If thoughts are starting to sprout regarding your spring wardrobe, then you know it’s time to get busy with your winter feet. Hidden in boots and closed-toed shoes since October, your hibernating toes might need to be refreshed before going and showing off a new springtime pedi. Or, if your outdoors activity is increasing with the longer days and foot pain is a recent or longtime issue, you might also be considering a CBD-based remedy.

Hemp oil, often used as a source of cannabidiol or CBD, is also packed with Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which moisturize the skin as a topical, as well as when ingested in foods. Another fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, is found in hemp oil and has anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin. Hemp also has antiseptic properties; a natural way to treat sensitive skin and keep your feet feeling fresh.

As for what that CBD has been scientifically proven to do, it is not exactly clear. Most products are vague in their promises because the Food and Drug Administration prohibits unproven health claims. Most of the information about CBD’s effect on humans is still anecdotal, and few rigorous trials have been conducted that prove CBD preparations are any more effective than other topical pain relievers such as Tiger Balm or Icy Hot.

All of which meant that, when I began applying the new cream to my feet I was, it was fair to say, a skeptic.

For as long as I’ve been working on the fashion week front lines, I’ve been a loafer and sneaker devotee. Occasionally, if the dress code reads “black tie,” I would try the odd chunky strappy heel. The idea that a cream would allow me to totter over cobblestones in five-inch spikes (the kind Ms. Mellon herself is famous for wearing) seemed close to unimaginable.

I told myself to have an open mind. Ms. Capobianco said that each morning I should apply a nickel-size dollop of cream (which would contain the equivalent of about 4 milligrams of CBD) 20 minutes before putting on shoes. So on Day 1 I duly unscrewed the tube, rubbed some on and immediately discovered I needed socks to prevent wiping out on the bathroom floor (the base is cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil and fruit acids). Then off I went in gold metallic sandals with a 4.5-inch wafer thin stiletto heel, lent by Ms. Mellon, taking my reporting to new, well, highs.

How we chose these CBD lotions, creams, and salves

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:
  • customer reviews
  • whether the company has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letterTrusted Source
  • whether the company makes any unsupported health claims

Where available, we’ve included special discount codes for our readers.

Pricing

• $ = under $50
• $$ = $50–$75
• $$$ = over $75

To get a full picture of the price of a product, it’s important to read labels for:

• serving sizes
• amounts
• strengths
• other ingredients

CBD GLOSSARY

You’ll see the following terms mentioned in the products below. Here’s what they mean:

• CBD isolate: pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids or THC
• Broad-spectrum CBD: contains most cannabinoids, but it generally doesn’t include THC
• Full-spectrum CBD: contains all of the plant’s cannabinoids, including THC

CBD topical brands selected:

• Joy Organics
• CBDistillery
• Lazarus Naturals
• Vertly
• Envy
• Imbue Botanicals
• Saint Jane
• GoGreen
• Lord Jones

Best for pain

Joy Organics CBD Salve

• Price: $$-$$$
• CBD type: Broad-spectrum
• CBD potency: 500 milligrams (mg) per 1-ounce (oz) package or 1,000 mg per 2-oz package
• COA: 

Healthline Score: 93 / 100

Approved

Rating accurate as of 7/9/20

Score Breakdown: What is this?

• Medical Accuracy & Integrity:25 / 25
• Objective Indicators of Trust:30 / 30
• Industry and Ethical Standards:23 / 30
• Company Reputation:15 / 15

This CBD salve is formulated specifically to address muscle and joint pain without THC. It’s made without water so it’s a thicker consistency than a lotion or cream.

It contains organic MCT oil, beeswax, and lavender and eucalyptus essential oils for added skin-soothing and relaxation benefits.

.

CBDistillery CBDol Topical — CBD Balm

• Price: $
• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 500 mg per 1-oz package
• COA: Available on product page

Healthline Score: 91 / 100

Approved

Rating accurate as of 7/9/20

Score Breakdown: What is this?

• Medical Accuracy & Integrity:25 / 25
• Objective Indicators of Trust:23 / 30
• Industry and Ethical Standards:28 / 30
• Company Reputation:15 / 15

Full of calming and moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, almond oil, and aloe, this balm can help aid your aches.

CBDistillery’s products are made using U.S. Hemp Authority-certified non-GMO hemp grown in the USA.

Lazarus Naturals Soothing Mint Full-Spectrum CBD Balm

• Price: $
• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 400 mg per 0.67-oz package or 1,200 mg per 2-oz package
• COA: Available on product page

Healthline Score: 88 / 100

Approved

Rating accurate as of 7/7/20

Score Breakdown: What is this?

• Medical Accuracy & Integrity:25 / 25
• Objective Indicators of Trust:30 / 30
• Industry and Ethical Standards:23 / 30
• Company Reputation:10 / 15

Besides CBD, this balm contains ingredients like organic mango butter and organic beeswax add to the soothe factor. It comes in mint, cedar citrus, lavender, Portland rose, and unscented varieties.

Vertly Hemp CBD-Infused Relief Lotion

• Price: $
• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 150 mg per 2.9-oz jar
• COA: Available on product page

Healthline Score: 84 / 100

Approved

Rating accurate as of 7/8/20

Score Breakdown: What is this?

• Medical Accuracy & Integrity:25 / 25
• Objective Indicators of Trust:21 / 30
• Industry and Ethical Standards:23 / 30
• Company Reputation:15 / 15

This lotion is made with anti-inflammatory lavender oil, magnesium for muscle recovery, and arnica flower for muscle tightness. The end result is a nongreasy lotion that keeps skin nourished all day long.

Best for facial skin

Vertly Soothing Florals Hydrating Face Mist

• Price: $
• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 100 mg per 2-oz package
• COA: Available on product page

Healthline Score: 89 / 100

Approved

Rating accurate as of 8/4/20

Score Breakdown: What is this?

• Medical Accuracy & Integrity:25 / 25
• Objective Indicators of Trust:26 / 30
• Industry and Ethical Standards:23 / 30
• Company Reputation:15 / 15

This facial mist is a refreshing way to snag CBD along with calendula flower, aloe, lavender, and jasmine oil.

Be aware that it also contains witch hazel and rose water, which could be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.