More and more people are looking for a natural way to support pain relief, relaxation or general wellbeing. In that search, CBD patches are quickly becoming one of the most popular options, and it is easy to see why. At Dutch Natural Healing, we notice that CBD patches have become part of many people's daily routines. The enthusiastic feedback and practical tips we receive from users not only motivate us, they also help other people discover what patches can do for them. In this blog we take a closer look at how CBD patches actually work and what makes them different from other ways of taking CBD.
What are CBD patches
A CBD patch is a small adhesive patch that works transdermally, meaning it delivers CBD through the skin rather than through the digestive system. Once you stick the patch onto your skin, CBD is gradually released into your bloodstream. For the best results, the patch should be placed on a clean, dry area of skin, ideally somewhere the skin is thinner, such as the inside of your arm. Because the release happens slowly and steadily, the effects of a patch tend to last much longer than other forms of CBD.
How CBD patches are made
Making a CBD patch involves a careful, multi step process.
Step 1: creating a thin film with CBD The process starts with dissolving CBD in a suitable solvent, such as a hydroalcoholic gel. This solution is spread into a thin film, which is then dried so the solvent evaporates and a solid layer of CBD remains. That film is cut to size depending on the dose the finished patch needs to deliver.
Step 2: applying the film to an adhesive layer The dried CBD film is then attached to an adhesive surface. This backing can be made from materials like plastic, fabric or paper, and it is what allows the patch to stick comfortably to the skin. The choice of material matters for both comfort and how well the patch moves with you throughout the day.
Step 3: adding a protective cover Finally, the patch is sealed with a protective peel off layer. This prevents the CBD from being released too early. The layer is removed right before the patch goes on the skin, so the CBD only starts working once it makes contact.
How does CBD get absorbed through the skin
Skin is the largest organ in the body, and it is designed to keep unwanted substances out. The outer layer, in particular, is a dense barrier that makes transdermal absorption genuinely challenging. Even so, CBD can make its way through the skin thanks to a combination of its natural properties and the technology used in modern patches.
The structure of the skin and how CBD interacts with it
Skin is made up of several layers: the epidermis, with the stratum corneum as its outermost part, the dermis underneath it, and the subcutaneous fatty tissue below that. The stratum corneum is the hardest layer to get through (1). Because CBD is lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fat rather than water, it is able to pass through this layer via lipophilic pathways in the skin.
Transdermal technology
CBD patches rely on transdermal technology to release CBD slowly and consistently. Once a patch is applied, the warmth of the skin activates the CBD, which then begins moving through the layers of skin. This movement follows a natural process called diffusion, where particles travel from an area with a higher concentration to one with a lower concentration. In this case, CBD moves from the patch, where concentration is high, into the skin, where it is lower.
The role of permeation enhancers
To help CBD absorb more effectively, many patches include permeation enhancers. These are ingredients or techniques that temporarily make the skin more permeable. Some are chemical solutions, while others are physical methods such as microneedles or nanocarriers. Certain chemical enhancers have been shown to speed up and improve the transdermal absorption of CBD (2).
Reaching the bloodstream
Once CBD makes it past the stratum corneum, it reaches the dermis, where blood vessels are present. From there it is taken up by the capillaries and enters the bloodstream directly. Because this route bypasses the liver, less CBD is lost to what is known as the first pass effect (3), which generally means higher bioavailability compared to taking CBD orally.
Does the location on your body matter
Where you place the patch can influence how well it is absorbed. Areas with thinner skin, such as the wrist or the inside of the arm, offer less of a barrier, which may allow CBD to be absorbed more efficiently and a little faster.
Bioavailability: why patches make a difference
Bioavailability describes how much of the CBD you take actually ends up in your bloodstream where it can have an effect. When CBD oil is taken orally, a significant portion is broken down in the liver before it ever reaches circulation, a process known as the first pass effect.
Oral CBD oil typically has a bioavailability of around 6 to 20 percent, depending on how it is taken. Sublingual use, meaning under the tongue, tends to fall between 13 and 19 percent, while swallowed oil sits lower, at around 6 to 12 percent (4).
Patches work differently. Since CBD enters the bloodstream directly through the skin, the liver is bypassed entirely. Research suggests that patches using nanocarrier technology can improve absorption by a factor of three to nine compared to oral intake (5), meaning your body is able to make use of much more of the CBD you apply.
