Cannabis in Beauty Products

Stephen Andrews
25 Jun 2022

From microdose lip gloss to CBD skin care creams, hemp is an increasingly popular ingredient in cosmetics, and beauty brands are cashing on it. Cannabis or cannabis-derived ingredients in cosmetics are approved by the FDA, with the agency considering the possibility that a product with any such ingredients can have both cosmetic and medical value.


Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids, hemp seed oil is known as "the most balanced seed oil." Hemp oil differs from CBD oil, although both have no psychoactive properties. The first is from cold-pressing hemp seeds, while the second is derived from the plant's flowers. 

A superior beauty ingredient, hemp oil might be the perfect solution for those struggling with sensitive skin. Hemp is antibacterial, doesn't clog pores, reduces skin redness, and offers some UV protection.

Some beauty products can be CBD-based, too. In cosmetics, CBD is primarily exploited for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Some people even use CBD creams to treat skin inflammatory conditions such as dermatitis or acne. 

You may wonder what all kinds of cannabis beauty products are out there? The list would be huge because hemp and CBD are integrated with nearly every beauty and makeup industry segment. So, the list below is not comprehensive:

  • Everyday face creams, for use both in summer and winter
  • Hand and body wash
  • Cleansers and bar soaps with hemp extracts
  • Hair + scalp tonics for hair conditioning and stimulating hair growth
  • Hand protector creams
  • Moisture oils that smooth the skin
  • Face masks
  • Clay for peeling
  • Extra-hydrating lip balms that moisturize the lips 
  • Sleep creams to moisture the face
  • Serums for anti-aging, hydration, firming or soothing the skin, and more.

What Are the Most Popular Beauty Products?

Probably the most popular type of CBD products is creams and lotions. Most cannabis brands that manufacture beauty and makeup products have creams for facial skin routines on the offer. Often these creams are combined with other natural ingredients such as rosehip, aloe, camomile, or lavender. Some sleep creams may also contain a small percentage of melatonin as an extra boost to the cream's sleep properties.

How widespread is cannabis use in makeup and beauty care products? So much that you have big brands such as Victoria Secret that have a line of hemp seed oil products such as body creams and face masks. 

Toothpaste and Oral Care

Hemp and CBD are also present in oral care products. Just last year, personal care giant Colgate-Palmolive launched three active oral care formulas that integrate CBD. 

Apart from toothpaste products, this segment offers other items such as protective oral sprays, breath sprays, mouthwash, etc. Some of the products combine additional cannabinoids such as CBG and other natural plant extracts in their formula. Although these products are billed as oral care products, they cannot replace any treatment or therapy prescribed by dentists.

Are Products Safe to Consume?

Under US laws regulating the cosmetic use of industrial hemp, operators are required to secure both ingredient safety and formula safety. Hemp plant material sourced for beauty products should not contain pesticides, heavy metals, or other harmful substances. 

Manufacturers must test supplying material if it hasn't been tested before. CBD also always needs to be tested as it is unstable as a raw material. Analysis usually involves checking CBD levels, presence of THC, terpenes, residual solvents, microbial content, mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. 

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Stephen Andrews