Walk into Sephora or a spa, and you are likely to find beauty products containing cannabidiol, better known as CBD. These CBD-infused products claim to do everything from combat signs of aging to promote deep relaxation.
For example, Saint Jane Beauty claims that its calming serum contains “full-spectrum CBD” and is a “powerful treatment” with anti-aging benefits to “visibly calm redness, clear blemishes and deeply restore.” Meanwhile, Prim Botanicals’ Full Body High CBD relaxing body lotion claims to create “a more deeply relaxed you.”
And consumers aren’t just seeking out at-home CBD beauty treatments. Stacey Spooner, corporate manager of spa and fitness at Sandals Resorts, says, “Globally, there’s been an increase in the demand for spa treatments incorporating CBD as an ingredient.” She explained that “the treatments have been popular with guests looking to target muscle soreness as well as melt away tension, tightness and fatigue.”
When HuffPost last visited this topic in 2020, there was no clear research that proved these products are worth your money. But in the four years since, has anything changed? Here’s what we know now.
There are different types of CBD for different purposes
CBD can be derived from hemp or marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are the same species of plant, but hemp contains a lower concentration of THC, the component in marijuana that gets you high. Most commercially made beauty products are made from CBD derived from hemp.
Lotions, gels and other products made with CBD derived from marijuana do exist. However, these are typically used for therapeutic purposes or recreational use and must be purchased with a prescription through a dispensary or an independent grower. Plenty of people use these products, but they’re not the types of beauty products sold at stores like Sephora, which we are focusing on here.
Are beauty products containing CBD legal?
In 2018, the Federal Drug Administration removed hemp from the list of controlled substances. This differentiated the way hemp and marijuana are treated under federal law. Now, hemp products, including the hemp-derived CBD used in most commercially available beauty products, can be used legally in all 50 states. However, some states, including Maryland, West Virginia and Indiana, have imposed restrictions on the sale of products containing hemp-derived CBD.
Marijuana and marijuana-derived CBD, including in beauty products, is still illegal under federal law. While marijuana-derived CBD is legal in many states, regulations vary widely and use is often restricted to those with a prescription. Until the legal landscape changes, you are unlikely to find beauty products containing marijuana-derived CBD sold at stores like Sephora or your local drugstore.
Moreover, it’s illegal for a beauty product infused with CBD to make medical claims. If a cosmetic product containing CBD makes any claims about treating or preventing disease, the FDA requires that the manufacturer seek approval as a drug. This is true even if the product is also a beauty product that affects your appearance.
To date, the FDA has only approved one cannabis-derived drug and three synthetic cannabis-derived drugs, none of which are beauty products. These drugs are only approved to treat certain types of seizures and complications from AIDS. All require a prescription from a licensed health care provider. Therefore, CBD-infused beauty products cannot legally make any health-related claims. If you see any beauty products with CBD claiming to have health benefits, you should be skeptical.
Will beauty products with CBD get you high?
CBD is an active ingredient in cannabis, but it doesn’t cause a high if it’s used by itself. According to Dr. Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist, author, researcher and CEO of SkinTypeSolutions.com, topical products containing CBD “should not have any effects on mood or relaxation.” That’s because THC, another active ingredient in cannabis, “can cross the blood-brain barrier and have effects on mood while CBD cannot.” So there goes the claim that the CBD in any of these beauty products can actively relax you.
Is there any evidence that the CBD in beauty products can improve your skin?
Currently, there are “no proven benefits” to using skin care products with CBD, Baumann says, aside from the other non-CBD ingredients that may be in the products. Because there aren’t yet any studies showing topical products containing CBD are effective, she says that any claimed benefits are “just marketing hype.” As a result, Baumann does not recommend beauty products containing CBD to her patients.
Why the confusion?
There are three main reasons CBD-infused beauty products may have grown in popularity despite a lack of evidence showing any benefits.
First, early studies are showing the potential of CBD-infused beauty products. Despite the lack of any current evidence showing any benefits to using CBD-infused beauty products, “there are multiple clinical studies showing that CBD oil has the potential to improve various skin conditions,” said Dr. Alexandra Bowles, a dermatologist at Mona Dermatology.
Dr. Adam Friedman, a dermatologist and professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, is conducting one of those studies. He says there is “emerging evidence” that “CBD has potential to manage a broad range of skin conditions and help maintain a healthy skin barrier and, therefore, youthful appearing skin.” Additionally, CBD may protect against DNA damage from ultraviolet radiation, which can damage skin in a number of ways, he says.
