Scientists confirm the beneficial effects of plant cannabinoids on skin

Based on the research results, our Polish colleagues concluded that there are promising protective effects of cannabis extracts rich in plant cannabidiol. A significant antioxidant activity of plant extracts of hemp plant was found, it was demonstrated that plant extracts do not have toxicity for the tested keratinocyte and fibroblast cell lines. 

The development and extensive marketing of cosmetics containing cannabinoids, primarily cannabidiol (CBD), over the past few years has occurred in the vast majority of cases in the absence of conclusive scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Until recently, despite the "promoted PR-company" aimed at selling cosmetic preparations containing cannabinoids in their composition, scientists and representatives of the cosmetic market could not clearly answer whether natural cannabinoids can be absorbed into the skin and, if so, whether they can have a beneficial effect on the human body, getting through the skin. 

Despite this, the number of ointments, creams and lotions containing cannabidiol continues to grow, and the market for skin care products that will include CBD is projected to be $ 1.7 billion by 2025. 

Published studies by Polish scientists clearly indicate that science has received positive answers to both of the above questions. In particular, Polish researchers in the course of the experiments have demonstrated the positive effect of hemp plant extracts on skin cells, including confirmed antioxidant activity, the ability to moisturize the skin, increase the vitality of skin cells, as well as the unique ability to suppress the aging process of the outer cover of the human body.

Experiments were carried out with water-ethanol extracts containing 15% cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and 3% CBD, as well as minor amounts of other plant-based cannabinoids.

With the help of tests, Polish scientists have discovered significant antioxidant activity of hemp plant extracts. It was shown that plant extracts are not toxic for the tested keratinocyte and fibroblast cell lines. 

Hydrogels containing plant cannabinoid extract improved the hydration of a group of volunteers compared to hydrogels without extracts, which suggests that cosmetics containing leaves or inflorescences with a therapeutic effect or their derivatives can act as natural skin moisturizers. Based on the research results, our Polish colleagues concluded that there are promising protective effects of cannabis extracts rich in plant cannabidiol.

Commentary of the specialists of the Association "Ukrainian technical hemp"

Despite the fact that science has already proven the presence of cannabinoid receptors in skin cells, any absorption through the skin layer of cannabinoids is difficult, since they are hydrophobic. Until recently, there was virtually no evidence that absorption of cannabinoids through the skin layers at all occurred. Research by our Polish colleagues suggests that plant-based cannabinoids acting as natural skin moisturizers are advisable to be used in cosmetic formulations.

It should be borne in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States has banned a number of cosmetic companies from selling in the country a significant amount of cosmetic products containing cannabidiol, since, according to experts Above the indicated government structure, their advertising misled consumers with claims that these drugs are effective for the treatment of diseases such as acne and psoriasis.

During the second day of training for the students of the Hemp University , a round table will be held " Problems and prospects of using therapeutically active elements of hemp as a basis for nutraceuticals, medicinal cosmetics, animal feed or other products with healing properties of a plant ", a separate panel of which is devoted to " Medical cosmetics formulated with various hemp ingredients ”.