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Cannabis is a beautiful, medicinally rich plant. After years of scrutiny, it’s about time that this glorious green goddess gets the recognition she deserves. One of the ways weed is getting into the spotlight these days is through the world of CBD cosmetics.
In this guide to the world of weed beauty, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cannabis cosmetics, including the science behind CBD, how to choose the right CBD makeup, and which products we recommend for a quality start to your beauty regime.
The Lowdown on CBD
Before you consider using CBD-infused makeup and cosmetics, it helps to understand what CBD is, how it works, and where it comes from.
What is CBD and How Does it Work?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid compound found in cannabis or hemp. Unlike other cannabinoids like THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means it doesn’t create any psychotropic effects in the brain, but rather strengthens the endocannabinoid system in the body.
CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of our endocannabinoid system. In this system, there are two primary receptors known as CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors can be found in the brain, but they’re also present throughout the rest of the human body. These receptors help regulate pain, emotion, thinking, appetite, coordination, memories, and more. These are the receptors mostly affected by THC.
CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are most commonly found in the immune system, and they help to regulate pain and inflammation. This is where CBD plays a role – it can act as an agonist to the CB2 receptors.
This means that although the compound is more subtle in its effects, it causes the body to produce more of its own endocannabinoids, helping to regulate all its processes within the endocannabinoid system.
Why CBD is a Game-Changer in the Cosmetic Industry
CBD is a naturally derived compound that has a wealth of benefits for the beauty industry. It produces excellent results for problematic skin types, aging, and general skin care. There are many ways in which CBD can be used in cannabis cosmetics and many benefits to look forward to without the side effects of some of the more “chemical” cosmetic products.
Different Forms of CBD and Their Uses
Not all CBD is the same. There are three types of CBD:
- Full-spectrum CBD: CBD oil with all the natural co-occurring compounds found in hemp, including trace levels of THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: CBD oil with all the natural co-occurring compounds found in hemp, with strictly no THC.
- CBD isolate: Pure CBD oil with no other co-occurring compounds.
In general, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products in the cannabis cosmetics industry are used for body, hair, and general skin care, while CBD isolate is best used for facial skin care, as the oil is much lighter and therefore won’t clog pores.
The Beauty Benefits of CBD: From Head to Toe
CBD in cosmetics is just one aspect of the beauty benefits of cannabis. This cannabinoid can improve your health from head to toe.
How CBD Benefits the Skin
Not only does CBD have systematic benefits for your skin, like improving stress levels and reducing overall inflammation, but it also has certain direct benefits.
Along with reducing redness, itchiness, and other inflammatory skin responses, it also aids in hydration and helps regulate oil production. The skin’s natural oil is called sebum, and CBD cosmetics can regulate sebum production, reducing some forms of acne.
Thanks to its free radical-fighting and antioxidant effects, CBD is also effective at treating and preventing skin pigmentation issues. The endocannabinoid system affects almost the entire body, which is how CBD can do so much good all around.
CBD’s Impact on Hair Health
Similar to how CBD makeup and cosmetics can improve skin health, cannabis cosmetics for hair can likewise have significant hair-boosting properties. Without a healthy scalp, hair becomes dull and weak, leaving it susceptible to breakage. That’s where CBD in cosmetics comes in!
Shampoos, conditioners, and other hair treatment formulas that contain CBD can work to give you a healthy scalp, improving the health, quality, and shine of your luscious locks.
How CBD Relaxes the Mind and Body
When taken orally, CBD works as an adaptogen, allowing your body and mind to become more robust to environmental stressors. It can potentially combat all the negative side effects of stress, not only by reducing stress itself but also by working to improve each symptom individually.
CBD in creams or cosmetics will not necessarily affect stress levels, as it does not absorb into the bloodstream via topical application. That said, some potent CBD creams can absorb deep enough into the skin to benefit those suffering from arthritis or painful muscles.
CBD’s Effects on Overall Wellness
Stress and anxiety aside, CBD has other effects on overall wellness, including:
- Increasing natural energy levels
- Regulating blood pressure
- Boosting mood
- Relieving pain
- Treating epilepsy
- Reducing symptoms of PTSD
- Protecting against neurological diseases
- Helping people with addiction
These are just some of the benefits that studies have shown CBD to have. Ask your doctor which CBD oil is best for your condition and if it’s safe for you to use.
A Guide to Choosing the Right Product for You
Now that you’re up to speed on CBD, it's time to dive into the wonderful world of cannabis cosmetics and discover how to choose the right products for you.
Understanding Your Skin Type and Needs
The first thing you need to know about navigating which CBD-infused makeup and cosmetics are right for you is what your skin type needs. There are six different skin types – read them and decide which type you are to better choose products for your skin:
- Normal: Well-balanced skin that doesn’t easily dry but isn’t oily either. Not prone to breakouts or other skin problems.
