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CBD body wash: worthwhile or a waste of money?

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CBD body wash: worthwhile or a waste of money?

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CBD is undeniably having a moment in the mainstream, showing up in products from seltzers to socks. 

It’s not hard to imagine why; CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis, the primary cannabinoid in hemp plants, and has a plethora of research backing its benefits. But still – CBD doesn’t need to be everywhere. So is it worth buying a CBD-infused body wash, or should you save your money?

Why use CBD in body wash? 

Using CBD in your body wash won’t get you high. Cannabinoid infused topical products work by activating certain endocannabinoid receptors and other receptors in your skin, but aren’t absorbed into your bloodstream. They will only provide localized results. 

So why use CBD in your body wash? This cannabinoid has several properties that can help keep your skin healthy and looking its best. 

  • Cannabinoid signaling (natural activation of your endocannabinoid system) is important for skin health. Cannabinoid signaling can help maintain your skin barrier, heal from small abrasions, and reduce scarring from skin issues like acne. 1
  • A 2020 review of existing scientific studies determined that topical CBD may help skin healing as well as soothe skin disorders such as dry and itchy skin, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. 2
  • CBD’s documented anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin, and reduce oil production. 3
  • CBD also has antimicrobial properties, which can prevent the growth of unwanted microorganisms in your products. 4
  • CBD has been found to desensitize us to pain by binding to TRPV receptors (aka vanilloid receptors) and suppress excess pain signaling. 5

Should you buy CBD body wash? 

The short answer is maybe. The longer answer depends on if you’re satisfied with your current body wash and if you have a trusted brand that accurately labels its CBD products. One of the biggest questions to ask is: what do you want to gain from this CBD-infused product? If it’s pain relief you’re looking for, body wash isn’t likely the right choice. But if anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits you seek, then perhaps CBD body wash is right for you.

As with anything made with CBD, there are some companies using the cannabinoid well and some companies looking to make a quick buck by hopping on the CBD train. If you’re looking for a CBD-infused body wash and don’t know where to start, check out these recommendations. 

Best CBD Infused Body Wash

1
  • 150mg CBD
  • Vegan
  • Made with Amplfi Nanotechnology for maximum CBD absorption
2
  • 200mg CBD
  • Formulated to combat breakouts
  • Thick gel consistency
3
  • 120mg CBD
  • Made in the USA
  • Free of parabens and sulfates
4
  • 100mg CBD
  • Made with mostly organic ingredients
  • Cruelty free
5
  • 100mg CBD
  • Made in the USA
  • Vegan

KushQueen Soaked CBD Shower Gel

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: yes 
  • Vegan friendly: yes
  • Animal testing: unknown
  • Special features: Made with Amplfi Nanotechnology for maximum CBD absorption
  • Price range (budget/medium/luxury): medium
  • Price: $39
  • 150mg CBD / 6 fluid oz

With hemp extract as the first ingredient blended with nine oils, this body wash from Kush Queen delivers the relaxing, rejuvenating, and deliciously hydrating experience you’d expect. CBD isolate is blended with a proprietary Nanotechnology application for maximum absorption so lather, rinse, and repeat. This gel is vegan and multi-purpose; you can also use it as a shampoo or face wash. 


Truly CBD Jelly Anti-Blemish Body Cleanser

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: yes 
  • Vegan friendly: unknown
  • Animal testing: unknown
  • Special features: Made with aloe and watermelon extract 
  • Price range (budget/medium/luxury): budget
  • Price: $25
  • 200mg CBD / 8 fluid oz

This CBD Jelly from skincare brand Truly takes full advantage of the acne-fighting powers of CBD. It combines 200mg of CBD with soothing aloe extract and exfoliating salicylic acid in a thick consistency that will leave your skin feeling clean, hydrated, and refreshed. It also smells light and fruity, thanks to the watermelon extract. You can use it anywhere on your body you experience breakouts.


Uncle Bud’s CBD Coconut Body Wash

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: yes 
  • Vegan friendly: unknown
  • Animal testing: unknown
  • Special features: made in the USA 
  • Price range (budget/medium/luxury): budget
  • Price: $15.99

Some 120mg of CBD meets the soothing power of hemp oil and the refreshing scent of coconut in this body wash from Uncle Bud’s Hemp. Made in the USA, this wash has a short list of ingredients boosted with Vitamin A, D, and E for healthy, happy skin. It’s also free of sulfates and parabens, and budget-friendly. 


The CBD Skincare Co Green Power Body Bar

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: yes 
  • Vegan friendly: unknown
  • Animal testing: no
  • Special features: made with mostly organic ingredients  
  • Price range (budget/medium/luxury): budget
  • Price: $18

If you like to keep your skincare routine simple, this body bar from The CBD Skincare Co is the perfect blend of low maintenance and nourishing. 100 mg of CBD is combined with the refreshing scent of peppermint and eucalyptus for a body wash that feels as refreshing as it smells. If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can choose from one of seven other scents. 


CBD Living Soap

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: yes 
  • Vegan friendly: yes
  • Animal testing: unknown 
  • Special features: made in the USA
  • Price range (budget/medium/luxury): budget
  • Price: $14

Soothing hemp extract meets the hydrating power of coconut oil and the relaxing scent of lavender in this simple body bar from CBD Living. This soap has a short list of all-natural and easy-to-pronounce ingredients and works well for your face, hands, or body. All of the hemp and CBD are sourced from Oregon and Colorado with no GMO additions. If lavender isn’t your favorite scent, you can also try eucalyptus, coconut lime, or amber bergamot. 


Bottom line 

You don’t need CBD socks, but there is research that shows CBD can be a beneficial ingredient in skincare products, including body wash.

Using a CBD-infused skincare product won’t get you high and it’s safe. You have endocannabinoid receptors on every organ, including your skin. But using CBD on your skin won’t absorb into the bloodstream, so you won’t get high.  

CBD derived from hemp plants is legal in all 50 states in the US as well as Canada, the United Kingdom and many other countries around the world..

Sources

  1. Tóth KF, Ádám D, Bíró T, Oláh A. Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the “C(ut)annabinoid” System. Molecules. 2019 Mar 6;24(5):918. doi: 10.3390/molecules24050918. PMID: 30845666; PMCID: PMC6429381.
  2. Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, Rajgopal A, Malik K, Yim S, Stern N. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Dec 8;13:927-942. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S286411. PMID: 33335413; PMCID: PMC7736837.
  3. Oláh A, Tóth BI, Borbíró I, Sugawara K, Szöllõsi AG, Czifra G, Pál B, Ambrus L, Kloepper J, Camera E, Ludovici M, Picardo M, Voets T, Zouboulis CC, Paus R, Bíró T. Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. J Clin Invest. 2014 Sep;124(9):3713-24. doi: 10.1172/JCI64628. Epub 2014 Jul 25. PMID: 25061872; PMCID: PMC4151231.
  4. Blaskovich, M.A.T., Kavanagh, A.M., Elliott, A.G. et al. The antimicrobial potential of cannabidiol. Commun Biol 4, 7 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-020-01530-y
  5. Muller C, Morales P, Reggio PH. Cannabinoid Ligands Targeting TRP Channels. Front Mol Neurosci. 2019 Jan 15;11:487. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00487. PMID: 30697147; PMCID: PMC6340993.
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