So many people see the CBD roll-on vs balm debate and assume they’re the same thing. Despite containing the same main ingredients to help ease discomfort, they’re very different as far as how they work in your self-care routine.
A CBD roll-on glides effortlessly over the skin, so you don’t actually get any CBD on your hands - unless you massage it in after the fact. They’re simpler and mess-free.
On the other hand, CBD balms and creams are thicker formulas that you have to work into the skin with your hands. That’s not a bad thing, though. You get more control over exactly how much you use and where it goes.
Learn more below and find out which is right for you. Either way, Medterra has you covered with the best selection of CBD topicals online so you can feel relief fast!
Key Takeaways
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Topical CBD is the best way to ease pain in a specific area according to clinical trials.1
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A CBD roll-on offers fast, targeted application on smaller areas when you don’t want to get your hands covered.
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A CBD balm covers more of the body and lets you massage the product in for deeper absorption and relief.
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Both are a great way to ease discomfort, be it sore muscles or aching joints.
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Medterra has roll-ons and creams for any ailment. Shop the full selection!
Understanding CBD Topicals
Most people are familiar with CBD oil, or even CBD gummies. But topical CBD is in a league of its own when it comes to physical discomfort. You apply these products right where you’re hurting, be it your calves, your shoulders, your neck - literally anywhere that’s aching or sore.
The obvious difference is that the CBD works through the skin, whereas other forms (oils and gummies) work into the bloodstream for systemic effects. The topical stays local, so it only works where you apply it.
CBD is capable of interacting with receptors in the skin as well as the muscles and nerves beneath the application site.1 Participants in a 2020 controlled trial felt significantly less pain when using topical CBD.1
There’s no question that it works. The question is whether you should use a CBD roll-on vs balm. So, let’s get to the bottom of the debate below.
Benefits of a CBD Roll-On
These topicals use a ball applicator that glides directly over the skin so you never actually touch the product - unless you want to massage the area that’s hurting after the fact, which is common with sore muscles.
However, the roll-on is typically chosen when you don’t want your hands to come into contact with anything. It’s great for people with arthritis in their hands or limited grip strength.
It’s also just really convenient, especially for traveling. You can throw the roll-on in your luggage, gym bag, or desk drawer and never have to worry about anything “spilling.”
This is why our Pain Relief Roll-On is one of our best-sellers here at Medterra. It brings together 1000mg of CBD with menthol for fast, targeted cooling wherever you need it. Our Heating-Cooling Rapid Recovery Roll-On has extra CBD and a blend of essential oils like aloe, camphor, lavender, arnica, and menthol if you want something stronger.
Benefits of a CBD Balm
These thicker formulas are either scooped or pumped from a jar into the hand, and then applied to the skin. Whether you consider that extra step an advantage or a frustration will pretty much settle the whole CBD roll-on vs balm thing. Some people prefer working a balm into sore tissue, as this can increase blood flow and maximize the therapeutic effect.
Our Pain Relief Cream combines 1000mg CBD with 4% menthol and arnica if you prefer something a bit thicker and more flexible. It won Product of the Year for CBD Personal Care a few years back! We also have a Heating-Cooling Rapid Recovery CBD Cream if you want the same formula as our roll-on but in a cream form.
That’s one of the key takeaways from this CBD roll-on vs balm comparison - whichever side of the fence you fall on, Medterra has you covered with Mother Nature’s finest relief CBD formulas!
CBD Roll-On vs Balm: Which is Right For You?
You really can’t go wrong either way. Personally, our opinion is you should just try both and see which you prefer! But if you only want to pick one, ask yourself - how much area are you trying to cover? Roll-ons are better suited for smaller parts of the body. Creams give more coverage.
You can also narrow it down depending on your comfort level getting your hands messy. Roll-ons are great when you just want to apply the product and go on about your day without having to then go wash your hands, or spend a few minutes massaging the product into place.
Find the Right Topical CBD at Medterra!
Medterra is the #1 CBD store online, whether you end up going with a cream, roll-on, or even the classic choices like our CBD gummies and oils! We’ve helped millions of customers feel better by harnessing the power of cannabis.
Explore the full range of topicals, from basic pain relief formulas to more advanced heating/cooling systems. Pair your topical with our Max Relief Full Spectrum CBD Oil for internal support while you’re at it!
Tips on Using CBD Roll-Ons and Balms
No matter where you land on the CBD roll-ons and balms, it’s imperative that you know how to use them properly. Always start with clean, dry skin to maximize absorption. Otherwise, the CBD (and other good stuff) won’t work all the way into your skin.
Pressure matters with roll-ons. You want to press hard enough that you’re evenly coating the skin with enough of the product. Then, let it dry before putting on clothes (if need be).
As for balms, scoop a generous portion and cover the full afflicted area. Massage the balm in to help it absorb, but also to boost blood flow to the area. This can help stimulate a healing response.
You can apply topical CBD as needed, which is usually 2-3 times a day. Store all your topicals out of direct sunlight and in a climate-controlled space.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between CBD roll-ons and balms?
Roll-ons use a ball applicator, whereas balms require you to get your hands a little dirty (not literally, of course - CBD lotion is great!). They deliver the same therapeutic benefits, though.
Is there any THC in CBD topicals?
No. Our CBD topicals are 100% THC-free. We do have full-spectrum CBD if you’re looking for a little THC support, though. Even CBD topicals that do have THC can’t get you high, for what it’s worth.
Should I use a CBD roll-on or balm after a workout?
Yes! Our heating/cooling roll-ons and balms are a great way to ease sore muscles and joints, while supporting your recovery regimen.
Can I use both CBD topicals in the same routine?
For sure! Spot treat with a roll-on when there’s a very specific ailment or when you need fast relief on the go. Use creams/balms for deeper healing when you want to do some self-massage.
How much CBD is in a roll-on vs balm?
Our roll-ons have between 1,000-1,200mg of CBD. Our balms have up to 2,000 mg CBD per container.
How often do I need to use CBD topicals?
2-3 times a day. There’s really no such thing as “too much,” so settle into whatever rhythm makes sense.
What makes Medterra the #1 choice?
We’re a US Hemp Authority Certified brand, and we put every batch through third-party lab testing, so you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve. We have a product for every purpose, and with world-class customer service, finding the right fit is as easy as reaching out!
Related Resources
Difference between broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD | CBD topical vs oral
References
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Xu DH, Cullen BD, Tang M, Fang Y. The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2020;21(5):390-402. PubMed
