Common side effects of CBD cream & how to manage them

Why is CBD in cream?

CBD acts by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and a number of other receptors, some of which are on the skin. CBD is therefore sometimes included in cream and applied topically because it may be beneficial to patients with certain skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. 

For instance, one 2020 paper indicated that CBD may be able to interact with a number of skin receptors in a way that could help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

What are the benefits of CBD cream?

Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are very common and, although evidence is currently limited, the administration of topical CBD might help some patients manage certain symptoms, including itching and redness. For example, a small 2025 study found that ointment containing 30% CBD and 5% CBG improved hydration after eight weeks and decreased redness. While this is promising, the study only involved nine subjects and there was no comparison group, so much more evidence is needed before we can draw a confident conclusion about the benefits of CBD cream.  

What are the potential side effects of using CBD Cream?

Many people do not have a negative reaction to CBD cream, but side effects are occasionally reported. If this happens to you, you should discontinue use and speak to your GP or pharmacist. If you believe you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to CBD, it could be a medical emergency. 

The side effects of CBD cream, and how to manage them

• Skin irritation - CBD cream has been reported to cause skin irritation. If you realise that it’s the CBD itself causing irritation and not other ingredients, discontinue administration and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if it doesn’t settle. 

• Allergic reaction - a small subsection of the population may show signs of an allergy to CBD. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, stop using CBD cream and seek medical attention – if you have difficulty breathing, call 999.

Who should be careful with CBD cream?

You should be especially careful with CBD cream if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. If you’re taking any medication, you should check if CBD cream could interact with it. You should also be careful if you’ve had bad reactions to similar ingredients, such as hemp. It’s important to talk to your GP before applying CBD cream if you fall into any of these categories.

Even if you don’t fall into any of these categories, you should always patch test the CBD cream on a small area of skin before extensive use to check whether you may experience an adverse reaction. Avoid applying to irritated and broken skin, and be aware that some drugs shouldn’t be taken with CBD.

Does CBD cream interact with medications? 

CBD in products can interact with other medications, and the same goes for CBD creams. However, as CBD creams are intended for topical use and not ingestion (as with CBD oils), Harvard Health suggests it “may not absorb and get into the blood in sufficient amounts to interact with other medications.” That said, there is very little information on how it gets in, and the risk of interactions with other medications cannot be ignored.

Make sure you are familiar with medications that react with CBD, and if you're concerned about how CBD cream may affect your current or prescribed medication, we strongly advise you to consult your healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Are the side effects different from CBD oil?

Yes, side effects from CBD cream are typically different to side effects from CBD oil that’s consumed orally because very little CBD from cream is thought to reach the bloodstream. This means common CBD oil side effects, including diarrhoea and tiredness, are less likely for people using CBD cream. Side effects from CBD cream are usually more associated with skin side effects, such as rashes.

Is it OK to use CBD cream every day? 

There’s very little long-term research into daily CBD cream use so you should always follow the product directions and stop using it if your skin reacts badly. 

FAQs

Does topical CBD cream get into your bloodstream?

Topical CBD cream that’s available over-the-counter doesn't usually enter your bloodstream in large amounts because the outermost layer of the skin acts as a barrier. If CBD does end up in the bloodstream, it’s typically in small amounts. 

Can CBD cream cause spots or acne?

There’s no good evidence that CBD itself can cause spots or acne. In fact, there’s some early laboratory evidence to suggest that CBD may help to reduce the sebum that causes breakouts. However, the other ingredients sometimes included in CBD cream, such as coconut oil or shea butter, might cause spots by clogging pores.

Can you use CBD cream if you take blood thinners? 

Warfarin, a common blood thinner, is one of the medicines that may have a serious interaction with CBD.

Little is known about how much CBD from a cream reaches the blood, so if you are on blood thinners, you should speak to your GP or pharmacist before using any CBD or hemp cream. 

Conclusion 

There are many types of CBD creams available on the market, which are designed to be applied topically. Some are made with full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil, which means they contain other cannabinoids, terpenes and plant extracts in concentrated forms. If you experience side effects with these types of products, it might be down to CBD or other ingredients. In this instance, it may be best for you to try one of the CBD creams made with CBD isolate, which is a 99.9% pure extract containing only CBD. 

If you need an alternative approach to manage a skin condition and are curious about whether you may be eligible for medical cannabis, our online eligibility checker is fast and free. 

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