Science & Health
Hemp-Derived CBD Is A ‘Promising’ Treatment For Acne Inflammation And Redness, Scientific Review Says
CBD seems to be effective in the management of acne, according to a new scientific review.
Researchers looked at findings from more than a dozen studies from 2010 to 2024 analyzing hemp-derived CBD and acne-related outcomes such as inflammation and the production of oily and waxy lipids from the sebaceous glands.
The review, published in the journal Molecules, notably found an average 40 percent reduction in the presence of acne lesions after 12 weeks of receiving a topical CBD treatment, along with other skin-related benefits.
“CBD-containing hemp extracts show biologically plausible and clinically promising adjunctive potential for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne,” the study authors said, caveating that “current evidence remains preliminary.”
The researchers said that hemp-based acne treatments should be considered effective as an “adjunctive” intervention for “mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne,” rather than a clinically supported frontline treatment option, given the preliminary nature of the available data.
“Anti-inflammatory and sebostatic actions of CBD and hemp extracts are supported with moderate certainty.”
Studies that were reviewed as part of the analysis included those that were cell-based, ex vivo and clinical, with CBD proving to modulate “key inflammatory mediators” and reduce lesion counts and skin redness.
The researchers, from Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa, said, however, that there’s limited evidence that CBD has “direct antimicrobial efficacy and durable clinical benefit.”
“This review highlights the need for methodologically rigorous and transparent clinical studies, standardized formulations, validated outcome measures and the integration of sustainability metrics to strengthen evidence synthesis, clarify clinical relevance and guide responsible cosmeceutical development,” the study concludes.
“The current evidence positions CBD-containing hemp extracts as promising adjunctive cosmeceuticals for inflammatory acne.”
Relatedly, a study published last year, meanwhile, found that CBD shows promise for a range of applications in dermatology and cometic science.
Research from 2023 separately indicated that some lesser-known cannabinoids produced by hemp and marijuana—with names like THCV, CBDV, CBC, CBM and CBN—may help treat dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.
CBGD, another novel cannabinoid, also appears to have “remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory” properties, a study from last year showed.
A separate scientific review concluded that cannabis oil may help promote the healing of skin wounds, finding that it offers “promising benefits” despite a need to better optimize product formulations.
Applying CBD-infused lotion to the skin also appears to be tied to a lower risk of damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, a first-of-its-kind study published last year found.
