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CBD vs. Hemp Skin Care Products What’s The Difference?

Updated January 15, 2024

Written by

The information provided in our articles has undergone a thorough research process by a team of writers, editors, legal advisors, and medical experts to guarantee accuracy. Only reputable sources have been cited.

Furthermore, to ensure the most recent and relevant data, the content is consistently evaluated against current scientific literature and expert recommendations.

Now that CBD is legal in most parts of the world, and its topical application, more and more skin care products using CBD or hemp would continue to emerge in the market. However, understanding the difference between various terms could be pretty tricky.

Nevertheless, knowing the difference is essential for choosing the right kind of product. For example, when it comes to health benefits or benefits for skin care, CBD-containing products may differ quite a bit from hemp skin care products.

These two do share lots of similarities, and yet they are different. That is why there is so much confusion around it. Here we will explain all the possible similarities between the two and the differences. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Aren’t CBD & Hemp Skin Care Products Essentially the Same Thing

Theoretically, they might be the same, but that is rarely the case in practice. So first and foremost, it is essential to understand that all these are products of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Both CBD and hemp are extracts of the same plant but different parts.

Traditionally, all cannabis plants have been divided into two groups; hemp and marijuana. Hemp has been used to produce industrial products, fibers, and foods and is low in THC (less than 0.3%); therefore, it does not cause euphoria. Marijuana is just any cannabis plant species high in THC that causes euphoria, and people use it primarily for recreational purposes, though sometimes for medicinal reasons.

It means that all cosmetic products contain hemp extracts and not marijuana. It is because hemp is legal to grow in most nations, including the EU.

However, legally grown hemp also contains minute amounts of THC, along with 100s of cannabinoids. However, the concentration of cannabinoids varies in different parts of the plant. Thus, CBD extract is from the plant’s flowers, leaves, and stalk.

On the other hand, the word hemp means hemp seed oil in most cases. Hemp seed oil is naturally deficient in THC, low in cannabinoids, but rich in other phytonutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidants.

So, despite both the CBD and hemp seed oil coming from the same plant, they are the extracts of different parts of the plant, with different chemical compositions and health benefits. Thus, their role in skin care also differs.

There are hundreds of cultivars of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Generally, most countries maintain a list of low THC plants that are legal to cultivate. For example, the EU commission has its list of cannabis Sativa plants varieties, and one can grow these cannabis plants legally in the EU.

Hemp vs CBD Skin Care: The Similarities

Though quite a different thing, nonetheless, CBD and hemp skin care products might share many similarities. Hemp skin care products mean hemp seed oil with omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, and other antioxidants. Hemp seed oil only has traces of CBD or other cannabinoids.

CBD skincare would still use some type of carrier oil that may also contain omega-3 and antioxidants.

Thus, it would be correct to say that both hemp and CBD skin care products would be oil-based, have a moisturizing effect, reduce skin irritation, and boost skin barrier function.

Both are similar in that they are by-products of the hemp plant or so-called cannabis plant species that predominantly contain CBD and are extremely low in THC.

The good thing about legally grown cannabis/hemp plants is that every part of them has some use and industrial value.

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Hemp vs CBD Skin Care: The Differences

Though both hemp (seed oil) and CBD are extracts from the same plant, they are extracts of different plant parts, thus making them quite different products.

CBD skin care products would be rich in cannabidiol, and they might or might not have other components. Manufacturers often would produce it using either CBD isolate, which is 99% pure CBD. Or they might use CBD distillate, which contains other cannabinoids and is a broad spectrum.

On the other hand, hemp or hemp seed oil does not c ontain any CBD at all. Even if it contains CBD, it is present in traces. However, it does contain omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidants. Additionally, it has all the benefits of plant oil for the skin.

It would be correct to say that these are very different products. It would be wrong to call hemp seed oil a CBD skin care product. It is just a kind of plant oil extracted from cannabis plant seeds. Thus, those looking for the benefits of CBD must avoid hemp skin care products. However, hemp seed oil also has uses in skin care, something one should keep in mind.

List Some of the Key Differences

The critical difference between the two is that CBD skin care products must contain CBD (cannabidiol) as an active ingredient. Although, it may also include some other components.

Hemp word indicates that cosmetics contain hemp seed oil, which is naturally CBD and THC-free. Though it may contain traces of cannabinoids due to cross-contamination, the significance of such small amounts of cannabinoids is unclear.

The hemp seed oil has all the benefits of healthy plant-based oil for the skin. In addition, it is rich in omega fatty acids along with other antioxidants. Products made using CBD isolate may not have these benefits.

Thus, CBD and hemp cosmetics are pretty different; hence both may have various benefits in skin care.

