CBD Deodorants - June 2023

Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Abraham Benavides, MD

Written by Stanley Clark Updated on 1 June 2023 | 5 minutes read

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Abraham Benavides, MD
Updated on 1 June 2023
Written by: Stanley Clark

Read time
5 minutes read

A study showed that cannabidiol (CBD) has antibacterial properties⁽¹⁾.
Research published in the journal Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) indicated the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD⁽²⁾.
More than 20 types of flavonoids were identified in Cannabis sativa⁽³⁾. This plant contains CBD.
Flavonoids are rich in antioxidants⁽⁴⁾. They may help the body ward off toxins.
There is no published research about CBD deodorant’s direct effects on body odor.

How CBD Deodorant Works

As with traditional deodorants, CBD deodorants are made to eliminate odor.

Generally, CBD deodorants contain traces of cannabidiol (CBD).

CBD is one of the essential active ingredients in cannabis. Although it is an integral component of medical marijuana, CBD is typically derived from hemp⁽⁵⁾.

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the predominant psychotropic component of marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive⁽⁶⁾. Therefore, cannabidiol-infused products like CBD deodorants will not get a person high.

Based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence report, CBD is well tolerated and safe to use. In humans, cannabidiol exhibited no effects indicative of abuse or dependence potential⁽⁷⁾.

The compound works by interacting with the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS maintains homeostasis, which encompasses the immune system, endocrine, and brain⁽⁸⁾.

Homeostasis is a self-regulating process by which the human body’s biological system maintains stability while adjusting to changing external conditions⁽⁹⁾.

The ECS is comprised of two receptors: CB1 and CB2, which are configured to accept cannabinoids⁽¹⁰⁾.

CB1 receptors are located primarily within the brain cells, including but not limited to the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus⁽¹¹⁾.

Meanwhile, CB2 receptors can be found in the central nervous system (CNS), immune system, peripheral nervous system (PNS), and within the white blood cells⁽¹²⁾.

The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids that interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, if there is a lack of endocannabinoids in the body, administering plant-based cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, may help the ECS maintain its proper function⁽¹³⁾.

The Benefits of CBD Deodorants

Most CBD brands use essential oils and terpenes to give their deodorant products a mild aroma.

Terpenes or terpenoids are the compounds responsible for plants’ pigments, aroma, and taste⁽¹⁴⁾.

A study from the journal of Medicinal Plants Research stated that terpenes may also provide therapeutic benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties⁽¹⁵⁾.

A 2021 research article examined the antimicrobial potential of cannabidiol. The results demonstrated that CBD may have excellent activity against biofilms⁽¹⁶⁾.

Biofilms are an assemblage of microbial cells that can grow on many different surfaces. These microorganisms play a vital role in some infectious diseases due to their increased resistance to antimicrobial agents⁽¹⁷⁾.

According to the researchers, CBD may have a little propensity to resistance. It may also be topical in vivo (clinical) efficacy⁽¹⁸⁾.

The researchers also reported that cannabidiol may selectively kill a subset of Gram-negative bacteria, including the “urgent threat” pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae⁽¹⁹⁾.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection⁽²⁰⁾.

A study published in the journal Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) in 2019 hypothesized that cannabidiol also has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties⁽²¹⁾.

Because of CBD’s antimicrobial potential, CBD deodorants may help combat the odor-causing bacteria on the skin.

Meanwhile, cannabidiol’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help soothe irritation caused by razor burn.

The Pros and Cons of Using CBD Deodorants

The Pros

A study indicated that cannabidiol has antibacterial properties⁽²²⁾. Therefore, CBD may help reduce bacteria in the armpit and prevent body odor.
The research noted CBD’s antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties⁽²³⁾.
Flavonoids, the naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds found in various plants, have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant properties⁽²⁴⁾.
More than 20 types of flavonoids were identified in Cannabis sativa, including cannflavins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidative effects⁽²⁵⁾. Therefore, CBD deodorants may help address skin issues, such as dark underarms.
CBD may help alleviate itchiness due to inflammation or skin irritation⁽²⁶⁾. Thus, CBD deodorants may help individuals with armpit rash and razor burns.
CBD is deemed generally well tolerated with a good safety profile⁽²⁷⁾. Thus, even individuals with sensitive skin types may benefit from using CBD deodorants.

The Cons

There is no published research regarding the efficacy of CBD deodorants on body odor.
Although CBD is well tolerated, it still has side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress and sleepiness⁽²⁸⁾.
The FDA or the Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD use for any medical condition⁽²⁹⁾.
Notwithstanding the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, which legalized the commercial use of industrial hemp with no more than 0.3% of THC⁽³⁰⁾, some states may still impose strict regulations on all CBD products, such as deodorants.
For instance, South Dakota considers all forms of CBD oil illegal. Therefore, any possession of CBD oil has been deemed a violation of state law⁽³¹⁾.

How to Choose the Right CBD Deodorants

Choosing the best deodorant depends on the user’s personal preference. Some prefer deodorant sticks to lotion types. Others, on the other hand, may like whitening antiperspirants and aluminum-free deodorants.

Individuals who want to try natural deodorants may benefit from CBD. Below are essential pieces of information when selecting CBD deodorants:

Always check the ingredient list usually located at the back of the packaging. Some brands indicate in the label that their products are full-spectrum CBD.
Opt for a CBD deodorant that contains antibacterial properties. If possible, go for organic or non-GMO products.
Look for the certificate of analysis (CoA) and read it carefully before purchasing CBD deodorant. The analysis must include THC content, CBD potency and concentration, and contaminant test results.
Always check for any product review. A product review may help other consumers get a clear idea of the properties of CBD deodorants before purchasing one.

Conclusion

Ingredients such as aqua, glycerin, shea butter, arrowroot, beeswax, tea tree, eucalyptus, and Cocos Nucifera (coconut oil) are commonly used in skincare products.

These days, many individuals go for natural products that are paraben and cruelty-free.

People interested in trying natural deodorants may benefit from using CBD deodorants infused with cannabidiol’s therapeutic benefits.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties may help with various skin issues and combat odor-causing bacteria.

CBD is relatively safe⁽³²⁾. However, to ensure optimal wellness, it is still advisable to consult with a physician experienced in cannabis use before using a CBD deodorant.