Brighten Up! The 17 Best Vitamin C Serums

There aren’t a ton of sure things when it comes to skin care, but vitamin C is about as close as it gets. Experts agree this powerful antioxidant is a rock star for aging skin and the key to a bright and even complexion. The best way to take advantage of this standout ingredient is in a high quality serum.

But with about a million on the market and fun details like concentration percentages and other ingredients to think about, it can be tough to commit to one — especially because these serums can get pricey fast. Don’t worry, we sifted through the sea of C and picked out 17 of our favorites for every skin type.

Plus, we chatted with a few derms to get the scoop on stuff like how to choose ’em and use ’em. Because you deserve to shine bright like a diamond, baby.

Best vitamin C serums

• Best overall: The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
• Best for dark spots: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
• Best cruelty-free: TruSkin Naturals 20% Vitamin C Serum
• Best firming: Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum
• Best for dry skin: M-61 Vitablast Face Oil
• Best brightening: OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
• Best drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum 
• Best for oily skin: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
• Best for sensitive skin: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
• Best for uneven skin tone: BeautyCounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum
• Best powder: Neogen Real Vita C Powder Lemon
• Best for combination skin: Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector
• Best capsule: Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum Capsules
• Best budget: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% and L’Oréal Revitalift Derm Intensive Vitamin C Serum
• Best spot treatment: Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener
• Best with probiotics: Tula Triple Vitamin C Serum

What are the benefits of vitamin C?

Vitamin C goes to work on free radicals, those pesky (but natural!) molecules that contribute to premature skin aging, pigment changes, and even illness when there’s too many built up.

On your skin, topical vitamin C combats signs of aging, reduces hyperpigmentation, and evens out skin tone. Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says vitamin C is known for these fab benefits:

• promoting collagen production
• improving the appearance of the skin through minimizing fine lines and wrinkles and decreasing dark spots caused by UV damage
• protecting against sun damage

FYI

Vitamin C helps protect your skin from photodamage by neutralizing free radicals, but it’s not a substitute for SPF. In fact, they’re best used together.

How we chose the best of the best

With so many vitamin C products on the market, we had to narrow it down somehow. Here’s what we took into consideration when making our picks:

• Vitamin C. Our priority was the superstar ingredient: vitamin C. There are several different forms of vitamin C, some more potent and stable than others. We chose products with L-ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate for maximum effectiveness.
• Other ingredients. We gave priority to formulas with good supporting ingredients and clean formulas, although not all on this list are considered “clean.”
• Reviews. We looked to reviews to make sure these products are *actually* loved by real customers.
• Price. We made sure to include a range of prices so that people with all kinds of budgets have access to this rock star ingredient.
• Vetted products. We also put every product on this list through a thorough vetting process to make sure the companies aren’t making any unsupported health claims or engaging in shady business practices. Only products that passed vetting made this list.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $50
• $$ = $50–$100
• $$$ = over $100

The 17 best vitamin C Serums

Ready to add this skin care superstar to your arsenal? Check out the 17 best vitamin C serums for every skin type.

Best overall vitamin C serum

The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

• Price: $$$
• Standout ingredients: vitamin E, ferulic acid
• Good for: all skin types/dry skin
• Product size: 30-milliliter (mL) bottle

Before you gawk at the price, there’s a reason this little bottle wins almost every award out there: it features the holy trinity of vitamin C (15 percent pure vitamin C here), vitamin E (1 percent), and ferulic acid (0.5 percent). These two extra ingredients play super well with our golden child. Vitamin E helps boost vitamin C’s UV protection power and ferulic acid helps stabilize it (while also giving you an extra boost of antioxidants).

Beyond its ability to brighten and firm up your skin, this blend has been proven to reduce oxidative damage caused by ozone pollution, diesel engine exhaust, and UVA/UVB rays by up to 41 percent. Bottom line: this serum has your back.

This little bottle has quite a bit of hype around it too — with thousands of Google reviews. One reviewer went as far as to say they can’t live without it. So be prepared to maybe fall in love, which could be costly.

Shop now at Dermstore

Best vitamin C serum for dark spots

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

• Price: $$
• Standout ingredients: EGCG (green tea active), squalane, tartaric acid
• Good for: dark spots and discoloration
• Product size: 30-mL bottle

This creamy serum delivers full-strength 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, the most effective form of topical vitamin C.

This intense dose — still suitable for sensitive skin, BTW — evens out skin tone and texture thanks to tartaric acid (a mild AHA that comes from grapes), squalane (hydrating AF), and EGCG, a green tea active that works with vitamin C to minimize signs of aging.

We love that BeautyStat goes to great lengths to prevent oxidation (which lessens your product’s punch) by encapsulating the vitamin C in an opaque bottle. So while it’s a little pricey, at least it’s designed to last. It’s also worth a mention that this serum is made in the U.S. by a Black-owned and founded beauty brand.

Shop now at Dermstore

Best cruelty-free vitamin C serum

TruSkin Naturals 20% Vitamin C Serum

• Price: $
• Standout ingredients: vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
• Good for: all skin types
• Product size: 30-mL bottle

Vitamin C helps reduce dark spots by impeding melanin production, and this serum does just that. But there’s more than one reason 87,000+ Amazon reviewers are obsessed with this stuff: it pairs a strong 20 percent vitamin C concentration with nourishing vitamin E and collagen-encouraging hyaluronic acid for plumper, hydrated, and super glowy skin. The addition of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) helps calm inflammation.

Bonus points for a paraben- and phthalate-free formula. It also has leaping bunny approval — meaning it’s cruelty-free. And it doesn’t hurt that this is one of the more affordable serums on our list.

Shop now at Amazon

Best firming vitamin C serum

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum

• Price: $$
• Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid
• Good for: all skin types, dry skin
• Product size: 50-mL bottle

Give fine lines and visible pores the boot with this silky serum that melts into your face flawlessly. You get two kinds of stabilized vitamin C here: 10.5 percent L-ascorbic acid for deep penetration (up to 6 days, says the brand) and 2 percent Ascorbyl Glucoside, which absorbs quickly in the top layers of the skin.

A fast-absorbing form of hyaluronic acid helps your skin feel plump and moisturized while the vitamin C protects against free radicals. It’s also free of parabens, alcohol, mineral oil, and dye.

Google reviewers tell similar tales of instantly falling for this serum, loving the blurring effect on imperfections, and squeezing out every last drop before ordering again.

