Five of the best CBD skincare products

CBD and cannabis journalist, Ruby Deevoy shares her favourite CBD skincare products.

If you’re someone who suffers from acne, eczema, psoriasis or perhaps the all-new ‘covid skin’ from prolonged mask wearing, it may come as exciting news for you that CBD topicals might be able to help. A lot.

While CBD is perhaps best known for its oral use and internal benefits (and it’s worth noting that this also comes into play when treating external complaints), there’s growing evidence to support how efficacious topical CBD application can be too. As usual, this is via multiple mechanisms.

The endocannabinoid system of the skin

Did you know that almost every skin cell contains endocannabinoid receptors? As our largest organ, the skin plays a vital role in a large number of bodily processes, even producing hormones and housing its own immune system. It’s extremely complex, made of numerous layers and cell types, and acts as our first defence against microbes, pollution, UV rays, allergens, chemicals and more. 

A large part of how the skin maintains a strong, waterproof barrier is endocannabinoid tone. This is created when endocannabinoids such as Anandamide and 2-AG are released on demand to keep the skin in balance – exactly the same as its actions inside the body.

Maintaining equilibrium in skin function, whether that’s by balancing sebum, promoting cell growth and division, or eliminating cells no longer required, is of course essential for overall skin health. Applying CBD products topically can help achieve this.

CBD and skin inflammation 

CBD (as well as many other cannabinoids and terpenes) is well known for exerting anti-inflammatory properties, both inside and out. It also keeps the immune system in check (the skin’s own immune system included), by preventing its activation when it’s not needed. Controlling inflammation is often key to overall health, skin health included. What’s more, reducing inflammation can provide near instant relief from the pain of cystic acne and eczema. 

CBD works deep into the skin

Treating surface symptoms can certainly make a difference to the discomfort and appearance of skin conditions, but it may not deal with the root cause. Fortunately, CBD works deeper, interacting with keratinocytes, mast cells, melanocytes and sebocytes in the layers of the skin to produce lipostatic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. This should equate to reduced swelling, redness, itching and pain. 

Hemp seed oil for skin

In addition to cannabinoid-rich CBD oil, hemp seed oil (which contains no cannabinoids) also makes a tremendous addition to any skincare routine. It can be used as a cleanser or a moisturiser and is often included in CBD skincare products.

This is because hemp seed oil is densely nutritious, containing a range of vitamins and minerals (vitamin E, carotene, phytosterols, phospholipids, sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc to name a few), a perfect Omega 3:6 ratio and all 21 amino acids which are crucial for proper cell function.

These amino acids can be particularly beneficial for those with acne prone skin, which tends to have a problematic imbalance of high oleic acid and linoleic acid, and dry or inflamed skin conditions which have been indicated to appear alongside a deficiency in essential fatty acids. 

If you’re worried about this thick oil clogging your pores, you needn’t be – because hemp seed oil is non-comedogenic. It also matches your skin’s natural fats almost exactly, which enables it to penetrate cells and lubricate the surface between them, for impressive hydrating, soothing action and improved water resistance and retention.

Five of the best CBD skincare products

Kloris luxury CBD balm, £62, 800mg CBD

This is a rescue balm everyone should have in the house! Just 1ml of this fragrance-free product contains 13.3mg CBD, so each application provides a very decent dose of broad spectrum CBD. I’ve seen it work wonders on a multitude of skin complaints, from minor burns to eczema.

Cubid Re:scue Butter, £30, 500mg CBD

An exceptional body butter that is gentle on skin but very effective. Ideal for soothing very dry, irritated or inflamed skin with the support of 500mg CBD.

MARA Algae face oil, from £60

This wonderful product contains cannabis seed oil (rather than CBD oil), so contains no cannabinoids. But it is truly exceptional for eliminating even the most stubborn of acne breakouts and is also a stand-out choice for anti-aging properties, partly thanks to the 1.2% retinol.

BNatural Face oil, £22.50, 100mg CBD

Rosehip oil and jojoba oil work wonders on evening out skin tone and fading scars, while 100mg of organic cannabis sativa extract takes the mix from great to amazing! Naturally scented with orange and geranium essential oil.

Grass Roots AHA Cleansing Wash, £28.99, 200mg CBD

This active wash is loaded with a mild but effective combination of acids (lactic, malic, citric and glycolic), natural fruit extracts, aloe vera and 200mg of balancing CBD, which removes makeup and daily build up with ease – without stripping.

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