Friedman said this “anecdotal and early clinical trial evidence” shows that there may be benefits to using CBD beauty products. However, despite the potential of CBD beauty products, Friedman cautions that so far, studies have only been conducted on “cells and animals” rather than on people. That means it’s still too soon to tell if those benefits will cross over to humans. “More clinical research is necessary to truly decipher how effective CBD skin products are,” and what skin conditions they can treat, Bowles said.
Second, there may be confusion about CBD’s effectiveness because CBD is “known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce redness and irritation,” Bowles explained. Additionally, CBD is “rich in antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals and reduce the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines,” she said. However, Baumann explained that to be effective in beauty products, CBD would have to be absorbed into the skin. Currently, “no one has yet been able to prove it can get into the skin when applied topically,” she explained. One study found that CBD in creams and gels was absorbed through artificial skin cells when certain formulations were used. However, more research is needed to see if these results can be replicated with human skin.
A third point of confusion may be because CBD-infused beauty products are often combined with other ingredients with proven benefits. These benefits may incorrectly be attributed to CBD. For example, “CBD-infused beauty products often contain hemp seed oil, which is known for its moisturizing properties that can help hydrate the skin without clogging pores,” Bowles said. Some consumers may incorrectly attribute the benefits they see after using products that contain CBD and hemp seed oil to the wrong ingredients. Additionally, beauty products that combine CBD with products known to promote relaxation might be effective, Baumann explained. For example, CBD products combined with lavender have “been shown to relax you through olfactory means,” she said. However, it’s the smell of the lavender rather than the CBD that is promoting relaxation.
The same is true of a host of other ingredients with proven results that may be combined with CBD. If a CBD-infused beauty product has “calming and soothing effects on the skin,” you “may feel more relaxed and at ease” and be happier with your skin’s appearance, Bowles said. However, there isn’t any evidence that any benefits can be attributed to CBD.
Can using beauty products with CBD be harmful?
Although there isn’t any evidence yet that beauty products containing CBD are helpful, they probably won’t hurt you. “In general, these products are very safe,” Baumann said. She explained that some people may have an allergic reaction to products containing CBD, but it’s unlikely.
However, Bowles cautioned that “the purity and quality of CBD products can vary widely. Some products may contain contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or residual solvents, which can cause adverse reactions.”
She added that “with any product, the overuse of any topical product can lead to issues like clogged pores or imbalanced skin, so it is essential to follow the product’s usage instructions and not apply excessive amounts.” She added that “combining multiple topical CBD products may increase the risk of skin irritation or sensitivity, especially if the products contain other active ingredients like retinoids, acids, or essential oils.”
Although CBD-infused products are generally safe, Baumann cautioned against using these products all over your body, on small children, or if you are pregnant. That’s because of the risk of “increased systemic absorption” and the lack of data showing how much CBD is safe, she explained.
Because CBD-infused beauty products are unlikely to be harmful, Bowles said they can be a good “adjunctive treatment” for her patients who want to use them and don’t experience any side effects.
If you decide to incorporate CBD products into your beauty routine, Bowles recommends that you consult your dermatologist first, just as you should before adding any new product to your skin care regimen.
Want to try some skin care that really works? Try these dermatologist-recommended and reviewer-approved serums.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Amazon
iS Clinical Super Serum
I am absolutely devoted to this powerful vitamin C serum. My esthetician recommended adding iS Clinical’s Super Serum to my lineup, and now I can’t imagine my skin without it. It’s an oil-based vitamin C-rich serum that not only has the potential to help reduce typical signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, but can help to reduce scarring as well. While it costs a pretty penny, I think it’s absolutely worth it. Not only are the quality and the results unbeatable, but a little goes a long way, making it less of a financial burden than one might imagine. It’s definitely worth the splurge.
Promising review: “Love this stuff. It might be a tad expensive, but it has done wonders for my skin to even it out and make it so smooth. Lines seem to have almost vanished (I’m 57). I have sensitive skin and this was not harsh, nor did it break out my skin. VERY happy with this product and would recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin who wants their skin to feel soft and look radiant. I get SO many compliments on my skin. Have been using for 5 months and will continue to do so.” — Kindle Customer
Amazon
Sunday Riley Good Genes serum
I’ve been using Sunday Riley’s Good Genes for nearly a decade, and despite testing hundreds of other comparable products, I always come back to it. I’m particularly obsessed with the high content of lactic acid, a unique chemical exfoliant that encourages quick cell turnover in the surface layers of the skin, leaving it smoother and helping clear up blemishes. It’s paired with licorice and lemongrass in this formula, which can help brighten up the look of dark spots, sun damage and other discoloration, and prickly pear extract that can help soothe redness and calm sensitive skin. It’s the perfect example of a product with a fairly common active ingredient perfectly formulated with other complementary ingredients to make it even more effective than many other options.