Shop now at Sephora

Best vitamin C for dry skin

M-61 Vitablast Face Oil

• Price: $$
• Standout ingredients: vitamin E, licorice root extract, squalane
• Good for: soothing, hydrating
• Product size: 30-mL bottle

Beauty store bluemercury’s in-house brand’s take on a vitamin C serum delivers 10 percent of the good, stabilized, meant-to-last stuff in a lightweight facial oil that’s anything but greasy. In addition to the dullness-fighting dose of vitamin C, licorice root came to the party to calm down irritation and discoloration, while skin care favorite squalane leaves your skin soft and supple for a truly ~luxurious~ result.

P.S. this bad b*tch is vegan, too.

Shop now at Bluemercury

Best brightening vitamin C serum

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

• Price: $$
• Standout ingredients: vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), banana powder
• Good for: dull, uneven texture
• Product size: 30-mL bottle

Here’s a serum that color corrects while it protects. In addition to the usual players — 15 percent vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and stabilizing vitamin E — this serum contains banana powder-inspired pigments, which the brand says brighten things up while the other ingredients go to work below the surface.

One important ingredient stays up above, and that’s 5 percent PHAs, which have all the same benefits of AHAs like glycolic acid, but they’re less likely to cause irritation. If you’re not sure how you feel about the banana factor, one Google reviewer says the scent is more of a citrus experience than a banana one.

Shop now at Sephora

Best drugstore vitamin C serum

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum 

• Price: $
• Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, panthenol (vitamin B5), ceramides
• Good for: dry, sensitive skin
• Product size: 30-mL tube

This trusted sensitive skin brand pairs 10 percent vitamin C with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol (aka vitamin B5) to soothe sensitive skin and strengthen your skin barrier. Bonus points for an affordable, fragrance-free formula that won’t clog pores. Plus, it’s free of parabens. Amazon reviewers say it has a creamy texture and works gently for their sensitive skin.

Shop now at Amazon

Best vitamin C serum for oily skin

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

• Price: $
• Standout ingredients: vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, konjac root, chamomile extract, clary sage
• Good for: oily skin
• Product size: 30-mL bottle

This serum from Mad Hippie combines Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate — an extremely stable version of vitamin C — with vitamin E and ferulic acid (just like that super expensive/fan fave SkinCeuticals serum) to deliver the strongest antioxidant effect without irritating sensitive skin. It contains hyaluronic acid for an extra dose of moisture and plumping action and chamomile extract to soothe irritated skin.

It also has clary sage, which the brand says brings dry and oily skin into balance. To top things off, it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and GMO-free. Google reviewers are obsessed with this more affordable option, making it a staple in their daily routine.

Shop now at Amazon

Best vitamin C serum for sensitive skin

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

• Price: $$
• Standout ingredients: ferulic acid, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, pumpkin ferment, pomegranate extract, chronocyclin, grape juice extract, Indian gooseberry
• Good for: all skin types
• Product size: 30-mL bottle

We love this brand for sensitive skin because its products are usually without irritating essential oils, silicones, chemical sunscreens, drying alcohols, fragrances, and dyes. This clear gel serum is cooling and soothing to the touch (perfect if you’re feeling particularly inflamed) and contains that vitamin C-ferulic acid-vitamin E holy trinity for maximum effectiveness and absorption.

It also contains pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract — a combo the brand says gently exfoliates and helps cells turn over faster for a quicker glow — and grape juice extract and Indian gooseberry to reduce signs of oxidative stress. Lastly, the brand says chronocyclin mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D (without having to sit in the sun for it!).

Reviewers say they notice a huge change in their complexion and recommend putting it in the fridge for a cool, refreshing start to your day.

Shop now at Sephora

Best vitamin C for uneven skin tone

BeautyCounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum

• Price: $$
• Standout ingredients: camu camu extract, turmeric, hyaluronic acid
• Good for: all skin types
• Product size: 30-mL bottle

BeautyCounter is known for its clean, sensitivity-friendly formulas, and this serum does not disappoint. It uses two types of vitamin C: 5 percent of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate for diminishing dark spots, and 5 percent of moisturizing Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate for protection against free radicals and environmental stressors.

Tumeric and camu camu extracts both fight inflammation, helping even out skin tone and reduce dark spots. Google reviewers say they see a real difference with this pick — one even says if this serum was cake batter, they’d lick the spoon. (Do not lick this stuff, pls and thanks.)

Shop now at Beautycounter

Best vitamin C powder

Neogen Real Vita C Powder Lemon

• Price: $
• Standout ingredients: allantoin, trehalose, panthenol, collagen
• Good for: all skin types
• Product size: 20-mL jar

Okay, so technically not a serum, but hear us out. Over 2,000 people hung out on a waitlist for this 17 percent vitamin C powder, which you mix into your toner, serum, or moisturizer for a brightening and protective addition of antioxidants. And because it’s a dry formula, it won’t deteriorate like the cream and gel forms we’ve seen before. It has collagen to improve skin elasticity and panthenol to soothe and moisturize. It also contains allantoin and trehalose, which the brand says hydrate, protect, and strengthen your skin barrier.

A nice perk: it’s travel-friendly! It’s also free of alcohol, silicone, paraben, artificial fragrance, surfactants and mineral oil. This formula does use lemon extract, which can cause irritation for some people.

Shop now at Soko Glam

Best vitamin C serum for combination skin

Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector

• Price: $
• Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid
• Good for: sensitive skin
• Product size: 10-mL bottle

This affordable serum is serving you purity and potency with 15 percent vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. This simple formula is free from fragrances and parabens and is dermatologist-tested, so it’s safe even for sensitive skin.

The brand says this serum doesn’t leave your skin shiny or oily feeling, but it’s still hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid — so this is a good pick for people that have a tough time balancing out their combo skin.

Reviewers love the brightening effect but point out that the bottle is teeny tiny. Good things it’s on the cheaper side!

Shop now at Amazon

Best vitamin C capsule

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum Capsules

• Price: $
• Standout ingredients: vitamin E, raspberry leaf extract
• Good for: smoothing skin
• Product size: 30 capsules per bottle

If you’re worried about applying too much or too little product to your skin, then this is the vitamin C serum for you. These single-use, biodegradable capsules contain a high concentration of vitamin C for the price — 20 percent!

Neutrogena smartly pairs it with antioxidant-rich raspberry leaf extract and vitamin E for even more free radical-fighting power — a combo that a 2020 study found significantly improves skin color, elasticity, radiance, and wrinkles.