How effective are CBD patches
Because patches are a relatively new way of taking CBD, research into their effectiveness is still developing. That said, they are frequently used to help with pain and inflammation thanks to their long lasting effect, which can range from 48 to 70 hours, with peak release often occurring around the four hour mark. Studies on transdermal CBD have shown a reduction in pain and inflammation, supporting their use for this purpose (6).
A clinical trial is currently underway looking into CBD patches for psoriasis, although results are not yet available (7). It is also worth noting that patch quality can vary quite a bit between products (8). Not every patch on the market contains the amount of CBD it claims, and release rates can differ from one product to another (8). This makes it important to choose a supplier you trust. Overall, CBD patches look like a promising option, including for more localised concerns, and we expect to see a lot more research into this delivery method in the years ahead.
In summary
CBD patches have quickly become one of the most popular ways to take CBD, and for good reason. Users appreciate how quickly they start working and how long the effects last, which makes them a favourite among both newcomers and experienced CBD users alike. The combination of smart transdermal technology, strong absorption and everyday convenience makes patches a great fit for an active lifestyle. Curious what others have experienced, or wondering if CBD patches might work for you? Take a look at the reviews on our website to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a CBD patch last
Depending on the product, a CBD patch can remain effective for anywhere between 48 and 70 hours, with the peak release generally happening around four hours after application.
Where should I place a CBD patch
Choose a clean, dry area of skin, ideally somewhere the skin is thinner, such as the inside of your arm or your wrist. Thinner skin tends to allow for better and faster absorption.
Are CBD patches more effective than CBD oil
Patches bypass the liver entirely, which means more of the CBD reaches your bloodstream compared to oral options like oil or capsules. Some studies show that patches using nanocarrier technology can improve absorption by three to nine times compared to oral intake.
Can CBD patches help with pain
Several studies have looked at transdermal CBD for pain and inflammation and found encouraging results. Many users specifically choose patches for ongoing or localised discomfort thanks to their long lasting, steady release.
Is patch quality the same across all brands
No, quality can vary significantly between manufacturers. Some patches do not contain the amount of CBD stated on the label, and release rates differ from product to product, so it is worth choosing a supplier with transparent testing and reliable sourcing.
References
- Kirk RD, Akanji T, Li H, Shen J, Allababidi S, Seeram NP, Bertin MJ, Ma H. Evaluations of Skin Permeability of Cannabidiol and Its Topical Formulations by Skin Membrane Based Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay and Franz Cell Diffusion Assay. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2022 Oct 10;5(1):129-137. https://doi.org/10.1159/000526769
- Junaid MSA, Tijani AO, Puri A, Banga AK. In vitro percutaneous absorption studies of cannabidiol using human skin. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Volume 616, 2022, 121540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121540
- Mahmoudinoodezh H, Telukutla SR, Bhangu SK, Bachari A, Cavalieri F, Mantri N. The Transdermal Delivery of Therapeutic Cannabinoids. Pharmaceutics. 2022 Feb 18;14(2):438. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14020438
- Millar SA, Stone NL, Yates AS, O'Sullivan SE. A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Nov 26;9:1365. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01365
- Chu PC, Liao MH, Liu MG, Li CZ, Lai PS. Key Transdermal Patch Using Cannabidiol Loaded Nanocarriers with Better Pharmacokinetics in vivo. Int J Nanomedicine. 2024 May 16;19:4321-4337. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S455032
- Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, Abshire SM, McIlwrath SL, Stinchcomb AL, Westlund KN. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Eur J Pain. 2016 Jul;20(6):936-48. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.818
- Sermsaksasithorn P, Asawanonda P, Phutrakool P, Ondee T, Chariyavilaskul P, Payungporn S, Pongpirul K, Hirankarn N. Efficacy and Safety of Cannabis Transdermal Patch for Alleviating Psoriasis Symptoms. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2024 May 30;7(1):99-110. https://doi.org/10.1159/000539492
- Yu L, Madsen FB, Eriksen SH, Andersen AJC, Skov AL. A reliable quantitative method for determining CBD content and release from transdermal patches in Franz cells. Phytochem Anal. 2022 Dec;33(8):1257-1265. https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.3188
