March 08, 2022

Are CBD-Infused Cosmetics Really A Thing?

Not many ingredients have caused quite as much of a stir in the cosmetics industry as CBD oil has in recent years.

You've likely come across CBD-infused skincare, haircare, and even makeup products.

But what does CBD do for your skin and hair — if anything at all? Do these products work? And are they really worth the hype?

Come along as we explore the world of CBD-infused cosmetics.

Wait, What's CBD Again?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC, another common cannabinoid, CBD is not psychoactive. So CBD does not produce the high associated with THC use.

CBD is found in both hemp and marijuana plants. The difference between the two? Hemp contains very little THC, but a whole lotta CBD. While marijuana has higher THC and lower CBD. Plus — hemp is federally legal, which has led to an explosion of CBD-infused products, including cosmetics.

How Does CBD Work In Cosmetics?

The beauty industry is abuzz with the benefits of CBD, but what exactly does it do?

CBD-infused cosmetics are considered a topical form of CBD. When applied to the skin or hair, CBD can work its magic directly on the area of concern.

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and research suggests that this may have big benefits for the skin.

Potential Benefits Of Using CBD-Infused Cosmetics

The reason why CBD is being blended into so many different beauty products is because of its reported positive effects. The more we learn about CBD, the more we realize it has lots of potential for addressing common health woes.

Here are the encouraging benefits that have been found so far.

Inflammation

Topical CBD might help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This is why it's often used in skin care products to address conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea.

Inflammation happens when your immune system responds to a trigger, such as an infection, wound, or chemical. It's the body's natural response to protect itself, but sometimes it gets out of balance, causing skin issues.

CBD might help to soothe that inflammation, helping clear up the skin.

Eczema & Psoriasis

Eczema (dermatitis) happens when the skin reacts to an irritant. It causes red, dry, and itchy patches of skin. Eczema seems to be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors and different things can spark a flare-up.(1)

Studies show that CBD might help ease the chronic inflammation associated with eczema and improve skin barrier functioning.(2) And antimicrobial properties of hemp might have a role in eczema prevention.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches of skin, generally on the scalp, knees, and elbows. A 2007 study suggested that cannabinoids inhibit keratinocyte proliferation — translation: they stop the skin cells from multiplying and creating those scales.(3)

Acne

CBD also seems to combat acne through its antibacterial effects, anti-inflammatory actions, and by normalizing sebum production.(4)

Be sure to check out our article CBD for Acne for more on CBD's role in blasting away those blemishes.

Scarring

Chronic skin conditions can also often result in scarring. Many cosmetics exist to help reduce the appearance of scars.

According to research on chronic skin conditions, this is another area where CBD might be helpful.(5)

How Effective Are CBD-Infused Cosmetics?

All that sounds good…in theory. But does it work in reality?

The Endocannabinoid System & Skin

Science has established a link between the endocannabinoid system and various skin conditions. The ECS seems to modulate skin-related functions and maintain homeostasis.(2)

When the ECS is dysregulated, it can lead to various skin issues like acne, hair loss, and atopic dermatitis. This means that endocannabinoids like CBD may have a role in skin health.

Not Just Skin Deep: Here’s The Science

The early research that’s out there suggests that CBD has the potential to treat a variety of skin conditions like:(6)

  • Contact dermatitis
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Acne
  • Pruritus
  • Psoriasis

But these studies have been small in scale. CBD and infused cosmetics products need to go through additional rigorous testing before we can say for sure that CBD is a successful treatment for different skin conditions.

Are CBD-Infused Cosmetics Safe?

One of the biggest concerns with using CBD-infused skincare and haircare products is whether or not they’re safe to use. Here are the big takeaways:

  1. According to the WHO, when used properly, CBD has a good safety profile and is tolerated well by adults.(7)
  2. CBD might interact with medications you're taking or be contraindicated for certain medical conditions, though. So consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine.
  3. Not all CBD is created equally. Just like not all cosmetics are created equally. You’ll need to do a little research to ensure you’re getting top-shelf goods.

So, to maximize your safety, make sure you're using products that come from reputable sources that use only high-quality ingredients.

Doing a patch test is also a smart idea, especially if you have sensitive skin.

On the whole — CBD has the potential to be incredibly more helpful than harmful. Which is why it deserves your consideration!

CBD-Infused Beauty Reporting For Duty

The science community has long been reporting on the potential uses of CBD for skin. And the beauty industry is picking up on it.

So, are CBD-infused cosmetics a thing? Yes! CBD-infused cosmetics are becoming more and more popular each day.

CBD offers many potential benefits for your skin through its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. But we need more research to say for sure whether CBD and infused cosmetics can treat specific skin conditions or amp up overall skin health support.

With a good safety profile and wide availability, why not try adding CBD into your beauty routine? You just might love the results you get!

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References

  1. Sherrell, Z. (2021). Is eczema an autoimmune disease? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eczema-autoimmune
  2. Baswan, SM, et al. (2020). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411
  3. Wilkinson, JD, et al. (2007). Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism and have a potential therapeutic value in the treatment of psoriasis. Journal of dermatological science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2006.10.009
  4. Tóth, KF, et al. (2019). Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the "C(ut)annabinoid" System. Molecules. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24050918
  5. Palmieri, B, et al. (2019). A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. La Clinica terapeutica. https://doi.org/10.7417/CT.2019.2116
  6. Eagleston, L, et al. (2018). Cannabinoids in dermatology: a scoping review. Dermatology online journal, 13030/qt7pn8c0sb.
  7. (2017). CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Pre-Review Report. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf


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