Plus, it doesn’t clog pores and is free from parabens, preservatives, alcohol, oil, fragrance, and dyes. Slather it on! Many Amazon buyers are surprised by how fast this affordable pick gets to work.

Side note: Though this is a capsule, you’re not supposed to swallow it. MmmK?

Shop now at Amazon

Best budget vitamin C serums

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

• Price: $
• Standout ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid
• Good for: all skin types
• Product size: 30-mL bottle

We’ll never understand how the highest vitamin C concentration on the list comes in at the lowest price — less than $6 — but we’re so glad it does.

The Ordinary keeps all that good vitamin C stabilized in a water-free, silicone-free suspension so it stays fresh and powerful. It’s also loaded with squalane and hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration.

But be warned: users noted a tingling sensation for the first 1 to 2 weeks of use. This pick is vegan though, and cruelty-free.

Shop now at Sephora

L’Oréal Revitalift Derm Intensive Vitamin C Serum

• Price: $
• Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid
• Good for: all skin types
• Product size: 30-mL tube

Vitamin C is a fickle beast — for as powerful as it is, it’s super prone to destabilization and oxidation, which really decreases its potency. This drugstore diamond keeps the key ingredient stable and happy with a water-free formula and a UV-blocking tube.

One Amazon reviewer says it has a gel/lotion consistency and absorbs fast. And since a little goes a long way, you’ll be getting an even bigger bang for your less than 20 bucks. Did we mention it’s also fragrance-free and free of parabens, mineral oils, and synthetic dyes? Because it is.

Shop now at Amazon

Best vitamin C spot treatment

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Targeted Spot Brightener

• Price: $$
• Standout ingredients: vitamin E, ferulic acid, algae extract, aloe, allantoin
• Good for: sensitive skin
• Product size: 15-mL tube

If you’ve made it this far, you can probably write a thesis on vitamin C’s dark spot diminishing powers. This little spot treatment from Peter Thomas Roth combines 10 percent THD Ascorbate — a super potent form of vitamin C — with vitamin E and ferulic acid in a super concentrated spot treatment to really target acne scars. The brand also threw in an algae extract it says helps reduce dark spots even more. Additions of aloe and allantoin help soothe those dark spots as they disappear.

Reviewers call this a total game changer for acne scars and hyperpigmentation. One reviewer says it works wonders on their darker skin tone, too.

Shop now at Sephora

Best vitamin C serum with probiotics

Tula Triple Vitamin C Serum

• Price: $
• Standout ingredients: probiotics extracts, prebiotics; lychee, Japanese mandarin, and mango extracts
• Good for: soothing skin
• Product size: 30-mL bottle

Tula’s line of skin care praises the power of probiotics to help balance and nourish your skin. In this oil-free, noncomedogenic gel serum, a 10 percent concentration of three types of vitamin C work with the probiotics and nourishing fruit extracts to even out skin tone and lighten up dark spots.

We love that it’s free of basically everything irritating, an extra perk for reactive skin types. Most Google reviewers are happy campers and say the serum feels refreshing AF.

Shop now at Amazon

How to choose the right vitamin C serum for you

Vitamin C can be a bit finicky, so you wanna know your stuff before you venture out into the sea of C. Here’s whatcha need to know:

Packaging

Make sure your serum comes in an airtight, opaque, or dark-colored bottle or tube. Vitamin C is super sensitive to light and can lose its power or become ineffective if it becomes exposed to oxygen or sunlight.

Concentration

For the best (and fastest) results, look for a 10 to 20 percent concentration of vitamin C. Dr. Anthony Rossi, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says that a concentration of greater than 10 percent is needed for better absorption but more than 20 percent is just unnecessary and could possibly cause irritation.

If the bottle doesn’t say the concentration on it, look to the full ingredient list. “If [vitamin C] is one of the first ingredients, it has a higher concentration,” says board-certified NYC dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman.

Ingredients and skin concern

Jaliman says it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open for a simple product without too many ingredients, but also recommends looking for products that match your skin’s needs.

Here are a few all-star ingredients to look out for:

• Vitamin E and ferulic acid. Remember these — our golden trio. These help keep vitamin C stable and make it much more effective.
• Hyaluronic acid. A superstar hydrator for all skin types. It’s also got anti-aging benefits of its own and can help improve skin elasticity.
• Squalane. Another amazing hydrator that’s great for dry skin.

But we also have bad news. Some ingredients can actually cause skin irritation or making vitamin C less effective, so you should avoid using them together. If you see serums (or plan to layer other products) with these ingredients, proceed with caution:

• Niacinamide. We LOVE niacinamide — it helps curb oil production, clears up acne, and strengthens your skin’s barrier. But it can also decrease the efficacy of vitamin C, so use it at night if you’re a niacinamide stan.
• Retinol. Retinol tends to increase skin sensitivity — especially photosensitivity, which is why a lot of people use it at night. If you want to use retinol and vitamin C, consider using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
• AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid). AHAs are exfoliators and they work wonders on skin texture and acne. But they can make vitamin C less stable and less effective. They can also cause irritation when used together.
• BHAs (salicylic acid). Same as AHAs. Using these together can cause some serious irritation, so it makes sense to use these at night.
• Benzoyl peroxide. Commonly used to treat acne, benzoyl peroxide oxidizes vitamin C, making it totally ineffective. Womp, womp.

Price

Don’t let price bring you down — vitamin C serums get expensive quickly, but there are affordable options out there. Some budget options — like CeraVe and The Ordinary — are even cult favorites. Don’t be afraid to start with a cheaper option and see how it works before moving onto more expensive products.

Quality and safety

Knowing whether a brand’s product is good quality is tough. And if you have sensitive skin, low quality products can mess with your skin.

Here are Chacon’s vitamin C shopping guidelines for ensuring a good experience:

• Reviews. What are (verified) users saying about the product? Does the company have a positive brand reputation?
• Ask your dermatologist. During your next visit, chat with your derm about specifics since no one knows your skin better than you and your doc.
• Patch test the product on a nonsensitive area. This is the best way to know if it’s safe for your skin before committing to slathering it all over your face. Try applying a thin amount to your inner forearm several times a day. If you develop a reaction, don’t apply it to your face. You’ll thank us later.

How to use vitamin C serum (yes, it matters!)

