (at time of writing)

Effectiveness 

Full-spectrum topical salves provide fast and effective relief from injuries and chronic pain, which is why they’re becoming increasingly popular. Glowing reviews from Premium Jane’s growing army of fans confirm that their salves represent a good investment

Pros 

• Full-spectrum products
• First-time buyer discount
• Extensive program for special groups including veterans

Cons 

• Only available online

Thoughts

Premium Jane is another brand that we like for their commitment to quality at every step of the growing and production process- it’s no surprise they are rated highly on leading review sites. 

We also respect their discount programs for special groups, which demonstrates their commitment to improving the lives of the community as well as making profits.

CBD Cream vs Salves: What’s The Difference?

CBD salves have a base of oil and/or beeswax, while creams are water-based. This means that salves tend to have a longer shelf life, as they don’t become a breeding ground for bacteria in the same way as creams.

Also, salves tend to include essential herbal oils such as lavender, which provide additional wellness benefits and create an attractive fragrance.

On the other hand, creams tend to be absorbed more easily and rapidly by the skin. 

Do CBD Salves Even Work?

There’s an increasing body of evidence to support the fact that topical CBD products can reduce pain or inflammation at specific localized areas of the body, such as on the joints.  They won’t enter the bloodstream but have a direct effect when applied to the skin.

How do they work?  Unlike many commonly used pain relief creams and sprays, they don’t just mask pain – they make it go away. This is due to their action on the body’s own cannabinoid receptors, associated with pain sensation, on the skin. 

Health Benefits of Using CBD Salves

Pain Relief

CBD oil has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain. However, modern technology allows us to access concentrated extracts of the cannabis plant, which makes it even more effective.  

According to researchers at Georgetown University, around 65 million Americans suffer from chronic back pain at one time or another. It’s not only long-term conditions, such as arthritis or spinal imbalances that give us problems.  

But aching muscles after exercise or sports, or stiffness after long hours sitting at a computer can all be relieved by applying CBD. One of the main reasons for using topical CBD products is for the treatment of musculoskeletal complaints, replacing traditional painkillers.

Many people are turning to CBD as an alternative to over-the-counter medications to help reduce chronic pain, aching muscles, and arthritis.   

Topical CBD is especially beneficial as there are no side- effects (apart from, in rare cases, individual sensitivity to one of the ingredients in a product).

Improves Certain Skin Conditions

As CBD reduces inflammation it also helps relieve the symptoms of eczema, sunburn, oily skin, and allergic dermatitis. For instance, it may help to reduce symptoms of psoriasis.

CBD topicals can also make acne outbreaks less frequent and less severe. 

As an Athlete, Can You Use the CBD Salve?

Many athletes use CBD salves to enhance recovery after sports and exercise. Not only does it reduce inflammation, but it’s also safe and non-addictive, with virtually no risk of side effects. 

Just a note of caution: Since 2018, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have removed CBD from their list of prohibited substances. 

 However, if you are a professional athlete or take drug tests for professional reasons, certain full-spectrum CBD products could potentially show up on a drug test. Although this is unlikely, especially with topicals, the best advice would be to consult the experts in your sport, or your doctor, before deciding which CBD products will be appropriate for you.

What Are the Key Ingredients That Make Salves Effective?

In addition to CBD, herbal essential oils have notable benefits. For example, lavender is known for its calming, relaxing properties, while eucalyptus is prized as a stimulant and anti-inflammatory. Choose the salve with ingredients that will achieve the specific effects that you want.

What’s The Best Way to Use CBD Salves? 

It’s easy. Just take a small amount and massage well into the painful area. Repeat once or twice daily as required. In acute cases, CBD salve can be used safely up to six times per day.

Do CBD Salves Have Any Side Effects?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, no negative side effects have been identified for topical CBD products. A small risk of contact dermatitis exists, but this is equally true for any other skincare product.

Buyers Guide for Beginners

Before you buy any topical CBD product for the first time, you need to ensure you choose a quality product that will deliver the results you’re looking for.  While it’s tempting to impulse-buy an attractively packaged product in your local health food retailer – exercise some caution. The CBD industry is still new and almost unregulated, so there are a lot of sub-par products on the market.  Here are some things to look out for before you buy.

Unsubstantiated claims

 CBD products aren’t regulated by the FDA. However, as the research in many areas is ongoing, manufacturers aren’t allowed to claim that their product will treat or cure any health problem. Steer clear of any product that claims it can treat a medical condition.

Check certificates of authenticity

The COA will tell you that a product has been tested in a 3rd party lab and give a detailed analysis of how much CBD the product contains, in addition to other ingredients.   This will ensure you are getting the amount of active CBD that you’re paying for. In-house testing is inadequate and unreliable, so avoid any product that doesn’t refer to 3rd party analysis.

Do some research

It’s a good idea to check the company’s website to get an idea of their history and approach to quality. Just keep in mind that this is a new industry, so even the most reputable companies may only have been in operation for 2 or 3 years.

Also, decide which type of product you’re most interested in before you buy. For maximum effectiveness – full spectrum. If you need all traces of THC removed – go for broad spectrum.  

If you have a known sensitivity to compounds in the cannabis plant, it’s best to choose an isolate.  Keep in mind that if you go for an isolate, you’ll need to use more of the salve to get the same effect as with a full- or broad-spectrum product. 

Consult your doctor in advance

 Just out of caution, if you’re undergoing treatment for any health condition, let your medical practitioner know that you’re planning to try CBD.  

Unwanted interactions with other medications are extremely unlikely when you’re using topical products. 

Read the label carefully

If you have allergies, make sure that none of your known allergens are found in your salve.  

There may be other ingredient considerations that you want to check. Is the salve vegan or does it include beeswax?  Is it cruelty- and GMO-free? USA origin? Non-GMO?

CBD Salves: Key Takeaways

In short, CBD salves provide a safe and effective alternative to over-the-counter and prescription medications. They can relieve sports injuries, arthritis pains, and a whole range of chronic muscular and joint pains. 

Research is confirming that CBD works with the body’s own receptors not just to mask pain, but to alleviate it by reducing inflammation. Studies are ongoing and CBDs efficacy in treating other conditions such as anxiety and even epilepsy are emerging.

In the meantime, an ever-increasing number of health-conscious consumers are finding CBD, whether ingested orally or via the skin, to be an essential part of their wellness toolkit. 

CBD salves, with little to no risk of adverse side effects, are safe and effective. They can be applied as often as needed for pain relief.  The essential herbal oils which are added into quality brands create additional beneficial effects – for example, lavender is known for its calming properties as well as its pleasant fragrance.   

Choosing a salve that’s made entirely from organic or naturally sourced products shows respect for the environment. You’ll also minimize the number of man-made chemicals you place onto your skin to be absorbed.

Finally, we can’t forget to mention that CBD salves have a range of uses in addition to pain relief. They can nourish and moisturize the skin. They help get rid of acne flare-ups and control distressing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Once you start using CBD salves, you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t know about them sooner!  So choose a brand you love, get started and we’re sure you’ll appreciate making it a part of your overall approach to wellness. Good luck, and enjoy!

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