It goes without saying that, when used correctly, CBD can significantly enhance your life and well-being. However, finding the best CBD products comes with its challenges. As companies capitalise on the "CBD trend," the market has become saturated with gimmicky products that offer little more than flashy marketing and buzzwords. From teas to pillows and canned water to candles, these CBD myths leave many consumers confused and disappointed. What’s even more frustrating is seeing these gimmicks widely available, while genuinely effective CBD options face barriers to proper marketing. Disheartening social media hype about how these gimmicks have "changed lives" only adds to the confusion, overshadowing products that truly work.
Top 10 Worst CBD Gimmicks
CBD Water / Soft Drinks
CBD Bedding
CBD Skincare Creams
CBD Pillows
CBD Clothing
CBD Toothpicks
CBD Candles
CBD Tea
CBD Air Fresheners
CBD Makeup
1. CBD Water / Soft Drinks
CBD water and soft drinks are marketed as convenient wellness solutions, but they are far from effective CBD options. CBD is highly unstable in water and breaks down quickly when exposed to light and air. By the time you purchase these drinks, the CBD content has likely degraded, leaving you with nothing more than overpriced flavoured water. Brands rely on trendy packaging and wellness buzzwords to lure in consumers. The reality is, you’re paying a premium for a product that offers minimal benefits at best. If you're looking for the best CBD products, this is not it.
2. CBD Bedding
CBD bedding promises a restful night’s sleep by infusing your sheets and pillowcases with CBD. The idea is that prolonged skin contact will somehow deliver the compound into your system. However, there is no evidence to suggest that CBD can effectively penetrate the skin from fabric. Most of the CBD remains embedded in the fibres, rendering the product largely ineffective. What makes this even more ridiculous is the price tag. CBD bedding often comes with a hefty markup, despite its lack of proven benefits. Investing in high-quality bedding and incorporating effective CBD products, such as oils or tinctures, into your nighttime routine would deliver far better results.
3. CBD Skincare Creams
While some CBD skincare products may be effective, the majority are nothing more than overpriced moisturisers. CBD’s ability to penetrate the skin is limited, meaning it’s unlikely to reach the deeper layers where it could provide anti-inflammatory or therapeutic benefits. Unless the product is specifically designed for transdermal absorption, its effects are superficial at best. Another issue is transparency. Many skincare brands fail to disclose the type and concentration of CBD used, making it difficult to determine the product’s quality. Consumers are left paying a premium for a trendy ingredient that adds little value beyond marketing appeal.
4. CBD Pillows
CBD-infused pillows claim to promote relaxation and better sleep by releasing CBD as you rest. However, the science behind this is virtually nonexistent. The idea that CBD can be effectively absorbed through your skin or inhaled from a pillow is highly questionable. Even if it were possible, the amount of CBD in these pillows is often negligible. Additionally, the efficacy of these pillows diminishes over time as the CBD wears off. This means you’re left with an ordinary pillow that cost significantly more than it should have. A good sleep routine and high-quality CBD oil would be far more effective for improving rest.
5. CBD Clothing
CBD-infused clothing takes gimmickry to another level. These products claim to deliver CBD benefits through prolonged skin contact, but there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. Most of the CBD remains trapped in the fabric and does not transfer to the skin in any meaningful way. Even if some CBD were to transfer, the amount would be inconsistent and likely negligible. The high price of these items only adds to their absurdity, making them one of the least practical CBD products on the market.
6. CBD Toothpicks
CBD toothpicks promise discreet delivery of CBD while freshening your breath. However, the amount of CBD in each toothpick is usually too small to have any noticeable effect. Additionally, the delivery method—chewing on a toothpick—is inefficient and unlikely to result in meaningful absorption of the compound. These products are little more than a novelty, offering no real value for their often inflated price. If you’re looking for a discreet and effective way to use CBD, capsules or tinctures are far better options.
7. CBD Candles
CBD candles claim to promote relaxation by diffusing CBD into the air as they burn. However, CBD is not effectively absorbed through inhalation in this form, making these candles nothing more than expensive scented products. The relaxing effects you feel are more likely due to the ambiance and aroma, not the CBD content. While they may smell pleasant, CBD candles do not provide the therapeutic benefits that other CBD products can offer. They are simply a waste of money for anyone seeking genuine wellness solutions.
