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Acne is a widespread skin condition that can cause painful bumps and pimples. Cannabidiol (CBD) may help reduce inflammation and decrease the amount of sebum the skin produces, leading to less acne.
A quick look at 9 of the best CBD for acne:
- Best for a moisturizer: cbdMD Daily Moisturizer
- Best for a balm: Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery CBD Balm Stick
- Best for a lotion: Social CBD Rest CBD Body Lotion
- Best for bath salts: Lord Jones High CBD Formula Bath Salts
- Best for a face mask: CBDfx Charcoal Face Mask
- Best for a serum: Brown Girl Jane Serum
- Best with salicylic acid: Charlotte’s Web Acne Treatment Cream
- Best for soap: JustCBD Hemp Soap
- Best for an oil: NuLeaf Oil
This article discusses the current research on CBD and acne, and lists some CBD products that people may find effective, their risks and side effects, and other natural remedies for acne.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Acne is a common skin condition that can cause inflamed and painful pimples, pustules, and bumps. While there is a range of traditional acne treatments available, there is some promising evidence that CBD may help reduce the amount and severity of acne.
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When a person overproduces sebum, they are more likely to have acne. This study found that CBD stopped the cells from overproducing sebum, which may help reduce acne.
However, while CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reduce sebum production look promising, few studies have explored CBD’s effect on acne.
While CBD may help acne, it is important to remember that researchers still need to conduct more studies to determine precisely what effect CBD has on acne and what side effects may occur.
Learn more about CBD and acne here.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis:MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
Current research into CBD does not differentiate between products regarding which type may be better for a particular condition. However, some CBD products contain ingredients that can benefit specific conditions.
Some people with acne may find the following products beneficial.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Shopping for CBD products can be overwhelming. Read our complete buyer’s guide here.
Best for a moisturizer: cbdMD Daily Moisturizer
- List price: $23
- CBD type: broad spectrum
- Key ingredients: hemp extract, sacha inchi peptides, rosehip seed oil, algae extract, and glycerin
- COA: available online
- Third-party tested: yes
- Pros: lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer suitable for everyday use
- Cons: may not be suitable for people who require heavier moisturizers
This moisturizer is suitable for everyday use. The company states that the ingredients can help soothe irritation, boost hydration, and smooth the skin.
The company recommends people use this moisturizer once per day in the morning. It is suitable for vegans and is cruelty-free with no parabens, sulphates, dyes, or perfumes.
Best for a balm: Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery CBD Balm Stick
- List price: $12
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Key ingredients: hemp extract, organic oils and beeswax, and mango butter
- COA: available online
- Third-party tested: yes
- Pros: portable and easy to use on the go
- Cons: some people state that it is awkward to use the stick on harder-to-reach areas
This product contains 50 mg of CBD per half teaspoon, as well as organic oils, beeswax, and mango butter. This balm has a peppermint fragrance and soothes inflammation, and may help reduce pain.
It contains full-spectrum CBD, which means it contains all compounds from the cannabis plant, including THC.
The company third-party tests each of its products for effectiveness and safety.
The company recommends that people apply the balm as needed over any area that needs soothing.
Best for a lotion: Social CBD Rest CBD Body Lotion
- List price: $18.99
- CBD type: no information available
- Key ingredients: hemp extract, magnesium, coconut oil, and shea butter
- COA: available online
- Third-party tested: yes
- Pros: reviewers state this lotion is suitable for use on sensitive skin
- Cons: some reviewers say it is not moisturizing enough for dry skin
This product contains 300 mg of CBD extract per bottle and is non-greasy, non-stick, and fast-absorbing.
It contains magnesium, arnica, shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil, alongside lavender, chamomile, and bergamot essential oils to calm the skin and mind before bed.
The company recommends using this body lotion before bed.
30% off purchase with code HEALTH30
Best for bath salts: Lord Jones High CBD Formula Bath Salts
- List price: $50
- CBD type: broad spectrum
- Key ingredients: hemp extract, Epsom and Himalayan salt, and calendula and arnica flowers
- COA: available online
- Third-party tested: yes
- Pros: reviewers state it does not leave any residue on the skin
- Cons: some reviewers with sensitive skin state it causes red bumps
These bath salts contain 240 mg of CBD per jar. The company states that the salts and the arnica and calendula flowers can help soothe skin and promote relaxation.
The company recommends sprinkling one heaped scoop of the salts into the water before having a bath.
Best for a face mask: CBDfx Charcoal Face Mask
- List price: $6.99
- CBD type: broad spectrum
- Key ingredients: hemp extract, olive oil, and hyaluronic acid
- COA: available online
- Third-party tested: yes
- Pros: an inexpensive way to try CBD products for acne
- Cons: some reviewers state the mask residue takes a while to soak into the skin
CBDfx says that this face mask can help hydrate and moisturize the skin. Each mask contains 50 mg of broad-spectrum CBD.
To use it, a person should apply the sheet mask after cleansing their skin, wait 10 minutes, remove it, and apply a moisturizer on top of the remaining mask residue.
Best for a serum: Brown Girl Jane Serum
- List price: $68
- CBD type: broad spectrum
- Key ingredients: CBD and hemp oil
- COA: available online
- Third-party tested: yes
- Pros: this product has a small list of ingredients, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin
- Cons: this serum is one of the more expensive products available
This serum only contains CBD and hemp oil, which may make it suitable for people with sensitive skin who do not want to use a product with fragrances or essential oils.