There is another crucial difference worth noticing between the two. It appears that generally, the female cannabis plant grows longer, producing large buds. However, male plants have lots of seeds and fiber. Thus, most CBD comes from female plants. However, hemp seed oil and hemp fiber for industrial use come mainly from male cannabis plants.

Additionally, it is worth understanding that CBD cosmetics might have some legal issues in some nations. For example, the manufacturer of such products would need to prove that their product is unfit for consumption, and it is free from THC or only contains it in traces.

From the legal point of view, hemp skin care products are simpler to market and sell. They require fewer documents, and hemp seed oil is legal almost everywhere in the world.

hemp-CBD — hemp or cbd, what is better for skincare

Hemp vs CBD Skin Care Products: Which Is Better for My Skin

Both hemp and CBD skin care products are suitable for skin. However, their benefits may differ. CBD health benefits for skin are quite different compared to hemp skin care benefits.

CBD’s health benefits for the skin include its ability to reduce sebum production and exert potent anti-inflammatory action. Thus, CBD for skin is good for preventing and managing acne. CBD cosmetics are also suitable for those living with anxiety and inflammation.

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CBD cosmetics work by affecting the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS may also stimulate regenerative processes in the skin, thus helping in skin irritation and boosting healing processes. In addition, CBD products also exert antioxidant action.

Since hemp does not contain CBD or THC, it works quite differently. Hemp skin care products contain cold-pressed hemp seed oil. This oil is exceptionally nourishing for the skin. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, suppresses bacterial growth, boosts skin barrier function, reduces the effects of environmental toxins on the skin.

What is hemp vs. CBD skin care? To conclude, CBD cosmetics may have some benefits in specific skin conditions like acne. It is also suitable for managing oily skin. Additionally, the skin absorbs some CBD, resulting in reduced anxiety and having a calming effect.

On the other hand, hemp has all the nourishing benefits of plant-based oil. In addition, it may be suitable for dry skin.

Both CBD and hemp cosmetics may be good for skin allergies and conditions like atopic dermatitis. Both can exert a soothing effect, reduce inflammation, and suppress allergic reactions.

To sum up, hemp vs. CBD skin care are pretty different things. Although they may have shared origins and some benefits, one contains all the benefits of cannabinoids, while the other does not.

Still unsure about what is better for skin, hemp, or CBD? write us, we are always happy to help you out, and together we can make the right desicions.

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CBD Skin Care Products: How Do They Work?

Updated January 15, 2024

Written by

dr. Preet Sal SB

CBD Health Benefits

Furthermore, to ensure the most recent and relevant data, the content is consistently evaluated against current scientific literature and expert recommendations.

Just a decade back, many nations legalized CBD, and thus it is now commonly available as a health supplement. People primarily use it to improve mood, reduce a sense of anxiety, improve sleep, and get rid of mild body aches. However, its topical use quickly gained popularity as people realized its unique benefits for skin health.

The increasing use of CBD for various skin conditions led to significant clinical research into the subject. Researchers wanted to understand if it truly works or most such effects are placebo. Additionally, researchers also wanted to understand the underlying mechanism of action.

It would be correct to say that the topical benefits of CBD have come as a surprise to experts. But, surprisingly enough, they have found it beneficial in their tests, and they also discovered that it works in multiple ways.

What Is the Science Behind CBD Health Benefits for Skin?

Researchers knew that CBD helps in various health conditions due to its impact on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Science has discovered two kinds of endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. They also found that CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain. In comparison, CB2 receptors are abundant in peripheral organs, including the skin.

ECS system is quite complex, and science has not fully discovered its role in health and ailments. However, they know that body also produces many cannabinoids to influence this system and control various body activities. Thus, ECS plays an important role in brain health and appetite control, regulating multiple metabolic activities, immunity, and skin health.

CBD-skincare-ECS-system

Figure 1 Image source: Río C del, Millán E, García V, Appendino G, DeMesa J, Muñoz E. The endocannabinoid system of the skin. A potential approach for the treatment of skin disorders. Biochemical Pharmacology.

Studies especially support the use of CBD for reducing sebum production and skin inflammation. In addition, they have identified numerous underlying mechanisms. Thus, its prolonged use may considerably help manage acne.

CBD also appears to improve moisture retention by skin cells, and this action of CBD is independent of other moisturizing components often added to various skin care products. Thus, a study found that CBD increases the production of aquaporin-3 in the skin, which plays a vital role in moisture retention.

CBD is also suitable for other minor skin issues and even prevents skin damage due to infections, toxins, and irritants. It appears to improve skin barrier function, stimulate healing processes, and control local inflammation. In addition, CBD helps regulate the proliferation of keratinocytes.

