What to Look for When Shopping for CBD?

Some helpful tips for first-time CBD buyers

With such a wide range of CBD products on the market these days, how do you choose which ones to use? In this article I will outline a few key things to look out for when shopping for CBD oils and topicals. 

It is important to note that not all CBD products are created equally. Some companies will try to sell you a product that is made with poor quality ingredients and use improper labeling and false marketing to do so. Since CBD products are relatively new to the marketplace, the level of regulations are low. With this being said, it is important to be an informed consumer.

When shopping for CBD oils or creams there are few key things to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting a quality product that fits your own personal needs.

1. Types of CBD

The very first thing to look out for is the type of CBD being used in the product. CBD comes in 3 forms, each varying in extraction process, unique qualities, and their use and application. 

Full-spectrum CBD

• Contains many terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids 
• Extracted and derived from the cannabis plant
• May contain THC at varied amounts
• Widely available in all legal markets 
• Products range from oils, tinctures, and edibles, to topical creams and serums

Broad-spectrum CBD

• Contains terpenes and other cannabinoids
• All THC is removed
• Less widely available than Full-spectrum CBD 
• It’s most often sold as an oil

CBD (Hemp) Isolate

• CBD isolate has the advantage of being the purest and most potent form of CBD.  
• Contains up to 90% cannabidiol
• No risk of getting ‘high’
• Hemp-based, no THC present
• A white powder or “slab” that can be broken apart and eaten for benefits
• Available as a powder, oil, or tincture or as an ingredient within topicals like creams and gels

For those seeking a safe, non-psychoactive CBD product, we recommend using creams and topicals made with CBD isolates as there are no risks involved. CBD isolates are the most potent form of CBD making it an effective product for pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and the easing of anxiety. 

To learn more about CBD, click here to check out our beginners guide for Canadians.

2. Natural Ingredients

Be sure to use precaution when purchasing a CBD product and check that the ingredients are in fact natural! As mentioned above, oftentimes the label on the front will read “natural” or “organic” but after a closer look at the ingredients list, you may notice some items that are anything but. A good rule of thumb is that if you do not recognize the ingredient, or better yet, you cannot pronounce it, you probably shouldn’t be using it on your skin!

Look out for something like this:

Photo from: Orenda Botanicals

What other ingredients go in CBD creams?

At Orenda Botanicals, each cream is uniquely curated with high-quality natural ingredients, including a combination of the following:

Hemp CBD Isolate: Hemp CBD isolate is the purest and most potent form of cannabidiol, containing upwards of 90% cannabidiol. There is no risk of psychoactive effects. 

Beeswax: Packed with anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of Vitamin A, Beeswax is perfect for promoting wound healing and cell reconstruction. 

Arnica Oil:  Powerful inflammatory and pain relief qualities. Best known for its ability to reduce swelling caused by arthritis, bruises, sprains, and muscle aches. 

Black Cumin Seed Oil: An anti-inflammatory carrier oil that is used topically to hydrate, soothe, smooth, and nourish the skin. Its active properties help promote the skin’s reparation and regeneration resulting in a smoother, clearer, and brighter complexion. 

Camphor Oil:  This pain-relieving oil is extracted from the bark and wood of Camphor trees. 

Rosemary Oil: Known for its ability to promote circulation and hair growth, uses range from antioxidant benefits, removing discolouration of bruises to memory enhancement, and more. 

Ucuuba Butter: A nutrient-rich butter high in Vitamin C and is packed with essential fatty acids that help replenish and moisturize the skin. 

Kokum Butter: Widely used for softening skin, improving its elasticity, and helps improve the appearance of dry, flakey skin.

Cocoa Butter: Promotes skin elasticity and helps the skin retain moisture. 

Mango Butter: This hydrating and anti-inflammatory “butter” is beneficial to those suffering from dry skin conditions like eczema. The anti-inflammatory benefits address blemishes and pimples and help soothe bug bites. 

Shea Butter: This luxurious nutrient-dense all-natural butter is high in essential fatty acids that help with skin elasticity and softness. It is non-comedogenic meaning it does not clog pores, making it very beneficial for people experiencing seasonal facial dryness during the winter months. 

Oat Butter: This soothing butter is dense and packed with moisturizing properties. It is used in lotion products and creams to provide long-lasting suppleness to the skin.

Tangerine Butter: This sweetly scented and nourishing seed butter helps balance acne-prone, oily-skin while its antibacterial properties help heal minor wounds.

Sweet Orange Oil: This sweet essential oil is packed with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-aging properties. It allows your skin to absorb more vital nutrients such as Vitamin C and improve blood flow and collagen production. 

Menthol Crystals: It has a refreshing and cooling effect on the skin which soothes sore, achy muscles. It contains analgesic and antispasmodic properties.

Glycerin Gel: A natural humectant or a skin-conditioner, glycerin keeps your skin hydrated, soft, and supple. It also protects your skin from harmful environmental aggressors.

Arnica Oil: Used for the pain and swelling associated with bruises, sprains, pulls, muscle aches, and even arthritis, since it helps to boost circulation and speed up the healing process.

Camphor Oil: It can be used topically to relieve pain, irritation, and itching. Camphor is also used to relieve chest congestion and inflammatory conditions.

Guar Gum: Guar gum is used as a thickening, stabilizing, suspending, and binding agent. Its surfactant quality helps to enhance lather and its exceptional conditioning ability helps to soften both skin and hair.

All of the CBD products at Orenda Botanicals contain several complementary ingredients to ensure the very best for your skin. The products from Orenda are infused with blends of medicinal herbs (CBD derived from the hemp cannabis plant) and organic botanical extracts. 

3. Are the products tested by a 3rd party?

Another thing to look for when shopping for CBD oils and topicals is to make sure the CBD company is reputable. Do so by checking if their products have been tested from a third-party lab. Look for a statement on their website like this:

Photo from: Orenda Botanicals

Even though a statement like that may be on their website, still double-check the ingredients list to know for sure. We believe in creating products that are made with safe, high-quality, organic ingredients. 

Final Thoughts

We recommend reading the about pages on any company you are considering supporting to see if their message aligns with your values. For example, this is our brand identity:

“Orenda Botanicals is a family-owned, ethics-driven health and wellness company based in Vancouver, BC that has been providing high-quality, sustainable topical CBD body care products. Orenda represents the idea that there is life within everything. Every object in this world has its own energy that we can absorb and benefit from.”

To learn more about Orenda Botanicals, click here.