Posted On:
May 13, 2024
CBD Topical vs Oral: What’s the Difference?
Different forms of CBD products are available on the market. When it comes to choosing the right type of CBD-infused product for your needs, you might be a little bit confused. Apart from smoking or vaping CBD, two forms of CBD – topical and oral are particularly popular. So how you’re going to decide between topical and oral CBD? You must understand their differences, benefits, and drawbacks, right? To do this you must read about CBD topical vs oral.
For instance, topical CBD can be the right choice if you’re looking for targeted relief for sore muscles or joints. But if you’re seeking a holistic approach to wellness or dealing with generalized issues like stress or insomnia, oral CBD might be a better fit.
Today, in this article, we’ll compare these options (topical vs oral CBD) to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s begin!
What Are CBD Topicals?
CBD topicals are products infused with CBD that you can apply directly onto your skin. When you use CBD topicals, the CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your skin and provides targeted relief to specific areas of discomfort or tension. These products come in various forms, such as CBD rubs, creams, lotions, and balms. This makes it easy for you to add CBD to your skincare routine. Whether you’re dealing with sore muscles, joint pain, or skin conditions, CBD topicals offer a convenient and effective way to experience the benefits of CBD right where you need it.
Types of CBD Topicals
There are several types of CBD topicals available. Each offers unique benefits to your skin. Here is a list of diverse types of CBD topicals:
- CBD Creams: Creams are popular CBD topicals for their thick and luxurious textures. They are designed to provide deep hydration to the skin while delivering the beneficial properties of CBD. CBD-infused creams are ideal for those with dry or rough skin, as they help moisturize and nourish the skin. The most common ingredients of CBD creams are CBD, shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil, essential oils, and other herbal ingredients.
- CBD Lotions: Lotions are lighter in texture compared to creams which makes them ideal for those who prefer a more lightweight skincare product. CBD lotions are absorbed quickly into the skin and provide fast-acting relief to targeted areas without leaving greasy residue behind.
- CBD Balms or Rubs: CBD balms or rubs are thicker and more concentrated than creams or lotions. If you need intense hydration or targeted pain relief, it is ideal for you. Balms often contain rich, nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and beeswax, which help soothe dry, cracked skin while delivering the benefits of CBD.
- CBD Serums: Serums are lightweight fast-absorbing CBD topicals that are formulated to deliver potent concentrations of CBD and other beneficial ingredients deep into the skin. CBD serums are often infused with antioxidants, vitamins, and botanical extracts to help nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
What Is Oral CBD?
Oral CBD refers to CBD products that are consumed orally. There are two main methods of taking oral CBD: Sublingually and Ingestion. Sublingual administration means placing drops of CBD oil tinctures underneath your tongue and holding them for a short time before swallowing. This allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through mucous membranes in your mouth.
Ingestion, on the other hand, swallowing CBD capsules, gummies, or other edibles, which then pass through your digestive system before entering the bloodstream. Oral CBD products offer a convenient and effective way to experience the potential benefits of CBD.
Types of Oral CBD
- CBD Oil Tinctures: CBD oil tinctures are liquid extracts of CBD, infused with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil. They are administered by placing drops under the tongue and holding them there for a short time before swallowing. Tinctures offer a convenient and customizable way to consume CBD, as you can easily adjust the dosage based on your needs.
- CBD Capsules and Soft gels: CBD capsules and soft gels are pre-measured doses of CBD enclosed in gelatin or vegetarian capsules. You can ingest them orally with water providing a convenient and discreet way to consume CBD. Capsules and soft gels are ideal for those who prefer a consistent dosage or who don’t enjoy the taste of CBD oil.
- CBD Edibles: CBD Edibles include a variety of products such as CBD gummies, chocolates, cookies, and beverages infused with CBD. These tasty treats provide a delicious and enjoyable way to consume CBD.
- Other Forms: In addition to oil tinctures, capsules, and edibles, there are other forms of oral CBD products available, Including CBD-infused tablets, mints, and chewing gum. These products offer alternatives for those who prefer different methods of consumption or who have specific dietary preferences.
CBD Topicals Benefits and Uses
CBD topicals offer a range of benefits and uses that make them popular for many people. Here’s why they’re so great:
- Localized Relief: Topicals are excellent for targeting specific areas of discomfort, such as sore muscles or achy joints. When you apply a CBD topical directly to the skin, it works right where you need it most.
- Quick Absorption: These products are absorbed through the skin allowing the CBD to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the area. This means you can feel the effects relatively quickly, often within a minute of application.
- No Systemic Effects: Unlike oral CBD products, topicals don’t enter the bloodstream, so they won’t have widespread effects on your entire body. This makes them a great option if you want relief for a specific area without affecting the rest of your body.
- Moisturizing and Nourishing: As we said earlier, many CBD topicals contain moisturizing and nourishing ingredients like shea butter and essential oils, which can help hydrate and nourish your skin. Besides, according to research, creams that contain cannabis seed extracts can help you reduce oil production and redness. So, not only do they provide relief, but they also leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Ease of Use: Using CBD topicals is simple and convenient. Just apply the product directly to the affected area and massage it gently. You can use them as often as needed throughout the day.
