CBD skincare isn’t just a trend — it’s a science-backed ritual for radiant, resilient skin.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Can CBD really improve skin health?
Yes. CBD and other compounds found in cannabis plants, called cannabinoids, interact with cannabinoid receptors in your skin to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, support the skin barrier, and improve overall skin tone and texture.
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What’s the difference between hemp and CBD in skincare?
Hemp seed oil moisturizes and nourishes, while CBD (cannabidiol) actively interacts with skin receptors to regulate inflammation, sebum production, and cell turnover.
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Which cannabis skincare product is right for me?
It depends on your needs. Bath bombs for relaxation, salves for targeted relief, lubes for intimacy, lotions and creams for daily hydration, or masks for deep treatment.
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What should you look out for when shopping for cannabis skincare products?
Look out for the concentration of cannabinoids, such as CBD — the higher the concentration, the better the product will be for problem areas. Lower concentrations are better for everyday use. For faster and better results, full-spectrum CBD, a whole-plant extract, is more effective than CBD isolate because of the synergies between CBD and the trace amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes, and polyphenols.
More than a therapeutic compound… more than a recreational substance… cannabis is also a beauty enhancer.
Human skin shows its love for cannabinoids by having a strong distribution of CB1 and CB2 receptors. The moment cannabinoids like CBD make contact with your skin, they initiate a cascade of effects through these receptors — effects that can soothe, balance, and restore skin health.
That’s one compelling reason to use cannabis in your skincare routine.
Cannabinoids like CBD are not only helpful in treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, dermatitis, and psoriasis — they’re also potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that promote skin resilience, support the skin barrier, reduce visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, and give skin a more even tone and texture.
In other words, they help your skin look as good as it feels.
If you’d like to dive into the science behind cannabis and dermatology, we recommend reading our article on Cannabis & Dermatology. But in this article, we’ll walk you through the different kinds of cannabis skincare products you can incorporate into your routine — from bath bombs to massage oils to CBD-rich face creams.
We’ll cover:
- A quick primer on the endocannabinoid system and skin health
- The difference between hemp seed oil and CBD in skincare
- CBD salves
- CBD lubes
- CBD bath bombs
- CBD body lotions
- CBD face masks
Whether you’re treating problem skin, enhancing your glow, or simply leaning into your self-care routine — there’s a way to bring cannabis into it.
Let’s check them out.
EDITORIAL STANDARDS
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The ECS & skin health: A quick primer.
Like all major organs and systems in your body, your skin is home to its own endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors.
These receptors regulate key skin functions like cell proliferation (cell growth & division), sebum production (oily, waxy substance created by glands in your skin), inflammation, barrier repair, and sensory perception. When activated by cannabinoids (like CBD or THC), they help rebalance these processes, calming overactive immune responses, restoring hydration, and reducing oxidative stress.
Think of it like this: your ECS is your skin’s built-in regulatory system — and cannabinoids are the inputs that help it work optimally.
Hemp vs. CBD in skincare.
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the cannabis plant. It contains no cannabinoids, but is incredibly rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and other nutrients that nourish, moisturize, and strengthen the skin barrier.
By contrast, CBD is extracted from the flowers and leaves of hemp and cannabis plants. It is a potent bioactive skin-permeable compound that interacts directly with cannabinoid receptors in the skin, giving CBD skincare its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-balancing benefits.
Some products, like Sunnyside Botanicals' extra-strength full-spectrum CBD pain salve, contain both hemp seed oil and CBD — a combo that delivers both hydration and targeted skin support.
CBD salves.
CBD salves are thick, concentrated topicals that deliver targeted relief to areas of pain, discomfort, dryness, or inflammation. They're best used for:
- inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea
- arthritis & joint pain
- menstrual pain & cramps
- muscle cramping & soreness
- cracked heels
- neck, shoulder, back, and lower back pain
- tattoo healing
- localized nerve pain
- tendonitis
- inflammation
- plantar fasciitis
Look for formulas that combine CBD with other nourishing botanicals like arnica, calendula, or shea butter.
Sunnyside Botanicals Full-spectrum CBD Cool Release Pain Salve is loaded with balancing and restorative ingredients like cannabinoids, arnica oil, beeswax, hempseed oil, and cocoa butter, and essential oils to soothe inflammation, reduce pain, rebalance skin, and restore skin health and integrity.
CBD lubes.
If you've had sex while high, then you know that, yes, cannabis can enhance intimacy, too.
