Hemp in Skincare: What Can CBD Cosmetics Really Do?

I still remember the moment when a colleague handed me her new CBD cream. “Try this, it’s amazing for dry skin!”, she said. I was skeptical. There are countless cosmetic products out there, and every second jar promises miracles. But hemp in a face cream? That sounded different.

Maybe you feel the same way: your skin feels tight after showering, little redness is annoying, and you’re looking for something that truly soothes. Instead of chemical heavyweights, more and more people are turning to natural cosmetics – and hemp oil as well as CBD are right at the top of the list. But what’s really behind it? Is it just clever marketing or can hemp actually do your skin some good? 🌱

Hemp oil and CBD – what’s really behind them?

A friend recently asked me if hemp oil and CBD were the same thing. No wonder there’s confusion: both come from the hemp plant, but they are not identical.

Hemp oil is pressed from the seeds, contains valuable fatty acids but no CBD. It is nourishing, softens the skin and is popular in natural cosmetics.
CBD (cannabidiol) is extracted from the flowers and works through the body’s endocannabinoid system. It is mainly valued for its calming and antioxidant properties.

Many products combine both – and that makes sense. Hemp oil provides the base for moisture and care, while CBD adds the special effect.

How CBD works on the skin

I remember my first try with a CBD salve. After a long summer day with lots of sun, my skin was irritated. Instead of the usual after-sun lotion, I reached for a CBD cream – and my skin actually felt soothed faster.

CBD can act as an antioxidant and support the skin in dealing with stress factors like UV rays or air pollution (Oláh et al., 2014). Many users report that redness decreases or the skin feels less tight. Even though not everyone notices a difference immediately, many swear that their skin feels more balanced overall.

Skin problems in focus: acne, neurodermatitis and psoriasis

An acquaintance with acne told me that he tried CBD salve after years of wandering unsuccessfully through drugstores. He said his skin looked less inflamed – even though of course it’s no miracle cure.

Studies suggest that CBD can regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation (Oláh et al., 2014). That makes it interesting for people with impure skin. Some also turn to CBD products for neurodermatitis or psoriasis because they are looking for gentle care. But here’s the deal: everyone reacts differently, and it doesn’t replace medical treatment.

Safety and quality: what you should look out for

In Switzerland and the EU, CBD cosmetics are legal as long as they stay within the THC limits (Switzerland: under 1%, EU: under 0.2%). Serious manufacturers have their products tested in labs and make the results public. Watch for

THC-free or low-THC products
Full transparency on ingredients
Organic quality and preferably natural formulations

A friend once bought a “CBD cream” online from abroad – with no information about the content. In the end, it was just a simple hemp oil cream. That’s exactly why it’s so important to choose trustworthy brands.

Which products exist and what they’re good for

If you want to try CBD in your skincare, you’re spoiled for choice.

CBD face creams for everyday use, often with an anti-aging focus
CBD salves, richer, perfect for dry patches or irritated skin
CBD body oils, practical after showering, quickly absorbed
CBD serums, highly concentrated, for targeted use

For example, in winter I like to use a CBD body oil. After cold air outside and dry heating air inside, my skin immediately feels more relaxed.

Price-performance: is CBD cosmetics worth it

A question I hear often: “Isn’t CBD cosmetics way too expensive?” Sure, they’re usually pricier than standard drugstore products. But you have to keep in mind that CBD extracts are complex to produce, plus lab tests and often organic ingredients.

Is it worth it? Many users say yes – especially if they’ve struggled with skin problems for a long time. But if you’re just looking for a normal moisturizer, hemp oil cosmetics without CBD might already do the job.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions from the community

What does CBD cream really do for the skin

It can soothe the skin, provide moisture and act as an antioxidant. Many report less redness or dry patches. Studies show possible positive effects on acne or inflammatory skin, although more research is still needed (Oláh et al., 2014).

How do I recognize high-quality CBD cosmetics without THC

Look for lab reports (Certificates of Analysis), organic seals and clear information on CBD content. Serious shops like Green Passion value transparency and quality.

Conclusion: more than just a trend

CBD cosmetics are not a magic formula, but they can be an exciting addition to your skincare – especially if you care about natural products. Hemp oil provides moisture, CBD can calm and protect the skin. The important thing is to focus on quality and transparency.

If you’re curious, just give it a try. Test a cream or an oil and see how your skin reacts. Everyone experiences it a little differently – and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. 🌱

👉 Discover our selection of CBD skincare products at Green Passion – tested, safe and from Switzerland.

References

• Oláh, A., Tóth, B. I., Borbíró, I., Sugawara, K., Szöllősi, A. G., Czifra, G., ... & Bíró, T. (2014). Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 124(9), 3713-3724. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI64628

• Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in skin health and disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 13, 927-942. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411

• Lodzki, M., Godin, B., Rakou, L., Mechoulam, R., Gallily, R., & Touitou, E. (2003). Cannabidiol—transdermal delivery and anti-inflammatory effect in a murine model. Journal of Controlled Release, 93(3), 377–387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2003.09.001

• Palmieri, B., Laurino, C., & Vadalà, M. (2019). Cannabis derivatives for topical treatment: a systematic review. Pharmacology Online, 2, 65-75.

• Wilkinson, J. D., & Williamson, E. M. (2007). Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism and have potential in the treatment of psoriasis. Journal of Dermatological Science, 45(2), 87-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2006.10.009