Hello Giggles editors discuss CBD beauty, including information from Medterra's Dr. Jacknin. 

We’re not even going to try to deny it: CBD is officially found in everything, whether it’s baked goods, candles, pet food, or even activewear (yes, really). CBD beauty products have also become immensely popular, and many skincare and makeup brands are now incorporating this buzzworthy ingredient into their product lines.

However, as cutting-edge as CBD beauty products may seem, Jacqueline Kang, a cosmetic chemist and head of product development at Rose & Abbot, suggests that the jury is still out on any positive effects CBD may have on overall skin health.

“CBD is still under [FDA] regulation for how to be used in skincare products,” Kang tells HelloGiggles. “Many products claim that the ingredient reduces inflammation (which may be true for some people who have tried it), but more clinical trials will have to be run before it is officially stated.”

Unsubstantiated claims aside, CBD beauty products also use confusing marketing terms in their ingredient lists. Many CBD lotions and serums, for example, seem to feature both CBD and non-CBD-derived ingredients, making it very confusing to the consumer who isn’t quite sure what they are actually buying.

To help clear up confusion surrounding hemp-related ingredients used in CBD beauty products, we tapped dermatologists, CBD product founders, and a medical professional to break down all the product ingredients (we’re talking extracts, oils, and more!) that you may encounter when shopping for these products.

From full-spectrum CBD to CBD isolate to hemp seed oil and more, we broke down the major product terms and ingredients for you to familiarize yourself with, should you be considering adding some CBD-infused products into your skincare regimen.

1. Hemp Seed OilYes, you’ve probably seen hemp seed oil listed on the back of your go-to hydrating CBD facial oil. However, board-certified obstetrician Dr. Felice Gersh, M.D., says it’s important to know that this type of oil may not contain any CBD (or therapeutic value) whatsoever.

“This term simply refers to the oils extracted from the plant, and does not require the oil to contain the medicinal components of the plant,” Gersh tells HelloGiggles. This is very similar to the situation with fish oil, she explains, as some products may not contain nutritionally beneficial omega-3.

2. CBD-Rich Cannabis Oil & Phyto-Cannabinoid-Rich Cannabis Oil“CBD-rich cannabis oil is essentially an unclear form of cannabis oil, with added CBD,” Gersh tells HelloGiggles. “This is a manufactured product, manipulating what would naturally be found in the plant with added CBD.” Since the base oil and added quantity of CBD are usually unknown to the consumer, Gersh strongly advises against buying CBD beauty products containing this ingredient.

Similarly, Gersh also recommends steering clear of products containing phytocannabinoid-rich cannabis oil, as she says this is usually any type of oil (like olive oil) enriched with additives of cannabis oil.

“Phyto-cannabinoid-rich cannabis oil is basically extracted cannabis oils added to another oil base,” Gersh explains. “How much useful cannabis product is contained, and which portions of the cannabis products are contained is unknown, making it probably best to avoid products with this ingredient.”

3. Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract and Full-Spectrum Help OilFull-spectrum hemp extract is essentially the rawest kind of hemp extract, according to Gunhee Park, founder of the new CBD brand Populum, meaning that it still contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes (organic compounds) from the hemp flowers and buds.

According to Park, this makes it ideal for the consumer who is seeking the full CBD experience, since it’s the least processed form of CBD available. Park also suggests that full-spectrum hemp oil is a good ingredient to look for in CBD beauty products because, he says, it contains an array of cannabinoids (including CBD), as well as many essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and terpenes.

4. Broad-Spectrum Hemp ExtractBroad-spectrum hemp oil, much like full-spectrum hemp extract, is a suitable ingredient to look out for, according to holistic dermatologist Jeanette Jacknin, M.D., of Medterra CBD (a global leader in the CBD space). It contains CBD, plus other terpenes, with trace amounts of THC (the main psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives people a “high” sensation).

Since the concentration of THC inside broad-spectrum hemp extract is not high enough to be psychoactive, Jacknin says it’s pretty good for the skin. “Studies for acne, eczema, psoriasis, wounds, itch, and other rarer skin problems responded positively to CBD topically,” Jackin tells HelloGiggles.

5. CBD Isolate“Lots of CBD brands also use ingredients such as CBD isolate, which is an extraction method that removes all other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant,” says Michelle Clemens, co-founder of Soji Heath. Clemens says researchers have found that CBD isolate doesn’t provide the same effectiveness as broad-spectrum CBD.

6. Cannabis Sativa Hemp Extract and Cannabis Sativa Hemp OilIf you spot the term “Cannabis Sativa Hemp Extract” on the back of your products, you may be getting duped. Jacknin says that this ingredient is essentially hemp extract, since it can be made from the seeds and stalks (and sometimes flowers) of the hemp plant. And unlike cannabis sativa hemp oil, which is pressed from the seeds, she says that this extract contains minerals such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Now that you know what product ingredients to look out for, we’re highlighting eleven CBD beauty products that we love. From bath bombs to face oils, trust any of these products to take your routine to a whole new level.



View resource website