Promising review: “Hands down the best skin product I’ve ever used. Worth the price. I don’t write reviews on amazon but if I can help anyone justify the price given the magic it’s done to my skin – worth the time! My 35 year old skin looks at least 10 years younger. I will buy this for life. (I could care less about the smell and honestly, don’t really smell it? weird?)” — Patricia Izquierdo
The Inkey List
The Inkey List 10% azelaic acid serum
Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist who shares advice on @brownskinderm, is a huge fan of this particular azelaic acid serum. She told HuffPost, “It is gently formulated with azelaic acid at 10% and allantoin at .3% for extra moisture.” It can help soothe and calm irritated skin and help to reduce the appearance of redness. It’s also formulated with micro-fine green color particles that can help to mask the look of existing redness as well, acting almost like a color corrector.
Promising review: “Helped my rosacea and PD. I bought this 3 days ago and am actually super surprised and impressed with this product. I’ve used azelaic acid before but found it irritating and heavy silicones in those formulas broke me out. I struggle with perioral dermatitis and rosacea. I was going through a pretty bad flare 3 days ago and as of today it’s 90% gone. I have some tips for how to best use the product: 1. Apply to dry skin only. Applying azelaic acid to wet or damp skin makes it super itchy and can cause irritation. … I’m super impressed. This really helped clear up my latest flare and I’m excited to have found something that finally works for me. I’ll continue using and buying this as long as these results continue!” — Becca
Dieux
Dieux Deliverance serum
Promising reviews: “Phenomenal. I’m still currently using it but I’ve been using it a few weeks and it’s already made such a huge difference in my skin. my redness isn’t as severe and my skin glows! LOVE this product!” — Grace B.
“Saving grace. I have struggled with hormonal acne for years and have searched high and low for a product to help my skin (also very dry and sensitive). This product has changed my skin, slowly but surely. I absolutely notice more hydration. I’ve started breaking out less, and marks from old breakouts fade quicker than usual. Charlotte never misses.” — Mary T.
“One of those products where you start to freak out a little when you realize you’re almost out. So good. Any time I fall off my routine I realize how potent this serum is and effective.” — Allison M.
Vintner’s Daughter
Vintner’s Daughter active botanical serum
Promising review: “If I had to choose to reduce my skin care routine to one product and feel confident that my skin will get all the nutrients it needs, it would be the Active Botanical. I have tried many products over the year, I work in fashion and are exposed to quite a bit of them. The active Botanical is the one for me.” — Verified customer
“This serum is insanely expensive, but also insanely good. It’s like a bottle of love for your skin. Hyperpigmentation? It fades dark spots. Acne? I haven’t had a zit since I started using it 6 months ago. Sensitive skin? I can now start using chemical exfoliates, which I’ve never been able to do. This stuff is amazing! It’s expensive, but I no longer need serums and oils and moisturizers – just this stuff.” — BKOMC
True Botanicals
True Botanicals chebula active serum
Address dull, uneven skin, rough texture, fine lines and dark spots with this powerful True Botanicals serum. This brand is beloved by celebs, skin care enthusiasts and everyone in between. The chebula serum is a hydrating serum that can help to reduce the visible signs of aging while helping to support and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It’s definitely a splurge, but you likely won’t regret it.
Promising review: “Skin feels great. At 52, I have tried all types of skin care products. Some seem to work for a short time, others feel too thick and heavy. This product feels light and amazing on your skin. It has replaced all other moisturizer products and my skin feels healthier than ever before. I use less makeup and feel more confident.” — Blustar70
Sephora
The Ordinary mandelic acid 10% + HA
Mandelic acid is a game-changer for acne-prone skin like mine, and The Ordinary makes it easy to pick up a high concentration of this anti-bacterial AHA exfoliant without breaking the bank. It’s recommended for sensitive skin by two board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Purvisha Patel in Memphis, Tennessee, and Dr. Jennifer MacGregor of UnionDerm in New York City. The addition of hyaluronic acid brings skin extra hydration, making this a great formula for introducing your skin to mandelic acid. It’s ideal for acne-prone skin, reducing the look of fine lines and chemical exfoliation.
