5 Best CBD Skincare Products to Use [Our 2023 Update]

The marijuana industry has evolved. CBD products are now front and center worldwide, from oils, edibles, and gummies to pet treats.

Regarding CBD topicals, adding cannabinoids to the “skincare equation” can take your skin health to an entirely new level.

Are you looking for a few ultra-high-quality balms, oils, and lotions? We have compiled a list of products you might want to keep on your radar if you’re looking for an excellent CBD topical.

First, though, let’s take a look at how (and why) CBD skincare ointments could help improve your skin.

What CBD Skincare Products Are Available?

Not so long ago, consumers were lucky to find a basic CBD cream with limited cannabidiol. These days, there is almost every imaginable CBD beauty product. You can find whatever you need to nourish, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin, from lip balms to foot ointments.

Here is a quick overview of the range of CBD topicals now available:

• CBD creams, ointments, salves, lotions, and balms
• Roll-on products
• CBD lip balm
• CBD day/night cream
• CBD topicals with menthol and camphor
• CBD face cream
• CBD rejuvenation cream
• CBD body butter
• CBD serum
• CBD shower gel
• CBD shampoo & conditioner
• CBD face mask

While products such as CBD oil travel to your bloodstream via the digestive system or sublingually, topicals don’t have to contend with the first-pass effect, so their bioavailability rate is higher.

Most people use CBD skincare products to ease surface pain or combat conditions such as acne or eczema.

Why Are CBD Oil-Based Products Effective?

Unlike THC, the compound responsible for producing a high, CBD is non-intoxicating. Many people use it for nausea, pain, and anxiety. If extracted from industrial hemp, CBD is legal. Here are just a few of the potential properties of CBD:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic (pain-relieving)
• Anti-proliferative
• Chemopreventive
• Pro-apoptotic
• Stimulates stressed endoplasmic reticulum

This means CBD is potentially beneficial for a range of medical conditions. While most people consume CBD orally or sublingually, there is a growing trend towards its use for skincare.

The main causes of skin aging and issues such as acne and inflammation are caused by irregular endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions and free radical damage. CBD’s purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could help alleviate related skin problems.

CBD’s purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could help alleviate numerous skin problems.

The ECS is responsible for balancing many important skin functions, such as pigmentation and oil production. CBD has an indirect effect on the ECS’s cannabinoid receptors and could help the body and skin maintain a state of homeostasis. Consequently, cannabidiol could help with the following:

• Skin hydration
• Reduced inflammation
• Regulation of oil production

Now, let’s check out what this means for common skin problems.

CBD Skincare Benefits – What Does the Research Say?

One of the great things about the skincare benefits of CBD is the increasing level of research to back up these claims. Let’s investigate the most relevant studies to date.

CBD for Skin Hydration

Among the most noticeable effects of CBD is its capacity to hydrate dry skin. An article published in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences in 2009 found that cannabidiol is potentially effective in repairing dry skin.

This is also good news for individuals with psoriasis or eczema, two skin conditions where the patient typically has dry skin.

A study published in La Clinica Terapeutica in 2019 looked into the effects of a CBD-enriched ointment on inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. The researchers found that CBD application helped improve the skin parameters of individuals with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The ointment helped moisturize the skin, prevented water loss, boosted skin elasticity, and improved the general quality of life amongst the users.

CBD for Inflammation

As CBD is anti-inflammatory, it could help reduce the swelling, redness, and pain from breakouts. When applied to the skin, CBD interacts with CB receptors to reduce the inflammatory response. CBD’s ability to decrease inflammation may reduce irritation amongst patients with skin conditions such as eczema.

Some brands now sell CBD sunscreen, as the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can reduce the effects of sunburn. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2021 found that CBD protected against the harmful effects of UVA/B radiation.

CBD for Regulation of Oil Production

Skin experts believe that sebum overproduction is one of the main causes of acne. There are CB2 receptors on sebaceous glands, the glands that produce oil. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2014 found that CBD suppresses sebocytes, the skin cells responsible for producing sebum that can contribute to acne.

A study published in Experimental Dermatology in 2016 came to the same conclusion. The researchers also noted that CBG and CBGV could alleviate the effects of dry skin as well.

Who Can Purchase CBD Oil or CBD Hemp Products?

High-quality CBD skincare products were once only available in places like California and Colorado. Thanks to the updated legislature in the 2018 Farm Bill, however, CBD skincare products are for sale in most states.

You can even purchase CBD hemp oil and skincare products online and have them shipped to your doorstep. Please note that there are potential restrictions in specific locations. Check your state laws on CBD to learn more.

When shopping for the best CBD skincare products, potency and third-party lab reports are critical things to look for. If a brand doesn’t offer lab reports for its products, there’s no way of knowing the true CBD content. A lot of companies post lab reports on their website. With other brands, you’ll have to email the company and ask for them.

