How to choose the right CBD cream for your skin type

Cannabidiol is the trendiest new skincare ingredient, touted for its healing properties that may be especially beneficial for supporting healthy and radiant skin. Specifically, CBD boasts some potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help relieve dry or irritated skin, fight free radical damage, promote youthfulness, and more.

Traditionally, CBD was ingested orally in the form of CBD oil. However, as the cannabinoid became more popular, more consumption methods have been introduced, including CBD capsules, edibles, vape products, and CBD topicals. 

CBD topicals are unique in that they are applied externally to the body rather than ingested. In the skincare and beauty world, topicals like CBD cream are especially popular. 

For optimal skin health, choosing the right products for your skin type is essential. Below, we explore all there is to know about finding the right CBD cream for your skin.

4 Tips for Choosing the Right CBD Cream for Your Skin Type

Your skin type largely affects your skincare needs and goals. For instance, if you have dry skin, you’re likely looking for a CBD topical that hydrates and moisturizes the skin.

Below are our top tips for choosing a CBD cream for your skin type.

Seek Out Additional Ingredients

The primary ingredient in a CBD topical is, of course, cannabidiol (CBD). However, combining CBD and additional skin-loving ingredients may enhance the effects. 

For instance, look for CBD creams that include aloe vera or shea butter if you have sensitive skin. Shea butter is also great for dry skin, along with cocoa butter, beeswax, and eucalyptus. For oily skin, look for a CBD topical that contains alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid or salicylic acid) and hyaluronic acid. The former helps control excess sebum production, while the latter produces hydration. 

Here are some other beneficial ingredients to look out for:

• Hemp seed oil: An excellent moisturizer that hydrates the skin without clogging the pores.
• L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): An antioxidant that helps stimulate collagen production and reduce UV damage. Especially beneficial in facial CBD cream.
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Helps retain moisture, protects cells from damage, and softens skin.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps control oil, hydrates the skin, and evens skin tone. Has anti-aging properties – a great addition to facial CBD creams. 
• Glycerin: A powerful moisturizing ingredient that works to hydrate and softens the skin.

Consider your Needs and Goals

Depending on your chosen product, different CBD creams are specially-formulated for certain parts of your body or time of day. 

Consider whether you want to replace your regular anti-aging face creams with CBD formulas. Or are you looking for a CBD-rich moisturizing cream for your legs, arms, or hands? 

Moreover, some CBD creams may contain additional ingredients like lavender oil, which has a calming effect making it especially beneficial before bedtime. Others may be designed to relieve achy and sore muscles or joints and contain pain-relieving ingredients like menthol and capsaicin.  

Basically, there is a CBD cream to suit all needs and preferences, so it’s about finding one that meets your needs and skincare goals.

Consider CBD Concentration

Look at how much CBD is actually in the product. CBD concentration refers to the amount of active cannabidiol in the product, in milligrams. 

When choosing a CBD cream, look for one with at least 10mg CBD (per application) for maximum benefits. However, depending on your needs, you may benefit from using higher potency CBD topicals. For instance, if you suffer from severely dry or irritated skin, perhaps 20mg CBD will be more suitable.

Think About Texture

The texture of a good CBD cream is also linked to your skin type. A light, non-greasy cream is ideal for normal skin, while dry skin may benefit more from a heavier, creamier formula that helps lock moisture in. Gel-like textures or more lightweight CBD topicals like emulsions are great for oily skin types. However, creams with a whipped, mousse-like texture that melts into the skin are also a great option.

Final Thoughts

CBD creams are designed for different skin types and purposes, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs. Consider if you’re looking for a CBD topical that’s moisturizing or anti-aging (or perhaps both) and then check the ingredients list. Typically, CBD companies indicate the purpose of their CBD creams, like whether it’s to hydrate and soften skin or relieve pain. But still, the ingredients tell you a lot about what you can expect.

Other important factors to consider are the CBD concentration and texture of the cream. Thicker creams tend to be best for dry skin, while light formulas are better for oily or normal skin. If you know what you’re looking for, these tips should help you find the perfect CBD cream for your skin type.