People often use hemp balm and CBD balm interchangeably online, but they aren't always the same product. Hemp balm can be made from hemp seed oil with little to no CBD content, while a genuine CBD balm states its actual CBD content in milligrams on the label. Because naming conventions are not standardised across brands, checking the label for a stated CBD amount is the only reliable way to tell the two apart.
What Is Hemp Balm?
“Hemp balm” usually refers to a topical made with hemp seed oil, which is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant rather than the flowers or leaves where cannabinoids concentrate. Hemp seed oil is naturally rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which is why it turns up in body care products as a moisturising base alongside ingredients like shea butter or beeswax.
The important thing to understand is that hemp seed oil on its own contains little to no CBD. A product labelled simply as “hemp balm” or “hemp cream” is not automatically a CBD product, even though the word “hemp” appears on the front of the packaging. The ingredient list is a more reliable guide than the product name, as some brands use “hemp” language loosely as a marketing term.
What Is CBD Balm?
CBD balm is made using hemp extract, meaning the cannabinoid-rich part of the hemp plant has been processed to concentrate compounds like CBD, then blended into a balm base. A genuine CBD balm will state how much CBD it contains, usually in milligrams per container (for example, 750mg).
Reputable CBD balms are typically backed by third-party lab testing, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming both the CBD content and that THC remains within the standard applied to finished UK products. This is a useful checkpoint when comparing products, since a balm that cannot produce a lab report or a stated CBD figure is hard to verify.
Hemp Balm vs CBD Balm: At a Glance
|
Feature |
Hemp Balm |
|
|
Typically made from |
Hemp seed oil |
Hemp extract with a stated CBD content |
|
CBD content |
Usually low or none |
Stated in mg on the label (e.g. 750mg) |
|
Best suited to |
General skin moisturising |
Those specifically looking for a hemp-derived cannabinoid topical |
|
How to verify |
Check the ingredient list for “hemp seed oil” (sometimes listed under its Latin botanical name) |
Check the label or lab report for a stated CBD mg figure and batch number |
How to Tell Them Apart on the Label
Since “hemp balm” and “CBD balm” are not legally defined terms in the same way, the packaging itself is the most useful source of information. A few things worth checking:
- The ingredient list. “Hemp seed oil” (sometimes listed under its Latin botanical name) points to a hemp seed oil balm. “Hemp extract” or “CBD” points to a formula built around cannabinoids.
- A stated milligram figure. Genuine CBD balms list their CBD content, such as 750mg per container, rather than describing themselves only as “hemp-infused.”
- A batch number and lab report. Products that support a CBD claim usually make a Certificate of Analysis available, showing cannabinoid content and confirming THC sits within the standard applied to finished products.
- The word “hemp” alone is not proof of CBD. Some hemp extract balms are formulated for their hemp-derived cannabinoid content, and some hemp seed oil balms are formulated purely as a moisturiser. Reading past the front label matters more than the name of the product.
This distinction also matters if you are comparing a hemp balm for skin against a dedicated hemp extract balm, since the two can sit at very different points on the cannabinoid content scale despite similar packaging language.
Which Should You Choose?
If you are specifically looking for a hemp-derived cannabinoid topical, a labelled CBD balm with a stated milligram amount and an available lab report gives you a clearer picture of what you are applying. Blessed CBD’s CBD Balm 750mg states its CBD content directly on the label, and the full range can be browsed in the CBD creams collection.
If your main interest is a natural moisturiser and CBD content is not a priority, a hemp seed oil balm can still be a reasonable option. This is because the fatty acid profile of hemp seed oil supports its own place in skin care formulations independent of any cannabinoid content.
Some people include hemp-derived topicals containing CBD in a broader routine as part of recovery after exercise.* However, individual experiences vary. Checking third-party lab reports before buying is reasonable regardless of which type of balm you choose.
FAQs
Is hemp balm the same as CBD balm?
Not always. People often use hemp balm and CBD balm interchangeably, but they aren't necessarily the same product. Some hemp balms contain only hemp seed oil, while CBD balms include a stated amount of CBD. Checking the label is the easiest way to understand what you are buying.
How can I tell if a hemp balm actually contains CBD?
Look for a clearly stated CBD content, usually listed in milligrams on the packaging or product description. Products that simply mention “hemp” or “hemp seed oil” without a CBD amount may contain little or no CBD. Third-party lab reports can also provide additional clarity.
Does hemp balm still moisturise skin without CBD?
Yes. Hemp seed oil is naturally rich in fatty acids that can help support skin hydration and softness. Even without CBD, a hemp balm may still work well as a moisturising skincare product and can be included as part of a regular daily skincare routine.
Can a hemp balm contain both hemp seed oil and CBD?
Yes. Some products use hemp seed oil as the base ingredient while also adding hemp extract that contains CBD. In these cases, the label should clearly state the CBD content in milligrams, making it easier to understand exactly what the product contains.
Which should I buy if I want CBD specifically?
Choose a product that clearly states its CBD content in milligrams, such as Blessed CBD’s CBD Balm 750mg, rather than one relying on the word “hemp” alone.
Bottom Line
If you're specifically shopping for CBD, don't rely on the word hemp alone. Turn the packaging over and look for a clearly stated CBD amount, a batch number, and access to third-party lab reports. Those three details will usually tell you far more about what's in the balm than the product name on the front.
*It is important to note that the benefits of these products have not been conclusively proven. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and the NHS has not made any guarantees about the efficacy of such products.
