From hot flushes to rosacea and dry patches to breakouts, sometimes we wish our skin would chill out. Enter CBD and the world of cannabis beauty buys.
First things first, what is CBD? Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a (non-psychoactive) chemical found in the cannabis (marijuana) plant. It can also be extracted from the plant’s cousin, hemp. Until recently it was considered niche in the beauty world, but with its anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory benefits, it’s been hailed a miracle ingredient.
Before you ask, no, CBD will not give you the munchies. It’s the non-high-inducing part of the cannabis plant. It’s another part of the plant, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that gives the more trippy effects.
Can CBD help skin issues?
Is CBD oil safe to use on skin? Yes. The anti inflammatory properties of CBD make it a good ingredient for aiding conditions like rosacea and acne, two things which we know can flare up in the menopause years. There are clinical trials showing positive effects on acne scarring, dryness and itching. Can it get rid of eczema? Not necessarily, but it may help relieve the discomfort.
READ MORE CBD and sleep, what you need to know.
What are CBD skincare products?
You can now choose from a wide range of topical products using the anti inflammatory effects of CBD to help your skin. By 2024, the CBD skincare market is estimated to be worth nearly $1billion. Skincare products are formulated with varying degrees of CBD oil: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or CBD isolate. Which CBD is best for skin? The CBD isolate. Free from any other compounds from the original plant, it’s the purest form of CBD oil.
“CBD isolate is the purest version of CBD. It doesn’t contain any other compounds that you find in a hemp plant,” says Ildi Pekar, a New York aesthetician. “This form of CBD oil is best for facial skin as it’s pure, doesn’t clog pores and is packed with skin-rejuvenating antioxidants.”
READ MORE An expert explains what can CBD do for skin.
Inspired to try CBD skincare? We pick a few of the best.
What makes a product right for a Hylda woman?
Here’s how we choose… Our beauty writers are experts in their field and have years of experience writing about the best in beauty. They will only recommend products that they know will make a difference and help with the symptoms caused by the fluctuations of the menopause years. Our reviews are honest – they are not paid for by the brands. We might earn some affiliate commission if you choose to buy the product, but we are not paid by the brands to put them in the article. Never ever. Picked by experts and chosen just for you, that’s our Hylda promise.
Top 8 CBD products…
Best CBD day cream: OTO CBD Ritual Day Cream, £69. Buy it now.
Best CBD skincare-supplement hybrid: Disciple Skincare Miracle Drops, £31.50. Buy it now.
Best CBD face oil: Herbivore Emerald Cannabis Sativa Deep Moisture Glow Oil, £44. Buy it now.
Best CBD face mist: Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator, £35. Buy it now.
Best CBD serum: Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum, £77. Buy it now.
Best CBD face wash: Earth Tu Face Face Wash, $52. Buy it now.
Best CBD hand serum: Margaret Dabbs Intensive Anti-Ageing Hand Serum, £30. Buy it now.
Best CBD overnight treatment: Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil, £28.50. Buy it now.
Best CBD day cream: OTO CBD Ritual Day Cream, £69
Why it’s a great buy: Formulated to help manage hormonal breakouts, this day cream is a great addition to your midlife beauty cabinet. It blends pure CBD with complementary botanicals like rose, baobab and rosemary oils. Highly calming, hydrating and soothing, it will rejuvenate, moisturise and soften your skin.
What we love about it: This day cream also helps boost your skin’s natural elasticity, protect from oxidative damage by the environment and support sensitive skin.
What we don’t love quite so much: 30ml is currently the biggest size you can buy.
Best CBD skincare-supplement hybrid: Disciple Skincare Miracle Drops, £31.50
Why it’s a great buy: Containing an impressive 1000mg of CBD hemp oil, these drops can be both ingested and applied topically.
What we love about it: Mix with your nighttime serum to see skin-soothing benefits, or if you’re struggling to sleep, two drops under your tongue can ease anxiety and help you to drift off.
What we don’t love quite so much: A few customers say they don’t like the taste.
READ MORE Rosie Green on her CBD and sleep kit.
Best CBD face oil: Herbivore Emerald Cannabis Sativa Deep Moisture Glow Oil, £44
Why it’s a great buy: This is a powerful cocktail of omega-rich cannabis sativa seed oil with anti-inflammatory ingredients turmeric and shiitake mushrooms, designed to soothe your skin while tackling redness and wrinkles.
What we love about it: The impressive radiance boost.
What we don’t love quite so much: It smells a bit ‘herbal’.
Best CBD face mist: Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator, £35
Why it’s a great buy: A true multitasker, this mist can be applied anytime of the day, under or over makeup.
What we love about it: When you’re going through a dry, sensitive skin phase, it will drink up the natural ingredients (including hemp oil) for a cooling hit of hydration.
What we don’t love quite so much: One review said the consistency is quite thick for a face mist.
Got a perimenopause or menopause question?
Best CBD serum: Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum, £77
Why it’s a great buy: Dr Murad doesn’t miss a trick when it comes to the latest in skincare technology. His new cannabis-infused serum is designed to treat the visible signs of stress.
What we love about it: It smooths uneven texture as well as reducing redness and signs of puffy eyes – ideal when you’re suffering from sleepless nights.
What we don’t love quite so much: The price.
Best CBD face wash: Earth Tu Face Face Wash, $52
Why it’s a great buy: From the cannabis capital of the world, California, this hemp-infused face wash has all-natural ingredients to remove every trace of makeup and dirt without stripping your skin.
What we love about it: Perfect for dry, irritated complexions.
What we don’t love quite so much: It can be hard to get hold of in the UK.
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Best CBD hand serum: Margaret Dabbs Intensive Anti-Ageing Hand Serum, £30
Why it’s a great buy: They say your hands are the first place to show your age, so using a hand serum will ensure they’re not neglected.
What we love about it: Infused with cannabis oil, this serum reduces lost elasticity and age spots that can begin to appear during menopause. It has a fast-absorbing, non-greasy finish.
What we don’t love quite so much: It may not feel heavy duty enough for extremely dry skin.
Best CBD overnight treatment: Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil, £28.50
Why it’s a great buy: This is an intense and indulgent overnight treatment, naturally fragranced with sleep-inducing lavender, neroli and rose.
What we love about it: It contains Kigelia to firm and tone as well as nourishing hemp oil.
What we don’t love quite so much: It may not be suitable for very sensitive skin.
