Austin-Made Pain-Relief Topicals: Where to Shop Local Balms, Creams, and Custom Compounds
Topical balms, salves, and creams can be clutch for sore knees after a Greenbelt hike, post-workout aches, or desk-shoulder tension. Austin's got a deep bench of makers—herbalists, compounding pharmacists, and hemp brands—crafting relief right here in town. When hands-on care fits your routine, you can find a great massage places in Austin to find massage options to complement at-home topicals.
Below are standout shops (with addresses and what to expect), plus a quick primer on ingredients and current Texas rules.
Standout Local Makers & Shops
RESTART CBD + THC
2521 Rutland Dr, Suite 150A, Austin, TX 78758
North Austin's woman-owned hemp brand makes its own topicals, including the Recover CBD Topical Cream (1,500 mg; aloe, arnica, 22 botanicals) and a high-potency Relief Salve (2,000 mg with CBD/CBN/CBG). Expect friendly staff, curbside pickup, local delivery, and lots of educational help if you're new to CBD. It's a great stop if you want Austin-made formulas with clear lab info and straightforward dosing guidance.
Sweet Sensi
607 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Downtown destination known for solventless, in-house rosin (they grow/press in Austin) and a lounge vibe. For muscles and joints, look for their Athletic CBD Rub (1,000 mg) and Relief CBD Salve (1,000 mg), both made with their own rosin and simple, pronounceable ingredients. Pop in if you want "seed-to-salve" transparency, quick conversations with staff, and an easy walk from other downtown spots.
East Austin Medicine Shop
1909 E 38th 1/2 St, Suite C2, Austin, TX 78723
A neighborhood pharmacy that compounds custom topicals—handy if your clinician wants a specific strength or combo (e.g., ketoprofen, lidocaine, etc.). They also carry curated OTC products for everyday aches. Call ahead about provider scripts, insurance questions, and turnaround times; delivery options are available for many prescriptions.
Texas Original
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12701 Lowden Ln, Bldg 501, Manchaca, TX 78652
If you're registered in the Texas Compassionate Use Program, Texas Original makes a 1:1 CBD:THC topical balm (200 mg per jar) designed for localized relief. Same-day pickup is often available, and staff can help patients verify eligibility and ordering steps. Note this is not a recreational shop—bring your medical information.
Ace of Cups Apothecary
2121 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
A woman-owned wellness space with a true herbal apothecary, offering handcrafted tinctures, teas, salves, infused oils, and more—alongside massage and herbal consults. Expect small-batch, plant-forward formulas and staff who can translate "arnica vs. comfrey vs. menthol" into practical picks. It's a smart stop if you prefer non-cannabinoid balms and want ingredient-savvy guidance.
The Herb Bar
200 W Mary St, Austin, TX 78704
South Austin institution and classic stop for herbs, essential oils, balms, and locally made goodies. They blend some products in-house (like teas and sprays) and regularly stock Austin-area salves—ask for arnica/comfrey or mentholated options if you want targeted relief. Parking is straightforward, and the staff can steer you toward gentle formulas if you have sensitive skin.
Texas Herb Center
Online (Austin, TX)
Physician-founded brand producing handcrafted in-Austin CBD topicals (such as a Cooling Mint Salve) and other formulas. It's a good pick if you prefer physician-led formulations, clean ingredient panels, and online ordering with local roots. Check product pages for potency details and batch testing.
How to Choose the Right Topical
For instant cooling or warming relief, look for menthol and camphor, often paired with CBD. For workout recovery and bruises, arnica and comfrey are common herbals; rosin-based CBD appeals to purists who want solventless extraction.
If you have sensitive skin, go fragrance-free or essential-oil-light and always patch-test first. If OTC topicals haven't been enough, ask your clinician about a compounded cream through a pharmacy like East Austin Medicine Shop.
What's Legal Right Now in Texas
As of writing, CBD-only products remain legal statewide. Hemp-/THC-related rules are evolving, so availability and formulations can change; check in-store for the latest and review product COAs (lab results) before you buy. Medical cannabis topicals are available only to registered patients through licensed dispensaries like Texas Original.
Neighborhood Cheat Sheet
- Downtown: Sweet Sensi (easy walk from Congress Ave).
- North Austin: RESTART CBD (parking-friendly off Rutland).
- East Side: Ace of Cups (apothecary + bodywork); East Austin Medicine Shop (Rx compounding).
- South Austin area: Texas Original's dispensary in nearby Manchaca (medical only).
Reminders for Responsible Use
Topicals are for external use; avoid broken skin and wash hands after mentholated products. If you're on medications or pregnant/nursing, talk to a clinician—especially with high-menthol or salicylate-containing balms. For athletes, check league rules on cannabinoids.