Promising review: “Skin type: 30s, cystic acne prone, hyperpigmentation, redness, combination skin, CANNOT use salicylic acid, glycolic or lactic acid. I never thought I had sensitive skin until a product with salicylic acid broke me really badly a month before my wedding. Curse you, salicylic acid, you are not for me. But this product is – mandelic acid. I can’t remember how I heard about it, but what really got me interested was the fact that’s is recommended for Skin of Colour, like mine 😀 FIRST USE: I applied four drops on my face (forehead, cheeks, nose/chin) after cleansing (oil and foam), then allowed it to sink in before continuing with the rest of my routine (toner, serum, moisturiser). Honestly, it takes a little while to sink in your skin, don’t use too much, you’ll be waiting a LONG time. The next morning I was washing my face and I was like, my cheeks are baby soft. So soft, my skin was legit renewed, it felt like a miracle was happening. Basically, any sort of decongestion was dissolved and I was left with smooth skin. Yes, it works, if you need an acid that won’t irritate your skin, this may be the one for you.” — PS
Amazon
Sunday Riley A+ high dose retinoid serum
Promising review: “Sunday Riley’s A+ retinol serum initially caught my eye because it was advertised as an advanced strength retinoid that was suitable for both individuals with sensitive skin and experienced users of the ingredient that might be in search of a stronger product. The formulation contains a 6.5% retinoid blend, a relatively high percentage compared with other retinol products on the market. After using this product consistently for two months, I’m noticing a significant reduction of my keratosis pilaris in that the texture is smoother, less red and with fewer clogged hair follicles. I’ve also noticed less congestion in my T-zone, fewer sun freckles and an overall increase in skin plumpness — all without those telltale signs of retinol-induced irritation.” — Tessa Flores, shopping writer
Dermstore
SkinCeuticals C E ferulic acid serum
Promising reviews: “I have tried many vitamin c serums and keep coming back to this one. It’s been highly effective on my skin, and while it’s pricey the results have been well worth it. One thing I have especially noticed is that it helps fade my acne scars pretty quickly.” — GG
“When I first bought this, I was so apprehensive because of the price. But it really is amazing! You have to use it consistently for a few weeks to see the results, but it’s worth it. My skin has never looked better. A little goes a long way, so the price is worth it.” — Emma
Sephora
Paula’s Choice 10% azelaic acid booster serum
Promising reviews: “The holy grail. If you had to buy one skin cream in the world, it would be this product. Absolutely love it!!! This product moisturizes my face SOOOO well that I glow and it minimizes my redness. I definitely will repurchase!!” — Kate
“It works! My dermatologist recommended this product for my sun-damaged face. I cannot believe how great this stuff is! I had hypoplasia and this moisturizer really works and my skin looks great now! I will be ordering this again.” — Deb O.
Target
Naturium mandelic topical acid 12%
Promising review: “Gentle yet effective. Great for those with sensitive skin looking to clear out your pores. I have really sensitive skin. I can no longer use Salicylic Acid. This is what i use now. It’s amazing. During the winter though I’m sticking with the PHA, and may just use this once a week or every other week as i have acne prone skin but sensitive skin as well.” — Jenny Marie
“I have used hydroquinone for a long time and this fades spots better than any high-end hydroquinone formula I’ve ever used. I have acne scars and sun spots and both have faded significantly more with this product than clinical hydroquinone products I have used in the past.” — Kennedy
Amazon
Sunday Riley Luna sleeping night oil
Promising review: “I’ve been skeptical of Sunday Riley since their review debacle. I use other high-end skincare and wasn’t looking to add anything but this came highly suggested from a friend I trust. Now I can’t go a night without this beauty! The natural scents of chamomile are so relaxing and great part of self care to any nighttime routine to tell your nervous system ‘it’s time for sleep.’ It’s a very soft texture in the skin that feels nourishing and I love the deep blue tansy color that easily fades into skin as you apply. It’s a gentle retinoid that doesn’t irritate or interact with my other skincare. Overall my skin always looks bright and even in the morning. Love love this product, bought another for my mom for Mother’s Day! Can’t go wrong with adding this to a luxurious nighttime routine!” — shelby k
Sephora
Caudalie Premier Cru anti-aging serum with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
Promising reviews: “I have noticed a visible reduction in my fine lines since using this product. It also doesn’t leave my face oily or sticky like other serums can and do. I also really love that it has clean ingredients and does not have hardly any fragrance at all for those who are sensitive to fragrances like myself.” — Daniii89
“Loved it! Excellent product !!! I’ve been using it since I bought it and I can see the difference in my skin. Highly recommended.” — Kary9103