But getting high isn't the only way to use cannabis for enhancing pleasure.
CBD-infused lubes can help reduce inflammation and dryness while increasing blood flow and sensation. Because the skin of the vulva and surrounding areas contains cannabinoid receptors, these lubes can promote comfort, relaxation, and even heightened pleasure during sex.
CBD also promotes the release of nitric oxide (NO), which is crucial for both erections and female lubrication. NO acts as a signaling molecule that relaxes smooth muscles in blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow, which is essential for both processes.
Some people use CBD lubes to ease menstrual cramps, period pain, or pelvic tension as well. Choose a product that’s body-safe, pH-balanced, and ideally free from synthetic fragrances or parabens.
Sunnyside Botanicals CBD Love Oil is a silky, coconut oil–based lube and massage oil designed for more, better, and longer pleasure. It combines pure CBD isolate with organic botanicals to ease discomfort, heighten sensitivity, and help you surf a wave pool of pleasure — solo or with a partner.
CBD bath bombs.
CBD bath bombs combine the luxurious, skin-softening bliss of a bath soak with the anti-inflammatory, muscle-soothing properties of CBD. Dropping one into your tub allows cannabinoids to absorb into your skin from neck to toe while you soak — perfect after a workout, a stressful day, or just when you want to unwind.
In terms of skin benefits, CBD bath bombs can soothe any itchy or red skin as well as moisturize dry or flakey skin. It’s best enjoyed for overall skin health rather than for problem areas — for obvious reasons! Eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, or minor skin complaints can benefit from a CBD bath bomb.
Many CBD bath bombs are enriched with essential oils or Epsom salts to amplify the relaxation and skin-loving benefits.
CBD body lotions.
For daily hydration and all-over skin support, CBD lotions offer a light, spreadable way to integrate cannabinoids into your skincare routine. Great for post-shower use or as a midday refresh, they help calm redness, lock in moisture, and support the skin barrier against environmental stressors.
There are more CBD-infused cannabis lotions than THC-infused cannabis lotions. Not because THC isn’t great for skin, but because THC is typically used orally, as an intoxicant or for therapeutic purposes, from supporting mood and reducing anxiety to relieving pain and inflammation.
CBD creams and body lotions are a little more versatile than bath bombs. They can be used all over for general skin health, or they can be used locally on problem areas such as bruises, scars, or areas where skin health needs to be restored.
For a really luxurious experience, use a cannabis body lotion straight after using a CBD bath bomb. Your skin and soul will love you for it.
Tip: choose full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD for maximum skin benefits — the added plant compounds can enhance the entourage effect.
CBD face masks.
Hemp and CBD face masks are growing in popularity around Canada as another way to incorporate cannabis into skincare. They are often available as cream masks or as hemp clay masks, and are used in the same way as any other face mask.
Hemp face masks, which are more common in Canadian drug stores and beauty shops, are often made with hemp seed oil, which doesn’t contain cannabinoids. Rather, it’s full of amino acids that are hugely beneficial to skin, restoring its balance of oils and fats, and keeping skin cells performing at their best.
Hemp face masks can be used by anybody who wants to keep their facial skin healthy and vibrant. As we just mentioned, the amino acids in hemp seed oil can be used to restore skin vitality and beauty. A face mask is a potent way to deliver the benefits of hemp and cannabis to the skin but shouldn’t be used everyday.
CBD face masks are best for treating acne, oily skin, balancing sebum production, reducing inflammation, and addressing conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
Add a CBD or hemp face mask weekly to your skincare routine for vibrant, balanced skin.
A world of cannabis and skin.
Cannabis and CBD skincare is about more than spot treatment — it’s about skin function, resilience, and radiance. Whether you’re targeting a chronic skin condition or just want to feel and look your best, cannabinoids offer a natural, science-supported path to healthy skin.
When shopping for cannabis skincare, keep your eyes open for whether it’s made with cannabinoids or with hemp. You also want to check the concentration of cannabinoids in the product. Higher concentrations are better for skin complaints and diseases, while lower concentrations can be enjoyed as everyday skincare. The higher the cannabinoid concentration, the more cannabinoids your skin can enjoy in each application.
The best part? There’s a product for every skin type, every routine, and every goal. You just have to find the one that fits.
Your skin will thank you for it.
Have you used CBD, cannabis, or hemp in your skincare routine? What kind of products did you use and what did it make your skin feel like? Drop your cannabis-skincare story in the comments!
