Products with CBD are gaining ground in the cosmetic and massage cream market. However, the growing trend towards natural and effective pain relief and CBD-containing creams underscores the importance of making a well-informed product choice. By examining the organoleptic properties of these creams, we can obtain valuable insights into their performance and acceptance, contributing to a more informed market. To investigate the sensory profile of Physiorelax® CBD compared to three other CBD-infused topical massage creams, all aimed at providing natural relief for muscle and joint pain. An initial group of 20 panellists trained in sensory panel methodology since 2018 was convened to evaluate the four products. The presentation of the creams was randomised and blinded. Organoleptic characteristics were assessed using quantitative scores. The four creams exhibited a comparable sensory profile overall, with Physiorelax® CBD standing out in certain aspects related to appearance and pick-up characteristics. Physiorelax® CBD showed higher scores compared to Fisiocrem® Cannabis in integrity of shape (*P=0.006; *P=0.003 after 10 seconds), firmness (*P=0.006), and stickiness (*P=0.033). It also differs in initial glossiness (in terms of visible shine observed in the cream before application) compared to Cannaben® (*P=0.005), Alivium® CBD (*P<0.005), and Fisiocrem® Cannabis (*P=0.02), with a median of 70 (Alivium® CBD median of 50; Cannaben® and Fisiocrem® Cannabis median of 75). Physiorelax® CBD excels in some sensory characteristics of application compared to the other topical products tested. With a 1% CBD concentration and a blend of anti-inflammatory and analgesic natural ingredients, Physiorelax® CBD stands out as a strong option from a sensory and formulation perspective, showing properties that may be of interest for topical musculoskeletal products. However, no conclusions on clinical effectiveness can be inferred from this study.
Massage relieves stress and anxiety, but also helps to reduce musculoskeletal problems, decreasing tension, in all stages of life. For pediatric use, organoleptic properties, cosmetic safety and user acceptability of topical products are important given the higher frequency of irritative or allergic episodes in young skin. We evaluate for the first time the comprehensive cosmetic performance of Physiorelax Forte Plus natural formulation in cream, spray and roll-on applied regularly in healthy and active children/adolescents. 210 healthy volunteers were included (150 adults with sensitive skin and 60 children and adolescents [6–16 years]). This three-part, sequential, observational, non-comparative pilot design monitored user experience under real-world conditions: (I) Open-label testing to assess skin compatibility in adults (N = 60); (II) In-use testing in adults for cosmetic acceptability and safety over 14 days (N = 90); (III) In-use testing in children/adolescents for 14 days (N = 60). Outcomes were dermatological assessments for tolerability and user (and/or parents/caregiver(s)-reported) satisfaction/acceptability and perceived benefits. No control group or objective efficacy measures were included. Among pediatric participants, no cutaneous reactions were observed at application sites after 14 days of use. Proxy reporting about consumer satisfaction and acceptability for the range were generally high. Principal component analysis revealed a clear three-cluster structure (sensory, functional, practicality), with roll-on driving the strongest differentiation across items and spray aligning most closely with sensory attributes, while cream showed an intermediate functional profile. The Physiorelax Forte Plus range demonstrated a favorable cosmetic safety profile and consumer acceptability in pediatric use under real-world conditions. Findings are limited by the observational, unblinded design, absence of a control group, and reliance on subjectively reported outcomes; no clinical or pharmaceutical claims are implied. Future controlled studies incorporating objective dermatologic endpoints, benchmark products, and direct child/adolescent reporting are warranted.