Rossi says that as an antioxidant and UV protector, Vitamin C is useful in the morning. “Not only should you eat oranges to ingest vitamin C, but you can also apply some topically to protect the skin.” So, down some Cuties and apply the serum first thing!

When to use it in your skincare routine

But at what point in your skin care routine should you use vit C?

First thing’s first: always follow the instructions on the product’s label. Vitamin C serum is typically applied once or twice per day, after toner but before moisturizer and SPF. (Side note: Seriously always wear SPF. Vitamin C can only do so much on its own. Plus, physical UV blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can help prevent vitamin C from becoming inactive).

Remember our ingredients to avoid above: AHAs, BHAs, and retinol can all cause serious irritation if used with vitamin C. AHAs and BHAs can even change the pH balance of your serum and render it useless. If you plan on using any of these ingredients, consider using them at night and applying your vitamin C in the morning. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

How much to use

A little goes a long way — which is great news, since many vitamin C serums are on the pricey side. Using 2 to 4 drops, or 1 to 2 pumps of creamy serum is all you need to cover your face. (Believe it or not, you can use too much. If you start to notice an increase in blackheads, ease up.)

Pro tip

Check your serum’s use-by date. If your product looks darker or changes color over time, the vitamin C in it has likely oxidized, which means it doesn’t pack the same punch.

The bottom line

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help even out skin tone, diminish hyperpigmentation, reduce the signs of aging, and help protect your skin from photodamage and environmental stressors.

Adding this skin care superstar to your regimen in the form of a powerful serum can really help you get your glow on. Apply it after your toner, but before your moisturizer.

Vitamin C is powerful stuff, so be sure to follow the instructions on the label. If you’re sensitive, do a patch test before you slather it on your whole face. If you notice your serum change color over time, that means it’s oxidizing and losing its potency. But don’t stress: there’s a serum for nearly every budget and skin concern.

from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/2WrwtXd

“Alexa, Did I Take My Birth Control?”: Nurx Adds Pill Reminder to Amazon Alexa

from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/3mdbxMz

The Magic Pill Is The Way

For years, I’ve been saying there is no magic pill.

But, maybe I was wrong.

The magic pill is recognizing the magic pills. And avoiding them.

When you see or hear any “expert” claiming to have identified a single problem that will solve all of your issues, that’s when you know the approach is wrong.

With so many people blaming everything from fat to carbs, hormones to toxins, inflammation and dairy, animal foods, and sugar — it becomes an easy threshold to separate the shortsighted from the beneficial. If you listened to them all, you wouldn’t be able to eat anything.

Weight loss, muscle gain, and general health are complicated. There are rules and habits that will get you there. But, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all.

Learn to see the magic pills (and avoid them) and you’ll have less stress and, hopefully, better health.

The post The Magic Pill Is The Way appeared first on Born Fitness.

from Blog – Born Fitness https://ift.tt/3oeg0Bk

These 6 CBD Oils Say They Can Keep Joint Pain Away

What makes CBD one of the hot new kids on the #wellness block? Research suggests that it can ease anxiety, kick inflammation to the curb, and even relieve pain.

Convenience is also a factor for this Cannabis sativa compound. There’s a CBD product for pretty much every preference, including pills, creams, and oils. And — this is a biggie — CBD doesn’t make you feel high like its counterpart THC does.

But does CBD have the right kind of potency to deal with something like joint pain? 

Can CBD actually help with joint pain?

Short answer: probably.

While researchers are still trying to figure out the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — that’s your body’s cell-signaling system — experts think CBD interacts with the ECS receptors in your bod. 

When certain receptors get chemical signals, they communicate with your cells to produce effects, such as decreasing inflammation to help reduce swelling and pain. So, it’s likely that CBD works similarly and can help with chronic pain issues like arthritis. 

However, most of the studies on CBD for joint pain have been done on animals. A 2016 study involving rats with arthritis found that a daily application of CBD gel helped reduce joint pain and inflammation.

The dose found to be effective was 6.2 milligrams (mg). Higher doses also helped, but they didn’t produce more pain relief (or any more side effects, for that matter).

A 2020 study found that some people in palliative care get pain relief from using topical CBD. 

And, of course, loads of people claim that CBD helps with joint pain. But those anecdotal reports aren’t enough to say for sure that CBD is a legit treatment for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

More human studies will give experts more insight into how CBD actually interacts with the ECS and whether it’s a good option for joint pain relief. But for now, there’s enough evidence to be optimistic.

Taking the time to find a medicinal product that works for you can totally be worth it if it means you spend fewer hours of your life in pain. 

To help you in your search, we’ve rounded up some of the best CBD products out there that can be used for joint pain.

Best CBD products for joint pain

1. Best overall CBD oil for joint pain: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
2. Best organic CBD oil for joint pain: Zion Medicinals Spagyric Hemp Oil
3. Best CBD massage oil for joint pain: Lazarus Naturals CBD Body + Massage Oil
4. Best high potency CBD oil for joint pain: FabCBD CBD Oil
5. Best CBD isolate oil for joint pain: Liftmode Hemp Pure CBD Isolate Oil Tincture
6. Best unflavored CBD oil for joint pain: Sunsoil Regular Strength CBD Oil

How we chose the best CBD joint pain fighters

Here’s the thing: The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate CBD the same way as other products (such as prescription drugs and OTC medications), which means it can get a little dicey out there. 

Lots of companies make wild-AF claims about their products — this isn’t technically allowed, but it’s easy to do in a market that’s full to the brim.

We selected the products on our list based on criteria established by our fab team of medical experts. To make the cut, a product had to:

• come from U.S.-grown hemp (because hemp grown in the U.S. is subject to agricultural regulations)
• be made by a company that tests products in an ISO 17025-compliant lab and provides proof that they do so
• contain less than 0.3 percent THC, which can be verified on the certificate of analysis (COA)
• contain no heavy metals, molds, or pesticides, according to the COA

We also looked at:

• any certifications a company has
• company manufacturing processes
• product potency 
• ingredients 
• signs that a brand is trustworthy and has a good rep, such as:
  • positive customer reviews
  • no FDA warning letters in the past
  • no wild health claims in sight

FYI: Some topical CBD products also contain beneficial ingredients like menthol and arnica, which have been known to have cooling or warming effects that some people find soothing. 

Pricing guide

• $ = under $25
• $$ = $25–$50
• $$$ = over $50

6 best CBD oils for joint pain

Best overall CBD oil for joint pain: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil 

• Price: $$$
• CBD type: full-spectrum 
• Potency: 1,800 mg per bottle
• COA: available online

Yes, Charlotte’s Web is a tearjerker of a movie and book. It’s also a legit CBD company that uses U.S. Hemp Authority-certified hemp.

