Compare the Best CBD for Skin Care in 2021

Benefits of Using CBD for Skin Care

Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid or naturally occurring compound in cannabis plants, is known for its potential therapeutic benefits in different medical conditions, like pain, anxiety, and depression⁽¹⁾.

With the growing research on CBD’s potential benefits, CBD beauty products are also gaining attention in the beauty industry.

Studies showed CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, anxiolytic, and moisturizing effects^(2–5). With these promising findings, CBD companies are also coming out with more CBD beauty products, like CBD oil tinctures and CBD topicals. 

CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties 

A 2014 study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation showed that CBD may have anti-inflammatory actions, reducing excessive oil production⁽⁶⁾. 

The appearance of blemishes, or small, inflamed bumps on the skin’s surface, is typical among humans, significantly affecting people’s quality of life.

The study also stated that CBD may suppress the proliferation of sebocytes, the cells that create sebum. Sebum plays a role in the formation of pimples.

Thus, CBD may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne vulgaris. 

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics examined CBD’s benefits in an experimental model of allergic contact dermatitis⁽⁷⁾. This type of dermatitis is a skin inflammatory response to exposure to an allergen, resulting in red, itchy skin.

Results showed that CBD may produce anti-inflammatory effects.

Moreover, a study on cannabinoids in the management of difficult-to-treat pain indicated that CBD may help reduce inflammation by promoting the signaling of the adenosine receptor A2A, which helps suppress immune cells⁽⁸⁾.

A 2019 study also investigated CBD ointment’s therapeutic effects on severe skin chronic diseases and their resulting scars⁽⁹⁾. Findings indicated that CBD’s topical application may reduce inflammation in patients with skin conditions and promote wellness and improved quality of life.

Furthermore, a 2020 study examined the use of cannabinoids in dermatological inflammatory diseases⁽¹⁰⁾. Results revealed that CBD may suppress the inflammatory reaction of allergic contact dermatitis without cytotoxic effects.

The study also showed that CBD may help treat other skin diseases, like psoriasis, acne, and melanoma.

CBD’s Antibacterial Properties

As early as 1976, CBD’s potential antibacterial properties were already documented⁽¹¹⁾. The study indicated that the minimum inhibiting concentrations of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for staphylococci and streptococci in broth fall between one and five mμg/ml.

THC is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants that causes a euphoric feeling among users.

Staphylococci and streptococci are dangerous human pathogens that may cause minor infections, like boils and localized abscesses⁽¹²⁾. More severe conditions may include infections of the bloodstream and the bone and joints.

According to a 2008 study, CBD and other main compounds, like cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and THC, exhibited potent activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)⁽¹³⁾.

A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology revealed that CBD may be used with other antibiotics to target certain bacteria to sensitize them to antibiotic treatment and reduce antibiotic resistance⁽¹⁴⁾.

Moreover, a 2020 paper published in Scientific Reports highlighted CBD as a potentially useful compound⁽¹⁵⁾. It may be used in combination with bacitracin to kill Gram-positive bacteria, which contain thick cell walls.

CBD’s Antifungal Properties

A 2011 study from the British Journal of Pharmacology indicated that cannabinoids, like CBD, THC, CBG, and CBC, have moderate antifungal properties⁽¹⁶⁾.

While the study focused on THC’s therapeutic benefits, it indicated that the cannabinoids CBD, CBG, and CBC may boost the effects of an extremely potent antifungal terpenoid: caryophyllene oxide. Caryophyllene oxide is a primary terpene found in cannabis plants, pepper, and basil.

According to a 2018 study from Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, many terpenes may possess antifungal properties⁽¹⁷⁾. However, the study noted that these terpenes’ essential oils were not as effective as purified CBD.

Another study showed that essential oils containing alpha-pinene and delta-3-carene found in cannabis have potent antifungal properties⁽¹⁸⁾.

While these studies do not focus on CBD, they suggest the antifungal properties of compounds in cannabis plants.

CBD’s Antioxidant Properties

Research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America showed CBD as a potentially powerful antioxidant⁽¹⁹⁾. The compound may even be 30% to 50% more potent than vitamin C and vitamin E.

Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance of free radicals (oxidants) and antioxidants⁽²⁰⁾. Given its antioxidant properties, CBD may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, nourish the skin, and slow the aging process.

A 2019 review published in Antioxidants also emphasized the antioxidant properties of CBD⁽²¹⁾. The research discussed how CBD may help treat diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Antioxidants also come in the form of vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids. Full-spectrum CBD for skin care contains a complete range of compounds, including CBD, low THC levels, terpenes, flavonoids, minerals, and fatty acids.

Terpenes are responsible for cannabis plants’ distinct aroma, while flavonoids are the reason for their vivid colors.

