I recently picked up a CBD topical cream that has DMSO as an ingredient. The entire ingredient list is:

Vegetable Glycerin, Lanolin, Aloe Vera Gel, DMSO, CBD and Terpene Rich Hemp Oil Concentrate, Vitamin A, D, & E Oil

I want to use the cream instead of diclofenac gel or oral NSAIDs when I have aches and pains related to TMJ, overuse of hands, occasional arthritis in my low back, etc. I used it a couple of times, sparingly, and it’s definitely relieving my pain.

I wasn’t familiar with DMSO until I researched the ingredient. I have seen mixed reviews about it. I know it’s used in veterinary medicine, and it’s sold as a stand-alone topical analgesic. But it’s not approved in the United States in humans as a medication except for treatment for a specific urologic condition.

My questions are:

1. Is DMSO safe to use on my skin, specifically on my jaw and cheek for TMJ pain?

2. If DMSO is safe, am I better off to buy straight-up DMSO, which is pretty cheap, instead of the CBD topical?

3. Anything else I should know about it?

TIA!