The skincare industry is a funny little space – one overflowing with wild claims of everlasting youth, a boost to beauty, and secret formulas guarded more closely than the ingredients in Big Mac sauce (mostly ketchup, mayonnaise, pickles, and salt – right?).
But what if all of that, or at least a sizeable part of it, could be achieved without the ingredient secrecy, the spurious promises, and the need for “top secret” processing techniques? That’s where CBD comes in.
CBD is one of the more well-researched cannabinoids and one worth checking out if you are looking for a natural way to boost your skin health, manage pain, or even reduce anxiety.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is just one of the over 110 cannabinoids that Cannabis sativa L. genus of plants produce. CBD is one of the two ‘major cannabinoids’ offered up by weed and hemp plants, with THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, being the other.
Unlike THC, which can cause you to feel ‘high’ when consumed, CBD is non-intoxicating. Both CBD and THC have inherent therapeutic properties that differ from one another.
What is CBD skincare, and how does it work?
CBD skincare products are pretty much what the label says – skincare products infused with CBD oil. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties that can help improve skin health and appearance.
Is CBD skincare legal in the UK?
Yes, CBD skincare products have been legal for over-the-counter sale in the UK since 2017.
What types of CBD skincare products are available?
CBD skincare has moved well beyond novelty status. What was once a niche market is now a rapidly expanding industry, offering a range of products designed to soothe, hydrate, and restore balance to the skin.
But what exactly is available?
- CBD Face Serums – Fast-absorbing and packed with active ingredients, these serums aim to support hydration, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health.
- CBD Moisturisers – Combining traditional skincare benefits with CBD’s reported calming effects, these offer daily hydration while helping to regulate oil production.
- CBD Body Balms – Designed for deeper nourishment, these rich formulations work well for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin.
- CBD Bath Bombs – A more indulgent option, infusing warm water with CBD to enhance relaxation while potentially benefiting the skin.
- CBD Lip Balms – Targeted hydration for one of the most sensitive areas of the skin, offering protection against dryness and environmental stressors.
- CBD Face Oils – A blend of CBD and nourishing oils, these are used to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and radiance.
- CBD Eye Creams – Designed to address puffiness and fine lines, with the added potential benefit of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties.
What are the benefits of using CBD in skincare?
CBD is a cannabinoid, and as such, it is able to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a crucial role in maintaining balance within the body, including regulating inflammation and pain responses. When CBD is applied topically, it enters the body through the skin and starts to interact with the ECS receptors located in the skin. This interaction can potentially help to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, reduce itchiness, promote overall skin health, and speed up wound healing.
Is CBD an antioxidant for the skin?
Based on the current research, yes, CBD does offer antioxidant benefits when applied to the skin, with studies showing it can protect against oxidative stress by inducing antioxidant enzymes within the skin cells, making it beneficial for protecting against skin damage caused by free radicals.
Can CBD be absorbed through the skin?
Yes, CBD is absorbed through the skin within minutes of applying a CBD skincare option.
Do CBD cream and topical skincare options actually work?
Yep, along with CBD’s well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, CBD topicals can help reduce redness and swelling. They almost always contain a range of other beneficial ingredients to boost overall skin health, and there’s little evidence to suggest they’re anything other than genuine. Of course, individual results may vary.
How long does CBD take to work on the skin?
That heavily depends on why you’re using CBD skincare products. If it’s to relieve sore muscles and inflammation, you can expect to feel an almost immediate difference. For long-term skin health and radiance, it may take a couple of weeks to see visible results. For those among us looking to add CBD skincare options to a clinical treatment plan, it’s advised to reach out to a doctor who has experience with CBD and your skin condition.
Can CBD skincare help with inflammation and redness?
Yes, inflammation and redness are among the most common reasons for someone to consider adding a CBD infused product to their skincare routine. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling in the skin
Is CBD good for wrinkles and anti-ageing?
The emerging research points to CBD being a fantastic addition to anti-ageing skincare routines. One study found that a mixture of CBD and EPA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) brought forth quite amazing results:
- CBD and EPA together reduced inflammation linked to UV damage, which can cause premature ageing.
- The cream helped rebuild the skin’s support structure (extracellular matrix), which breaks down with sun exposure.
- Wrinkle depth and volume decreased—particularly around the crow’s feet area.
- Fine lines became less visible, and the overall skin structure improved.
- The cream also increased skin hydration by 31.2% and elasticity by 25.6%, making the skin look and feel healthier.
- Red spots (signs of irritation and damage) reduced significantly.
- Participants were highly satisfied with the improvements they saw.
Can CBD help with skin conditions like rosacea, acne, or eczema?
Research suggests CBD may help with rosacea, acne, and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-soothing properties.
- Rosacea: CBD may reduce redness and inflammation while supporting the skin barrier.
- Acne: CBD can regulate sebum production, fight bacteria, and calm inflammation.
- Eczema: CBD may relieve itching, hydrate the skin, and balance immune response.
While promising, more research is needed, and consulting a dermatologist is advised before adding CBD to your current treatment plan.
Is CBD cream safe for daily use?
Yep, CBD has been shown time and again to be safe for daily use, no matter how it is taken or applied. For individuals with very sensitive skin, it’s always advised to do a small patch test before fully incorporating any new skincare product into your routine.
Are there any potential side effects of using CBD skincare products?
No, not unless you are allergic to CBD. CBD that is consumed orally or sublingually (under the tongue) can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and potential interactions with other medications.
If you are currently taking any blood thinning medications, consult with a doctor before using CBD skincare products.
Are CBD skincare products safe for sensitive skin?
CBD itself is, but the other ingredients may not be. Always read the full ingredients list before purchasing a product, and do a small patch test before using it more broadly.
Can I layer CBD skincare with other skincare products?
Yes, CBD skincare products can be used with other skincare products. That said, it’s best to avoid using multiple CBD products at once, as you may cause your body to build up a tolerance to CBD, reducing the effectiveness of the products.
Can CBD skincare make you fail a drug test?
The likelihood of a CBD skincare product, even one that contains the full 0.2% THC (the limit for legal CBD products) causing you to fail a drug test are extremely slim, but it is technically possible. If your job requires frequent drug testing, or you are worried about this for any other reason, look for a CBD skincare product that is made with CBD isolate.
Where can I buy CBD skincare in the UK?
In 2025, almost everywhere! All shops that stock skincare products should now have at least a small CBD range. Online is where you will most likely find the best deals, but you can’t test and feel the products before buying them. Look for well known brands with a good reputation, and always check the ingredients list.
How do I know if a CBD skincare product is high quality?
The first thing you should be looking for when considering any CBD product is a COA – certificate of analysis. This means the product has been independently tested for purity and CBD content.
You should also look for products made from organic hemp, as this ensures a higher-quality ingredient. Also, check for any other ingredients in the product that may be potentially harmful or irritating, and read as many CBD reviews as you can (hint: we have a bunch right here at CBDratings.co.uk).
