Can CBD Topicals Be Absorbed Through the Skin?

If you've used a CBD topical, you probably know it can absorb into your skin. But have you ever wondered if it absorbs all the way into your bloodstream?

We break down the science behind CBD topicals to help you understand what they do, what potential benefits they provide, and how far they absorb.

Key Takeaways

• CBD topicals are products designed to be applied to the skin.
• They're generally designed to be absorbed into the skin but not penetrate all the way into your bloodstream.
• The CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your skin, leading to various potential benefits.
• Some topical CBD products, often called transdermal products, are designed to enter your bloodstream.

See More: Can You Take CBD and Melatonin Together for Sleep?

Understanding Topical Products

Meredith Farrow, founder of Clean Remedies, says:

“CBD topicals are widely used to target pain, soreness, stiffness, and more. They absorb into the skin, but generally don’t absorb through it into the bloodstream.”

When you think of CBD, what comes to mind?

The hemp plant, perhaps, which is where hemp-derived CBD products come from. Perhaps oral or inhaled products, which have exploded in popularity in recent years.

But what about a cream? Or a roll-on gel?

Topical CBD products are also becoming increasingly popular. You might think they offer the same potential benefits as other CBD products. But the truth is more nuanced.

That's because many CBD products, including edibles and CBD oil, work by entering the bloodstream. In essence, they can affect the entire body.

The same isn't necessarily true of CBD topicals. They are absorbed by your skin.

Now, in some cases that absorption can result in CBD entering your bloodstream. But most standard topical formulations aren't designed for that to happen.

This provides a number of unique potential benefits. For one thing, it means you can apply CBD to a specific area for targeted relief. It also means you can use the CBD product without it entering your bloodstream and potentially triggering a positive drug test.

We'll break down these potential benefits in more detail. First, we need to answer a question you might be asking. If the CBD in topical products doesn't enter your bloodstream, how does it have any effects at all?

Topical CBD Products

Chances are you've used a topical product at some point in your life. If you have a skincare routine, you probably use multiple every day.

Topical products are simply those applied to the skin. They include creams, balms, lotions, gels, and more.

Does Topical CBD Reach the Bloodstream?

Now, one of your skin's main purposes is to keep things out of your body. The outermost layer is known as the skin barrier. As the name implies, it works to protect your insides from potentially harmful substances.

That makes it quite difficult for topical products to penetrate all the way to your blood vessels.

At first, that might seem like a major problem. After all, CBD products work because the CBD molecules enter the bloodstream and interact with the cannabinoid receptors within your endocannabinoid system. Right?

Well, there are also cannabinoid receptors in your skin.

They're located beneath the stratum corneum, that outer layer. But standard topical CBD products can work their way down through that layer and into deeper layers of tissue underneath.

In short, the CBD penetrates deep enough to interact with the necessary receptors. And, depending on the quality of your product, deliver other skin-supporting ingredients to your skin barrier, too. But it doesn't go quite deep enough to enter your bloodstream.

Targeted Relief

CBD can provide a number of potential benefits when applied to the skin in this way.

One popular reason people use CBD topicals is for localized pain, like a muscle ache. Research shows that CBD has analgesic properties, which means it may help with pain.

For example, one scientific review from 2024 concluded that CBD can provide pain relief.

We mentioned muscle aches for a reason. That's because research also suggests that CBD can support sore muscles, such as after exercise.

One 2023 study gave participants a formula containing CBD after exercise. They reported less discomfort and soreness in the three days after exercising than participants who were given a placebo.

Topical CBD products are also widely used for joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort. In part, this may be due to CBD's anti-inflammatory properties.

A study from 2024 gave topical CBD to participants experiencing joint pain in their hands. Those participants reported less pain, including maximum pain and average pain. They also reported improvements in their grip strength.

One of the great benefits of topical CBD products is that they provide localized relief, targeting specific areas instead of diffusing through your whole body.