CBD also has a calming effect on the skin. In addition, it may help prevent hypersensitive reactions. Thus, modulating ECS may help manage skin allergies, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and similar skin conditions.

Further, activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors may help prevent skin scarring and promote wound repair.

What Ingredients in Particular Makes CBD Good for Skin Problems?

CBD cosmetics are good, but the skin is quite a complex organ. Thus, combining CBD with other ingredients may have much more significant benefits for skin care. Therefore, adding other ingredients may boost the potential of CBD skin care products.

skincare ingredients natural

Plant oils

Various plant oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil can act as carrier oils and extend the benefits of CBD products for skin care. Most plant oils have a moisturizing effect. They also suppress bacterial growth and promote skin healing.

Botanicals or herbal extracts

It is also good to combine it with other botanicals like echinacea, daffodil, rose extract, and many more. Here the choice is almost unlimited; thus, one may choose botanical extract by keeping in mind the focus of skin care products. For example, some products may be for reducing scarring, others for acne, some to reduce dryness, and so on.

Collagens

It is a protein that boosts the production of connective tissues. In addition, skin and joints are naturally rich in collagen. Thus, its topical application may help improve skin elasticity.

Coq10

It is suitable for boosting cellular metabolism. It is one of the most potent antioxidants. In addition, it has a soothing effect on the skin.

Emollients

These are usually synthetic substances, but they are pretty good for holding moisture into the skin. However, many emollients are of natural origins, too. Thus, plant oils, shea, fatty acids, lecithin, triglycerides are some of the examples. Emollients are known to improve skin moisture.

Glycerine

It helps maintain skin softness and keep it moisturized.

Hyaluronic acid

It is naturally present in the skin, and its concentration becomes low with aging. These days it is produced synthetically and is often added to cosmetics to restore and hydrate skin. It also helps reduce skin wrinkles.

Parabens

These are synthetic preservatives. Although many believe that these chemicals are toxic, that is far from true. They can be pretty safe when used in smaller amounts. Manufacturers of CBD topicals would only add them in small quantities as a preservative.

Silicones

They help improve skin texture. In addition, silicones have cosmetic value as they make skin silky and smooth. Although these benefits of silicones are superficial, but then, silicon is quite an inert and safe material for topical use. Some of the silicones commonly used are dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, and many more.

Vitamin E

It is an excellent one of the safest antioxidants for topical use. In addition, vitamin E help reduces skin damage due to toxins.

Zinc oxide

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the non-irritating sunscreens of choice. They are pretty inert and work by blocking the sun rays.

Can CBD Be Absorbed Through the Skin?

Yes, CBD can be absorbed through the skin. Moreover, the oil-based formulations are generally better when it comes to transdermal application. However, topical CBD would reach the bloodstream at a much slower pace. It means the need for multiple applications to gain maximum benefits. Generally, it may take anywhere between 24 to 72 hours to achieve maximum benefit through this route.

However, it is good to know that the transdermal route also has certain benefits. For example, topical CBD won’t undergo first-pass metabolism. Thus, it may even have better systemic effect on prolonged use than oral CBD.

Since skin absorbs CBD well, experts believe many of its benefits for skin health could be due to its systemic effect. For example, it may help improve skin health by reducing anxiety and stress.

How Are CBD Skin Care Products Made?

Producing CBD skin care is pretty simple as it is primarily about mixing various ingredients. However, there are still some steps involved in manufacturing these products.

First, start by deciding whether a product would be oil-based or water-based, as it would determine what kind of CBD to choose. CBD is available both in lipid-soluble and water-soluble forms.

Next, decide whether you want to use CBD isolate or CBD distillate. CBD distillate is a broad-spectrum CBD with some added benefits. However, CBD isolate has a better safety profile and is less likely to cause allergies.

Subsequently, decide on the carrier oil to use, like coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and so on, if you have chosen to move forward with an oil-based skin care product. Generally, an oil base is preferred for topical use, as lipids have additional benefits for the skin, and lipid-soluble CBD absorbs well into the skin.

Further, decide about the additional herbals, botanical, and other components to add to the product. This will help improve the benefits of the product. The choice of other herbals would depend on what segment a person is planning to focus on, like acne, anti-aging, moisturizing, anti-scarring, etc.

Finally, all the ingredients are mixed in special mixing machines, producing the final product. After this, the product is ready for packaging. Mixing and packing would generally require the use of specialized equipment. However, for small-scale production, semi-automatic and smaller equipment are also available.

Once the product is ready, one may need to get it certified both for its content of active ingredients and to establish its safety. And finally, the product is ready for commercialization.

If you are interested in knowing more about how to produce natural range of skincare products that can stand out from the competition, contact us, we would be glad to share our expertise.