Are you searching for new skincare products to try out? Learn about the best CBD face masks to make part of your daily beauty regimen. 

Benefits and Uses of CBD Face Masks

CBD (cannabidiol) is a plant-based cannabinoid (phytocannabinoid) from the Cannabis sativa plant.

Studies show that the benefits of CBD include safe and non-invasive topical application, improving skin health, and relieving skin problems, such as inflammation and scars(1).

Face masks may help large pores, fine lines, dry or oily skin, and skin blemishes like acne(2).

Limited studies have examined the direct effect of CBD face masks on people’s skin. However, studies suggest CBD may have potential skin benefits.

The primary causes of acne include excess sebum production(3). Research shows the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may reduce the skin’s excess oil production, helping with acne vulgaris(4).

Acne can lead to inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions(5). Acne results when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, causing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Acne can manifest on the face, forehead, shoulders, and chest(6). These skin blemishes can leave pockmarks, dark spots, or scarring.

The journal Clinical Therapeutics published a study in 2019 that investigated the effects of CBD on individuals with psoriasis, eczema, or scarring(7).

Eczema causes red, itchy, and bumpy skin(8). Psoriasis is characterized by red, itchy, and flaky skin(9).

Researchers of the 2019 study noted that applying CBD ointment on the skin may help improve skin hydration and elasticity.

The effects of CBD may have been related to the natural fatty acids contained in hemp plant extracts, which can hydrate irritated skin(10).

In addition, the researchers noted that the topical application of CBD may help improve the quality of life of individuals with skin disorders or sensitive skin.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), people with acne may experience mental issues, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression(11).

Meanwhile, a 2017 study review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that CBD may help relieve dry skin and itchiness(12).

How CBD Face Masks May Help With Skin Conditions

A study in the Trends in Pharmacological Sciences journal noted that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the skin is responsible for various biological processes(13).

However, the researchers noted that the primary function of the ECS in the skin is to regulate the tolerance, survival, and proliferation of healthy skin cells.

Results indicate that the balance’s disruption may promote the development of various skin problems, such as(14):

  • Allergic dermatitis

  • Acne Vulgaris

  • Seborrhea (white scales and itchy rash)

  • Psoriasis (red, dry, and bumpy skin lesions)

The ECS includes a network of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids and receptors (CB1 and CB2) that regulate various bodily functions. The system also collects and interprets signals that cannabinoids send.

The brain’s neurotransmitters provide instructions and signals for the immune system on where to activate and engage the line of defense(15).

The interaction occurring between CBD and the cannabinoid receptors activates the therapeutic properties of CBD.

How Long After Using the CBD Face Mask Will It Start to Help?

No studies indicate how long it takes for CBD face masks to start working. However, several reviews show that users feel localized effects within one hour after using the face mask.

The CBD component in the face mask starts to work once the skin’s pores absorb the CBD. The pores combine with the skin’s CB2 receptors, which purportedly have critical anti-inflammatory functions(18).

Researchers are still determining whether topical CBD products like oils, tinctures, lotions, and balms penetrate the bloodstream through transdermal absorption(19).

How Long Will the CBD Face Mask’s Effects Last After It Starts to Help?

No studies have been conducted on the duration of the efficacy of CBD face masks. However, some reviewers of CBD face masks reported they felt the effects of the CBD topicals for two to six hours.

Various factors impact how long you may feel the effects of CBD products. Factors include the CBD’s form, the product’s quantity, and your skin type, body weight, and metabolism.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD Face Masks

The most common side effects of CBD products include(20):

CBD may also interact with certain dietary supplements or prescription drugs(21). It is advisable to consult your doctor before starting any CBD products.

Researchers have not discovered any risks connected to CBD skincare products, such as face masks(22).

However, users of CBD topicals may experience skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions(23). These results are more likely if the user has sensitive skin or other skin types.

Note that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the safety and effectiveness of cannabidiol as a skincare ingredient.

Ingredients to Look for in a CBD Face Mask

When selecting a CBD face mask, you have several nourishing ingredients from which to select.

Here are some of the most pervasive ingredients contained in CBD products and their purported health and wellness benefits:

  • aloe leaf extract – rejuvenates the skin and heal skin damage

  • butylene glycol – acts as a conditioning agent

  • glycerin – moisturizes the skin and seal in hydration

  • hyaluronic acid – plumps and hydrates skin

  • licorice root extract – evens skin tone

  • vitamin C – acts as an anti-aging antioxidant

Legality of CBD

The Farm Bill of 2018 makes the following activities legal for hemp(24):

  • Growth

  • Cultivation

  • Production

  • Manufacturing

On the federal level, the sale and distribution of hemp-sourced CBD products such as hempseed oil are permitted(25).

However, state laws on CBD may have varying restrictions on hemp botanicals such as hemp extracts. It is advisable to research CBD laws in your particular state before purchasing CBD products.

How to Choose CBD Face Masks

These steps may help you select the best CBD face mask:

  1. Research which type of CBD oil is contained in a particular CBD face mask brand.

    • CBD isolate – This form is pure cannabidiol.

    • Full-spectrum CBD – It contains all naturally occurring chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, including CBD, THC, fatty acids, flavonoids (plant-based compounds), terpenes (aromatic compounds), and essential oils.

    • Broad-spectrum CBD – This contains multiple types of cannabinoids except for THC.

  2. Read and compare CBD face mask product reviews before purchasing a particular brand.

  3. Search for high-quality products by reviewing third-party lab results provided on the CBD face mask brand’s homepage.

  4. Check product labels to check the active ingredients added to the CBD face mask. Some ingredients added for hydrating and moisturizing properties include aloe vera, collagen, and hyaluronic acid(26).