- Dry: Skin that appears thin, flaky, or scaly anywhere on the body. Can also seem stretchier and is more prone to wrinkling.
- Sensitive: Reactive skin that can easily burn and itch with the use of some cosmetic products. More prone to redness and swelling in general.
- Combination: Unbalanced skin that is dry in some places and oily in others. Normally dry on the cheek area but oily on the forehead, nose, and chin (also known as the T-zone).
- Oily: Skin that appears shiny and greasy, with excess oil noticeably felt upon waking up and by the end of the day. More prone to enlarged pores and breakouts.
- Hyperpigmented: Skin with easily occurring darker patches caused by excess melanin production. More prone to sun damage and unwanted blemishes.
The great news with CBD in cosmetics is that it can benefit every skin type. For example, it can hydrate dry skin, regulate oil production in oily skin, and even reduce pigmentation in hyperpigmented skin.
Key Ingredients to Look for in CBD Cosmetics
When buying CBD cosmetics, there are a few key ingredients to look for to determine if it’s an effective and high-quality product. Make sure you choose products that contain one of the following:
- Full-spectrum cannabidiol
- Broad-spectrum cannabidiol
- Cannabidiol distillate
- Cannabidiol isolate
How to Read Labels and Ingredient Lists
It’s wise to read the ingredients list of any product you buy to make sure you’re really getting what you pay for. Look for keywords such as cannabidiol, with an accompanying percentage, and other beneficial ingredients such as zinc, vitamin C, or squalene.
Tips for Finding High-Quality CBD Cosmetics
To find the best, most high-quality CBD cosmetics, read through the following tips before adding to your cart and heading to the check-out:
- Buy higher-dose CBD cosmetics: Higher doses are more effective in skin care.
- Consider the size of the product: A full-sized cream or conditioner with only 50 mg of CBD won’t go far, while a lip balm with the same dose will be effective.
- Read online review sites: Buy from companies that other people can vouch for.
- Check labels: Choose organically-certified products when you buy organic CBD skincare.
- Make educated choices: For example, if you need an anti-aging facial product, don’t waste money on a full-spectrum arthritic cream when you can get a CBD isolate facial serum instead.
The Best CBD Cosmetics for Every Budget
The good news is that there are products to suit every budget. Whether your budget is for more private-label CBD cosmetics or you’re looking for the most high-end CBD products, there’s something for you.
Budget-Friendly Options
Our top picks for the most budget-friendly CBD makeup and cosmetics include:
E.L.F, Cannabis Sativa Collection
E.L.F. Cannabis Sativa has only grown in popularity since its release in 2020, with the brand making cannabis cosmetics affordable and accessible. Our favorite products include their All The Feels hemp facial oil and their hemp-derived Calm Balm. This brand is cruelty-free and fair trade.
The Body Shop CBD Skincare
The Body Shop CBD Skincare is a well-known and reputable cosmetics brand known for their affordability and wide range of natural products. We love their CBD Skin Soothing Kit, which comes with a CBD cream and facial oil. They also have a wide range of hemp cosmetics worth checking out!
Mid-Range Options
Our top mid-range CBD cosmetics include:
SexyHair Calm Hair Products
SexyHair Calm is by far a favorite mid-range cannabis cosmetics line. From their Cannabae Soothing Shampoo to Wetflix & Chill hair creme, they’re high-rated and produce amazing results for anyone wanting luscious, naturally healthy hair.
Prima Skincare CBD Range
There’s nothing better than a cosmetics company that embraces CBD in so many of their products! Our favorite picks from Prima’s CBD skincare range include their Recover Bath Gem, a 50 mg CBD bath bomb with arnica and magnesium, and their R+R Cooling Recovery Rub with 750 mg of CBD in an 88 ml tube – pretty potent for the great price!
High-End Options
Our favorite high-end CBD cosmetics are none other than:
Herbivore Botanicals: 100mg CBD Deep Moisture Glow Oil
We love this high-end product for those wanting good value. Herbivore Botanicals CBD Deep Moisture Oil is a vegan, cruelty-free, and certified-organic CBD skincare product. It uses full-spectrum CBD and helps to calm and soothe stressed skin.
Saint Jane Bright Repair 500mg CBD Eye Cream
If you’re looking to get rid of dark undereye circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and puffiness with a cream that’s had proven results, we recommend this 500 mg CBD, 10% Vitamin C eye cream from Saint Jane. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and great for graceful aging!
Final Thoughts on the World of CBD Cosmetics
We hope you found this guide helpful and are now well-equipped to comfortably add the powerful effects of cannabis cosmetics to your beauty regime. You don’t have to jump in the deep end and buy the most expensive, high-CBD products right off the bat – there are products out there for everyone!
Herbies Head Shop expressly refuses to support the use, production, or supply of illegal substances. For more details read our Legal Disclaimer.
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