If you’re reading this article, then it’s very possible you've been thinking about buying a cannabidiol-based product to potentially help you manage symptoms of chronic discomfort, feelings of unease, or other health conditions. And, most likely, you find navigating through CBD product labels quite confusing, especially if you’re not a CBD expert.
The fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet given its approval for nonprescription CBD products makes it even more murky and unclear.
In any case, you, as a consumer, are responsible for doing the research on your own, or depend on third-party testing to assess the quality and composition of a specific CBD product. Luckily, we’re also here to help you figure out how to read CBD labels for all kinds of CBD products, including CBD salves.
Decoding CBD Salve Labels
To make informed decisions about the products you want to use, you need to understand what’s actually written on CBD salve labels. Here, we'll focus on the details of the key components of CBD salve labels to help you decode the information presented. Let’s start with the basics.
Product Name and Type
The name of the product usually gives a clue about what kind of CBD product it is, like a tincture, capsule, or topical cream. However, keep in mind that not every product labeled as "CBD" actually contains CBD. Some might only have hemp seed oil or hemp extract. So, make sure to choose products that clearly mention the CBD content.
Manufacturing Date
This indicates the production date of the product. CBD can degrade over time, so you need to pay attention to the manufacturing date and make sure it’s recent.
Type of CBD
The label frequently indicates the variety of CBD oil used in the product. This may include full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate. Full spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of additional cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC, which is the compound responsible for most of marijuana's psychoactive effects. Broad spectrum CBD also contains minor quantities of other compounds (but not THC). CBD isolate, on the other hand, consists solely of pure CBD, which means no additional compounds whatsoever.
The label might also specify whether the CBD is sourced from hemp or marijuana. Understanding the origin of your CBD is crucial because products derived from marijuana contain significantly higher levels of THC. This could actually be illegal in certain states and may even result in a positive drug test. When it comes to products derived from hemp, they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.
CBD Concentration
CBD concentration refers to the amount of CBD in a given product, typically measured in milligrams (mg) per container or per serving. This information is often displayed on a product label. Why should it matter to you? Because it directly impacts the effectiveness and dosage of the product you’re about to use.
For example, a CBD salve with a higher concentration of CBD will likely be more potent compared to one with a lower concentration, and could potentially bring you relief faster. However, remember that individual responses to CBD can vary, and what works well for one person may not necessarily be the same for another.
Ingredients List
Simply put, if you see a CBD product (or any product, for that matter), without an ingredients list on a label - don’t buy it. The ingredients list (for example, on CBD salve labels) provides valuable insight into what exactly goes into the product. As such, it can help people make informed choices based on their preferences and potential sensitivities.
CBD salves typically consist of a blend of ingredients designed to potentially provide benefits of CBD to the skin. Some common ingredients you can find here include CBD extract, carrier oils, such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil, beeswax, and various botanical extracts. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, whether it's providing hydration, enhancing absorption, or contributing to the overall texture and consistency of the salve.
We wrote more about CBD salve ingredients here.
Potential Allergens and Irritants to Watch Out For
If you’re a person with allergies or sensitivities, you should pay close attention to the ingredients list to avoid potential adverse reactions.
Some common allergens found in CBD salves include fragrances, essential oils, and certain botanical extracts. Additionally, people with nut allergies should be cautious of products containing nut-derived oils, such as almond oil or shea butter.
You can minimize the risk of experiencing irritation or allergic reactions by choosing products labeled as hypoallergenic or formulated for sensitive skin.
Third-Party Verification
An increasing number of companies, including Leanna Organics, choose to have their products independently tested by a third-party laboratory to provide customers with assurance regarding product authenticity. As a result, you can see a QR code on their label, which you can then scan and access a certificate of analysis. This certificate verifies the contents of the CBD product, ensuring that the ingredients listed on the label and their quantities accurately reflect what’s inside the product.
Final Thoughts
Understanding CBD salve labels might seem overwhelming at first, but it's worth it for finding the right product. By knowing what to look for - like CBD concentration, manufacturing date, ingredients, and third-party verification - you can confidently choose a CBD salve that’s best for you.
As the CBD industry continues to evolve and regulations become clearer, you need to stay educated about the products you use. Remember, your health and satisfaction are what count the most, so take the time to read CBD salve labels thoroughly and choose products that align with your individual needs and preferences.
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