This full-spectrum oil is swimming with goodies like flavonoids, terpenes, and phytocannabinoids. And it’s available in four flavors: olive oil, mint chocolate, lemon twist, and orange blossom. Yum! 

Sure, it’s pricey, but the combo of quality ingredients and a high potency formula is a no-brainer, TBH. 

Reviewers say the oil has a great taste and is effective for a variety of ailments. And the customer service is A-OK too.  

Buy Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil online

Best organic CBD oil for joint pain: Zion Medicinals Spagyric Hemp Oil

• Price: $$–$$$
• CBD type: full-spectrum
• Potency: available in 250, 500, 750, or 1,500 mg 
• COA: available online

This CBD oil is a perfect pick if you’re a stickler for natural ingredients. Zion sources organic hemp from U.S. farms. 

The brand also uses ethanol extraction to pull all the beneficial compounds from the plant, including terpenes. They then reuse the plant waste matter in a process called spagyric alchemy, which some cannabis pros claim increases the bioavailability of the resulting oil. 

There are only a handful of reviews for this oil, but several customers say it’s highly effective. One reviewer claims it helps them sleep better, while another complains that the oil tastes more chemical than earthy. 

Buy Zion Medicinals Spagyric Hep Oil online

Best CBD massage oil for joint pain: Lazarus Naturals CBD Body + Massage Oil

• Price: $–$$$
• CBD type: full-spectrum
• Potency: available in 500, 2,000, or 4,000 mg
• COA: available on product page

While popping a CBD capsule or ingesting CBD oil can provide some great full-body effects, you may prefer to apply it right at the site of your pain. 

Topicals like this CBD massage oil from Lazarus Naturals are excellent for targeting specific aches and pains in the joints.

And while potentially soothing your aching joints, this product also nourishes your skin with jojoba and sweet almond oil. A total win-win.

The brand uses U.S.-grown hemp to make their CBD products, massage oil included.

While there are still only a few reviews of this particular Lazarus product, every single one raves about the oil’s effectiveness, consistency, and ease of use. It gets particularly big props for being highly moisturizing and not leaving a sticky residue. 

Buy the Lazarus Naturals CBD Body + Massage Oil online

Best high potency CBD oil for joint pain: FAB CBD CBD Oil

• Price: $$–$$$
• CBD type: full-spectrum
• Potency: available in 300, 600, 1,200, or 2,400 mg
• COA: available on the lab reports page

FAB CBD uses Colorado-grown help to make their CBD products. This oil is available in multiple potencies, up to 2,400 mg. Woweee!

The simple ingredient list includes MCT oil and CBD. That’s it. The oil also comes in five flavors: natural, citrus, mint, vanilla, and berry. 

What else? The oil has more than 9,000 positive reviews from happy customers. People call it helpful and tasty. Many reviewers also note that the oil is a great value. The negative reviews are mostly from folks who purchased the lower-potency 300-mg bottle and say they probably needed a higher dose. 

Buy FAB CBD Oil online

Best CBD isolate oil for joint pain: Liftmode Hemp Pure CBD Isolate Oil Tincture

• Price: $$
• CBD type: isolate
• Potency: 1,500 mg per bottle
• COA: available on the COA page

If you’re iffy on the idea of ingesting anything with THC, an isolate product like this one from Liftmode Hemp might be a good option.

The mint-flavored oil has a refreshing taste and zero THC. Plus, the brand has a rad reputation and an impressive A+ Better Business Bureau rating. They also use organic hemp sourced from farms near Chicago. 

Reviewers like the taste, and a few even say the oil helped reduce inflammation, arthritis pain, and back pain. 

Buy Liftmode Help Pure CBD Isolate Oil Tincture online

Best unflavored CBD oil for joint pain: Sunsoil Regular Strength CBD Oil

• Price: $$$
• CBD type: full-spectrum
• Potency: 1,200 mg per bottle
• COA: available on product page

Like the earthy taste of CBD? Sunsoil’s product contains no additional flavors, so you get the whole aromatic hemp experience each time you take a dropper serving. 

The only two ingredients (MCT oil and CBD) are organic. The formula is also gluten-free and vegan. And Sunsoil sources hemp from their own organic farms in Vermont. Plus, they custom-breed their seeds and hand-harvest the hemp. 

What do we love most? The company pays seasonal workers $20 an hour to help with the harvest. 

People love the clean flavor of this CBD oil and say it produces noticeable results. Many also appreciate the reasonable price point.   

Buy Sunsoil Regular Strength CBD Oil online

Pros and cons of using CBD topicals

Here are some general upsides and downsides to using CBD topicals.

Pros

• They’re easy to apply. Just rub them into the skin where you’re hurting, and voila! You can reapply as needed without waiting too long in between applications.
• They hydrate and nourish your skin. Pain relief and soft, supple skin? That’s what we’re talking about! Most topical CBD products contain plenty of skin-friendly ingredients, so they do double duty. 
• They can provide targeted results. While ingested CBD products provide full-body effects, creams, salves, and lotions offer targeted relief, so you can spot-treat your joint pain. 

Cons

• Their effects can be limited. Since CBD isn’t absorbed into your bloodstream, it poses a lower risk of side effects and interactions than ingested products. But that also means the CBD doesn’t interact fully with your ECS. Your skin has ECS receptors, but don’t expect full-body effects from topicals.
• They may cause skin reactions. Folks with sensitive skin, beware! Putting stuff on your skin is a bit of a gamble. Check ingredient lists carefully before slathering on CBD topicals. And do a patch test to check for signs of irritation. 

How you should be using CBD for joint pain

Most products have clear dosing instructions on the label, but before you go rubbing topicals on your body, make sure to do a patch test. If you break out in hives, notice redness, or feel itchy, put that sh*t away. 

Even if a product has dosing info, how much you use is hella personal. You might find relief with a nickel-size dollop. At the same time, someone else might need multiple applications to feel any noticeable effects.

But make sure to wait a while before you reapply — CBD can take some time to work. 

The safety and side effects of CBD

It’s time for the obligatory safety talk.

Research makes it pretty clear that CBD is unlikely to cause major (or even minor) side effects. 

And, aside from causing the occasional skin reaction, topicals are even less likely to piss off your body. BUT that doesn’t mean adverse reactions are impossible.

