Best CBD Muscle Balm 2025: Athlete Recovery Must-Haves

Full Spectrum Relief CBD Cream

Full Spectrum Relief CBD Cream

  • Brand: Sunmed CBD
  • Price: $160.00
  • Coupon: XMAS15
Rank Product Price CBD mg Best For Rating Code
1 Floyd’s of Leadville Recovery Balm $45 1200mg per 2oz tin All-around muscle soreness and recovery 9.7/10 SAVVY15
2 Charlotte’s Web Balm $39.99 750mg per 1.75oz jar Everyday aches and pains 9.2/10 none this week
3 Lazarus Naturals Balm $24 50mg per 0.5oz Budget-friendly and effective relief 8.9/10 SAVVY20
4 CBDfx Muscle Balm $49.99 1000mg per 2oz jar Intense muscle soreness and pain 9.1/10 SAVVYFX
5 Medterra Pain Cream $34.99 500mg per 1.7oz tube Targeted pain relief, doctor recommended 8.7/10 SAVVYMED
6 Cornbread Hemp Balm $49.99 500mg per 1.7oz jar Organic and full-spectrum relief 8.5/10 none this week
7 Joy Organics Salve $32.95 500mg per 1oz tin Soothing and calming relief with a nice scent 8.3/10 JOYSAVVY

Best CBD Muscle Balm 2025: Athlete Recovery Must-Haves

Hi girl! Jess here from CBD Savvy Hub. As you know, I’m your friendly neighborhood CBD enthusiast (and accidental athlete, apparently). Today, we’re diving deep into the world of CBD muscle balms – the stuff that keeps me from hobbling around like an 80-year-old after chasing Cooper around the park.

Quick Jump

Let’s face it, life is hard on our bodies. Whether you’re a marathon runner, a CrossFit fanatic, or just someone who accidentally pulls a muscle reaching for the remote (guilty!), muscle soreness is a fact of life. That’s where CBD muscle balms come in. These little jars of magic can help soothe your aching muscles and get you back to doing what you love… or at least, back to unloading the dishwasher without screaming.

🥇 1. Floyd’s of Leadville Recovery Balm – Best Overall

Floyd’s of Leadville Recovery Balm is hands down my favourite. The high potency CBD, combined with Arnica, makes it a powerhouse for muscle recovery. This is the one I recommend to my husband all the time and keep stocked at home.

Photo: my messy desk with the Floyd’s balm, my half-empty iced coffee, and Cooper’s blurry nose trying to get in the shot

Price: $45
CBD mg: 1200mg per 2oz tin
Best For: All-around muscle soreness and recovery
Rating: 9.7/10
Code: SAVVY15

My Experience: I cracked this open on October 27th. Smells amazing, like peppermint and eucalyptus. Within 15 minutes, I could actually bend over without cursing. Cooper tried to lick it off my leg, which was… less amazing. Floyd’s updated their formula this year to include Arnica, which my mom swears by.

Pros:

  • High potency CBD
  • Added Arnica for enhanced relief
  • Pleasant scent
  • Third-party tested

Cons:

  • A bit pricey, but worth it imo

Get it now with code SAVVY15!

🥈 2. Charlotte’s Web Balm – Most Trusted

Charlotte’s Web is a brand I’ve trusted for years, and their balm is no exception. It’s a great option for everyday aches and pains.

Photo: Charlotte’s Web balm on my nightstand, next to my book

Price: $39.99
CBD mg: 750mg per 1.75oz jar
Best For: Everyday aches and pains
Rating: 9.2/10
Code: none this week

My Experience: I’ve been using Charlotte’s Web products for years; I trust their consistency. I opened this on November 5th, and the scent is very mild, almost undetectable. It took about 25 minutes to really kick in for my lower back pain. My husband uses this one after his crossfit workouts.

Pros:

  • Well-known and reputable brand
  • Good for general soreness
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Clean ingredients

Cons:

  • Lower potency than some other options

Check it out here!

🥉 3. Lazarus Naturals Balm – Best Value

If you’re looking for an effective CBD balm that won’t break the bank, Lazarus Naturals is the way to go. It’s surprisingly potent for the price.

Photo: Lazarus Naturals balm on my kitchen table, next to my laptop

Price: $24
CBD mg: 50mg per 0.5oz
Best For: Budget-friendly and effective relief
Rating: 8.9/10
Code: SAVVY20

My Experience: Got this as a sample and was surprised by how much I liked it. Unsealed on November 10th. The scent is subtle, kind of earthy. Kicked in after about 30 mins. My mom uses this one on her arthritic hands. Lazarus just announced a price drop on this balm, which is awesome.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Good for targeted relief
  • Variety of scents available

Cons:

  • Lower CBD concentration

Snag it with code SAVVY20!

4. CBDfx Muscle Balm – For Intense Relief

When my muscles are screaming for help, I reach for CBDfx Muscle Balm. The high potency and cooling effect provide serious relief.

Photo: me grimacing while applying the CBDfx balm to my sore legs after barre

Price: $49.99
CBD mg: 1000mg per 2oz jar
Best For: Intense muscle soreness and pain
Rating: 9.1/10
Code: SAVVYFX

My Experience: This is my go-to when I’m *really* hurting. Opened it mid-November after a particularly brutal barre class. It has a super strong menthol scent. Relief within 20 minutes. The cooling sensation is intense! CBDfx launched a THC-free version this year, which is great for athletes who get drug tested.

