CBD Salve vs. Lotion: What’s the Difference?

For those customers who seek topically-applied cannabidiol (CBD) products, there’s a choice to make: CBD salve vs. lotion. Both products can deliver your desired CBD effects, but there are distinct differences between CBD salve and lotion. Let’s take a closer look at the Tanasi topical product distinctions, CBD salve vs. lotion.

What Makes Up a CBD Salve?

Tanasi CBD salves are therapeutic ointments, infused with our patent-pending University developed cannabidiol (CBD) formula.  These are applied topically to your skin. Using salves has been a common healing practice since the days of the ancient Egyptians. At Tanasi, our CBD salve combines almond oil with beeswax and our unique one-to-one ratio of Tennessee hemp-derived cannabidiol-acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD). We also include a proprietary blend of terpenes (organic plant compounds) that lend our products their uniquely pleasant aroma.

The fatty acids in our salve’s almond oil help carry the cannabinoids across your skin cell membranes to directly target problems like joint pain, tissue inflammation, and various skin conditions. The beeswax acts as a natural preservative for the salve. And, since our salves contain no water, they have an exceptionally long shelf life.

What Goes into CBD Lotions?

Like our salve, our Tanasi CBD lotion contains our hemp-derived CBDA/CBD blend, as well as our proprietary terpene blend. But, whereas we use just almond oil to deliver the cannabidiol in our salve, the delivery vehicle in this product is a premium hand-and-body lotion. You can cover more surface area with the lotion, such as your entire back or legs, vs. your ankle or wrist with the salve.

There are some oils in the lotion, which help deliver the CBD to your skin cells for absorption. Moisturizing water is also present, providing additional skin-healing benefits. One important difference to consider is that, because our lotions contain water, they will expire sooner than our salves. The anticipated shelf life of the lotion is approximately 18 months.

Salves and lotions are both great choices for those seeking a topical CBD application. Both products deliver many potential benefits, but our lotion has the added benefit of moisturizing your skin. And, as with any new products, before applying the Tanasi salve or lotion, be sure to test our product on a small area of your skin to rule out any sensitivities.