Some people may experience the following side effects from using CBD:

• diarrhea 💩
• weight changes
• changes in appetite
• fatigue 

Not the end of the world, but def something to keep in mind.

Another thing to stick in your memory bank: CBD can interact with certain medications, including those with a grapefruit warning. So it’s crucial to talk with your doc before trying CBD if you take any prescription meds, OTC meds, or supplements. 

What to consider when purchasing your own CBD

We hope we’ve made it pretty clear that shopping for quality CBD can be a headache if you’re not sure what to look out for. Here’s a quick rundown of what to keep at the front of your mind while deciding.

CBD type

Research into the “entourage effect” (no, not the HBO show) suggests that THC and CBD are better together than apart. What a love story!

This means that because full-spectrum products contain all the lovely compounds from the cannabis plant, THC included, they’re more likely to be effective against joint pain.

Don’t worry, though. There’s only a tiny bit of THC in full-spectrum CBD. And it’s not enough to get you 420-style high. 

Testing, testing

Is this mic on? Because we want to make it loud and clear that the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products — at least not the way you might think.

They can fire off warning letters to companies that are being #BadToTheBone, but some brands still love to try to skirt the rules and regs of the biz.

That’s why looking for products that are third-party lab tested is KEY. 

And don’t just look for a COA. That COA should be up to date and include all the pertinent details you need to make an informed decision before spending that cash.

Peep those ingredients 

Look for organically grown U.S. hemp. If a brand doesn’t specifically say where they get their hemp, that’s red flag city, baby!

Checking out the list of ingredients is also mega-important if you’re buying a topical and have allergies of any kind.

And if you’re searching for a topical CBD product for pain relief, you might want to look for ingredients like arnica or menthol, which can provide extra pain-soothing effects — although CBD creams and lotions can still be effective without these. 

The bottom line

More research is needed to suss out whether CBD can directly help with joint pain. But what we know so far is encouraging.

Does this mean CBD will totally cure your arthritis? No. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying for pain relief. 

Just make sure to be picky-choosy when selecting a CBD product. And run for the hills if you see a company making extravagant promises that they most definitely can’t keep. 

from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/3ij1vbu

Could CBD Aid Weight Loss? These 10 Products Make a Pretty Potent Case

In addition to the rise of medicinal marijuana usage, another cannabis product has been gaining popularity among natural remedy seekers looking to fly under the THC radar. That product is cannabidiol (CBD). 

CBD is an active compound in the Cannabis sativa plant. It differs from THC mainly in that it doesn’t produce the infamous psychoactive effects of marijuana. But the fact that CBD causes no high doesn’t mean it has no medicinal value.

Folks use CBD as a remedy for sleep problems, chronic pain and inflammation, stress, anxiety, and depression. And some have even turned to CBD to help with weight loss. While the jury is still out on how adding CBD to your daily routine influences weight loss, some evidence supports its use. 

Can CBD really help with weight loss?

Research on the correlation between CBD and weight loss is limited. However, there’s some information that links the two. 

A 2015 review of research on the relationship between chronic pain and obesity notes that the obesity and pain often coexist. In addition, disrupted sleep and depression have been linked to these conditions. 

Anecdotally, many people report that CBD products help alleviate their depression, sleep problems, and physical pain. Some studies also suggest that CBD can have these effects. 

A 2020 review notes that CBD may be effective for managing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes as a result of its effects on lipid and glucose metabolism.

These conditions are often associated with weight gain and obesity, so it stands to reason that if CBD can assist with these conditions, it may ultimately help with weight loss. 

But keep in mind that more large-scale studies are needed before we can draw any conclusions about these effects.

So, which CBD products could be most beneficial for weight loss, what should you look for, and how do you find them? Let’s answer those questions for you right here and now.

10 Best CBD products for weight loss

1. Best CBD product overall: NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
2. Best CBD product for beginners: Bluebird Botanicals Strawberry Margarita Flavored CBD Oil 
3. Best CBD oil: Bluebird Botanicals Classic CBD Oil
4. Best CBD cream or lotion: Cornbread CBD Lotion Skin Formula
5. Best CBD gummy or capsule: Hawaiian Choice Fruit Jellies
6. Best CBD product for pain or inflammation: Plant People Soothe+ Balm
7. Best CBD product for stress, anxiety, and/or depression: Plant People Drops+ Mind + Body
8. Best CBD product for sleep or relaxation: NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Capsules
9. Best full-spectrum CBD product: Absolute Nature CBD Full Spectrum 1,000mg CBD Oil Drops/Tincture
10. Best broad-spectrum CBD product: Joy Organics Tranquil Mint Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture

How we made our CBD product picks

Our selected goodies come from a group of more than 200 CBD products, including oils, creams, and gummies. We scored each product using four main criteria:

• medical accuracy and integrity
• objective indicators of trust
• industry and ethical standards
• company reputation

We also considered these factors:

• product type
• potency
• customer reviews
• price

The items on this list were among the highest-ranking based on our scoring guide. They provide a well-rounded view of CBD products on the market and the spectrum of benefits they offer.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $30
• $$ = $30–$70
• $$$ = over $70

The 10 best CBD products for weight loss

Here’s a closer look at our fave CBD product choices for peeps looking to add CBD to their weight loss routine.

Best overall CBD product: NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil

• Price: $$$
• Type: full-spectrum
• Potency: 30 milligrams (mg) per serving

This is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile product. Its ingredients include full-spectrum hemp extract and organic virgin hemp seed oil derived from organic, safe, and regulated hemp grown in the Rocky Mountains. It’s free of harsh chemicals, is a concentrated source of CBD, and contains CBC, CBG, and CBN cannabinoids.

This hemp CBD oil checks all the boxes and scored exceptionally well during our selection process. It’s organic, ethically sourced and marketed, and third-party lab tested, and the customer service ranks among the highest in the industry. 

How it could help with weight loss: Customers recommend the product for various ailments, and they rave about the speed of delivery. Additionally, because people find that it helps with sleep and pain management, it could contribute to weight loss goals.

Some reviewers ding this product for its unpleasant taste, but you can easily cover that up by adding it to a flavored drink. 

All in all, this hemp CBD oil provides the best bang for your buck while checking all the business and ethical boxes too.