The company recommends people use this serum as the last step in their skin care routine. People should shake the bottle and apply a few drops on their face, neck, and chest.
Best with salicylic acid: Charlotte’s Web Acne Treatment Cream
- List price: $29.99
- CBD type: broad spectrum
- Key ingredients: CBD, salicylic acid, bentonite, and oatmeal
- COA: available online
- Third-party tested: yes
- Pros: salicylic acid can help reduce the redness and appearance of acne
- Cons: some reviewers state it has a greasy feel
This product is a cream with 200 mg THC-free broad-spectrum CBD, 1% salicylic acid, bentonite, and oatmeal.
The company recommends this product for people who have blemishes, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Charlotte’s Web states that hemp extract can help soothe irritated skin.
Best for soap: JustCBD Hemp Soap
- List price: $4.99
- CBD type: hemp
- Key ingredients: hemp, organic coconut oil, and olive oil
- COA: available online
- Third-party tested: yes
- Pros: suitable for vegans and people with sensitive skin
- Cons: some reviewers report the soap stained their tubs
This handmade soap is vegan and the company states it uses sustainably-sourced ingredients. People can choose from 12 fragrance options.
The company states this soap is gentle enough to cleanse sensitive skin, and the hemp provides extra hydration. It is free from alcohol, sulfates, phthalates, and dyes.
Best for an oil: NuLeaf Oil
- List price: $49
- CBD type:full-spectrum
- Key ingredients: hemp extract and organic virgin hemp seed oil
- COA:available online
- Third-party tested: yes
- Pros: people can mix this oil with food and drink
- Cons: this product may not be suitable for those who dislike the taste of hemp
This is an edible oil that is available in different strengths. People can choose between 300 mg, 900 mg, 1800 mg, 3000 mg, or 6000 mg strengths.
The company says this oil may help relieve inflammatory pain, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.
NuLeaf Naturals recommends starting with ten drops (30 mg) per day and increasing as necessary.
Here we compare the CBD for acne in this article on their price, ingredients, and more.
| Price | CBD type | Key ingredients | COA | Third-party tested | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cbdMD | $23 | broad spectrum | • hemp extract • peptides • rosehip oil • algae extract • glycerin | available online | yes |
| Lazarus Naturals | $12 | full-spectrum | • hemp extract • organic oils • organic beeswax • mango butter | available online | yes |
| Social CBD | $18.99 | no information available | • hemp extract • magnesium • coconut oil • shea butter | available online | yes |
| Lord Jones | $50 | broad spectrum | • hemp extract • Epsom salt • Himalayan salt • calendula • arnica | available online | yes |
| CBDfx | $6.99 | broad spectrum | • hemp extract • olive oil • hyaluronic acid | available online | yes |
| Brown Girl Jane | $68 | broad spectrum | CBD and hemp oil | available online | yes |
| Charlotte’s Web | $29.99 | broad spectrum | • CBD • salicylic acid • bentonite • oatmeal | available online | yes |
| JustCBD | $4.99 | hemp | • hemp • organic coconut oil • olive oil | available online | yes |
| NuLeaf | $49 | full-spectrum | • hemp extract • organic virgin hemp seed oil | available online | yes |
People looking to use CBD for acne may want to consider the following:
- Certificates of analyses: People purchasing any CBD products should make sure that they can freely access the product’s certificates and test results.
- Ingredients: People should always carefully consider the ingredients in a product before purchasing. People with sensitive skin may wish to avoid products that have fragrances or ingredients that may irritate the skin, such as essential oils.
- CBD type: People who have not used CBD before may wish to start with CBD isolate or broad-spectrum products as these do not contain any THC.
- Price: CBD products are available in a range of budgets. People may wish to consider the price before choosing which one to purchase.
While CBD does not have many side effects, its use
- liver damage if people use CBD alongside certain medications, such as valproate
- drowsiness and sleepiness
- allergic reactions, such as skin discoloration and itchiness
There are several different herbal remedies for acne that people may find beneficial. Some products derived from medicinal plants that may help reduce symptoms of acne
- creams that contain tannins, from plants such as white oak’s bark and walnut leaf
- vitex agnus-castus extract, which is not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- 50% aloe vera gel
- 2% green tea lotion
- onion extract gel, which can reduce the appearance of acne scars
- aqueous rosemary lotion
- tea tree oil
- eucalyptus extract
All of these medicinal plants and extracts have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce sebum production, reducing acne symptoms.
Here we answer some common questions about using CBD for acne
Can CBD make acne worse?
Many CBD products contain fragrances and essential oils. These may irritate the skin.
People with sensitive skin and acne may wish to discontinue using CBD products if they find acne becomes worse or if they experience skin irritation.
Which type of CBD is most effective for acne?
There is currently not enough research to say which type of CBD is most effective for acne.
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Is it okay to use CBD daily for acne?
People should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using CBD products.
However, if a person experiences any skin irritation or discomfort, they should discontinue use immediately.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects a lot of people in the U.S. and worldwide. Acne can be painful and cause inflammation of the skin.
There is evidence that CBD can reduce inflammation, pain, and acne development by stopping the sebaceous glands from overproducing sebum.