How Cannabis-Infused Topicals Are Made

Last updated January 28, 2026 | Published on January 14, 2021

Cannabis-infused topical products, such as CBD topical cream, THC oil, CBD lotions and bath bombs, continue to grow in popularity. These topical products are applied externally to skin, hair and nails, which absorb the cannabinoids, including THC and CBD.

Unlike other consumption methods — such as ingesting, smoking and vaping — applying cannabis-infused products to the body topically does not typically cause intoxicating effects. The active ingredients are absorbed into the epidermal system instead of the bloodstream to produce a localized sensation.

Read on to find out how Licensed Producers (LPs) get the cannabis into their skin-focused THC and CBD topicals and more.

Step 1: Make the base

While the ingredients may vary, every topical starts with a base that will eventually contain the cannabis. It’s not surprising that Licensed Producers use the same elements that compose non-infused or traditional skincare products to provide consumers with a similar experience. These skincare ingredients include shea butter, beeswax, argan oil and Epsom salt.

THC and CBD creams, oils and other topical products typically do not cause intoxicating effects.

Step 2: Add the cannabis

Once the base is created, cannabis is added in the form of distillate: an extremely concentrated extract produced from the cannabis plant that contains nothing but pure cannabinoids. The distillate is warmed and mixed with a carrier oil, such as argan, sunflower or fractionated coconut oil, which helps it blend smoothly with the base to create a uniform concoction.

Some LPs produce the distillate in-house from their own cannabis plants, while other topicals producers use cannabis supplied by other companies. The exact amount of THC, CBD and minor cannabinoids will vary, depending on the product, so read labels carefully.

Step 3: Add other skincare ingredients

Cannabis distillate is nearly scentless and has almost no obvious texture, so to customize their products, LPs may stir in botanical extracts, essential oils and fragrances commonly used in non-infused skincare products.

Non-cannabis ingredients such as activated charcoal, vitamin E and fractionated coconut oil may also be used to enhance the aromatherapy and skin-nourishing properties in topicals. For example, body cream may feature arnica, juniper and peppermint plant extracts, or a high-CBD cream could have a cucumber-mint scent. Scent-free options are available for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Step 4: Blend everything together

Blending is an essential step. It ensures the active ingredients and additional skincare components are evenly distributed throughout the base to provide a consistent experience. This is just one of the reasons to buy legal — consistency means the first dab of cream should contain the same amount of CBD, for example, as the last. Depending on the size of the operation and the type of product being made, blending is done by hand or with the assistance of mixing equipment.

Step 5: Test cannabis topical products for consumer safety

The individual components used to make topicals are tested for safety — including checking the cannabis itself for unauthorized pesticides — before production starts. Testing is also conducted after blending to ensure the process was successful and the product contains the intended amount of cannabinoids and other active ingredients.

Ensure you’re buying legal — cannabis-infused topicals from the illegal market are unregulated and could be contaminated with fungus, mould, unauthorized pesticides and other substances.

Step 6: Package and label

Because these products are not meant to be ingested, their packaging may vary slightly from other cannabis products. But regardless of the application method — whether it’s a spray, roll-on or squeeze bottle — Health Canada requires certain safety standards when it comes to packaging. Topicals such as oils may also be packaged with tools that dispense the product in precise drops.

All cannabis products must also adhere to federal labelling requirements. Labels on all legal topicals must include the contact information of the LP, brand name, THC and CBD content, a health warning message, “packaged on” date, list of ingredients and more. It’s a lot of information but so important for the customer to know.

Consumers and LPs attribute various effects, such as soothing and nourishing skin, to CBD and other cannabinoids, but research is ongoing. Innovation in topical products is also evolving, with new scents, trending ingredients, varying cannabinoid ratios and unique formats routinely rolling out.

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