Oral CBD Benefits and Uses
Oral CBD products like CBD tinctures, capsules, and gummies, offer a variety of benefits and uses that make them popular among users:
- Systemic Relief: One of the main benefits of oral CBD is its ability to provide systemic relief throughout the body. When ingested, CBD enters the bloodstream and interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various bodily functions like mood, sleep, appetite, and immune response. This means that oral CBD can offer relief for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, insomnia, and inflammation.
- Convenient Dosage: Oral CBD products typically come in pre-measured doses which make it easy to track and adjust your dosage as needed. Whether you love taking tinctures, capsules, or gummies, you can easily control how much CBD you consume.
- Long-Lasting Effects: Oral CBD may take longer to kick in compared to topicals. However, Its effects tend to last longer. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, CBD is metabolized by the liver and released gradually over time.
- Flexibility: Oral CBD products are versatile and can be easily integrated into your daily routine. You might prefer to take your CBD in the morning to promote focus and clarity or at night to support relaxation and sleep, there’s a product and dosage option to suit your liking.
CBD Topicals Drawbacks
CBD topicals offer many benefits. However, you should also consider some of their drawbacks as well. First of all, CBD topicals have low bioavailability. This means that only a small percentage of the CBD applied to the skin actually enters the bloodstream. This limits their effectiveness compared to oral or inhaled CBD products.
Again, while CBD topicals are great for targeting specific areas of discomfort, they only provide localized relief and do not offer systematic benefits like oral products. This indicates that they may not be as effective for conditions that need widespread relief.
Besides, in the case of topical CBD products, there is a probability that you may experience skin sensitivity or irritation. This can occur especially if the product contains additional ingredients or fragrances. This is why it is good practice to do a patch test before using any new skin products.
Oral CBD Drawbacks
Just like topical CBD products, oral CBD also has some drawbacks as well. To start with, oral CBD products have a “delayed onset of action”. It can take up to an hour or more for the effects to be felt as the CBD must pass through the digestive system and liver before entering the bloodstream.
Just like topicals, oral CBD has lower bioavailability compared to other administration methods like sublingual or inhalation. This means that a significant portion of the CBD is lost during digestion and metabolism.
Another drawback of oral CBD-infused products is that you might experience some side effects! The most common side effects are dry mouth, drowsiness, or gastrointestinal discomfort. But you shouldn’t let this make you feel worried. Because they are typically mild.
CBD Topical Vs Oral: Comparing Effectiveness
When it comes to comparing the effectiveness of CBD topicals and oral CBD, you should keep in mind that both these methods are effective in their own way. However, for comparison, consider their different mechanisms of action.
CBD topicals provide localized relief by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the skin. However, they have limited bioavailability and do not enter the bloodstream. This might result in less systematic effects. On the other hand, oral CBD products offer systematic benefits by entering the bloodstream and interacting with the endocannabinoid system more broadly.
While oral CBD has delayed onset compared to topicals, oral CBD products offer longer-lasting effects and may be more suitable for addressing your wellness concerns. In short, the choice between topical and oral CBD depends on your personal needs and preferences.
CBD Topical Vs Oral CBD: Comparative Table
Here's a simple comparative table outlining the differences between CBD topicals and oral CBD:
| Aspect | CBD Topicals | Oral CBD |
| Application | Applied externally to the skin |
Consumed orally |
| Targeted |
Provides localized relief |
Offers systemic effects |
| Onset of Action |
Immediate |
Delayed |
| Bioavailability |
Low |
Variable |
| Duration of Effects |
Short-lived |
Longer Lasting |
| Ease of Use |
Simple and Direct |
Convenient and Discreet |
| Dosage Control |
Easy to Control Dosage |
Requires Careful Dosing |
| Side Effects |
Minimal Risk of Systemic Side Effects |
May Cause Mild Side Effects |
| Common Production |
Creams, Lotions, Balms |
Tinctures, Capsules, Gummies |
Topical CBD Vs Oral CBD: Which Method Is Right for You?
Choosing between topical and oral CBD depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you’re dealing with localized discomfort, such as muscle soreness, or skin irritation, a CBD topical might be the right choice for you. These products offer immediate relief by directly targeting the affected area.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more generalized benefits, like stress relief or wellness support, oral CBD products could be more suitable. They provide systemic effects by entering the bloodstream and interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. So, always consider your desired outcomes and how you prefer to use CBD to determine which method is right for you.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, whether you choose CBD topicals or oral depends on what you’re looking for. Topicals are great for targeting a specific area quickly, like sore muscles or skin issues. Oral CBD, on the other hand, gives you extensive effects throughout your body, which can be helpful for your overall health. Think about what you need and how you want to use CBD to find the method that’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some relevant questions and answers related to “CBD topical vs Oral CBD.”
1. What Are the Main Differences Between CBD Topicals and Oral CBD Products?
Ans: The main difference between oral and topical CBD products lies in their application methods and effects. CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin and provide localized relief, while oral products are ingested and offer systemic effects throughout the body.
2. How Do I Decide Whether to Use CBD Topicals or Oral CBD
Ans: Deciding whether to use CBD topicals or oral CBD depends on your preference and needs. If you are looking for relief from physical pain, sore muscles, or skin conditions, applying topicals could be a better decision compared to consuming CBD products orally.
