While many cannabidiol (CBD) products have gained popularity in a short time due to the range of health benefits they provide, hemp creams, in particular, are also becoming popular for treating skin conditions like eczema and acne. Being non-psychoactive, hemp creams are considered safe, and are used to help people maintain soft, supple skin.
Hemp creams that can be applied directly to the skin are designed for treating common ailments and joint pain. However, with a wide variety of hemp creams available on the market, choosing the right product can be confusing.
When purchasing a hemp cream, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you receive a high-quality product that works optimally for your needs.
In this article, we will discuss some tips for when you are searching for the right hemp cream.
1. Check Out the Quality of the Hemp Used
The first thing to keep in mind is that CBD products can vary widely in quality. This is because they’re not all produced from the best hemp. To know the quality of a hemp cream, first find out where the hemp was grown and in what conditions.
Hemp cream made from plants grown in the United States in nutrient-rich soil, without the use of pesticides, are generally the best quality. Creams made from naturally grown hemp are therefore likely to be a high-quality product.
In a process called phytoremediation, the hemp soaks up everything from the soil. When chemicals are used during the growth process, the harvest may include several toxins that can ultimately cause more harm than good to your body. Conversely, when hemp is cultivated on nutrient-rich soil, it has the chance to soak up a range of nutrients, and can be a rich source of several vitamins and minerals.
2. Look at the Extraction Method
How the hemp oil is extracted has a major impact on the final product. There are several extraction methods, such as CO2 extraction, olive oil extraction, solvent-based extraction, and dry ice extraction.
For the best quality hemp oil, look for a product that uses the CO2 extraction method. This method is the safest way to extract hemp oil, and the oil procured is pure and potent.
CO2 extraction is safe because it’s a natural process that ensures the extracted oil is rich in cannabinoids, flavonoids, and other nutrients found in the hemp plant. Olive oil extraction and dry ice extraction are also good methods for hemp oil extraction.
However, make sure you don’t buy a product that uses the solvent-based extraction method. Since this method can use harmful chemicals for the extraction process, the products may also contain traces of these chemicals. Though these products may be less expensive when compared to products that use the CO2 extraction method, the hemp oil might not be of good quality.
3. Choose Creams Made from Broad Spectrum CBD
CBD creams available in the market fall into two categories: broad-spectrum and isolate. While a broad-spectrum CBD product will contain the extracts of several nutrient compounds found in the cannabinoid plant, an isolate product is made from pure CBD oil that doesn’t contain other nutrients found in the cannabinoid plant.
Since broad-spectrum hemp creams contain several beneficial compounds that work together to provide effective healing, they’re preferred over products made from a CBD isolate. A broad-spectrum hemp cream will include over 100 types of cannabinoids, several terpenes, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids.
Since the extraction process follows set guidelines, the CBD oil produced may contain very small traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or no THC at all. The maximum amount of THC legally allowed in a product is 0.3%. However, if you want a product with no THC, make sure you check the product level to confirm the THC content.
4. Choose a Hemp Cream That is Third-Party Lab Tested
As with all CBD products, hemp creams don’t have a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved guideline for quality assurance. This makes third-party lab testing essential for hemp products. Third-party lab testing means that the product has been tested by a lab that has no vested interest in the company or product, thus ensuring that the results are reliable.
Compliance measures include testing of contaminants such as metals, chemical solvents, and pesticides, as well as the potency of THC levels and the overall quality of the product. These tests also measure the level of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other trace elements in a product. This helps determine how effective the product may be.
A reputable company with loyal customers often displays the third-party lab results for their products. Not only does this provide transparency for their products, but it can also enable them to build trust with their customers.
Reputable companies are always willing to answer your queries and alleviate doubts. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly. A prompt response that addresses your concerns and provides clarification is a sign that the company genuinely knows their products.
5. Choose a Product That Doesn’t Contain Additives
When choosing a hemp cream, make sure that you buy something that only has hemp extract and a base carrier. Avoid buying products with artificial colors, scents, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Since various creams are created for different purposes, it’s best to know which type of hemp cream will correctly address your skin concern. For example, if you’re looking to keep your skin soft and supple, opt for creams that support overall skin health.
Conclusion
Hemp oil creams are commonly used for skin health and have become popular due to their effectiveness. With several options available on the market, choosing the right product may be tricky.
However, following these tips and a small amount of research into each product can help you choose the right hemp cream for your needs. While choosing a cream, remember to find out where the hemp was grown and in what conditions.
Each part of the manufacturing process has a hand in the quality of the final product. Good hemp cream is ideally made from organically grown plants and does not contain THC. The hemp oil should be broad-spectrum, and processed using a mild CO2 extraction method. Finally, it should be tested by a third-party lab.