  5. Consult a healthcare professional, particularly a dermatologist, before adding CBD face masks to your skincare routine.

Product FAQs

1. What are the benefits of CBD face masks, and how can they help? 

CBD face masks contain anti-inflammatory properties that may address particular skin problems(27). Topical CBD products may help alleviate the symptoms of certain skin disorders like acne vulgaris(28).

2. What evidence or research exists that CBD face masks help?

Limited research is available on the specific effects of CBD to help with skin conditions. However, studies suggest that CBD may help alleviate the symptoms of various skin issues, such as acne, eczema, and seborrhea(29).

3. Is there any evidence that CBD face masks can make the skin on the face worse?

Some chemical compounds in beauty products may trigger an immune response, leading to allergic reactions(30). For example, CBD topicals with licorice root extract may trigger an allergic reaction in individuals allergic to licorice root(31).

4. Will CBD face masks interact with any current medication I may be taking for the face?

If the skin does not effectively absorb CBD, it may enter the bloodstream and interact with prescription drugs(32). It is exceedingly recommended to consult a dermatologist before using any CBD product on the face.

5. Are there other treatments I should consider alongside CBD face masks?

Coconut oil(33) and cucumber(34) are some natural alternatives to synthetic chemical-laden products for skincare regimens.

There are CBD face masks with cucumbers or coconut oil available in the market. You can also try the recipes for DIY CBD face masks and add your preferred ingredients like olive oil(35).

However, because of the limited research on the efficacy of CBD topicals, it is difficult to determine how effective topical products are for skin conditions(36).

6. How long should I leave a CBD face mask on?

Different products will require different durations to produce localized effects. Several manufacturers recommend leaving it on for 10 to 12 minutes. It is critical to follow the guidelines provided with a particular CBD face mask.

7. Can I fail a drug test if I use a CBD face mask?

A recent John Hopkins Medicine study shows that some legal hemp CBD products may cause individuals to fail a urine drug test(37).

Consumers are advised to check the CBD potency and THC concentration in the products they use. The United States government defines legal hemp as a cannabis crop containing 0.3% THC or less in dry weight.

8. What is the dosage for CBD face masks?

Consumers must follow a face mask brand’s directions as the dosage differs for various products when using the product.

9. Do CBD face masks pose any health risks?

No studies in the published literature have noted risks associated with dermally applied CBD products in humans(38). Still, you should consult a dermatologist before starting a skincare regimen with CBD.

More importantly, when using CBD face masks, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s directions.

The Farm Bill of 2018 made growing, processing, and manufacturing hemp legal on the federal level(39). However, different states have varying levels of restrictions on hemp products.

  1. A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30993303/
  2. Do Face Masks Actually Work or Are They Just a Fad?
    https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-face-masks-actually-work-or-are-they-just-a-fad/
  3. Acne
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
  4. Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/
  5. Acne vulgaris
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
  6. Acne
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
  7. A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30993303/
  8. Eczema
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema
  9. Psoriasis
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
  10. A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30993303/
  11. Acne can affect more than your skin
    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/acne-emotional-effects
  12. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7724411_Efficacy_of_dietary_hempseed_oil_in_patients_with_atopic_dermatitis/
  13. The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311/
  14. Ibid.
  15. Neuroimmune Interactions: From the Brain to the Immune System and Vice Versa
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5866360/
  16. The Endocannabinoid System as an Emerging Target of Pharmacotherapy
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2241751/
  17. An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4789136/
  18. The Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor as a Target for Inflammation-Dependent
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2435344/
  19. Transdermal medications
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556035/
  20. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
    https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
  21. Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug-Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31288397/
  22. Potential risks from use of topically applied CBD-containing cosmetic products
    https://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2020-08/tox202023topicalcbdforwebsite_accessibleinadobepro_0.pdf
  23. Are CBD products safe for your skin?
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/cbd-beauty-products.html
  24. Farm Bill
    https://www.usda.gov/farmbill
  25. Ibid.
  26. Effects of Aloe Sterol Supplementation on Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and Collagen Score: A 12-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312354901_Effects_of_Aloe_Sterol_Supplementation_on_Skin_Elasticity_Hydration_and_Collagen_Score_A_12-Week_Double-Blind_Randomized_Controlled_Trial
  27. A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30993303/
  28. A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30993303/
  29. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/
  30. Understanding allergic reactions to skin care products
    https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-allergic-reactions-skin-care-products
  31. Glycerin allergy
    https://www.aaaai.org/allergist-resources/ask-the-expert/answers/old-ask-the-experts/glycerin
  32. CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743
  33. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/
  34. Evaluating The Potential Benefits Of Cucumbers For Improved Health And Skin Care
    https://www.jarlife.net/3050-evaluating-the-potential-benefits-of-cucumbers-for-improved
  35. Olive Oil, Cancer & the CB-1 Receptor
    https://www.projectcbd.org/wellness/olive-oil-cancer-cb-1-receptor
  36. Should I Use CBD Products on My Skin?
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/cbd-beauty-products.html
  37. Some CBD Products May Yield Cannabis-Positive Urine Drug Tests
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/some-cbd-products-may-yield-cannabis-positive-urine-drug-tests
  38. Potential risks from use of topically applied CBD-containing cosmetic products
    https://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2020-08/tox202023topicalcbdforwebsite_accessibleinadobepro_0.pdf
  39. Farm Bill
    https://www.usda.gov/farmbill
CBD Clinicals is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Written by 

Stanley Clark

Stanley Clark is a community development volunteer and writer. He had worked on several commercials, events, and campaigns before writing full-time in the area of natural health and wellness. He has a particular interest in reviewing CBD brands for their...

CBD Clinicals Offers


To redeem this offer click here.

Featured Posts