Your guide to CBD beauty oils, moisturisers and creams

CBD oil has shaken off its alternative image, and can now be found in a wide range of beauty products. So, could CBD give your skin-care regime a boost?

Mention to a friend that you’re using CBD oil, and they may look at you suspiciously – it is derived from cannabis, after all.

But tell them that CBD oil is now being used in various different skin-care products, and their attitude might change.

CBD skin care is the latest beauty trend that’s taking off both here and in the US – even Gwyneth Paltrow is a big fan¹ – but that doesn’t mean it’s just another fad. There’s some solid science behind the boom in CBD skin care.

What is CBD oil?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a compound extracted from the cannabis plant. It is a cannabinoid, along with its more famous counterpart tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC), which has psychoactive properties.² However, CBD doesn’t contain enough THC to have the same effect, so you won’t get the munchies from using a moisturiser.³

To make CBD oil, cannabidiol is blended with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. CBD oil can then be used alone, or to create various skin-care products.

Why is CBD oil now in beauty products?

Scientists are only beginning to discover the benefits of CBD oil but emerging research shows it has beneficial properties that can be applied to the skin.

CBD also has an antioxidant effect, helping with the negative effects of free radicals.⁴ So, exactly how could CBD oil give your beauty regime a boost?

It can tackle oily skin and acne

While oily skin can be caused by genetics, hormones or your diet, CBD oil can help aid the natural balance of the skin. In 2014, researchers from University of Debrecen, Hungary, discovered that CBD oil could stop sebaceous glands in the skin producing excess sebum – the oil that causes a shiny appearance – and also prevented ‘pro-acne’ agents such as inflammatory proteins from being activated.⁵

A later study by the same team concluded that CBD oil could be a ‘highly efficient, novel anti-acne agent’.⁶

It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

CBD is a powerful antioxidant, which means it can help protect the body from harmful free-radical damage.⁷ In the skin, this helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s good for dry or itchy skin

In 2006 German scientists discovered that 14 patients with dry or itchy skin conditions – either prurigo, lichen simplex or pruritus – who were given a cream containing a substance that could stimulate the ECS, reported an 86.4% reduction in itch.⁸

It can soothe sore muscles

CBD could help ease aching muscles after a workout, too. It’s well known that cannabinoids have muscle-relaxant properties.

The best 7 CBD topicals: Creams, balms, serums & more

Want to start using CBD skin-care products? Take your pick from luxury brands all the way through to the high street.

Remember to do a patch-test 24-hours before use, and be aware that CBD effects include interacting with some medications; talk to your GP if you’ve got any questions.

1. The best CBD skin cream for the body

Cubid CBD Re:scue Body Butter

Is your skin in need of some serious re-hydration? This indulgent body butter is one of the best CBD cream for skin lacking in moisture. It is made of cocoa / shea / almond butter, moisturising oils and 500mg of full spectrum hemp oil, which is 66% CBD and other cannabinoids.

What our customers have to say:

James Matthew – Nice coverage body butter – 5/5 stars
“I bought this a few weeks back and love the way it replenished my skin, especially around my joint areas. The body butter seems to work well at rejuvenating my dry itchy skin.”

RoisinD - Smells amazing! - 5/5 stars
"I bought this body butter tub two weeks ago and just saw that it is now sold out. I'll definitely buy it again when it's back in stock because it smells amazing! It has worked wonders on my dry skin, just by using a little bit every night on one particularly dry area. Love it!"

2. The best CBD face cream

Holland & Barrett CBD Day Cream

This CBD-enriched face cream is antioxidant-rich and provides intense moisturisation for every skin type. The CBD and hemp oils work together to aid your skin’s natural balance. It also helps to reduce the negative effect of free radicals, promoting the appearance of healthy, youthful skin.

What our customers have to say:

LuluH – Recommended – 5/5 stars
“Cleared my teenage daughter’s skin up beautifully, always stress the importance of moisturising even from a young age, this is great stuff.”

AnnaHH – Wonderful cream! – 5/5 stars
“A really lovely cream. Great for my skin which is prone to flare-ups, spots, sensitivity etc. My skin felt fresh and moisturised, not claggy or greasy. Would definitely recommend.”

3. The best CBD serum

Holland & Barrett CBD Serum

This super concentrated CBD serum has a light texture and deeply moisturises your skin. The CBD and hemp seed oils collaborate to help your skin achieve a natural balance of moisture that suits your skin type.

What our customers have to say:

Jutaaibm – Exceeded my expectation - 5/5 stars:
“Bought this during Xmas coming as a gift set. It is so amazing, and my skin feels so soft and smooth since using it. It works better than some other very expensive brands on my face.”

4. The best CBD balm

Ambience CBD-infused Muscle Balm

It’s un-tense. This premium CBD-infused muscle balm invigorates, relieves and soothes tired and tense muscles. Just rub it into the affected area for quick relief.

What our customers have to say:

Efo1982 – Love it so far – 5/5 stars
“Bought this cream to help with sore legs caused by training/running. Tried it twice so far and like the texture and the smell. Legs feel also relaxed upon application. I recommend this product.”

Kipababe - Best Balm - 5/5 stars
"This balm has been the best for me, works every time."

Anonymous - Great - 5/5 stars
"A great product worked well on different areas. Rubbed in easily."

5. The best CBD skin gel

Cubid CBD Re:vive Stay Active Gel

Whatever you love to do to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, this ultra-cooling gel is here to support you. Eucalyptus, rosemary and camphor come together with 66% CBD (and other cannabinoids) hemp oil to provide a calming effect to targeted areas.

What our customers have to say:

Pavan p - Excellent! - 5/5 stars
"Does exactly what it says! Will definitely be buying again. Worth every penny."

6. The best CBD lip balm

Ambience CBD Infused Lip Balm

Soften, smooth and replenish dry, cracked lips with this CBD enriched lip balm. Simply apply a little to your lips got a hydrating cannabidiol boost when you need it.

What our customers have to say:

Mrs H 123 – Best lip balm ever! – 5/5 stars
“The texture of the balm is wonderful and not gooey like other lip balls I've purchased before. It's made my lips feel smooth and moisturised.”

JJ 20 – Great Moisture – 5/5 stars
“Great lip balm, nicely moisturizing without heaviness, quickly absorbed and smells so fresh, highly recommend.”

7. The best CBD hand cream

Cubid CBD Re:new Hand Cream

Dry hands are no fun. Try soothing away chapped skin on your hands with this super-nourishing hand cream. This ultra-soft hand cream is made with shea butter, almond oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and hemp oil with 250mg CBD to help hydrate dry hands.

What our customers have to say:

Hornby – Excellent hand cream will be a winter saviour – 5/5 stars
“I've been using this hand cream for about a week now and my hands feel so hydrated. I suffer from dry sore hands and this cream has been a miracle, soothing my hands so much. I would definitely recommend this to anyone with dry sore hands. This will be an absolute winter saviour for me!”

Last updated: 15 March 2021