Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin.
It can be quite painful and uncomfortable, driving you to the cream and ointment aisle in search of relief.
Maybe you’ve tested several different types of topical treatments for eczema but aren’t quite impressed yet. Or maybe you’re simply up for trying the newest products — like cannabidiol (CBD) creams — to see if they work for you.
Keep reading to learn more about research on CBD and skin conditions like eczema, and check out some CBD topicals we’ve vetted for you.
Right now, there are only a few studies specifically on topical CBD use for people with skin conditions like eczema.
In a small
After the 3-month period, participants saw improvement in their inflammatory skin symptoms.
Researchers concluded that topical use of CBD ointment (without any THC) is safe, effective, and can be used as a noninvasive alternative for improving inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.
In another small
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made with U.S.-grown hemp
- contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
As a part of our selection process, we also considered:
- the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
Pricing guide
- $ = under $30
- $$ = $30–$40
- $$$ = over $40
Medterra CBD + Manuka Honey Healing Cream
Use code “health15” for 15% off
- CBD type: Isolate
- CBD potency: 125 or 250 mg per 30-g container
- COA: Available online
Price: $$–$$$
This non-GMO pick contains honey, which may also be helpful for eczema.
Along with New Zealand Manuka honey, this cream uses a blend of CBD and over 20 botanicals to relieve and nurture skin.
Reviewers are largely satisfied with this topical, using it for a variety of skin conditions.
Medterra is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority.
The brand offers assistance to veterans and those on long-term disability. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on their products.
Papa & Barkley Releaf Repair Cream
- CBD type: Full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 450 mg per 30-mL container
- COA: Available on product page
Price: $$$
This CBD cream is made from hemp rosin, squalane, and jojoba oil, as well as aromatic terpenes.
Papa & Barkley promises it’s a good choice for people of all skin types who are on the lookout for hydration and repair. It’s a light formula that’s designed with the face and neck in mind.
Reviews for this particular product don’t seem to be available on Papa & Barkley’s website right now. The brand does, however, have a positive profile on the third-party consumer review website Trustpilot, where lots of reviews for their products are available.
Here, they have over 1,000 reviews and a 4.7 out of 5 rating. Reviewers are overall impressed with their CBD products and have found relief for their symptoms.
This CBD cream comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
BOTA Ultra Rich Satin Body Crème
Use code “healthline” for 15% off sitewide.
- CBD type: Isolate
- CBD potency: 200 mg per 118-mL container
- COA: Available on product page
Price: $$
This CBD cream uses a blend of shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and hemp extract for deep moisturization.
Although there are only a small handful of reviews for this product right now, reviewers are happy, saying this cream is very soothing for their dry skin.
On their website, CBDistillery says that their hemp is grown using natural farming methods and that they use food-safe extraction methods.
Specifically, their full-spectrum CBD products use CO2 extraction, and the CBD used for their 0 percent THC items — like this cream — are extracted using ethanol.
CBDistillery has a loyalty program, but it doesn’t appear to offer assistance programs or discounts at this time.
This product comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Right now, the FDA doesn’t guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of over-the-counter CBD products. That means there’s a chance you may pick up CBD products that are misrepresented or mislabeled.
To prevent this possibility, it’s best to look for products with an up-to-date, comprehensive COA from a reputable third-party lab.
The COA should have information showing that the product isn’t contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, or molds. Likewise, it should also indicate that the product actually has the amount of CBD and THC the label claims it does.
Be sure you’re buying from a company that’s transparent about how it makes its products and where it grows its hemp.
If a product or label makes any extreme, ambitious claims about results, be wary. Many people do report that CBD is beneficial and helps them in one way or another, but it’s not a cure-all.
CBD topicals are available in various strengths. Read the application directions carefully, as they may vary depending on the product.
Overall, dosage depends on factors like your body weight, your experience with CBD products, and the product’s potency.
If you’re trying CBD for the first time, it’s best to start with the lowest possible dose at first and see how your body responds. You can add more as needed.
CBD is largely thought to be safe, according to available
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
It’s always best to talk with your doctor before trying any CBD products, especially if you’re taking any medications. CBD may interact with some medications.
Avoid using topicals on broken skin.
It’s also a good idea to perform a patch test before applying any new topical product to a larger area to avoid an allergic reaction.
To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts. If you see any signs of irritation, like redness or itchiness, stop use right away.
Although studies on CBD use for people with eczema is limited right now, the available research does suggest that topical CBD is a promising treatment for relieving eczema symptoms.
Remember to chat with your doctor before trying CBD, as it may interact with some medications.
It’s also a good idea to perform a patch test before applying the product to larger areas of your skin. This can help you avoid an allergic reaction.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.
Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a master’s degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment.