CBD topicals have changed considerably over the past several years. What was once a relatively small category consisting mostly of low-strength lotions and balms has expanded into a wide range of creams, salves, gels, and other topical products.
One of the biggest differences between these products is potency.
Consumers can now find CBD creams containing anywhere from a few hundred milligrams to several thousand milligrams of CBD in a single container. That makes understanding concentration increasingly important, especially for people who have tried CBD topicals before and are considering moving to a higher-strength product.
But what does the number on a CBD cream actually mean?
Understanding CBD Cream Potency
The milligram number printed on a CBD topical generally represents the total amount of CBD contained in the entire product.
For example, a four-ounce container labeled 5,000mg contains 5,000 milligrams of CBD throughout the jar. A similarly sized 10,000mg product contains twice that concentration.
This distinction matters because two CBD creams can look nearly identical while delivering very different amounts of CBD with each application.
Consumers should therefore consider both the size of the container and the total amount of CBD rather than judging a product solely by packaging or price.
Why Have CBD Topicals Become Stronger?
Part of the shift toward higher-potency CBD products has been driven by experienced consumers.
Someone purchasing a CBD topical for the first time may be satisfied starting with a lower concentration. People who regularly use topical CBD, however, often become more interested in exactly how much CBD they’re getting with each application.
This has encouraged manufacturers to offer a much wider range of strengths.
Rather than simply applying larger quantities of a low-concentration cream, some consumers prefer using a smaller amount of a more concentrated formulation.
That doesn’t mean everyone needs an extremely potent product. It simply gives consumers more choices.
High-Potency Creams Aren’t Just About a Bigger Number
Concentration may get most of the attention, but it’s only one part of a good topical formulation.
Texture matters.
Absorption matters.
Ingredients matter.
Even scent can determine whether someone actually wants to use a product regularly.
A topical that’s extremely greasy or takes a long time to absorb can be inconvenient during the day. Likewise, some people enjoy the cooling sensation associated with menthol, while others prefer products without menthol or added fragrance.
These differences become especially important when a topical becomes part of someone’s regular wellness routine rather than something used only occasionally.
CBD and Other Cannabinoids
CBD also doesn’t have to be the only hemp-derived cannabinoid in a topical.
One cannabinoid increasingly appearing alongside CBD is CBG, or cannabigerol. Like CBD, CBG occurs naturally in hemp, although typically in much smaller concentrations.
As cannabinoid extraction and formulation have advanced, manufacturers have gained more flexibility in combining cannabinoids within topical products.
This is one reason reading the complete product description and third-party testing is important. The large CBD number on the front of the container doesn’t necessarily tell you everything about what’s inside.
An Example of How Strong CBD Creams Have Become
The increasing potency of today’s topicals is easy to see when comparing newer products with the CBD creams that were commonly available several years ago.
Some manufacturers now produce creams containing several thousand milligrams of CBD in a single jar.
Quiet Monk CBD, for example, produces a 10,000mg CBD and CBG lotion in a four-ounce container that also contains 1,000mg of CBG. Consumers can choose between an Original Natural formulation without menthol or a Cooling Ice version for those who prefer a cooling sensation.
The formulation also incorporates topical ingredients such as aloe, arnica oil, olive oil, and MCT oil.
Products at this concentration illustrate how much the CBD topical market has evolved. Consumers who once had relatively few choices can now compare not only brands but also cannabinoid concentration, formulation, texture, scent, and cooling characteristics.
Cooling or Non-Cooling?
Menthol is another feature worth considering when choosing a topical.
Cooling products remain popular because many people enjoy the sensation after physical activity or a demanding day. For some consumers, that cooling feeling is an important part of the experience. But menthol isn’t for everyone.
Someone using a CBD cream before going to work or before bed may prefer something without a noticeable cooling sensation or scent.
Neither formulation is necessarily better. It comes down to when, where, and how the product will be used.
This is why manufacturers offering both options can be helpful. Consumers can select the formulation that best fits their routine instead of choosing a product based solely on CBD concentration.
More CBD Doesn’t Automatically Mean Better
It’s tempting to assume that the highest milligram number must automatically be the best product.
That’s not necessarily the case.
A person who has never used a CBD topical may have very different requirements from someone who has incorporated one into a daily routine for years.
Application size also matters.
A concentrated product provides more CBD in a smaller amount of cream, which means consumers should pay attention to application recommendations instead of assuming they should use the same quantity they used with a weaker product.
The objective shouldn’t simply be finding the largest number printed on a jar.
It should be finding a concentration and formulation that make sense for the individual.
What to Look for Before Buying a CBD Cream
Regardless of potency, there are several things worth checking before purchasing a CBD topical.
Start with the basics: total CBD content and container size. This allows you to make a more meaningful comparison between products.
Next, look at the complete ingredient list. Consider whether the product contains menthol, fragrances, botanical oils, or other ingredients that may affect how it feels on the skin.
Consumers should also look for third-party laboratory testing whenever possible. Independent testing can provide additional information about cannabinoid content and help consumers better understand what they’re purchasing.
Finally, consider the manufacturer itself. Companies should make it relatively easy to understand what’s in their products, how they’re intended to be used, and how customers can contact them with questions.
Choosing Based on Your Own Routine
The expansion of the CBD topical market ultimately gives consumers something valuable: choice.
Some people want a simple lower-potency lotion for occasional use. Others prefer a concentrated cream that can be applied in smaller amounts to specific areas. Some want cooling menthol, while others specifically avoid it.
There isn’t one CBD cream that’s going to be ideal for every person.
Understanding potency simply makes it easier to compare the available options.
Instead of choosing a product because the packaging looks impressive or because it has the biggest milligram number, consumers can look at concentration, ingredients, formulation, testing, and how the product fits into their everyday routine.
As the CBD industry continues to mature, that kind of informed shopping is likely to become increasingly important.
