CBD GEL VS CBD BALM: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

CBD (Cannabidiol) has gained popularity due to its many health benefits. Many CBD products are available on the market, and consumers often have difficulty determining which one to use. CBD oil, CBD gummies, CBD capsules, CBD topicals, and so on are all products containing cannabidiol and are extremely popular today. The CBD GEL VS BALM article compares the two most popular delivery systems, gel and balm, and discusses their differences, how they are made, and their side effects. It also provides insight into the main benefits of both so you can decide which one will work best for you.

How Are They Made

To understand how they are made, you first need to understand how CBD products came. The CBD component is part of hundreds of components available in the marijuana plant. However, manufacturers use the hemp plant in the same family of cannabis because it contains fewer toxins. From this compound, many products and forms are made to feel and look different to offer a variety to the users.

The most common form of CBD product on the market is oil. You can buy oils infused with flavor or scent to make them more appealing to users. You can make balms from these oils by infusing them into a gel-like substance or a thick mixture for added texture. Individuals can massage these mixtures onto their skin to allow maximum absorption and easier application. While they may seem similar, they are not identical. The form and texture of these products make them function differently.

Balms And Gels Similarity

Balms work similarly to oils by being rubbed onto the skin to relieve pain and soreness in your muscles, joints, or other areas where you feel discomfort. You can also use them for cosmetic purposes by massaging them into your skin to help keep it moisturized during dry seasons and cold temperatures. You will feel discomfort from chapping or soreness from rubbing against too rough clothing.

What Are The Advantages Of Using CBD Gel And CBD Balm?

CBD gel is a good option for people who want to get CBD quickly and it can easily be absorbed into the skin. They are good for application during or after physical activity or as a daily moisturizer. Derry et al. (2017) explained that CBD Balm takes longer to absorb but is great to apply at night as it promotes restful sleep. Both are equally beneficial, and both have slightly different uses.

CBD soft gels may give the user a kind of high effect that is not as intoxicating as the THC one; this slight 'high' effect is responsible for giving the user a lift in mood. It's important to know that CBD gel can be applied topically (to the skin) or orally (under the tongue). When using CBD gel, knowing how much you should use and how often is important.

Failing et al. (2021) explained that the CBD soft gel and CBD balm take a very short time for the effect to start working. If swallowed orally, the soft gel might need to pass through the digestive system for the effect to kick in. Passing through the digestive system might take up to 30 minutes or an hour while letting it settle under the tongue will only shorten this period to 15 minutes. The balm is easily absorbed by the skin through the pores and might take only up to 15 minutes for the calming effect to kick in. However, this might vary with the dosage taken and how frequently the user uses CBD balm.

What Are The Differences Between CBD Gel And CBD Balm?

CBD gel and CBD balm are different methods of consuming CBD. CBD gel might be consumed orally or applied on the skin, while CBD balm is applied and rubbed. While they may look the same, their end effects are quite different. It's a good idea to understand what each product is made of, how it can affect you, and its side effects before making a purchase. The goal is to get as much information about CBD products as possible before purchasing them to know what you're getting into. It should also help you feel more comfortable with your choice and convince you that you will put your money to good use.

The main difference between CBD balms and CBD gels is that gels are more rigid, while balms have a more fluid or jelly-like consistency. Both can be made with similar ingredients but in different ratios to achieve their desired final texture and effects. Gels are generally made with glycerin as a base substance, and others like hemp oil or coconut oil can be added to it to improve its texture or help keep it from being too dry or getting hard.

Side Effects

The side effects of CBD gel and CBD balm are almost the same. The two products are made from the same natural ingredients and contain the same CBD content. Both products work in the same way too. They both work by applying topically to areas of pain or discomfort, soothing those areas, and providing relief. Ross, M. (2021) explained that CBD gel is slightly more efficient than CBD balm because it absorbs faster into the skin, although they leave you feeling relaxed and pain-free. For that reason, it is best to use CBD gel at bedtime instead of a daytime application of a CBD balm, which can make you feel sluggish if used too late in the day.

CBD is known to have slight side effects, although you can tolerate these side effects. Some side effects might include dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, or a change in appetite. However, these side effects might vary from person to person because of the dosage taken or the user's body weight.

Conclusion

The main difference between CBD soft gel and CBD palm comes down to the mode of consumption and the effect they may have. The time it takes for someone to feel the effect of the CBD products depends on the dosage and the mode of consumption; because these two products are made from the same natural elements, the side effects may be similar. All in all, it all depends on the user's preference. If they don't like edibles, they might go for the CBD balm or the Oil gels if they are fine with edibles.

References

Derry, S., Wiffen, P. J., Kalso, E. A., Bell, R. F., Aldington, D., Phillips, T., ... & Moore, R. A. (2017). Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in the adults‐an overview of Cochrane Reviews. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (5).

Failing, C. J., Boehnke, K. F., & Riebschleger, M. (2021). Cannabidiol (CBD) Use among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pediatric Rheumatology, 19(1), 1-8.

Ross, M. (2021). Kratom is Medicine: Natural Relief for Anxiety, Pain, Fatigue, and More. GreenStone Books.