CBD seems to be making an appearance in almost every product on the shelves, from candles to chocolate and even clothing. It has also taken the beauty industry by storm.
An upgrade for cannabis’ stoner image, the hero ingredient can be found in serums, moisturizers and a whole host of other lotions and potions with claims of excellent beauty benefits.
According to a 2019 Market Watch report, the global CBD cosmetics market is estimated to be valued at $580 million. Cowen & Co suggests it is expected to hit $16 billion by 2025.
So what is the buzz all about?
Once found in health stores and independent brands, this now cult ingredient is working its way onto the shelves of high street stores and a number of big name brands have jumped on the CBD-bandwagon. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Emma Roberts swear by its results and now there is even a National CBD day (it’s August 8th).
What is this magic ingredient and is it worth working into our daily beauty routines?
What is CBD?
The first question that has crossed everybody’s mind, and the answer is no you cannot get high off your skincare products.
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in cannabis plants such as marijuana and hemp. It’s one of the two primary active ingredients of cannabis, the other one being tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC.
Unlike THC, pure CBD is non-psychoactive and therefore does not make you feel high.
Since its legalization, the benefits of CBD have been recognised by the many and its infusion into everyday products a new normal. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and contains vitamins A, D, and E alongside essential fatty acids, making it the perfect beauty ingredient.
It is also very versatile, the oil can be ingested either directly or mixed into drinks or can be applied topically to help soothe stressed-out skin and enhance its defences.
With inflammation at the root of many skin issues and concerns, from eczema to ageing, it is no wonder CBD has made waves in the beauty industry and is quickly becoming a must have.
What does it do for our skin?
Unlike when ingested as a supplement, topically applied CBD cannot enter the bloodstream and therefore delivers benefits directly to the skin. Ongoing research suggests that CBD can be a powerful compound when fighting a number of skin issues and evidence has also suggested its prevalence as an anti-ageing compound and ability to fight free radicals.
Although research is still being carried out to provide clear evidence to support the exact benefits CBD has on our skin, scientists are finding more proof that it can treat dry skin, psoriasis and eczema. A 2014 study also found that CBD can help to suppress breakouts by regulating oil production of the sebaceous glands. This could be great news for acne sufferers, especially if you want to avoid the use of drugs such as Accutane which can cause skin peeling and irritation over time.
Another reason CBD has become so popular in skincare products is that our cells are naturally receptive to it. CBD is an adaptogenic extract which our system recognises and can utilise effectively. Because CBD molecules are very small in size, they are able to penetrate the epidermis easily. They sink through the skin until they reach the hypodermis where they interact with our receptors that mediate pain and inflammation.
Despite the lack of definitive evidence, it is clear that CBD can have a number of positive effects on our skin and as its popularity continues to grow, further research will be carried out to support these benefits. With its ability to work with our bodies and its naturally derived nature, it comes as no surprise that it is favoured by so many.
What’s next for CBD beauty?
Its undeniable growth in recent years has led many to believe that the CBD beauty market will continue to grow considerably over the next few years. As we continue to learn more about its potential uses and benefits, it is difficult to predict where this trend will go next.
However, research suggests that terpenes, the part of the plant that carries the scent, may work alongside CBD oil to enhance medicinal effects.
Terpenes are secreted in the same glands that produce CBD and THC and give cannabis varieties distinctive scents. Not all give off a pungent scent, some are far more subtle and pleasant, such as limonene which as the name suggests has a fresh citrus scent and pinene which essentially smells like a christmas tree.
Terpenes act as the essential oils of cannabis and could be integrated into aromatherapy treatments due to their ability to work in sync with our bodies pain receptors.
Cindy Capobianco, co-founder of Lord Jones, a line of CBD infused goodies claims;
“They are super important in opening the pain receptors and making all the cannabinoids much more bioavailable, efficient and effective.”
We are sure this won’t be the last we see of CBD beauty, watch this space as it looks set to become our latest beauty addiction.
CBD infused products to try now
This product harnesses full spectrum hemp-derived cannabidiol to fortify skin’s lipid barrier. The light and silky formula works to hydrate skin without clogging pores. This calming solution helps to soothe irritation and reduce reactivity by inhibiting everyday stressors whilst improving skin tone and clarity. With 98% naturally derived ingredients, this product is as gentle as it is powerful.
This ultra-hydrating mask is perfect for dry and irritated skin. Glycerin draws in water from your surroundings and helps to form a protective barrier to keep airborne nasties out. Kaolin clay works to draw impurities out of your pores whilst hemp seed oil ensures thirsty skin is kept comfortably hydrated. It also comes in a handy twist-up stick, making masking easier than ever.
If you’re on a quest for the perfect pout, look no further. A concoction of richly hydrating ingredients makes this balm the ultimate super-hydrator. A blend of cupuaçu butter, coconut oil, grape seed oil and of course cannabis seed oil, this nourishing lip butter leaves your lips with a dewy sheen that intensifies their natural colour.
Packed with superstar ingredients such as oothing cannabis sativa seed oil and snow mushroom, reishi mushroom, and rhodiola root extract, these infused eye gels help calm stressed out skin to a state of total zen. These under eye patches deliver potent ingredients directly to the skin helping to moisturize the delicate eye area and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the perfect way to chill out.
This powerful oil contains 100mg of full-spectrum CBD oil alongside argan oil. The perfect pick-me-up for stressed out skin that is dry, sensitive, dull and unpredictable. The sustainably sourced oil works hard to promote skin balance, boost skin’s elasticity and bounce and soothe troubled skin issues. A ‘cannabeauty’ must-have.
