CBD topicals come in a lot of different forms, but roll-on gels are probably one of the easiest to use.
Instead of scooping a cream or salve out of a jar, you simply roll the product directly onto the area where you want it. There’s very little mess, you don’t have to get much product on your hands, and the bottle is easy to take with you.
At Quiet Monk CBD, we’ve sold different types of topicals over the years, including creams, salves, sticks and roll-on gels. One thing I’ve learned is that there isn’t one format that’s right for everybody.
Some customers prefer a thick salve. Others want a cream that absorbs quickly. And some simply like the convenience of a CBD roll-on gel.
If you’re trying to decide whether a roll-on is right for you, here’s what I think is actually worth looking at.
What Is a CBD Roll On Gel?
A CBD roll-on gel is a topical CBD product packaged in a bottle with a roller-ball applicator.
You roll the applicator directly across your skin, which distributes a thin layer of gel over a specific area.
The formula may contain ingredients such as:
- CBD
- CBG or other cannabinoids
- Menthol
- Aloe
- Botanical extracts
- Essential oils
- Other topical ingredients
The exact formulation varies considerably between brands, which is why I recommend looking beyond the words “CBD roll on” on the front of the bottle.
Two roll-ons can look almost identical while containing very different amounts of CBD and completely different additional ingredients.
Why Choose a Roll-On Instead of a CBD Cream?
For me, the biggest advantage is convenience.
A cream usually needs to be squeezed or scooped onto your hand and then rubbed into the skin.
With a roll-on, the applicator does most of the work.
That makes it useful when you’re traveling, at the gym, at work, or anywhere else you don’t necessarily want CBD cream all over your hands.
A roll-on also makes it easier to apply the product to a relatively specific area.
That doesn’t mean roll-ons are inherently better than creams or salves. They’re simply another way of applying a topical.
4,000mg CBD Freeze Gel Roller
Cooling formula
View Freeze Gel →
4,000mg Warming CBD Gel Roll On
Warming formula
View Warming Gel →
CBD Roll On Gel vs. CBD Cream
The biggest differences usually involve texture and application.
CBD roll-on gel
A gel is generally lighter and designed to spread easily through the roller applicator. Many formulas are intended to dry relatively quickly.
CBD cream
Creams typically have a thicker consistency and are applied by hand. Depending on the formulation, they can feel richer and more moisturizing.
I wouldn’t choose between them based solely on CBD content.
If you prefer something you can apply without using your hands, a roll-on makes sense.
If you like massaging a topical into a larger area, you may prefer a cream.
CBD Roll On Gel vs. CBD Salve
A salve is different again.
Most traditional salves use oils and waxes to create a much thicker consistency. They generally remain on the skin longer and have a completely different feel from a gel.
That’s why someone who dislikes the richer or greasier consistency of a salve may prefer a roll-on.
If you’re interested in comparing those formulations, our CBD salves and balms page shows examples of the oil-and-wax style of topical.
Why Do So Many Roll-On Gels Contain Menthol?
Menthol is extremely common in topical products because it produces a noticeable cooling sensation on the skin.
This is important:
The cooling sensation isn’t the CBD.
I’ve seen people assume that a topical must be extremely strong because they can immediately feel it.
Usually, they’re feeling ingredients such as menthol.
A roll-on can contain a relatively modest amount of CBD and still produce an intense cooling sensation. Likewise, a high-potency CBD topical doesn’t necessarily create any immediate sensation if it doesn’t contain menthol.
That’s why you shouldn’t judge CBD potency by how strongly a product feels on your skin.
Cooling vs. Warming CBD Roll-On Gels
Another choice you’ll run into is whether you want a cooling or warming formula.
We actually offer both at Quiet Monk CBD because this is very much a personal preference.
Our CBD Freeze Gel Roller contains 4,000mg of CBD and is designed for people who prefer a cooling topical. Our Warming CBD Gel Roll On also contains 4,000mg of CBD but provides a different topical sensation.
The important point is that both contain the same amount of CBD. The difference in how they feel on your skin comes from the rest of the formulation—not because one contains more CBD than the other.
If you’re not sure which style you prefer, you can compare our CBD roll-on gels and choose based on the type of topical sensation you’re looking for.
How Much CBD Should a Roll-On Gel Contain?
There isn’t one correct number.
CBD roll-ons are available in a wide range of strengths, and I don’t think consumers should automatically assume that the highest milligram number is best.
Instead, look at both:
Total CBD content
and
Bottle size
For example, comparing 1,000mg in a small roll-on with 1,000mg in a much larger bottle isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison.
This same principle applies to creams, salves and other topicals.
If you’d like a deeper explanation of how topical potency works, our CBD cream strength guide explains how milligrams and container size affect the way different strengths compare.