Beyond those specific potential benefits, research also suggests that CBD can support overall skin health.

Skin Barrier

Speaking of your skin, we noted how it generally keeps things out instead of letting them in. Several factors can affect the absorption of your CBD topical.

One factor is dirt. Or, rather, anything that might be on the surface of your skin. Think dead skin cells, sweat, other products, grime, oils, and so on.

As you can imagine, these can get in the way of your CBD topical, interfering with absorption. On the other hand, clean skin is generally better for absorption.

Another potential factor is the concentration of CBD in your product. A higher concentration can lead to more CBD getting into the skin.

Massaging your CBD topical into your skin may help with absorption. It's the same principle as rubbing in any other topical product.

Some high-quality CBD products contain certain ingredients known as penetration enhancers or permeation enhancers, such as essential oils. These are included to enhance absorption.

Drug Testing

Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal. However, many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC.

That's not necessarily a bad thing. The presence of THC (and other natural compounds produced by the hemp plant) is thought to make the CBD more effective, thanks to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

However, even those tiny amounts can potentially generate a positive drug test. Those tests typically look for the products your body generates while breaking THC down. They're called THC metabolites.

If the CBD product doesn't enter your bloodstream, the chances of those THC metabolites appearing are far lower.

If you're worried, it's a good idea to ensure your product is independently tested. These tests can ensure the levels of THC are appropriate and accurate. They also help ensure products are safe to use.

Bonus: Can a CBD Roll-On Help With Pain?

Transdermal CBD Products

Certain topical CBD products are actually designed specifically to penetrate through your skin and enter your bloodstream. They're called transdermal products.

By entering your bloodstream, transdermal CBD products are designed to provide more systemic effects rather than localized effects.

Where to Get High-Quality Topical CBD Products

If you think a topical CBD product is right for you, it's important to get a high-quality one.

As we explained, one good way to check for quality is by checking for evidence of independent testing. All of Clean Remedies' CBD products are tested by a third-party lab. You can check the test results, or certificate of analysis, by scanning the QR code included with your product.

Beyond that, which specific product you choose depends on your needs.

CBD Roll-On

If you need quick, localized relief, potentially on the go, you'll love our CBD Roll-On Gel. It's a ritual of relief, wherever you are, when your body needs it most.

This roll-on is built around 450mg of full-spectrum CBD. That's blended with menthol and capsicum for cooling and warming sensations to ease tension and restore comfort. Plus arnica and MSM to support circulation, mobility, and natural recovery.

“This is going to penetrate deep into the muscle tissue,” notes Clean Remedies founder Meredith Farrow, “and help with minor aches, pains, sprains, bruises, etc.”

And the best part? All that's placed in a portable, mess-free roller-ball applicator. You can apply it without any mess or hassle.

CBD Cream

Of course, sometimes you want the experience of massaging a relieving topical product into your skin. The massaging action may also provide further benefits.

For that, grab our CBD Muscle Rub & Pain Cream. Like the roll-on, this hemp skin cream built around full-spectrum hemp extract, plus menthol, arnica, and MSM. Essential oils provide further potential benefits.

Conclusion

CBD topicals are designed to be absorbed into the skin, providing targeted relief. Generally, they aren't designed to penetrate through the skin into your bloodstream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD Cream Absorb Through Skin?

Topical CBD products, like CBD creams, are generally not designed to absorb through your skin and into your bloodstream. Those that are designed for this are often called transdermal CBD products.

Does CBD Oil Work if You Rub It on Your Skin?

Yes, you can generally use CBD oil on your skin. It might not be as effective as a CBD product specifically designed for topical use, though. Your CBD oil may contain additional ingredients, like flavorings, which could irritate your skin.

Does CBD Topical Cream Actually Work?

Yes! Research suggests they can support localized pain, stiffness, soreness, and more.

Keep Reading: Does Chocolate Enhance the Effects of THC?

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Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.