Many health-conscious consumers are reducing their exposure to artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates and other potentially harmful substances in favor of clean skin care products made with natural ingredients. If you’ve been following industry trends, you’ve probably noticed a significant increase in the number of companies offering serums, toners, and moisturizers made from hemp-derived CBD. Even though CBD is now one of the most sought-after ingredients in the skincare industry, many people still doubt that CBD skincare is safe.

In most cases, the answer is yes. CBD is generally well tolerated, safe for most people, and has many potential skin benefits. But manufacturing practices and quality control standards can vary by beauty brand. That’s why it’s important to stick to reputable, seasoned brands that prioritize purity, potency, and consumer safety.

Why are so many beauty brands adding CBD to their products?

Not so long ago, few people had heard of CBD. Today, adults of all ages are using hemp-derived CBD tinctures, capsules, gummies, and topicals to improve sleep, relaxation, and more. While most of the evidence supporting the use of CBD is based on laboratory results and a limited number of clinical trials, current research also shows many potential benefits for skin health and appearance. 1

According to research to date, CBD molecules are small enough to penetrate the surface of the skin. Once absorbed, cannabinoids mimic the action of chemical messengers (endocannabinoids) that your body produces on demand and interact with important receptors found on nearly all types of skin cells (CB1 and CB2). This includes receptors that regulate oil production, barrier function, collagen synthesis, inflammation, pigmentation and skin cell turnover. 2

Researchers believe CBD is also a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. Based on current data, cannabinoids may be 30-50% more potent than vitamins C and E, which are important nutrients with considerable benefits for the skin. 3 Whenever there is so much consumer interest in a product ingredient, you typically see a rapid surge riding the wave among beauty brands.

Why are some people concerned about CBD safety? Should I be worried?

Even with an impressive list of possible skin benefits, many people still wonder if CBD skin care products are safe. Some people ask if CBD skin care products are safe because they are concerned about possible side effects. Others ask the same question because of concerns about heavy metal contamination or poisoning. So instead of giving vague answers about the safety of CBD, let’s take a few minutes to dig a little deeper and address these questions head-on.

fear of poisoning

When people worry about the lingering stigma around cannabis use, they often question the safety of CBD skin care products. They worry about the risk of poisoning. Most of the time, their fears will be resolved with the clarification of the difference between CBD and THC, the cannabinoid that causes plant species known for their intoxicating effects. Since the cannabis plant produces large amounts of CBD, but only trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less), intoxication is not a problem.

Concerns about adverse effects

Some people question the safety of CBD because they are concerned about unexpected side effects. Most people find CBD very reassuring to have little risk of adverse effects, and preliminary research has shown good results for several inflammatory skin conditions, including acne. Although reactions can occur, most seem to be caused by dyes, fragrances, preservatives, or other ingredients in certain products, not CBD. 4,5

Doubt about product purity

Hemp crops are known for their ability to extract heavy metals and pesticides from the soil as they grow. Many potential CBD users are hesitant to buy CBD skin care products because any toxins remaining in plant extracts can be absorbed through the skin. In most cases, these issues are resolved once they feel they have enough information to make an informed decision about product purity, potency, quality and safety.

How can I be sure my CBD skin care products are safe?

Many beauty brands add CBD to their products, but little is known about the use of CBD. If they use poor quality, untested botanical extracts, intentionally or not, you may end up with more problems than you anticipated. That’s why it’s crucial to investigate your options and make an informed choice, looking at high-end packaging, hefty price tags, and potentially misleading marketing claims. As you browse any product selection, please consider comparing your selections based on the following criteria.

Safe Agricultural Practices and Extraction Methods

The best and safest CBD skin care products are made with cannabinoid-rich oils derived from naturally grown, non-GMO crops, plants that are free of pesticides or other potentially harmful chemicals. Once mature plants are harvested, cannabinoid-rich oils are separated from unwanted plant components. Since your skin may also absorb any potentially harmful residues left after extraction, stick to brands that rely on ethanol or CO2 for food-safe extraction methods. 6

Verifiable Certificate of Analysis

The easiest way to ensure you’re using high-quality CBD skin care products is to stick with reputable brands that rely on independent lab-screened products. This important step helps ensure purity and potency. Since any company can claim that their product has been tested by a third party, look for a Certificate of Analysis. You can use this document to verify that your selected products have been screened for heavy metals, solvent residues, and microbial contamination. 7

Brand certification and production standards

Certifications held by any beauty brand can tell you a lot about their priorities, corporate values, commitment to quality and brand philosophy. While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers many industry statements too vague to enforce, the certification symbols you often find on product labels and on company websites can help you determine exactly what aspects of production are represented.

Are you using safe, high-quality CBD skin care products?

It’s only natural to assume that the ingredients used to make the products you rely on to help keep your skin clean, soft, and revitalized are safe for their intended use. But are they? When you’re shopping for skin care products made with hemp-derived CBD, even the seemingly insignificant details matter. How can you be sure if you’re not buying your CBD skincare from a knowledgeable, reputable brand you can trust?

CBDistillery™ is a company specializing in hemp-derived CBD products. This distinction sets us apart from other beauty brands. Our products are also free of artificial fragrances, parabens and other suspect ingredients suspected of harming the environment or interfering with healthy skin function.

You can verify our commitment to quality control and consumer safety by viewing the Certificate of Analysis on our product pages or scanning the QR code on our label.all CBDistllery™ CBD Skin Care It’s vegan, gluten-free, Hemp Authority™ Certified, Leaping Bunny Certified, and backed by our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

Although CBD is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most people, CBD skin care products are not for everyone. If you have a medical condition or take medication, please consult your healthcare provider before buying. The CBD and many other potentially beneficial cannabinoids in our full-spectrum hemp extract can interact with several prescription and over-the-counter medications.

When using any skincare product for the first time, consider applying a small amount to an inconspicuous area, such as behind the ear. Then wait at least 24 hours before attempting a full application. While CBD itself poses little risk of side effects, CBDistllery™ Plant-Powered CBD Skin Care Products Featuring a range of botanical ingredients selected for specific skin concerns. If you notice itching, redness, irritation, or other signs of possible adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and wash the area with soap and water. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.

other sources:

1. ACS Chemical Neuroscience. M Caterina (November 19, 2014) TRP channel cannabinoid receptors in skin sensation, homeostasis and inflammation.

2. Phytecs (2022) Introduction to the skin endocannabinoid system.

3. Research on cannabis and cannabinoids. K Iffland, F Grotenhermen. (June 1, 2017) Update on the safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies.

4. Forbes. N Nazish (30 Dec 2019) Everything you need to know about CBD skincare.

5. Self. S Jacoby. (July 1, 2019) Is there really any reason for CBD to be in your skincare?

6. CBD Distillery. (August 14, 2019) Why CO2-extracted CBD oil is the best choice for CBD extraction.

7. Today’s CBD review. (Nov 1, 2021) Why buy CBD products tested by third-party labs?