The hemp plant: More versatile than its reputation
When you think of the hemp plant cannabis, various intoxicants usually come to mind. In fact, the dried flowers and leaves are used to produce the drugs marijuana and hashish. However, this herbaceous plant, known for its distinctive palmate leaves, has much more to offer. It provides valuable services in many ways, as it contains more than 500 different ingredients. For centuries, the fibers of the stems have been used to make high-quality ropes, while the seeds are used to extract edible oil. Hemp oil is one of the best edible oils available, as it has an excellent fatty acid profile.
The effectiveness of hemp as a medicine is currently being intensively researched. Studies have already shown that medical cannabis may have medicinal potential for some types of cancer, but there is not yet sufficient evidence to confirm this. In Germany, the plant and all its parts have been a prescription drug since 2017. Cannabis can therefore be prescribed by doctors if its use is considered appropriate. The cannabinoids, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are responsible for the medicinal effects of the hemp plant. THC is a psychoactive substance, which means it affects the human psyche and causes a “high.” CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive, so it does not cause any changes in consciousness or the psyche.
Hemp seed oil contains only trace amounts of cannabidiol and no THC at all. It can therefore be purchased legally and without any problems.
What is cannabidiol (CBD)?
It is believed that hemp was originally native to Central Asia. However, humans have been cultivating this useful plant for thousands of years. It is now found almost everywhere in the world, prefers a temperate to tropical climate and can reach different heights depending on its location. Cannabidiol, which is found exclusively in female hemp plants, is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the plant. The substance is mainly present in the hemp plant as an acid and is fat-soluble. Israeli researcher and university professor Raphael Mechoulam was the first to isolate the cannabinoid in 1963. He was also the first to synthesize CBD, tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabigerol (another cannabinoid).
CBD is an important component of nabiximol, a medically used hemp extract used to treat multiple sclerosis. In addition, cannabidiol has been used since 2019 to treat various forms of epilepsy (Epidyolex). CBD is generally believed to have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anxiolytic effects. It is also said to suppress nausea and vomiting and relieve headaches. Unlike THC, cannabidiol is no longer subject to narcotics regulations. The substance is not addictive and does not alter perception. The active ingredient is suitable for both internal and external use. This is why it is increasingly being used in cosmetics.
Cannabidiol in cosmetics
CBD is already found in many medical cosmetic products, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Whether acne, neurodermatitis, or rosacea—inflammatory reactions are responsible for many skin diseases. These can be significantly alleviated by CBD, which means that swelling and pain usually subside after a relatively short time and injuries heal faster. Unlike preparations containing cortisone, which inevitably lead to side effects sooner or later, a product containing CBD can be used safely over a longer period of time.
Dry skin also benefits from cannabidiol, as the active ingredient has a good moisturizing effect. In principle, however, CBD is suitable for all skin types. The antioxidants it contains counteract the skin aging process and protect the cells. CBD is even able to stimulate the regeneration of skin cells and reduce wrinkles.
Versatile applications in CBD cosmetics
The range of CBD-containing products is therefore also growing. Creams, ointments, shower gels, tinctures, bath salts, shampoos, and facial cleansers are already available on the market. Athletes enjoy a relaxing massage with a CBD-containing balm or oil after competition or training. Men care for their beards with CBD beard oil, which gently soothes stressed and irritated skin. A lip balm containing CBD helps against dry and chapped lips. With most products, the line between purely cosmetic use and medicinal effects is blurred. Cosmetics containing cannabidiol are usually made from specially selected strains of hemp plants. This ensures good quality and a high active ingredient content. CBD products with an organic seal are particularly recommended. However, cosmetics containing CBD usually cannot do without carrier substances. Ideally, these should also be of natural origin. Tea tree oil, shea butter, and hemp seed oil are particularly suitable, but other formulations are also possible. When selecting or purchasing a product, the following rule of thumb can be helpful for consumers: the higher the CBD content in a cosmetic product, the stronger its effect.
Sustainability & quality in hemp and CBD
Finally, the sustainability aspect should not be overlooked. Compared to cotton, the hemp plant requires significantly less water and is therefore one of the most sustainable crops in the world.
Natural cannabidiol as a cosmetic ingredient – regulated by the EU
The database of cosmetic ingredients (CosIng) maintained by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (GROW) has recently been expanded to include a new entry. Until now, only synthetically produced CBD was used in cosmetic products. That has now changed. Manufacturers are now also allowed to use pure, natural cannabidiol in their cosmetic preparations. Cosmetics companies within the EU welcome this step. Back in November last year, the European Court of Justice ruled that cannabidiol cannot be classified as a narcotic. The EIHA (European Industrial Hemp Association) then asked the Directorate-General for GROW to update the database of cosmetic ingredients. The previous bans on Cannabis Sativa L. were lifted and new INCI entries were added. Cannabidiol is now listed as a “derivative of an extract, tincture or resin of the cannabis plant.” Pure, naturally derived cannabidiol may therefore be officially marketed for cosmetic products within the EU in the future. The same applies to CBD-containing extracts from leaves and flowers. However, the maximum THC content in the EU must not exceed a limit of 0.2 percent under any circumstances.
Cannabidiol fact sheet
INCI: Cannabidiol
CAS number: 13956-29-1
Description: a non-psychotropic cannabinoid from the female hemp plant
Melting point: 66 to 67 degrees Celsius
Solubility: soluble in methanol, ethanol, benzene, diethyl ether, petroleum ether, and chloroform, but practically insoluble in water
Molar mass: 314.46 g·mol-1
Effect: anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, pain-relieving, anxiolytic, helps against nausea and vomiting
Cosmetic applications: for inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea and acne, for the care of dry and mature skin, and for maintaining the health of all other skin types.
Possible uses: skin care cream, balm, tincture, massage and beard oil, shampoo
High-quality cosmetics with cannabidiol
While the intoxicating cannabinoid THC affects the mind, cannabidiol unfolds its consistently positive effects on the body and skin. Cannabidiol is not subject to the Narcotics Act, so it can be used completely legally, is not addictive, and has no side effects. Another major advantage is the sustainable cultivation of hemp plants. The active ingredient is therefore ideal for high-quality cosmetics and can help with inflammatory skin conditions, among other things. Good quality cannabidiol costs around €2,700 per kilogram, which is why cosmetics containing CBD are considered the highest level of natural cosmetics.
We use the active ingredient cannabidiol described above in our high-quality private label products, which meet the highest standards of effectiveness, skin compatibility, and innovation. We combine proven ingredients with modern biotechnological developments to create tailor-made formulations that meet the individual needs of your target group. Our focus is on quality, transparency, and the optimal synergy of all ingredients – for visible results and a compelling brand experience.
Tojo Cosmetics Private Label – your brand, our passion for effectiveness and quality.
Interested? Contact us now with no obligation.
Literature:
Sangiovanni E, Fumagalli M, Pacchetti B, Piazza S, Magnavacca A, Khalilpour S, Melzi G, Martinelli G, Dell’Agli M. Phytother Res. 2019 Aug;33(8):2083-2093.
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders.
Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, Rajgopal A, Malik K, Yim S, Stern N. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Dec 8;13:927-942.
Makhakhe L.S Afr Fam Pract (2004). 2022 May 30;64(1):e1-e4.