Essential fatty acids present in CBD oil products include Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are necessary for both the body and the skin. A 20-week study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment showed that dietary hempseed oil may help with atopic dermatitis symptoms⁽²²⁾.

According to the study, hempseed oil is a rich and balanced source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Once all compounds combine, they produce the entourage effect, which means that they are more effective when they work together compared to their individual efficacies⁽²³⁾. Thus, using full-spectrum CBD for skin care allows consumers to maximize the compounds’ benefits.

CBD’s Anxiolytic Effects

To help maintain healthy skin and body, one should get enough sleep and relaxation. CBD’s anxiolytic effects may promote relaxation among users. 

A 2019 study from The Permanente Journal measured sleep and anxiety scores in human subjects⁽²⁴⁾. Results revealed that CBD may have benefits for anxiety-related disorders.

Another study highlighted that CBD may produce anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects⁽²⁵⁾.

A 2015 review also discussed CBD as a potential treatment for anxiety through its interaction with receptors that regulate fear and anxiety-related behaviors, such as CB1 and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors⁽²⁶⁾.

Moreover, a 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology indicated CBD’s anxiolytic effects for teenagers with social anxiety disorders⁽²⁷⁾.

CBD may be beneficial for other disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder⁽²⁸⁾.

CBD’s Analgesic Effects

CBD is also known for its potential analgesic or pain-relieving effects. A study highlighted CBD’s therapeutic benefits in different pain types, including neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis, intractable cancer pain, and rheumatoid arthritis⁽²⁹⁾.

Moreover, according to a 2020 review, CBD may provide therapeutic benefits in certain forms of epilepsy, cause analgesia in certain conditions, and improve life quality⁽³⁰⁾.

Consumers may also use topical CBD products for site-specific pain relief. According to a 2018 review, CBD gels that contain CBD and hyaluronic acid may be useful for pain and wound management⁽³¹⁾. 

Other topical CBD products also contain arnica oil, which may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects⁽³²⁾.

CBD’s Moisturizing Effects

CBD for skin care may also have hydrating or moisturizing effects. A 2017 review from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology indicated that CBD may reduce itch and skin dryness⁽³³⁾.

A 2019 study published in Clinical Therapeutics examined individuals with either psoriasis, eczema, or scarring⁽³⁴⁾. Results showed that CBD may help hydrate and moisturize dry skin, enhancing skin elasticity.

Other CBD moisturizers and beauty products also contain moisturizing active ingredients, like coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, peppermint oil, aloe, and shea butter, giving the skin moisture glow.

How CBD Helps With Skin Care

To understand CBD’s skincare benefits, one should know how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS maintains homeostasis or balance in bodily functions, such as pain perception, immune response, sleep, mood, appetite, and metabolism⁽³⁵⁾.

Moreover, the ECS consists of two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

CB1 receptors are found in the brain and central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys. These receptors help regulate bodily functions, like memory processing, appetite, pain sensation, mood, and sleep.

CB2 receptors are in cells within the immune system and its associated structures. These receptors elicit a response that helps combat inflammation, thus reducing pain and minimizing damage to tissues.

These anti-inflammatory effects may help treat various skin infections, like psoriasis, acne, and allergic contact dermatitis⁽³⁶⁾. 

CBD also activates TRPV1 and GPR55 receptors, which may help mediate pain perception and inflammation^(37–38).

A 2019 study showed that CBD may reduce anxiety and promote relaxation through 5-HT1A serotonin receptor activation⁽³⁹⁾. Known as the “happy chemical,” serotonin plays an essential role in helping with mood, anxiety levels, appetite, and cognitive functions.

Another study indicated that CBD may reduce inflammation by promoting adenosine receptor A2A signaling, suppressing immune cells in the process⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Thus, CBD’s skincare effects may be due to the substance’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system and other cannabinoid receptors regulating skin and body functions.

How Soon Can CBD’s Effects Be Felt?

CBD for skin care is available in various forms, including CBD oil tinctures and CBD topicals, like creams, lotions, balms, soaps, and salves.

CBD’s potential benefits in skin care may be felt instantly or delayed based on various factors. These include the CBD administration method, its potency, your skin type, body weight, and metabolism. 

CBD oil tinctures may be a practical option for those seeking fast results as CBD passes directly through the bloodstream⁽⁴¹⁾. Effects may be evident within 15 to 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, topical CBD beauty products, such as body lotions, eye creams, face creams, and lip balms, may take an hour or two to kick in. CBD is absorbed through the surface of the skin to interact with localized cannabinoid receptors.

Thus, users may apply topical CBD beauty products liberally to overcome the skins’ low cannabinoid absorption rate.

While CBD oil tinctures may provide immediate relief for various skin conditions, effects may last for four to six hours only.

Meanwhile, CBD topicals’ benefits in skin care may last for six hours. Others may last for a few days, depending on different factors, like skin sensitivity and metabolism.