Pros:

  • High potency and strong cooling effect
  • Good for post-workout recovery
  • Contains other beneficial ingredients like menthol

Cons:

  • The menthol scent can be overpowering for some

Get yours with code SAVVYFX!

5. Medterra Pain Cream – Doctor Recommended

Medterra Pain Cream is a fast-absorbing cream that’s perfect for targeted pain relief. It’s also doctor-recommended, which is always a plus.

Photo: Medterra cream on my hand, ready to apply

Price: $34.99
CBD mg: 500mg per 1.7oz tube
Best For: Targeted pain relief, doctor recommended
Rating: 8.7/10
Code: SAVVYMED

My Experience: I like this one because it’s a cream, not a balm, so it absorbs super quickly. I cracked this open on November 20th. Light, pleasant scent. Took about 35 minutes to really notice a difference. This is the one my doctor suggested for my shoulder impingement. Their new formula includes lidocaine for added numbing!

Pros:

  • Fast-absorbing cream
  • Contains other pain-relieving ingredients
  • Doctor recommended

Cons:

  • May not be as moisturizing as a balm

Grab it with code SAVVYMED!

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6. Cornbread Hemp Balm – Best Organic

For those who prefer organic products, Cornbread Hemp Balm is a great choice. It’s made with certified organic ingredients and full-spectrum CBD.

Photo: Cornbread Hemp balm on my coffee table, next to my knitting project

Price: $49.99
CBD mg: 500mg per 1.7oz jar
Best For: Organic and full-spectrum relief
Rating: 8.5/10
Code: none this week

My Experience: If you’re all about organic, this is your balm. Opened it Thanksgiving Day. Has a slightly grassy scent. Relief took about 40 minutes to kick in. I use this one when I want something natural and gentle.

Pros:

  • Certified organic ingredients
  • Full-spectrum CBD
  • Good for sensitive skin

Cons:

  • Slightly higher price point

Shop now!

7. Joy Organics Salve – Soothing Scent

Joy Organics Salve is perfect for those who want a relaxing and calming experience along with their muscle relief. The lavender scent is divine!

Photo: Joy Organics salve on my bedside table with lavender essential oil

Price: $32.95
CBD mg: 500mg per 1oz tin
Best For: Soothing and calming relief with a nice scent
Rating: 8.3/10
Code: JOYSAVVY

My Experience: This salve smells amazing. Opened it December 1st. The lavender scent is so relaxing. It took about 30 minutes to feel the effects, but it’s very gentle and calming. I use it before bed. Joy Organics updated their packaging this year, it’s much cuter!

Pros:

  • Pleasant lavender scent
  • Good for relaxation and calming
  • Broad-spectrum CBD

Cons:

  • Lower potency for serious pain

Treat yourself with code JOYSAVVY!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to apply CBD muscle balm?

I always start with a small amount and rub it directly into the affected area. Make sure your skin is clean and dry first. Then, just massage it in for a few minutes until it’s absorbed. I usually apply it 2-3 times a day, or whenever I feel sore. Remember to wash your hands after application, unless you are treating your hands!

How long does it take for CBD muscle balm to work?

It varies from person to person, but I usually start feeling relief within 20-40 minutes. Factors like the potency of the balm and your individual body chemistry can affect how quickly it works. For me, Floyd’s of Leadville worked the fastest, probably because of the high CBD concentration.

Can I use CBD muscle balm every day?

Yes, you can! I use it pretty much every day after my workouts (or after tweaking my back doing dishes, lol). Just pay attention to how your body responds and adjust your usage accordingly. If you’re ever concerned, chat with your doctor, girl.

Are there any side effects of using CBD muscle balm?

CBD is generally well-tolerated, but some people might experience mild skin irritation. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it liberally. Also, make sure to buy from reputable brands that provide third-party lab testing to ensure the quality and purity of their products. I trust brands like Charlotte’s Web and Floyd’s.

Can I use CBD balm if I am drug tested for work?

That’s a tricky one! Some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which could potentially show up on a drug test. If you’re concerned, opt for a broad-spectrum or CBD isolate balm (like the THC-free version from CBDfx). Always check the product’s lab results to confirm its THC content.

What are the benefits of using CBD muscle balm?

For me, it helps reduce inflammation, ease muscle soreness, and promote relaxation. I find it particularly helpful after intense workouts or when I’m experiencing joint pain. Plus, the topical application allows for targeted relief, which is great. I prefer it to popping pills, tbh.

Final Thoughts

Okay, bestie, let’s be real: finding the perfect CBD muscle balm is kinda like finding the perfect pair of jeans – it takes some trial and error! But after slathering myself in approximately 700 different balms, I’m pretty confident in my recommendations. Right now, I’m reaching for Floyd’s of Leadville most days, but I always keep the CBDfx one on hand for those *really* sore days.

Seriously, though, these balms are selling out FAST, especially with the holidays coming up. Don’t wait until your back is killing you to stock up! And don’t forget to use my code SAVVY15 for 15% off Floyd’s.

Now, tell me in the comments: what’s your favourite way to recover after a tough workout? Let’s share some tips and tricks! And if you try any of these balms, let me know what you think. I’m sceptical that anything will beat Floyd’s though, those guys know what they’re doing. Don’t f*cking suffer, girl, get some balm!

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