Natural skincare products have become a huge trend, but what about products that include CBD or hemp seed? If you’re curious about the benefits of cannabis in skincare or how to incorporate it into your beauty and wellness routine, here’s our guide to the best cannabis skincare options on the market today.
What Is CBD - And Why Use it For Skincare?
CBD is short for “cannabidiol,” one of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. This is the same plant species that produce THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that creates a high when you ingest it.
Your next question might be: can CBD get you high? No. Unlike its THC cousin, CBD is not psychoactive and cannot get you high whether topically applied in a skincare product or ingested in food or drink.
So what does CBD do? This chemical compound is generally used to relieve pain or anxiety. It is absorbed through the skin and can reduce inflammation and pain. The natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of CBD, along with the hydrating properties of its oil form, make it soothing for irritated and dry skin. Some studies have even found success in treating eczema and psoriasis with CBD.
What Is Hemp Seed And How Is it Different From CBD?
Hemp seed also comes from a hemp cannabis sativa plant, cousin to the Cannabis from which THC is derived. As its name suggests, hemp seed oil comes from the seed of the “hemp” Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp seed oil is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties - and it doesn’t clog your pores! Hemp seed oil is not the optimal source of CBD. The regulated, tested, and legal CBD products are of the highest quality and can only be purchased in an AGLC licensed retail cannabis store.
Best Cannabis Skincare Products
Now you know some of the potential benefits of adding Cannabis to your skincare routine, but where do you start? We’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of some of the top CBD and hemp seed oil skincare products by type:
Legal Canadian Topicals and Skincare Products
- Compilance Brand Face Serum
Moisturizes and sooths irritated and dry skin with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Solei Balance 1:1 THC/CBD Citrus Cream
This moisturizing body cream features high levels of CBD and THC in, with a zesty citrus orange scent. You find balance in everything that you do with bright-eyed optimism – this balance topical lives up to its name.
- LivRelief Transdermal Cream
A moisturizing cream with pain relieving properties. LivRelief comes in CBD only and a 1:1 THC:CBD cream
- Apothecary Labs Cannabis Topical Roll On
A liquid roll on stick that can be applied topical to any area. Infused with a blend of CBD and THC and has a slight warming sensation.
- Wildflower CBD Relief Stick
A CBD infused ‘deodorant style’ roll on stick with pain relieving and moisturizing properties.
Stefan Tomic via gettyimages.comIf you are ever travelling south of the border, there are several products available throughout the US to keep your skin in top condition:
Cleansers
- Leef Organics' Nooks + Crannies CBD Soap
This organic, cucumber melon-scented soap cleanses while it rebalances your skin’s natural hydration and relieves irritation. (And the packaging is plantable, non-GMO tomatoes!)
- CBD Skincare Co.'s CBD Infused Exfoliating Cleanser
Skincare Co.’s cleanser incorporates natural alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids for gentle exfoliation and full-spectrum CBD to heal and reduce inflammation. Finally, its jojoba oil beads smooth and soften the skin for an all-around soft, healthy glow.
- Josie Maran Skin Dope Ultra Nourishing Daily Hand & Body Wash
Versatile and effective, the Skin Dope Hand & Body Wash is ideal for all skin types. While not a CBD product, Skin Dope contains hemp seed oil and is full of nutrients and beneficial fatty acids.
Moisturizers
- Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil
Herbivore Botanicals Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil combines hemp seed oil, turmeric root, and Helichrysum Essential Oil to soothe, hydrate, and moisturize.
- Kiskanu Hemp CBD Face Oil
Kiskanu combines CBD with cold-pressed natural oils, lavender, and foraged wild carrot (!) for a versatile oil you can use as a moisturizer, base, beard oil, or general body oil.
- Lord Jones' High CBD Formula Body Lotion
Lord Jones is a jack of all CBD trades with products like CBD chocolates, gumdrops, tinctures, and bath salts, as well as this amazing body lotion. Available in grapefruit and unscented varieties, the CBD body lotion is cooling and soothing and good for everyday use.
- Mazz Hanna Body Melt
This body balm incorporates both CBD and hemp seed oil with vitamin E, shea butter, and essential oils for a relaxing and soothing salve good for dry skin and muscle tension.
- Vertly Relief Lotion
Vertly’s lotion combines shea butter, magnesium, essential oils, and full-spectrum hemp extracts for targeted pain relief for irritated skin and sore muscles.
Hopefully, these highlights give you a good introduction to the different skincare lines bringing the soothing and rejuvenating effects of cannabis to your skin. Pick just one to add to your skincare routine, or create a whole new cannabis skincare (and self-care) regimen!
Helpful tip: When purchasing and consuming cannabis in Canada, make sure it stays within Canada. It is not permitted to cross the border. When purchasing cannabis in the US, make sure it stays within the US, and specifically within each state where it was purchased.
This story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you Revive Cannabis for helping to expand local news coverage in Alberta. Learn more.
