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Hemp Cream vs. CBD Oil: What to Know (Buy With Confidence)

CBD products have become highly popular in only a few short years. A 2020 survey by SingleCare found that 33% of US adults have used CBD at least once or more. A report from the  Brightfield Group, a leading research firm in the CBD and cannabis industries, states that the US hemp-derived CBD market is expected to reach $5 billion in retail sales by the end of 2022. Should the country implement federal regulations by 2024, the firm predicts that sales could reach $11 billion by 2027. 

As the market has grown, the number of products has increased drastically. On the one hand, that means that there are plenty of options available. On the other, it means that people may be unsure of what types of products to buy, and when. Some of the products creating the most confusion are hemp cream and items containing CBD.

What Is Hemp Cream?

Hemp cream is a topical product infused with hemp seed oil. Manufacturers create the oil by cold-pressing the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The cream may also contain other ingredients to help users achieve a specific goal such as preventing dry skin, treating specific skin conditions, fighting signs of aging, or minimizing acne.

Hemp seed oil itself has many beneficial properties. For one thing, it’s full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Studies have shown that the omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) can fight inflammation and encourage the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Omega-3s and omega-6s may also help treat skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. 

In addition to healthy fats, hemp seed oil is full of numerous vitamins and minerals, including:

  • Vitamin C
  • B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9)
  • Vitamin E
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Iron
  • Zinc

These nutrients can also play a role in improved skin health.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is one of the most well-known CBD products on the market. It’s a liquid preparation (sometimes called a tincture) that consists of cannabidiol or CBD (and other cannabinoids) that are extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant and are suspended in a carrier oil. 

Manufacturers separate CBD from plant material in many different ways. Carbon dioxide or CO2 extraction is one of the more common methods. It involves applying heat and pressure to CO2 gas to transform it into its supercritical state, which allows it to act like a solvent and pull CBD and other cannabinoids from plant material. Some manufacturers use chemicals like butane for extraction. 

There are a few different types of CBD oils:

  • Full-spectrum: Contains a full array of cannabinoids from the original plant, including no more than 0.3% THC
  • Broad-spectrum: Similar to full-spectrum, except it has no THC 
  • Isolate: Contains only CBD

Science has suggested that CBD may provide some significant benefits. For one thing, unlike its other well-known counterpart, THC, it’s non-psychoactive. In other words, it doesn’t cause users to get high. Some of the most common reasons that people use CBD oil are to address:

  • Pain and inflammation
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Arthritis

Researchers have also found indications that CBD may help with several other ailments, including:

  • Peripheral neuropathy, a side effect of some cancer treatments
  • Seizures in patients with certain forms of epilepsy 
  • Cognitive decline (some studies indicate that CBD may have neuroprotective properties)
  • Symptoms of multiple sclerosis 

While studies exist that support these benefits, research is still in the early stages. Further research is required to understand everything that CBD can do. 

CBD oil is also highly versatile. You can take it sublingually (under your tongue), ingest it on its own or as part of a recipe, or apply it topically. 

Hemp Cream vs. CBD Oil: Similarities and Differences

Both hemp cream (hemp oil) and CBD oil are extracts of the Cannabis sativa plant. Whereas hemp oil comes from the seeds, CBD oil comes from the flowers, leaves, and stems. The seeds contain no CBD. The other components of the plant are rich not only in CBD but in an array of other cannabinoids, including CBN, CBG, CBC, and, in the case of hemp plants, no more than 0.3% THC. They also contain a variety of terpenes, the compounds responsible for the plant’s aroma. 

Hemp cream and CBD oil may also provide some similar benefits. For instance, they may both help improve skin health and ease inflammation. However, they work a bit differently. Topical hemp oil (hemp cream) absorbs into the skin to moisturize and nourish it, while CBD oil interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to deliver benefits. 

When it comes to ingesting hemp seed and CBD oil, people typically consume the former by the spoonful to boost calorie and nutrient intake. The latter, on the other hand, is taken in much smaller amounts, often by the drop. 

Tips for Choosing Hemp Extract vs. CBD Cream

Ultimately, choosing between hemp cream and CBD oil comes down to your goals. If you’re looking for something to help ease dry skin and boost overall skin health, hemp cream may be the best choice. CBD oil may be a better choice if you want to address pain, joint inflammation, anxiety, or sleeplessness. You could also use the two together. 

Looking for Quality CBD Products? Check Out CBD Direct Club

Whether you’re shopping for hemp cream or CBD oil, you want to be sure that you’re purchasing only high-quality products. Research is critical, especially with the growing number of products on store shelves. Keeping an eye out for artificial ingredients and reading reviews can help you find the best ones. For CBD products specifically, here are a few additional tips for ensuring quality:

  • Check the ingredient label for CBD extract (sometimes called hemp extract)
  • Pay attention to the extraction method 
  • Read the lab analysis (or request it from the company if it’s not readily available)

If you’re in the market for quality CBD products, check out CBD Direct Club. We offer a range of broad-spectrum CBD-infused oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals, giving you many options to find what you need. Every product undergoes third-party lab testing to ensure quality, consistency, and safety. For more information and to start shopping, visit us online today!

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