Most people have heard of cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid in the cannabis plant. (Whoa—that’s a mouthful, but we’ll explain everything soon!) But CBD skincare doesn’t have much to do with what you consume and more about what you slather on. You can find it in both hemp and marijuana. CBD is a compound that’s not psychoactive, unlike another phytocannabinoid some of us know about, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

THC and CBD are both phytocannabinoids present in essential oils extracted from marijuana and hemp plants. CBD skincare is legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. Whether you’re applying CBD or ingesting it, you won’t experience a high with that bit of amount of THC. In case you’re hesitant to try products that contain THC, many CBD skincare products are formulated to be THC-free.

But what’s the deal with CBD skincare? What are the benefits, how does it work, and should you consider adding CBD to your skincare routine? Here’s all you need to know about CBD for skin!

CBD Skincare Benefits

When you consume CBD orally, the endocannabinoid system receives it. Everyone has an endocannabinoid system, and it plays a central role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis or balance. This can, in turn, affect skin cells. 

Since the skin also has receptors that are part of the endocannabinoid system, applying CBD topically may have benefits. In fact, CBD for skin may help improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. CBD applied topically may also help alleviate the dryness and itching that come with these and other inflammatory skin diseases. 

It may also help relieve atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, and associated scarring. 

It may help acne in a few specific ways for those who have acne-prone skin. The first is that CBD may aid in the suppression of oil production. The second benefit of CBD is that it has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to soothe acne-prone skin. The third benefit of CBD is that it has an antibacterial effect, which may treat skin diseases like acne.

One of the more surprising CBD skincare benefits is helping those with dry skin. It may be confusing since it can inhibit oil production in those with acne-prone skin. CBD may help dehydrated skin by enhancing fat production in the sebaceous gland. It is called the “brain of the skin“.

Although research is still ongoing, CBD may have these different effects on different skin types because it can help support homeostasis or reestablish balance in the skin.

Is CBD Safe?

Now that you know more about the CBD skincare benefits, you may be wondering: is CBD skincare safe?

CBD is generally safe for all skin types. Always apply the product to a test area on your skin first when trying any new skincare products. Be sure to evaluate all of the ingredients in a product before trying, and know your skin type to help support your best skin.

You can help choose CBD skincare products that are most beneficial for you by evaluating the quality of the CBD in the product.

For example, CBD is an extract typically blended with a carrier oil in a product. CBD can be extracted through heat, carbon dioxide (CO2), or by being cold-pressed. However, extraction by heat may compromise the integrity of the product.

Furthermore, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD are generally considered higher quality ingredients because they contain other beneficial nutrients that naturally occur with CBD in the extract, which can have a synergy effect because they all work together to create the impact you seek.

However, CBD isolate, another type of CBD, tends to be more concentrated and may have more of an effect on your skin depending on its concentration in a product. 

Remember that if you try CBD products for your skin and react to it, it may not be the CBD in the product but another ingredient. This is why it’s so important to know your skin type so you can choose the most beneficial products for you!

CBD Skincare Products to Consider

Now that has the lowdown on CBD skincare, here are a few of the best CBD skincare products to consider to help calm and hydrate skin with this nourishing botanical.

For Body: Khus + Khus Bleu Body Wax + Cannabinoids

Designed for use on the body, this coconut-based CBD oil also contains marula oil, blue tansy, blue yarrow, beeswax, and vitamin E to nourish the skin. Its star ingredient is broad-spectrum CBD (with zero THC). Apply liberally toward the heart to help stimulate lymph movement.

Face Oil: Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 mg CBD Oil

Formulated with just two ingredients—organic argan oil and CBD extract from full-spectrum hemp—this facial oil contains nourishing fatty acids, and CBD extracted using CO2, not heat, to preserve the quality of the extract, and has no THC. Apply a few drops after cleansing and using the serum for dry, stressed, or sensitive skin.

Serum: Ildi Pekar Tissue Repair Serum

This CBD-infused oil couldn’t get any more nourishing with vitamin C, aloe, plant-based probiotics, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber. Hydrate dry skin and calm irritated and aging skin with this serum after toner but before moisturizer, and use only one or two drops.

For Eyes: Cannuka Calming Eye Balm

Manuka honey, CBD, grapefruit extract, vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate mingle in this eye balm, which contains hemp seed oil to calm sensitive eye skin, and 15 mg of CBD isolate. Rosehip and coconut oil also appear in this balm, which you can use around the eye area morning and night for optimal results.

Mask: Kana Lavender Sleeping Mask

Formulated with lavender oil, hyaluronic acid, hemp seed extract, broad-spectrum CBD, and niacinamide, this sleeping mask helps you wake up with calm, hydrated skin that’s ready to face anything. Apply at night as the last step in your skincare routine, rinsing with water in the morning.

Do You Know Your Skin Type?

If you haven’t discovered your skin type yet, it’s time to find out by taking our free skincare assessment! Knowing your skin type can begin creating a routine centered around your specific skin and choosing products that will be the most beneficial for you, including those with CBD.