Cannabis beauty: What’s all the buzz?
A new ‘crop’ of skincare has landed – and you could say they’ve really gone to pot
THE BEAUTY BUZZ
Yep. You heard us. Cannabis (or pot, weed, marijuana, dope, wacky backy – whatever you want to call it) is now cropping up as a new ingredient in your skincare regime. Surprisingly, not only does it look more in line with your Le Labo – pretty and stylish, rather than hippy-dippy-hemp-like – but, it's also being backed by some pretty extensive research, due for official release this year.
The cannabis plant has a history of medicinal use dating back thousands of years. However, due to its legal status, scientific research has been restricted, until now that is. The barriers are coming down as countries legalise its use for medicinal purposes; Switzerland, Australia, Greece, Turkey and 21 states in America, have all permitted it on medical grounds, and it’s fast becoming big business on the wellness front too.
The topical treatments we’re talking about here, are concocted from cannabidiol (CBD) – one of about 100 different phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant. FYI: it's non-psychoactive, meaning it will not get you high, so no need to worry about any nasty side effects (or the munchies). What it does promise however, is impressive anti-inflammatory properties that can treat everything from acne to aging, along with aches and pains. Roby Zomer, Co-founder and Managing Director of MGC Derma, who just launched a luxury CBD-based line at Harvey Nichols, concurs, 'The specific ingredient we use is cannabidiol (CBD) a totally non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, which shares part of the "fingerprint" of our genetics, allowing the body to instantly recognise it – and utilise it accordingly.' Furthermore, he adds, 'Today, more and more people are using CBD to rejuvenate and nourish their skin, and the results are better than ever. The molecular structure includes a high concentration of vitamins A, B, D and E and is rich in antioxidants.'
The trend aficionados, Mintel, have also just reported that 30% of consumers are looking for anti-aging products with anti-stress claims too. So in this era of beauty-meets-wellness, and everyone striving to work on both the mind and body balance, CBD could almost be the cure-all remedy. Suffice to say – the jury is still out. But, if you do feel inclined – here’s our highs from the cannabeauty crop.
MGC Derma CBD Moisturizing Day Cream SPF30, £65
The brand employs the highest quality cannabidiol, with a range of pure yet potent serums, masks, toners, and creams. This cream also has the added benefit of SPF 30, to protect while perking you up.
Buy here
CBD of London Collagen + Retinol Anti-Aging Cream, £49
This light, nourishing cream smoothes the look of wrinkles and plumps up tired, dehydrated skin.
Buy here
Votary Super Seed Facial Oil, £70
This intelligent little oil gets skin into a relaxed state and is perfect for anyone suffering from hormonal breakouts, sensitivity, and a generally stressed-out dermis.
Buy here
Cannabliss Organic Bliss Body, £68
Full spectrum hemp oil combined with a blend of Korean herbs and essential oils work to replenish and restore dry skin.
Buy here
Perricone CBx for Men Travel Set, £36
Take the power of the phytocannabinoids on the go, with this plant-based antioxidant travel set for men. It works well on stressed-out and oil-prone skin.
Buy here
Love CBD Balm, £30
This contains extracts of hand-harvested cannabis flowers, taken from the sunny climes of Slovenia and Croatia, offering pain relief from muscle aches to menstruation cramps.
Buy here
The cannabis plant has a history of medicinal use dating back thousands of years. However, due to its legal status, scientific research has been restricted, until now that is. The barriers are coming down as countries legalise its use for medicinal purposes; Switzerland, Australia, Greece, Turkey and 21 states in America, have all permitted it on medical grounds, and it’s fast becoming big business on the wellness front too.
The topical treatments we’re talking about here, are concocted from cannabidiol (CBD) – one of about 100 different phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant. FYI: it's non-psychoactive, meaning it will not get you high, so no need to worry about any nasty side effects (or the munchies). What it does promise however, is impressive anti-inflammatory properties that can treat everything from acne to aging, along with aches and pains. Roby Zomer, Co-founder and Managing Director of MGC Derma, who just launched a luxury CBD-based line at Harvey Nichols, concurs, 'The specific ingredient we use is cannabidiol (CBD) a totally non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, which shares part of the "fingerprint" of our genetics, allowing the body to instantly recognise it – and utilise it accordingly.' Furthermore, he adds, 'Today, more and more people are using CBD to rejuvenate and nourish their skin, and the results are better than ever. The molecular structure includes a high concentration of vitamins A, B, D and E and is rich in antioxidants.'
The trend aficionados, Mintel, have also just reported that 30% of consumers are looking for anti-aging products with anti-stress claims too. So in this era of beauty-meets-wellness, and everyone striving to work on both the mind and body balance, CBD could almost be the cure-all remedy. Suffice to say – the jury is still out. But, if you do feel inclined – here’s our highs from the cannabeauty crop.
MGC Derma CBD Moisturizing Day Cream SPF30, £65The brand employs the highest quality cannabidiol, with a range of pure yet potent serums, masks, toners, and creams. This cream also has the added benefit of SPF 30, to protect while perking you up.
Buy here
CBD of London Collagen + Retinol Anti-Aging Cream, £49 This light, nourishing cream smoothes the look of wrinkles and plumps up tired, dehydrated skin.
Buy here
Votary Super Seed Facial Oil, £70This intelligent little oil gets skin into a relaxed state and is perfect for anyone suffering from hormonal breakouts, sensitivity, and a generally stressed-out dermis.
Buy here
Cannabliss Organic Bliss Body, £68Full spectrum hemp oil combined with a blend of Korean herbs and essential oils work to replenish and restore dry skin.
Buy here
Perricone CBx for Men Travel Set, £36Take the power of the phytocannabinoids on the go, with this plant-based antioxidant travel set for men. It works well on stressed-out and oil-prone skin.
Buy here
Love CBD Balm, £30This contains extracts of hand-harvested cannabis flowers, taken from the sunny climes of Slovenia and Croatia, offering pain relief from muscle aches to menstruation cramps.
Buy here
