Defining CBD and Breaking Down CBD in Beauty Products

The latest craze taking the beauty industry by storm over the last year is CBD products. More products containing CBD have entered the market as regulations and limits become more relaxed regarding its use. From skin care and hair care to lotions, lip balms, cosmetics, and gummies, CBD Beauty is on the rise. According to Beauty Store Business, the CBD market is predicted to see a 75% increase through 2023 and an estimated $16 billion in sales by 2025 with CBD as a beauty ingredient.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive component found in the cannabis plant. It does not produce a “high” like THC because it does not contain any mind-altering properties. It does, however, still communicate with the endocannabinoid and immune systems within the body. These two systems have the job of keeping internal functions stable with the help of endocannabinoids that the body produces naturally. When the body isn’t able to make enough endocannabinoids, that is when health problems arise like inflammation, anxiety, and so forth. CBD comes into play by helping aid inadequate anandamide levels.

Is CBD Legal?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill CBD is legal. The bill removed hemp products from the controlled substances list and legalized the production of industrial hemp as long as each plant contains less than 0.3% THC at the federal level. The Farm Bill allowed for individual states to decide the standards for its own legalized hemp program or whether or not they want to take part in a plan at all.

The passing of this bill does not trump the FDA's authority to regulate products with cannabis or cannabis-derived substances under the 1938 Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Nevertheless, under the FD&C Act, cosmetics do not need pre-market approval from the FDA as food and drugs do. The FDA is more concerned with product labels and claims when it comes to beauty products. CBD products are legal as long as they come from industrial hemp and are labeled correctly. However, this is not to say it could all change in the future as more research is conducted.

Are CBD and Hemp Seed Oil the Same?

CBD is not the same as hemp seed oil even though some may use the two terms interchangeably, as they both come from the hemp plant. CBD comes from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the plant where the level of cannabidiols is high whereas hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the plant and contains no CBD. However, they both offer distinctive benefits.

Hemp seed oil offers a range of nutrients and fatty acids that work as a skin softener and moisturizer that won’t clog pores or add to oily skin. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and inflammation, skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, and also provide a calm sense of well-being. Even though both are considered wellness ingredients, knowing the difference between the two is essential not only to reap the benefits but to see the value of each product.

What are the Benefits of CBD in Beauty Products?

CBD is rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, vitamins A, D, and E, and fatty acids. These all help to support healthy skin and hair. Therefore, CBD is added to many serums, lotions, balms, and moisturizers. CBD helps with pain, fine lines, dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema. CBD regulates the oil production of the sebaceous glands, thus helping to stop breakouts, acne, and oily skin. Until CBD, there was no non-steroid option out there to help with acne, so this is good news. All of the compounds that make up CBD protect the skin from not only environmental elements but from signs of aging, too.

Why has CBD Taken Off in the Market?

When it first hit the market, CBD products were falling under the umbrella of the overall natural and clean beauty movement that has been taking over the industry. However, as more CBD products hit the shelves, it's beginning to develop a category all on its own. The widespread demand and celebrity backing has propelled CBD products within the industry as no real scientifically validated research has been conducted. Regardless of the lack of research, consumers are using word-of-mouth and the fact that CBD offers a natural solution to their beauty needs to give themselves a reason for purchasing.

Check out the latest products containing CBD on Nectar today.