CBD Balm Vs Cream: Which One Suits Your Needs?

October 13, 2024By Pedram Mehrshahi

Table of Content

Understanding the differences between CBD balm vs cream is essential for choosing the right product for pain relief.

Both balms and CBD creams contain a decent amount of ingredients but differ in texture, ingredients, and usage.

Knowing what sets them apart helps you decide which one feels comfortable for your lifestyle, ensuring you get the most benefit for your skin type and specific requirements.

What Is CBD Balm?

CBD balm is a thick, waxy product made with CBD oil. It's applied directly to the skin. Unlike CBD cream, balms have a firmer texture due to their base ingredients, like beeswax. They're often used to help soothe dry or irritated skin areas.

Common Uses of CBD Balm

Moisturising dry skin
Soothing muscle discomfort
Supporting joint flexibility
Providing targeted relief to specific areas

Typical Ingredients Found in Balm

CBD oil
Beeswax or other waxes
Shea butter or cocoa butter
Essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus

What Is CBD Cream?

CBD cream is a smooth, creamy product infused with CBD. It's designed for easier coverage over larger skin areas, offering quick absorption.

Unlike balms, creams are lighter and often include water-based ingredients, making them perfect for everyday use. They are well-suited for those seeking all-over moisture and relief.

Common Uses of CBD Cream

Hydrating and nourishing the skin
Reducing skin irritation or redness
Alleviating general muscle soreness
Providing overall skin wellness

Typical Ingredients Found in Cream

CBD oil
Water or aloe vera
Emollients like glycerin
Plant-based oils or butter

Key Differences Between CBD Balm and Cream

Understanding the key differences between these CBD topicals can help you decide which product fits the relief you’re looking for.

Texture and Consistency

CBD balm has a thick, solid texture due to its base of waxes and butter. In contrast, CBD cream is lighter and more fluid, allowing it to spread easily over larger skin areas.

Absorption Rate into the Skin

CBD creams, being water-based, typically absorb faster into the skin. Balms, with their thicker consistency, take longer to sink in but provide a more prolonged effect.

Skin Type Recommendations

CBD balm is ideal for dry or chapped skin, providing intense hydration and protection. On the other hand, CBD cream is suitable for normal to oily skin, offering moisture without feeling greasy.

When to Choose CBD Balm?

CBD balm can be the perfect choice when you suffer from muscle aches in specific locations.

Situations Where Balm Is More Effective

CBD balm is more effective in situations where concentrated application is needed. If you're dealing with small areas of dry, rough, or cracked skin, the balm's thicker consistency provides a barrier that helps lock in moisture and protect these areas.

It is also beneficial for easing localized sore muscles and joint discomfort.

Benefits of Using Balm for Specific Concerns

Intense Hydration: The heavy, wax-based formula creates a barrier that locks in moisture for longer periods, helping to heal dry skin.
Targeted Relief: Ideal for applying directly to specific problem areas, offering concentrated effects precisely where needed.
Long-Lasting Protection: Forms a protective layer on the skin's surface, helping to shield against environmental factors.

When to Choose CBD Cream?

CBD cream is an excellent option for something that spreads easily and absorbs quickly.

Situations Where Cream Is More Effective

CBD cream is better suited to cover a larger affected area. It’s great for daily use as part of a skincare routine, providing a light layer of moisture without feeling greasy.

If you experience general muscle soreness, such as after a workout, using CBD cream can help soothe a larger area. It’s also suitable for those with normal to oily skin looking for hydration without the heaviness of a balm.

Benefits of Using Cream for Specific Concerns

Quick Absorption: The water-based formula allows the cream to be absorbed rapidly, making it perfect for busy routines and on-the-go applications.
Widespread Coverage: Ideal for applying over larger areas like legs, arms, or back, ensuring even distribution and relief.
Lightweight Moisture: Provides effective hydration without leaving a heavy or sticky feel, making it great for everyday use.

Factors to Consider When Buying

Here are things to think about when purchasing your balms and creams.

Skin Type and Personal Preference

Your skin type plays a big role in determining whether CBD balm or cream is more suitable for you.

Dry Skin: CBD balms may be more beneficial due to their intense hydrating properties.
Oily Skin: CBD cream provides lightweight moisture without adding extra oiliness.
Combination Skin: You might use balm on dry patches and cream on the rest of your skin.

Personal preference also matters — some people prefer the thick texture of a balm, while others like the smoothness of a cream.

Desired Effects and Specific Needs

Think about what you want to get from the product. If you're looking for joint pain relief in a specific area, balms can be great options.

For overall skin hydration or soothing general muscle discomfort, a cream could be more appropriate.

Budget Considerations

Budget is an important factor when purchasing CBD products. Balms and creams can vary in price depending on the brand, CBD concentration, and additional ingredients.

Decide how much you're willing to spend and look for products that offer good value while meeting your needs.

You can also start with smaller sizes or samples to test a product before committing to a full-size purchase.

The Ultimate Buyer's Guide: Choosing Between CBD Balm and Cream

Here’s a step-by-step guide you can use when shopping for your CBD balms and creams.

Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type

Your skin type is crucial in choosing the right product. It also ensures you get skin benefits on top of chronic pain management comfort.

Dry Skin: Opt for CBD balm for its intense hydration.
Oily Skin: CBD cream offers lightweight moisture without grease.
Combination Skin: Use balm on dry patches and cream elsewhere.

Step 2: Determine Your Desired Effects

Consider what you want the product to achieve.

Targeted Relief: Choose CBD balm for specific areas like sore joints.
Overall Hydration: Select CBD cream for general skin moisture and wellness.
Soothe Muscle Soreness: Use cream for larger areas and balm for specific muscle pain.

Step 3: Evaluate Absorption Preferences

Decide how quickly you want the product to absorb.

Quick Absorption: Creams are fast and suitable for busy routines.
Long-Lasting Effects: Balms form a protective layer for extended relief.

Step 4: Consider Budget and Value

Set a budget and look for products that offer value.

Compare Prices: Check different brands and product sizes.
Trial Sizes: Test smaller samples before committing to larger sizes.

Step 5: Check Product Ingredients

Examine the ingredients to ensure they align with your preferences and needs. Ingredients that have moisturizing agents and skin-friendly fatty acids are great starters.

Natural Ingredients: Look for balms and creams with natural ingredients like hemp seed oil, vitamin E, and butter.
Additional Benefits: Consider added essential oils for extra soothing effects.

Step 6: Read Reviews and Recommendations

Gain insights from other users' experiences.

Customer Reviews: Check online reviews to learn about product effectiveness.
Expert Recommendations: Seek advice from skincare professionals if needed.

Step 7: Make Your Purchase

Buy from reliable brands. Trusted brands like Kloris are highly recommended because they prioritize natural ingredients and rigorous testing, providing transparency and peace of mind.

Kloris is known for its high-quality CBD products, crafted with care to ensure effectiveness and customer satisfaction.