I don’t always have the time or opportunity to write product reviews these days, and I definitely don’t go out of my way to gush about many products. But after sitting on a sample of Sunriver Botanicals CBD Salve for the better part of a year, I finally used it, more out of necessity than curiosity – but it surprised the hell out of me.
The 2500mg jar came from Nick Carpool, founder and Executive Director of the CBD Pioneer Foundation, who sent it over as part of a care package. It sat untouched on a shelf until one day I figured I could use it on my shoulders, which sometimes ache because of sports, workouts, and overuse. I reached for it half-expecting a greasy mess that smells like an overripe herb garden and does little more than make your skin shiny. What I got was something entirely different and actually useful.
Sunriver Botanicals CBD Salve Review
What They Say It Is
Sunriver Botanicals describes their CBD Salve as “a naturally formulated, topical CBD cream designed to complement your skin care routine, offering a soothing experience.”
It’s made from premium hemp extract, blended with organic coconut oil, beeswax, and just a touch of lavender essential oil, and it’s crafted for sensitive skin. They position it as ideal for easing tension after exercise, as part of daily wellness, or just to add a little calm to your routine.
They also emphasize that their salves are handcrafted in small batches, lab-tested for purity, and completely free of preservatives or artificial ingredients. It’s available in multiple strengths, from 600mg up to 2400mg of CBD per jar, so you can pick your potency.
On paper, it checks all the boxes you want from a “clean” topical: natural, thoughtful, and created to add to your wellness routine. But marketing copy is easy. The real test is how it works when your body is screaming at you.
What It Actually Did
I used the salve for two very different reasons: shoulder pain and eczema.
For my shoulder, I used it like a massage oil, rubbing it in firmly over the sore area in hopes that it would help loosen some tension and relieve some of the pain. Not in a dramatic fireworks way (this isn’t a painkiller), but just something to help take the edge off. I’m not sure it did anything internally, but the massage itself felt great, which did help a bit.
For the eczema on my elbows, this is where it shined. I’ve had eczema flare-ups since I was a kid, and nothing has ever worked long-term. While this salve didn’t “cure” the condition (nothing really does), it immediately calmed the swelling and killed the itching, which are the two things that drive me crazy. Anyone who’s dealt with eczema knows how fast itch can spiral into scratching, bleeding, and regret. This stopped that spiral for days at a time.
It also has a texture that makes sense: smooth, easy to spread, and it absorbs clean without leaving your skin slick or feeling greasy. And the best part? It doesn’t reek.
There’s a hint of lavender, but it’s so subtle it fades quickly. It doesn’t punch you in the nose or make you smell like you just walked out of a spa. I don’t always want to smell like lemon balm, menthol, or eucalyptus all day.
Where It Falls Short
It’s not a miracle cure. The eczema always comes back eventually, and relief doesn’t last forever, so you’ll need to reapply. And if you’re dealing with intense pain from a deep injury or severe inflammation, this won’t replace physical therapy or stronger treatments.
It’s also a premium product, and you can feel that in the price tag. If you’re using it daily or multiple times a day, it’ll add up. That said, you’re paying for clean ingredients, consistent formulation, and something that actually works, so it’s not wasted money, just worth budgeting for. The jar I have is $120.00 on their website.
The Verdict: Sunrise Botanicals CBD Salve
If you’re expecting a magic bullet, this isn’t it. But if you want something that genuinely eases tension and calms inflammation without the greasy mess or the overpowering “spa” smell, Sunriver Botanicals’ CBD Salve is absolutely worth having around. It won’t cure chronic conditions, but it will give you real relief when you need it–and sometimes, that’s exactly what matters. I went in expecting another overhyped CBD topical and ended up with something I actually trust.
It’s earned a spot in my medicine cabinet. No fluff, no hype, just something that works.