Possible Side effects of Using CBD for Skin Care

While CBD may help treat various skin infections, the compound may also induce some side effects. According to Mayo Clinic, the usual side effects include⁽⁴²⁾: 

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Reduced appetite
• Tiredness
• Fatigue
• Changes in weight

CBD may also interact with some medications, such as blood thinners.

According to a 2011 review, CBD may induce side effects, such as the inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism, decreased fertilization capacity, and decreased activities of p-glycoprotein and other drug transporters⁽⁴³⁾.

Thus, consumers should consult a dermatologist, especially if they have sensitive skin. This measure ensures that you get advice on proper CBD use according to your skin type.

How to Choose the Best CBD Skin Care Products

Users can choose from a wide range of CBD products for skin care. These include balms, eye creams, face creams, soaps, body lotions, serums, salves, and face masks.

Chic brands, like Sephora, Vertly, and Lord Jones, also offer various CBD-infused beauty products. To purchase the best CBD oil for skin, consumers should follow these tips: 

1. Seek medical advice, especially if purchasing CBD products for the first time. If you have severe medical conditions or are taking other medications, this step is important to ensure appropriate CBD use.
2. Choose CBD products that use organic, GMO-free hemp plants. You should also pick cruelty-free CBD beauty products.
3. Select CBD products that use CO2 extraction techniques to maximize the compounds’ benefits.
4. Confirm whether the product undergoes third-party lab testing. The certificate of analysis (COA) should be available on the CBD brand’s website. It should determine CBD potency and the product’s absence of pesticides, residual solvents, and other harmful substances.
5. Compare product label claims with the COA. Third-party testing of high-quality CBD hemp oil products should show accurate or higher CBD content than the product label claim.
6. Choose CBD companies with certifications, memberships to hemp organizations, or accreditations from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). CBD skincare brands that meet these criteria are reliable as they have shown strict compliance, transparency, excellent customer service, and ethical business practices.
7. Research on state laws regarding cannabis use to ensure that you can legally use CBD skincare products. 
8. Know the different CBD types: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolates.

Full-spectrum CBD products contain all cannabinoids or naturally occurring compounds in cannabis plants, including CBD, THC, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, essential oils, and other minerals.

These compounds combined produce the entourage effect, which may be more efficacious than the isolated cannabis plant elements⁽⁴⁴⁾. Users who want to maximize all compounds’ benefits should use full-spectrum CBD products.

Broad-spectrum CBD is like full-spectrum CBD, except that it has no THC. These types of CBD products suit those who want to avoid the euphoric effects of THC. 

Meanwhile, CBD isolates are pure CBD hemp extracts that allow users to maximize CBD’s benefits.

How to Use CBD for Skin Care

CBD for skin care is available in various forms, including CBD oil tinctures and topical CBD products, like creams, cleansers, body lotions, lip balms, soaps, and salves.

The most common way to use CBD for skin care is through topical CBD beauty products. Depending on your needs, you can apply lip balms, eye creams, face creams, and body lotions directly to your skin.

Those who want to reduce under-eye puffiness can use CBD eye creams. Moreover, those who wish to maintain moisturized skin can use CBD soaps, CBD cleansers, and CBD lotions. 

Effects of topical CBD products may be felt after an hour or two and may last for six hours or even several days.

As CBD topicals are absorbed through the skin’s surface, users may apply a more significant amount of CBD to their skin. However, they should start low and slow to observe the skin’s reaction to CBD.

They may increase the dosage once they see positive effects after several days of use. 

CBD oil tinctures allow CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream⁽⁴⁵⁾. Users can take CBD tinctures sublingually or under the tongue and let CBD stay in place for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing.

Tinctures may take effect within 15 to 45 minutes⁽⁴⁶⁾. However, results may vary per person, depending on the CBD administration method and potency, user skin type, body weight, and metabolism.

Legality of CBD

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products with 0.3% THC or less are legal at the federal level⁽⁴⁷⁾.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound that causes a euphoric high among users. While hemp-derived CBD products are no longer part of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana remains a Schedule 1 controlled drug⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

Marijuana has a high potential for abuse, which can be attributed to THC’s psychoactive effects⁽⁴⁹⁾.

The 2018 Farm Bill highlighted the authority of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate products with cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds⁽⁵⁰⁾.

The FDA does not allow products containing CBD or THC to be sold legally as dietary supplements⁽⁵¹⁾. The agency approves the use of cannabis drugs Epidiolex, Marinol, and Syndros only.

Epidiolex is a purified form of CBD derived from cannabis. This CBD product is approved to help treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two rare cases of epilepsy in children.

Marinol and Syndros are approved to treat anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

As no other FDA-approved CBD products are available, users should purchase CBD in states that allow recreational or medical marijuana use.