Buy NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil

Best CBD product for beginners: Bluebird Botanicals Strawberry Margarita Flavored CBD Oil

• Price: $
• Type: broad-spectrum
• Potency: 10 mg per serving

If you’re new to the world of CBD, this oil is a great place to start. With a delicious flavor, low potency, an unbeatable price, and undetectable levels of THC, it offers all the potential benefits of CBD oil while being easy on your wallet. 

This product is third-party lab tested for pesticides, mycotoxins, microbiology, heavy metals, and residual solvents.

Customers rave about the taste, and one review mentions an almost instant feeling of calm. The low potency allows consumers to ease into a CBD routine and adjust slowly to the effects, and the low cost makes it relatively risk-free. 

How it could help with weight loss: This product is sugar-free, so it wouldn’t be counterproductive if cutting sugar is part of your weight loss approach. 

Buy Bluebird Botanicals Strawberry Margarita Flavored CBD Oil

Best CBD oil: Bluebird Botanicals Classic CBD Oil

• Price: $
• Type: full-spectrum
• Potency: 5 mg per serving

When it comes to oils, the Classic CBD Oil by Bluebird Botanicals reigns supreme. For the price, its potency and quality make it an excellent choice. The ingredients — full-spectrum hemp extract and cold-pressed organic virgin hemp seed oil — are wholly natural and ethically sourced. 

Every Bluebird Botanicals product is third-party lab accredited and contains an entourage of natural components intended to make your consumer experience as positive as possible. Maybe that’s why it scored among the highest in our rankings. 

This CBD oil maintains a 5-star review average. Reviewers swear by the product for improving sleep, anxiety, and depression, as well as for natural pain relief.

How it could help with weight loss: Weight loss could be a byproduct of improved sleep, less pain, and reduced depression and anxiety. Although some consumers report an unpleasant taste, this product comes highly recommended for its vast array of potential benefits. 

Buy Bluebird Botanicals Classic CBD Oil

Best CBD cream or lotion: Cornbread CBD Lotion Skin Formula

• Price: $$
• Type: full-spectrum
• Potency: 500 mg

Cornbread makes CBD Lotion Skin Formula from its trademark flower-only hemp extract, combined with organic lemongrass, eucalyptus, and rosemary to enhance the aroma and relieve dry skin. The product is also USDA Certified Organic and provides complete cannabis compound support as a full-spectrum lotion.

We placed this CBD lotion in the top 10 percent of products reviewed. It scored max points in almost all categories. The certificates of analysis (CoAs) are readily available on Cornbread’s user-friendly website, and the Kentucky-based company is super transparent about all of its ingredients and manufacturing processes. 

Customer reviews for this product are stellar. Most consumers use this CBD lotion for joint and muscle aches or chronic pain. However, some report using it for migraine pain and as a sleep aid. 

How it could help with weight loss: This product may aid muscle recovery after exercise as part of a weight loss program.

Buy Cornbread CBD Lotion Skin Formula

Best CBD gummy or capsule: Hawaiian Choice Fruit Jellies

• Price: $
• Type: broad-spectrum
• Potency: 25 mg each

Some people prefer to take CBD as gummies or capsules. If this is the route you’re taking, look no further than Hawaiian Choice Fruit Jellies. Each jelly contains one 25-mg serving of hemp CBD, and they’re flavored naturally with Hawaiian passion fruit, pineapple, and turmeric. Bonus: They’re vegan, so even those avoiding animal products can partake.

One of the best qualities of this company is that it sources all ingredients locally and sustainably, and its products are lab-tested for total transparency. Hawaiian Choice is also involved with a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to young people with disabilities.

How it could help with weight loss: These jellies may provide stress relief and muscle relaxation. Stress can often lead to overeating or slowing of metabolism, either of which can be detrimental to weight loss efforts. The muscle relaxation effect may also benefit consumers who are physically active and exercise regularly.

Buy Hawaiian Choice Fruit Jellies

Best CBD product for pain or inflammation: Plant People Soothe+ Balm

• Price: $$
• Type: full-spectrum
• Potency: 515 mg

Plant People’s Soothe+ Balm is an all-purpose salve that relieves aching muscles and joints. It’s a full-spectrum product, which means it may provide the entourage effect of active cannabis compounds. Plus, it includes active botanicals like peppermint and camphor that promote healthy circulation to stiff or achy areas of the body.

This brand has excellent customer support. Additionally, the Plant People website provides resources and a wealth of information to guide consumers to the product that will be most beneficial for them. This level of education and transparency is valuable when shopping for suitable cannabis products.

How it could help with weight loss: Plant People markets the balm for muscle soreness, mobility issues, athletic sprains and bruises, and circulation concerns. Customer reviews highlight the product’s ability to relieve pain and swelling, and many mention that it allows them to be more active in their exercise programs, which may aid weight loss. 

Buy Plant People Soothe+ Balm

Best CBD product for stress, anxiety, and depression: Plant People Drops+ Mind + Body

• Price: $$
• Type: full-spectrum
• Potency: 21 mg per serving for the “standard” concentration (also available in “starter” and “strong” concentrations)

The Mind + Body drops by Plant People are a terrific choice for consumers looking for both mental and physical balance.

These drops contain full-spectrum hemp extract that spotlights ingredients like CBD, CBG, CBL, and three different terpenes. Combining these specific compounds may promote healthy internal and external responses to stress and support for inflammation, circulation, cognition and creativity, adrenal rejuvenation, and brain function. 

Plant People maintains an excellent reputation in the medicinal cannabis industry by upholding standards of transparency; high quality, all-natural ingredients; and customer support.

The Mind + Body drops are one of the brand’s most popular products because they may address a wide variety of ailments. Consumers report feelings of clarity and calmness, improved sleep, and increased comfort in social situations after using this product.

How it could help with weight loss: This product may address some of the psychological barriers to weight loss, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, thereby allowing your mind and body to work together toward weight loss goals.

Buy Plant People Drops+ Mind + Body

Best CBD product for sleep or relaxation: NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Capsules

• Price: $$$
• Type: full-spectrum
• Potency: 30 mg per serving

NuLeaf also makes a CBD capsule formulated to support sleep and relaxation. The capsule is a softgel made from a whole plant extract and may provide the benefits of a full-spectrum entourage effect. All the ingredients are plant-based.

The company upholds high quality standards and transparency through third-party lab testing. At any time, you can look up your specific item’s batch and obtain the lab results. NuLeaf also has a unique method of CO₂ extraction that produces a more naturally potent product without any chemical solvents. 

