While the research on topical hemp CBD is still emerging, there have been a few promising studies; topical hemp-derived CBD cream has been shown to reduce joint swelling and discomfort in studies in mice1 (though more research is still needed to validate its effect on humans). Just note that CBD massage oils don’t enter the systemic bloodstream, so they won’t offer the same benefits on mood as an oral formula. However, the topical application of hemp CBD does interact with the skin’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)2, a “master regulatory system” responsible for regulating countless bodily processes, including stress, mood, and pain perception. Read on to see our picks of the best CBD massage oils that will have you saying “aaaaahh” in no time. FYI, we only feature organic hemp products to ensure you’re getting the cleanest, highest-quality suggestions we could find. When hemp-derived CBD is added to the formula, the mixture is considered a CBD massage oil. Some blends are extremely simple, while others incorporate additional actives to further nourish your skin. Plus, you’ll even find a few with essential oils for aromatherapy benefits, if that’s your thing. Customers give the oil a nearly perfect rating with reviewers noting the formula is fast-absorbing without unwanted residue. One writes, “I sleep like a baby afterward because my muscles relax from the magnesium and CBD. This is a holy grail body moisturizer for me.” Sustainability & packaging: Prima shines in the sustainability department and has plenty of certifications to show for its efforts. It offsets carbon emissions and invests in projects that combat the climate crisis. Prima also encourages customers to send back five empty containers at a time for its “Recycle for Real” program (shipping is covered!). Transparency: Each Prima product’s COA is available on the product pages. Prima is another Certified B Corporation, and they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Sustainability & packaging: Joy Organics is a family-run, woman-led business based in Colorado and Texas. Its hemp is harvested from USDA-certified organic hemp farms, and all packaging is recyclable with Carbon Neutral shipping offered on every order with Carbon Fund. Transparency: Joy Organics has an entire page dedicated to its process, which shares details about farming, third-party testing, and shipping process. You can find a link to Joy Organics’ lab results directly on the product page. Any negative comments about this oil are from people who don’t love that the unscented formula smells like hemp. If you’re concerned about scent, definitely start with the lower-priced, 2-ounce spray option. And while Lazarus doesn’t offer a subscription discount for monthly purchases, it’s worth noting that this is still one the most budget-friendly CBD massage oils on our list when considering price per ounce. Lazarus Naturals also offers 60% off to veterans, folks on long-term disability, and households that qualify as low-income. Sustainability & packaging: Lazarus Naturals uses recycled materials in its packaging and sources hemp from its own USDA-certified organic farm in central Oregon. It’s also a Certified B Corp, which means they’re held to high business standards for social and environmental impact, and plans to be carbon neutral by 2030. Transparency: We appreciate that you can easily find a link to the COA for this oil on the product page under the product image (you do need to scroll through the database for this particular product, though). Lightweight and non-comedogenic, the oil is formulated for use on both your body and face. Although there are only a handful of reviews of this oil on the Veg Out website, the comments we read were overwhelmingly positive. Customers love the feel of this oil, the neroli scent, and the calming effect of lavender. Sustainability & packaging: Veg Out Organics grows all of its hemp at a USDA-certified organic farm (called Veg Out Pharm) in Virginia Beach, VA. The family-run business is dedicated to organic farming and creating non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free products. Plus, with a beautiful gold pump and emerald green bottle, this is one product you’ll be happy to leave out on your vanity. Transparency: Veg Out Organics’ lab results are a little trickier to find than the other products on this list, but they’re still available here. Customers love how convenient this oil is and praise the light scent of bergamot, lavender, and wintergreen. One reviewer says, “I use this product daily. A little goes a long way, the smell is pleasant and fades quickly, and I get relief and get back to work after using it.” Sustainability & packaging: Empower partners with the Sun+Earth-certified farm East Fork Cultivar to sustainably source its non-GMO hemp. You can also select to make your order carbon neutral at checkout (note: this is on your dime, not the company’s, but still great!). Transparency: Empower clearly links to the third-party lab results for this oil in the product description online. You can read more about the women behind Empower on the brand’s about page. As we mentioned earlier, a key part of our criteria when choosing these massage oils was to focus on brands that source organic hemp for their CBD products, some even from their own farms! This is your best bet at ensuring you’re applying high-quality hemp to your body and protecting your skin from potentially harmful pesticides and herbicides7. Consider your sensitivities. Some of the oils on our list are scented, while others are intentionally left with the natural smell of hemp. Pick a product that won’t irritate any allergies or your skin—it’s especially important to note that several products on our list use nut oils or MCT oil, which is derived from coconut. When in doubt, always read the full ingredient list! Many brands also opt for essential oils; while they can boast some benefits, these additions can be irritating for others when applied topically. Compare potency & CBD type. Typically the advice given to CBD newbies is to start low and slow. With topicals, however, you may be better off going with a stronger potency than you would with an ingestible tincture or gummy because CBD is slower to absorb through your skin. You also may feel more of a response from a full-spectrum hemp versus CBD isolate, as full-spectrum includes all of the compounds from the hemp plant extract for a more powerful entourage effect. Think about price. Quality, higher-potency CBD products tend to be more expensive—if you see a high-potency product at a super-low price point, proceed with caution! Still, with massage oils, there are other factors that go into pricing, such as the additional ingredients, aesthetics and sustainability of the packaging, and more. Luckily, if you fall for a specific product, there are tons that offer subscription discounts for regularly scheduled shipments. If you’re new to CBD, stay true to your budget when trying a massage oil for the first time to ensure you like the effects. The world of CBD grows bigger every day, so it’s important to pay close attention to the brands and products you use and hold them to a high standard. If you’re looking to explore more CBD options, we’ve vetted a ton of products and have plenty of suggestions of the best CBD oils, gummies, and capsules for you to discover. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.
