
If you walk into any wellness store or scroll online, and you’ll see many of creams labeled with big green hemp leaves. Some products claim to relax the sore muscles, some promise pain relief, and many people think they’re all the same thing as CBD creams but Is hemp cream the same as cbd? here’s the catch: hemp cream is not the same as CBD cream and brands don’t usually make it clear.
In this article, we are going to break down the difference between hemp cream and CBD cream, why so many people get confused, and how you can spot the real one before buying.
Before going deeper, let’s talk about what are these products.
What Is Hemp Cream?
Hemp cream is made using hemp seed oil, and it comes from pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. These seeds are packed with healthy fats, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamins that are great for skin health.
- Hydrates dry or cracked skin
- Helps with eczema, irritation, and redness
- Works as a natural moisturizer
- Lightweight and safe for everyday use
- Does not contain CBD, so it lacks therapeutic or pain-relief effects
- Sometimes marketed in a misleading way, making buyers think it’s CBD
What Is CBD Cream?
CBD cream, on the other hand, is made from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. These parts contain cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoid system explained.
- Reduces muscle and joint pain
- Helps with arthritis and inflammation
- Promotes recovery after workouts
- Can calm irritated skin while offering therapeutic effects
- Generally more expensive than hemp cream
- Quality varies widely, some products may contain very little actual CBD if not third-party tested
Why Is the Confusion?

So why do so many people become confused between hemp cream and CBD cream? It is clever marketing.
Some brands use the word “hemp” on packaging to attract buyers. They usually even put hemp leaves on the label, making the cream look like a CBD product, but in reality, the cream only contains hemp seed oil, not CBD.
This clever branding often makes customers believe that they’re buying CBD cream when they’re really just paying extra for a moisturizer.
Comparison Between Hemp Cream and CBD Cream?
FEATURE | HEMP SEEDS | CBD CREAM |
---|---|---|
Made From | Hemp Seeds | Hemp Flower/Hemp Leaves |
Contains CBD | No | Yes |
Best For | Dryness, Skin Hydration, Irritation | Muscle Recovery, Pain, Inflammation, Arthritis |
Price | $10-$20 | $30-$80 |
How to Find Out the Difference Between Hemp and CBD Creams?
Want to avoid falling for the trick? Here’s how to spot the difference:
- Check the ingredients: If it only says “hemp seed oil,” it’s not CBD. Look for words like cannabidiol, CBD extract, full-spectrum hemp extract.
- Look for dosage: Real CBD creams list how many milligrams of CBD they contain (e.g., 500mg CBD). Hemp creams won’t.
- Price tag: CBD creams usually cost more ($30–$80) because CBD extraction is expensive. Hemp creams are cheaper ($10–$20).
- Lab reports (COA): Trusted CBD brands provide third-party lab results that prove the CBD content.
- Brand transparency: Authentic CBD brands always explain their sourcing, extraction methods, and lab testing openly on their website and product labels.
- Packaging claims: If the label only highlights “hemp” without mentioning CBD or cannabinoids, it’s possibly just hemp seed oil.
Hemp Cream vs. CBD Cream: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Hemp Cream If
Choose CBD Cream if
- You need hydration, skincare, or help with dryness and irritation.
- You’re looking for an affordable natural lotion.
- You prefer a lightweight moisturizer for daily use.
- You want relief from sore muscles, joint pain, or arthritis.
- You need something with actual cannabinoids for therapeutic effects.
- You are looking for post-exercise recovery support.
Conclusion
When brands use similar packaging with green leaves and “hemp” written on the label, hemp cream and CBD cream may initially appear to be nearly identical. In reality, they are quite different goods with quite different benefits.
Made from hemp seed oil, hemp cream is a great moisturiser for skincare because it is high in fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients. It is wonderful for dryness, irritation, and redness and is affordable and safe. But because it lacks CBD, it cannot provide medical relief for sore muscles, pain, or swelling. Hemp cream is a fantastic option for anyone merely seeking natural hydration, but if confused with CBD cream, it may not be the best option for people hoping for pain relief, becuase it is CBD which can provide pain relief.
FAQ’s
Q. Is hemp cream the same as CBD cream?
No. Hemp cream is made from hemp seed oil, while CBD cream contains cannabidiol extracted from the hemp plant.
Q. Does hemp cream help with pain?
Not really. Hemp cream is mainly for hydration and skincare. For pain relief, CBD cream is the better option.
Q. Why is CBD cream more expensive than hemp cream?
Because CBD extraction and testing are costly. Hemp seed oil is cheap to produce, so hemp creams are more affordable.
Q. Can hemp cream or CBD cream get you high?
No. Neither hemp seed oil nor CBD has psychoactive effects like THC.
Q. How can I know if a cream has real CBD?
Check the ingredients for “CBD” or “cannabidiol” and look for dosage (in milligrams). Legit CBD products also provide third-party lab reports.