How it could help with weight loss: The customer reviews for these CBD capsules mention that they help improve sleep quality, relieve pain, and reduce appetite. Lack of sleep is often detrimental to weight loss and is linked to obesity, so getting better sleep may contribute to weight loss.

Buy NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Capsules

Best overall full-spectrum CBD product: Absolute Nature CBD Full Spectrum 1,000mg CBD Oil Drops/Tincture

• Price: $$$
• Type: full-spectrum
• Potency: 33 mg per serving

While many of the products listed here are full-spectrum, this oil may be the best full-spectrum choice. It has the highest potency per serving of all items on the list, plus 5 to 10 mg of additional cannabinoids. Absolute Nature makes the full-spectrum oil from minimally processed, all-natural Colorado-grown hemp.

This product earned a top score thanks to its status as USDA Certified Organic, cGMP certified, and 100% natural. In addition, its potency and natural whole-plant composition may provide safe and quick results for consumers.

From growing to harvesting to bottling to consumption, the manufacturer adheres to the highest industry standards to provide you with a top product.

How it could help with weight loss: The customer reviews mention various benefits, including chronic pain relief, improved sleep, improved mental clarity, reduced stress and anxiety, and increased energy. These effects may assist with weight loss.   

Buy Absolute Nature CBD Full Spectrum 1,000mg CBD Oil Drops/Tincture

Best overall broad-spectrum CBD product: Joy Organics Tranquil Mint Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture

• Price: $$$
• Type: broad-spectrum
• Potency: 30 mg per serving

If you prefer a broad-spectrum CBD product, this tincture is a high quality choice. It contains no THC, and the CBD comes from organic broad-spectrum hemp extract that works alongside organic olive oil and peppermint essential oil. 

Joy Organics products are USDA Certified Organic and provide the whole gamut of product information, including third-party lab testing and analysis. In addition, the website is user-friendly, allowing consumers to obtain vital information to help them choose the best cannabis product for them.

Most reviews of this tincture focus on overall wellness. Many customers report specific benefits, but most report using the product for general mind and body health with bonuses of pain and sleep management.

How it could help with weight loss: This product seems to support consumers in living an active, healthy lifestyle, which bodes well for those hoping to lose weight.

Buy Joy Organics Tranquil Mint Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture

Pros and cons of using CBD topicals

Using CBD oils and creams for weight loss purposes has both benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to consider these and discuss options with a healthcare professional before starting to use CBD. 

The potential benefits of adding CBD to your weight loss regimen include relaxation, improved sleep, and improved management of anxiety, depression, and pain. If you experience any of these issues, CBD may help address them. And this boost in your mental and physical well-being could help your weight loss efforts.

As with most weight loss supplements, the main con of CBD is that simply adding it to your daily routine won’t likely produce results. But using CBD in conjunction with a diet and exercise plan may help with weight loss. 

Additionally, some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, the chemical compound in cannabis that produces psychoactive effects. Though it’s unlikely, you may experience some effects from the THC, depending on the type of CBD product you use.

You might consider this either a benefit or a drawback, but either way, it’s valuable information to know.

Is CBD completely safe?

At this time, there are no known safety hazards for the use of CBD alone. But some products may contain other ingredients that could cause reactions.

The vast majority of CBD products have wholly natural and organic ingredients. After all, eliminating chemicals is part of the appeal of using CBD products. Still, while these plant-based products are typically safe to use, they may sometimes lead to side effects such as:

• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• hunger
• mild psychoactive effects, depending on the THC content 

As with any supplement that’s new to you, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional before consuming or applying it. 

Is there a right way to use CBD products?

Product directions vary, but generally, CBD products follow a similar plan for use:

• Oils and tinctures. It’s recommended to start with the lowest dose and gradually increase as you get used to the product. Consider taking drops once a day at first and then adding a second dose if desired or necessary. You can take drops directly or put them in a beverage. The droppers usually hold 10 mg — be sure you know the dosage of your particular product so you take the correct amount. 
• Cream or lotion. Apply it wherever you’re experiencing pain or soreness. Apply the cream in the morning and before bed at first. You could also apply it after exercising as a tool for recovery. 
• Gummies. Take them as directed on the packaging, typically 1 gummy daily, before bed. Gummies usually contain 1 dose per serving.

What to consider when making your own CBD choices

You’ve already done some of the work to narrow down your search by deciding to try CBD to aid in your weight loss journey. 

The following considerations will help you make a safe, informed choice on the CBD product that’s right for you.

Certificate of Analysis

Any CBD product worth its salt will have a CoA from a third party that essentially verifies that the product is what it claims to be. 

The CoA is a scientific document that vouches for the product’s quality, potency, and levels of CBD and other cannabis compounds and indicates any possible contamination that may have occurred in production. 

If a CBD product or manufacturer does not provide a CoA, don’t use it. 

Types of CBD, potency, and products

There are three types of CBD products: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. 

Isolate productss contain only the CBD compound. Broad-spectrum products contain CBD, CBC, CBN, and terpenes from the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum products contain these compounds, but they also have trace amounts of THC. 

Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products may offer the entourage effect, meaning that they contain compounds that work together. Therefore, full-spectrum products may provide the most benefits because they have the most active agents. That’s the theory, anyway.

Potency is another consideration. All CBD products should list the potency in milligrams per serving on the bottle. As with any new product, it’s best to start with a low potency and increase it as you adjust to its effects. 

Lastly, there’s a plethora of CBD products available, such as topical creams and lotions, oils and tinctures, gummies and fruit jellies, and vapors. Choose according to your preference and what works best for you.

Other ingredients

Some CBD products contain other ingredients such as chemical additives or flavorings, but part of the allure of CBD products is that they’re all-natural. As such, products with chemical additives seem counterintuitive. 

However, flavored oils and gummies are popular among those who don’t like the taste of CBD by itself. But of course you can always check the CoA to make sure these flavorings are natural. 

Essential oils are another type of ingredient often added to CBD products. These contribute to taste and aroma or are used to dilute the concentration of CBD in an oil or cream. Although they’re typically natural and safe, always read the ingredients list to make sure you don’t have any allergies to them.

The bottom line

CBD products may help address various health conditions and potentially aid in weight loss. 

There’s limited research to support CBD’s direct involvement in weight loss, but it may help alleviate conditions linked to issues with weight management, such as stress and sleep problems.

With this in mind, we used a rigorous ranking process to select the products on this list and suggest the safest methods for adding CBD to your weight loss efforts.

from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/3ikGr4p