What About CBG?
CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid you’ll find in topical products.
Some formulas combine CBD with CBG, short for cannabigerol.
If a product contains multiple cannabinoids, pay attention to how the manufacturer reports the numbers.
For example:
5,000mg CBD + 500mg CBG
is not the same formulation as:
5,500mg CBD
Both contain 5,500mg of total cannabinoids, but the cannabinoid composition is different.
I prefer labels that clearly tell you how much of each cannabinoid you’re getting.
How Do You Use a CBD Roll On Gel?
One of the reasons people like roll-ons is that they’re simple.
Start with clean, dry skin.
Roll a small amount of the product across the desired area according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Allow it to dry before covering the area with clothing.
With menthol-containing products, I also recommend washing your hands after application if you’ve touched the gel.
And definitely avoid touching your eyes after handling a strong menthol topical. That’s an experience you only need once.
Should You Patch Test a CBD Roll-On?
I recommend patch testing any new topical product.
Apply a small amount to a limited area first and see how your skin responds.
CBD roll-ons can contain much more than CBD. Menthol, essential oils, fragrances and botanical ingredients can all affect sensitive skin.
If you experience irritation, stop using the product.
Don’t apply an ordinary roll-on gel to broken or damaged skin unless the specific product is formulated and labeled for that purpose.
What Should You Look for When Buying a CBD Roll On Gel?
I would focus on a handful of things.
1. CBD content
Check the actual milligrams of CBD rather than relying on terms like “maximum strength.”
2. Bottle size
Potency makes more sense when you consider how much product is in the container.
3. Other cannabinoids
Look for CBG or other cannabinoids and make sure the label tells you how much of each is included.
4. Menthol
If you like a cooling sensation, menthol may be a plus.
If you don’t like strong cooling products, check the ingredients before buying.
5. Other ingredients
Look at everything in the formula, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
6. Third-party laboratory testing
This is one of the first things I look for with CBD products.
A reputable company should make independent laboratory results available so you can review cannabinoid testing rather than simply accepting what’s printed on the front of the bottle.
7. THC information
Don’t assume that every CBD roll-on is THC-free.
If avoiding THC is important to you, check the product specifications and laboratory report.
Does Higher Potency Mean a Better Roll-On?
No.
This is something I say about our own high-potency products as well.
More CBD doesn’t automatically mean better.
Potency is a specification.
Some customers deliberately seek concentrated CBD topicals. Other people would rather start with something lower strength.
I’d rather have someone buy the product that fits what they’re looking for than assume the biggest number on the website must automatically be the best choice.
Are Roll-Ons Good for Travel?
They’re certainly convenient.
A roll-on bottle takes up relatively little room and doesn’t require you to scoop product out of a jar.
That makes it easy to keep one in a gym bag, purse, backpack or desk.
If you’re flying or traveling internationally, however, check the applicable rules for hemp-derived products at your destination before bringing CBD with you.
How Should You Store a CBD Roll On Gel?
Follow the storage directions provided with the product.
Generally, I wouldn’t leave CBD topicals sitting in a hot vehicle or direct sunlight for extended periods.
Excessive heat can affect the consistency of topical products.
Keep the cap securely closed and store the bottle upright when possible.
Roll-On, Cream, Salve or Stick: Which One Should You Choose?
This mostly comes down to how you prefer to apply a topical.
Choose a CBD roll-on gel if you want convenient, targeted application with minimal mess.
Choose a CBD cream if you prefer a softer product that you can massage over a larger area.
Choose a CBD salve or balm if you like a thicker oil-and-wax formulation.
Choose a CBD stick if you want direct application but prefer the consistency of a solid balm.
None is universally better.
Once you’ve chosen the format you like, compare the CBD content, concentration, additional cannabinoids, ingredients, laboratory testing and price.
Final Thoughts
CBD roll-on gels are popular largely because they’re convenient.
You can apply the product directly where you want it without scooping cream from a jar or getting much product on your hands.
But don’t let the applicator distract you from what matters inside the bottle.
When comparing a CBD roll on gel, look at the actual CBD content, bottle size, additional cannabinoids, menthol, other ingredients and third-party testing.
I’ve watched CBD topical labels become more complicated—and potency numbers become much larger—over the years. My advice is still pretty simple:
Ignore the hype on the front of the package and look at the information you can actually verify.
About the Author
Steven Gregoire is the founder of Quiet Monk CBD, a U.S. CBD company specializing in high-potency CBD topicals, including CBD and CBG creams, salves, gels and sticks. He writes about CBD from the perspective of someone directly involved in the business, with a focus on helping consumers understand potency, formulations, ingredients and product testing.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult an appropriate healthcare professional if you have questions about using CBD or other topical products.