8. CBD Tea
CBD tea is marketed as a calming beverage, but it’s fundamentally flawed. CBD is fat-soluble and does not mix well with water, meaning it’s poorly absorbed when consumed in tea. Unless you add a fat source, like milk, the CBD is unlikely to have any effect. The brewing process can also degrade the CBD content, especially if the tea is steeped in hot water. This leaves you with an overpriced herbal tea that offers little to no therapeutic benefit.
9. CBD Air Fresheners
CBD air fresheners claim to create a calming atmosphere by dispersing CBD into the air. However, like CBD candles, these products do not deliver the compound in a way that your body can effectively absorb. Any relaxation you feel is likely due to the pleasant scent, not the CBD. These air fresheners are little more than a marketing gimmick, preying on the popularity of CBD without providing any real benefits. They’re essentially just overpriced scented products.
10. CBD Makeup
CBD-infused makeup, such as lipsticks, mascaras, and foundations, promises added skin benefits alongside cosmetic coverage. However, the amount of CBD in these products is typically too low to provide any meaningful effect. Additionally, the application method—applying makeup and then removing it—doesn’t allow enough time for the CBD to have an impact. These products are often marketed as innovative, but they’re simply taking advantage of the CBD trend. Investing in high-quality skincare products and effective CBD oils would be far more beneficial for your skin.
Products That ACTUALLY Work
1. CBD Oil and Tinctures
CBD oils and tinctures remain one of the most effective ways to consume CBD. Sublingual administration (placing drops under the tongue) allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This method ensures that more CBD is available for use by the body, delivering faster and more noticeable results compared to many gimmicky products. In addition to their effectiveness, oils and tinctures offer flexibility. They allow you to customise your dose based on your needs and can even be added to foods or drinks. With clear labelling and third-party testing often available, these products provide transparency and reliability.
2. CBD Flower and Hash
For those who prefer a more natural approach, CBD flower and CBD hash provide the compound in its rawest form. When smoked or vaped, CBD enters the bloodstream quickly, offering fast relief. These options are particularly appealing for users who appreciate the entourage effect—the synergistic benefits of all cannabinoids and terpenes working together. CBD flower and hash also give users full control over their experience. You can select specific strains with desired effects, such as relaxation or focus. These products are versatile and cater to those looking for an authentic CBD experience without the added fluff of unnecessary gimmicks.
3. CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are ideal for those seeking convenience and precise dosing. They’re discreet, easy to incorporate into a daily routine, and eliminate the guesswork associated with measuring oils or tinctures. Each capsule contains a pre-measured dose, making it simple to track your intake. Unlike products like CBD water or tea, capsules deliver a consistent and reliable amount of CBD. They’re also tasteless, which is a bonus for individuals who dislike the earthy flavour of some CBD oils. With long-lasting effects, capsules are a practical choice for daily wellness.
4. CBD-Infused Edibles
Unlike gimmicks like CBD tea, properly formulated CBD edibles such as gummies or chocolates often include a fat source to improve absorption. These products are great for long-lasting effects and come in a variety of dosages to suit different needs. Edibles are also a fun and enjoyable way to consume CBD. They come in various flavours and formats, making them appealing to a wide range of users. With clear labelling and consistent dosages, edibles provide a reliable and enjoyable alternative to less effective products.
The Challenges of Promoting Genuine CBD Products
For those passionate about CBD’s medical and wellness potential, the proliferation of gimmicky products is disheartening. These items confuse consumers and undermine the credibility of CBD as a legitimate wellness aid. Companies like Trip, which prioritise sleek branding over substance, dilute the value of CBD by treating it as a trendy buzzword rather than a functional product. This not only frustrates advocates but also makes it harder for consumers to trust genuinely effective CBD solutions. CBD has the potential to be a transformative wellness tool, but not every product on the market lives up to the hype. Gimmicks like CBD tea, water, skincare creams, clothing, and pillows do little more than mislead consumers and distract from the compound’s true benefits. By choosing tried-and-true products like CBD oils, tinctures, flower, hash, or capsules, you can enjoy the real benefits of this remarkable compound. Let’s hold brands accountable and keep the focus on quality, efficacy, and transparency—and as a consumer and CBD advocate lets SHARE our experiences of CBD ad PROPER products, because CBD deserves better than being reduced to a fleeting trend.