Look for skincare products that are organic and offer a full spectrum of hemp extract. This means the topical will contain additional cannabinoids (and terpenes) aside from CBD. Many of hemp’s skincare benefits come from the plant’s essential oils and fatty acids. Therefore, check the ingredients label before settling on the first product you come across.

Without further ado, here are some of the best CBD skincare products for sale on the current market. Every one of these topicals is an extract of industrial hemp, meaning they’re available in most states.

5 Best CBD Skincare Products

1 – PureKana Menthol Roll-on CBD Muscle Gel

PureKana is one of the most popular CBD oil brands in the U.S. However, they’ve also got a line of CBD skincare topicals that are hard to beat.

Its Menthol Roll-on CBD Muscle Gel, in particular, is a favorite of ours. It is moderately expensive, but you won’t find much better than this if you’re looking for quality.

• Contains 600mg of hemp extract
• Created using a refreshing menthol formula for cooling muscle support
• Made in the USA
• Direct application for skin, muscle, and joint areas

For more information, visit the official PureKana website.

2 – Premium Jane Cocoa Butter Topical CBD Salve

Premium Jane’s Cocoa Butter salve has the highest CBD concentration on our best skincare products list. It contains 1,500mg of extract in a single 2 oz jar.

This is a non-GMO, lab-tested ointment sourced from pure, organic, Oregon-grown hemp. It is a fantastic product that’s well worth the price.

• Sourced from organic, USA-grown hemp
• Free from pesticides, solvents, and chemical fertilizers
• Cruelty-free (no animal-derived ingredients)
• Naturally moisturizing for healthy, glowing skin

To learn more, visit the official Premium Jane website.

3 – Elixinol’s Extra Strength CBD Hemp Balm

This is another one of our favorites. It is a topical CBD skin moisturizer that can transform dry, irritated, aged-looking skin. It comes in 250mg and 500mg CBD concentrations.

Elixinol uses full-spectrum hemp extract, meaning it has anti-oxidative benefits that improve skin health.

• Whole-plant CBD extract (not an isolate)
• Free of artificial fragrances, phthalates, petrochemicals, and parabens
• May relieve discomfort from exercise and training
• Excellent moisturizing properties

Want to learn more about Elixinol’s products? Go to elixinol.com

4 – JustCBD Body Lotion Aloe

Another popular brand well-known for its premium range of CBD oil tinctures, JustCBD’s Body Lotion Aloe has quickly become a team favorite here at WayofLeaf.

The cream is specifically designed to help achieve a healthy, balanced glow and deliver optimal skin protection naturally. The soothing properties of the aloe vera infusion may also help with hydration and skin protection.

• Contains premium-quality hemp-extracted ingredients
• Includes plant-based oils for deep moisturization
• Ideal for daily recovery
• Offers a subtle, soothing formula for sensitive skin

Be sure to browse the product in the official JustCBD.com online store.

5 – Provacan After Sun CBD Cream

We all know how harsh sun exposure can be to our skin. UV sun exposure is a significant cause of skin aging, according to the National Institute of Health.

Provacan’s After Sun CBD Cream combines the antioxidant effects of cannabidiol with naturally moisturizing ingredients. The result is healthy, ultra-hydrated skin after an intense day out in the sun. This is potentially a great product if you work outdoors or otherwise spend a lot of time in the sun.

• Formula supported by CiiTECH cannabis research
• 50mg CBD content for supplementary after-sun protection
• Phytochemical and phytocannabinoid-based skin support
• Made in the U.K. (available for U.K. and EU shipping)

The product isn’t currently in stock on the official Provacan website, but you can purchase it online from third-party sites.

Where to Start with CBD for Skincare

It was tough trying to narrow down our picks for the best CBD skincare creams to five brands. If we’ve got to single out one product, it’s even harder.

However, we’ve decided to opt for the 1,500mg Premium Jane Cocoa Butter CBD Skincare Salve as the best all-around option. Whether you want to use it for general skincare or direct application to sore muscles, it’s an excellent place to start.

The company offers lab-testing, which verifies the full-spectrum nature of the product. As well as CBD, it contains terpenes like pinene, myrcene, cymene, and terpinene.

Be sure to check out the brand’s official online store, as it occasionally runs sales and promotions. It also ships to most states without the need for a doctor’s recommendation.

Final Thoughts on the Best CBD Skincare Products

Products such as Premium Jane’s CBD Salve could provide benefits to your skin. Users of CBD skincare products claim the topicals are effective in helping reduce pain and the impact of conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

When buying any CBD product, please ensure it comes with updated third-party lab reports. Also, you should remember that the cannabinoid affects everyone differently. Just because 30mg of CBD ointment helps soothe a friend’s pain doesn’t mean it will help you in the same way.

When using any CBD skincare item, apply a small amount to your skin at first to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Apply as necessary but give each dose time to work.