CBD Topicals Guide: Creams, Balms & What Actually Works on Skin
CBD topicals work differently from everything else in the hemp world. When you eat a gummy or take a tincture, CBD enters your bloodstream and affects your whole body. When you rub a balm on your shoulder, it stays local β absorbing through the skin into the tissue and muscles directly underneath. That's what makes topicals the go-to for targeted relief.
At Steve's Goods, we've been making CBD topicals since we started formulating products in 2016. Our Relief Balm is one of our most-reordered products β and the customers buying it aren't the same customers buying gummies. Topical users tend to know exactly where they hurt and want something they can put directly on it.
Key Takeaways
- CBD topicals stay local β they target the area where you apply them
- They don't enter your bloodstream, so no systemic effects and no drug test risk
- Balms and salves last longer on skin than creams and lotions
- Full-spectrum topicals provide a broader cannabinoid profile for enhanced effect
- Apply generously β thin applications don't deliver enough CBD to the tissue
How CBD Topicals Work
Your skin is loaded with cannabinoid receptors β specifically CB2 receptors β that are part of the endocannabinoid system. When CBD is applied topically, it binds to these receptors in the skin, muscle tissue, and nerves underneath the application site. It doesn't cross into the bloodstream in meaningful amounts, which is why topicals are considered localized rather than systemic.
This matters for two reasons. First, the effects stay where you put the product. If you rub CBD cream on your knee, your knee gets the benefit β not your whole body. Second, because CBD doesn't enter your bloodstream through skin application, topicals won't affect a drug test even if they contain full-spectrum extract with trace THC.
Types of CBD Topicals
| Type | Texture | Absorption | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balms & salves | Thick, waxy, stays on surface | Slow β creates a long-lasting barrier | Deep muscle soreness, joints, extended relief |
| Creams | Smooth, moisturizing, absorbs quickly | Medium β sinks in within minutes | General soreness, skin conditions, daily use |
| Lotions | Light, thin, absorbs fast | Fast β good for large areas | Mild discomfort, moisturizing, full-body application |
| Roll-ons & sticks | Solid, mess-free, portable | Medium β applies a concentrated layer | On-the-go use, targeted spots, no-mess application |
The format you choose depends on what you're dealing with. For chronic joint or muscle discomfort, a thicker balm stays on the skin longer and delivers CBD over an extended period. For everyday aches or post-workout recovery, a cream absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a heavy residue. Roll-on sticks are ideal if you want something you can toss in a bag and use at the gym or office without getting your hands greasy.
CBD Relief Balm Stick
Our most popular topical. Full-spectrum CBD in a mess-free, twist-up stick format. Apply directly to sore muscles and joints β no greasy hands.
Shop Relief Balm βWhat to Look for in a CBD Topical
CBD Concentration
This is where most people get it wrong. A "500mg CBD cream" in a 4oz jar means the CBD is spread across a large volume. Per application, you might only be getting 5-10mg of CBD on the affected area. Higher concentrations per ounce mean more CBD actually reaches the tissue. Our Relief Balm concentrates CBD into a smaller format so each application delivers a meaningful dose.
Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate
Full-spectrum topicals contain the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds from hemp. For topicals specifically, full-spectrum tends to outperform isolate because the additional compounds (CBG, CBN, terpenes like myrcene and beta-caryophyllene) work together at the receptor level. This is sometimes called the "entourage effect," and it applies just as much on the skin as it does internally.
Carrier Ingredients
CBD needs a carrier to penetrate skin effectively. Look for topicals that use ingredients known for skin penetration: coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax (for balms), or aloe vera (for creams). Avoid topicals that list water as the first ingredient β that means the product is mostly water with CBD suspended in it, which reduces absorption.
Third-Party Lab Reports
Same standard as any CBD product. You should be able to verify exactly how much CBD is in the product and confirm it's free of contaminants. View our lab reports for every batch.
How to Apply CBD Topicals (Most People Do This Wrong)
The biggest mistake with CBD topicals is under-applying. A thin smear doesn't deliver enough CBD to the tissue. Here's the right approach:
- Clean the area first. Dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells create a barrier. Wash or wipe the area before applying.
- Apply generously. Use enough to create a visible layer on the skin. Don't just dab β cover the entire affected area and about an inch beyond it.
- Massage it in. Spend 30-60 seconds rubbing the topical into the skin. This helps push CBD deeper into the tissue and improves absorption.
- Reapply as needed. Topical effects typically last 2-4 hours. For persistent discomfort, reapply 2-3 times throughout the day.
- Be consistent. Like most CBD products, topicals work best with regular use. The cannabinoid receptors in your skin respond better to consistent exposure than occasional application.
CBD Topicals vs. Oral CBD: When to Use What
| Factor | CBD Topicals | Oral CBD (Gummies, Oil) |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Targets local CB2 receptors in skin and tissue | Enters bloodstream, affects whole body |
| Onset | 15-30 minutes | 30-60 minutes (gummies), 15-30 min (oil) |
| Duration | 2-4 hours per application | 4-8 hours |
| Best for | Specific area: sore joint, tight muscle, skin irritation | Whole-body: stress, sleep, general wellness |
| Drug test risk | None β doesn't enter bloodstream | Full-spectrum products may contain trace THC |
| Can you combine? | Yes β many people use topicals for targeted spots + gummies or oil for systemic support | |
The two approaches aren't competing β they're complementary. Someone with overall stress and a sore lower back might take a CBD gummy for the systemic effect and apply a relief balm directly to the back for targeted support. That's actually one of the most common usage patterns among our customers.
Common Uses for CBD Topicals
- Post-workout recovery β Apply to sore muscles after exercise to support recovery time
- Joint discomfort β Knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers respond well to topical CBD
- Back and neck tension β Massage into tight muscles in the upper back and neck
- Skin irritation β CBD's interaction with skin receptors may support skin health
- Foot discomfort β Apply to arches and heels after long days on your feet
- Pre-activity preparation β Some athletes apply CBD topicals before workouts to prepare muscles
Shop All CBD Topicals
Relief Balm sticks, creams, and salves. Full-spectrum CBD formulated for targeted relief. Lab-tested, every batch.
View All Topicals βFrequently Asked Questions
No. CBD topicals don't enter your bloodstream in meaningful amounts, so they won't produce THC metabolites that drug tests screen for. This applies to both full-spectrum and isolate topicals. You can safely use CBD creams and balms even if you're subject to drug testing.
Most people feel the effects within 15-30 minutes of application. Thicker balms may take slightly longer to fully absorb but tend to last longer (2-4 hours). For best results, apply generously and massage the product into the skin rather than just dabbing it on the surface.
Yes. Topicals and oral CBD work through different pathways and complement each other well. A common approach is using gummies or oil for whole-body wellness and a topical balm for specific areas of discomfort. There are no known interactions between topical and oral CBD.
Apply enough to create a visible layer covering the entire affected area. Most people under-apply topicals. A dime-sized amount works for a small area like a wrist; use a quarter-sized amount or more for larger areas like shoulders or lower back. Massage for 30-60 seconds to improve absorption.
Full-spectrum is generally preferred for topicals. The additional cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically with skin receptors, potentially providing a broader benefit than CBD alone. Since topicals don't enter your bloodstream, the trace THC in full-spectrum extracts poses no drug test risk.