Is CBD Good for Your Skin? We Investigate

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the latest beauty launches, you’ve probably noticed an uptick in CBD skincare products. CBD (short for cannabidiol) has evolved into one of the buzziest trends in the beauty industry, with brands releasing CBD-laced oils, serums and creams left and right. So is CBD skincare worth all the hype? Keep scrolling to learn what CBD can (and can’t) do for your skin.

What is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a type of compound found in cannabis and some other plants. After its psychoactive sister THC, CBD is the most well-known cannabinoid. (Fun fact: Scientists have identified over 113 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant so far.) Cannabinoids act on the human body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a major role in regulating biological processes like pain sensation, mood, memory—even pregnancy.

Will CBD make feel me high?

CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive effects that THC does, so it won’t make you feel high. Even if you ingest it, CBD won’t get you stoned.

What does the research say about CBD skincare?

Though the research behind CBD in skincare is still in its infancy, numerous studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This is why CBD lotions, creams, and balms are often used as topical pain relievers for minor aches and discomfort.

There’s also some research that shows that CBD may help regulate oil production in the skin. That, in combination with CBD’s known anti-inflammatory powers, makes it a promising ingredient for managing acne. Another science-backed benefit of CBD is its ability to soothe sensitive and irritated skin—it may even help with inflammatory skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema.

Bottom line: more research is needed, but there’s promising evidence that CBD can soothe inflammation and irritation and normalize sebum production in oily skin.

Should I try it?

CBD could be a great addition to your skincare routine if you struggle with acne, redness, inflammation, or sensitivity. Just make sure that you’re using a skincare product with broad-spectrum CBD extract, not just hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is great on its own—it’s a highly nourishing, non-comedogenic oil that’s rich in omega fatty acids—but it’s pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant, which do not contain CBD.