NEW TO CBD?
Since CBD is everywhere in the beauty and wellness scene these days, I decided to finally get my hands on some CBD-infused personal care products! After testing them for a couple of weeks, I’m excited to share my thoughts with you here. Whether you’re brand spankin’ new to CBD or don’t know where to start, this post is for you!
To learn more about why we should pay attention to CBD, check out my recent blog post here. Keep scrolling for a beginner’s guide to this popular ingredient and my roundup of products I recommend trying first.
Worth the hype?
With CBD going mainstream, there have been a rise of false and outlandish medical claims made by certain companies on the internet. That’s why I recommend checking evidence-based studies from reliable sources. There is strong scientific evidence of CBD’s effectiveness to treat a variety of health issues, including anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. When applied on the skin, studies show that CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat (Harvard Health).
What’s the bottom line?
However, medical research is still ongoing and more clinical trials are needed to learn more about the efficacy and safety of CBD. Since it’s also not regulated by the FDA, some formulas may vary in purity and/or have labeling inaccuracies. A recent study of 84 CBD products bought online showed that more than 25% of the products contained less CBD than labeled (Mayo Clinic).
It is worth trying CBD?
Well, I wouldn’t just try any ol’ product you find on the internet or even from your local shop. And if you have any health issues, I would talk to your doctor first. Based on what we know so far, I think CBD is worth trying for yourself! To ensure that you’re getting the safest, most effective CBD, keep the below in mind:
- Find out if they do third party lab testing for purity and potency
- Make sure they have a working website and contact information (customer service is important)
- Look up reviews (I shared mine below)
- Choose organic and sustainably grown CBD
Brands I’ve tried and recommend:
Blawesome
500 MG CBD Tincture ($59)
Wait.. what’s a tincture?
It’s a concentrated herbal extract made by soaking herbs in a liquid. Over several weeks, the liquid becomes infused with the herbal extracts, giving you a potent ingestible tincture.
Hold the tincture under the tongue for no less an a full minute to allow for optimal and immediate effects. It usually takes 20+ minutes for you to notice a difference. You can also add it to your morning coffee and use it multiple times a day.
My thoughts
I tried their most “mild” option (500 MG), which is very newbie-friendly and provides mild relief. I think it was 30 minutes before I noticed a subtle difference? I would compare it to my relaxed state after drinking half a glass of red wine. If you’re looking for more significant relief, I would try their 1000 MG or 1500 MG tincture. I have some chronic back pain which gives me poor sleep at night, so I use this before I go to bed. However, I may need a stronger concentration to get the relief and sleep I was hoping for. I was recommended to try two droppers at one time to see what a stronger dose does, so I’ll update this post after I try that.
Overall, I really like this brand, their responsive customer service, and the variety of strengths they offer. If you’re interested in tinctures, I recommend checking out Blawesome’s site!
Blawesome makes its tinctures using MCT oil (the carrier oil) and broad spectrum CBD. There’s no THC, no added flavors, emulsifiers, or preservatives.
MICA ORGANICS
Peppermint Muscle Salve with CBD 550 MG ($45)
Muscle Salves are great for muscle aches and pain! Use daily or as needed to provide temporary relief from inflammation. I use it on my shoulders, neck, arms, and back.
My shoulders and neck get super sore and tight, so this muscle salve gives me the instant relief I need. It soothes and provides a cooling effect as I massage it into my skin. I love that the coconut oil feels nourishing and hydrating (but non-greasy), and the peppermint scent helps reduce stress. The texture is smooth, creamy, and luxurious. This organic CBD muscle salve is a fantastic option for those looking for a clean, sustainable, and eco-friendly option.
Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, Beeswax, Broad Spectrum CBD 550mg.
Sandalwood Face Oil with CBD 150 MG ($52)
Facial oils help prevent water loss and keep skin looking healthy and plump. Use it alone after cleansing or before applying moisturizer.
A great CBD face oil option for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin (especially if you love earthy and woodsy scents). Sandalwood is effective for treating blemishes, jojoba oil helps balance oil production, and CBD is rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. It absorbs well, it’s non-greasy, and my skin looks instantly hydrated and glowy after. The CBD strength is 150 MG and I notice a mild relaxing sensation after each use. Tip: I like to hold my hands close to my face and take a deep breath before I press the oil into my skin.
Ingredients: Organic Jojoba Oil, Coconut MCT Oil, Sandalwood Essential Oil, Broad Spectrum CBD 150mg. Free of fragrance or toxic ingredients.
gentle jane
Superfoods + CBD Comfort Cream – 500 MG CBD ($50)
A nice body cream to cool and moisturize the skin. Formulated with CBD to soothe and a nourishing blend of superfoods (chia seed, marula, avocado, grapeseed, and cucumber).
A great option for anyone who prefers their CBD cream to have a more neutral scent (although it does have a hint of peppermint and lavender essential oil). The cream melts into my skin and has a similar texture to soft butter. Feels rich, soothing, and non-greasy, and helps take the edge off when I’m dealing with sore muscles and mild shoulder pain. I love that it also comes in a stick version if you prefer a more portable option for when you’re on-the-go! Use GLEANANDGLOW for 10% off!
Ingredients: CBD, Manuka Honey 16+, Almond Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Grated Beeswax, Marula Oil, Cucumber Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Chia Seed Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Pure Spring Water, and Optiphen..
bear necessities co
Rejuvenating Firming/Brightening Moisturizer – with CBD ($64.99)
A lightweight face moisturizer made with a nourishing blend of organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe, and avocado oil. Vegan MSM and DMAE enhance skin health, help even skin tone, fight dark spots, and increase skin elasticity.
My thoughts
Not all moisturizers are created equal. I’m picky and this one is one of the better ones. I love its whipped, silky soft texture and how it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth. It’s a nice light moisturizer and absorbs quickly. I’m really impressed with the immediate results I see after using it but I haven’t tried it long enough to know how effective it is for treating dark spots and signs of aging. I appreciate the eco-friendly jar packaging and ingredient list. Tip: apply after a facial oil for optimal hydrating benefits.
I also got a sample of their Relieving Muscle Gel with CBD and wooooooo! That stuff was AMAZING. Provided an instant cooling effect on my sore shoulders. I loved the gel consistency and how quickly it relieved my pain.
