Why CBD in Skincare? What the Science Suggests
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating compound from hemp. Your skin has an endocannabinoid system that helps maintain balance. While research is still developing, many users report CBD topicals feel soothing and supportive for dry, stressed, or post-workout skin.
Important note: CBD topicals are cosmetics, not drugs. They’re not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you have a medical condition, consult a healthcare professional first.
- Non-intoxicating: Won’t cause a “high” when applied topically.
- Versatile: Blends well with plant oils, butters, and waxes.
- Customizable: You control fragrance, texture, and potency.
Sources to learn more: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the U.S. FDA for regulatory updates.
Safety, Legality, and Sourcing: Start Smart
- Choose hemp-derived CBD with third-party lab results (COA) showing potency, residual solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides.
- Check THC content. In the U.S., hemp products typically contain ≤0.3% THC by dry weight. Laws vary by state—verify locally.
- Select your CBD type:
- Full-spectrum: Hemp extract with trace cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Broad-spectrum: THC removed to non-detectable levels.
- Isolate: 99%+ CBD only; easiest for exact dosing and minimal scent.
- Patch test every new formula. Apply to inner forearm; wait 24 hours.
- Talk to your doctor if pregnant, nursing, or on medications (CBD can interact with certain drugs).
Tools and Base Ingredients You’ll Use
- Digital scale (0.1 g accuracy) and measuring spoons
- Heat-safe beakers or glass jars, silicone spatula
- Double boiler (or a pot + metal bowl), thermometer
- Stick blender for creams; whisk for balms and butters
- 90–99% isopropyl alcohol to sanitize tools and containers
Helpful bases:
- Oils: Sweet almond, jojoba, fractionated coconut, or sunflower
- Butters: Shea, mango, or cocoa butter
- Waxes: Beeswax for balms; emulsifying wax for creams
- Water phase for creams: Distilled water or hydrosol
- Preservative (for water-based formulas): Broad-spectrum, e.g., phenoxyethanol + ethylhexylglycerin (per supplier guidelines)
CBD Skincare DIY Recipes: Creams, Balms, and an Infused Lotion
These beginner-friendly recipes make about 100 g (3.5 oz) each. Scale up with the same percentages. Always sanitize equipment and containers.
Recipe 1: Quick CBD-Infused Lotion (No-Heat Blend)
Great for a fast, lightweight body product. This “shortcut” uses an unscented store-bought lotion base.
- Unscented lotion: 95 g
- CBD isolate: 500 mg (0.5 g) for ~143 mg CBD per ounce
- Optional: 0.5–1 g skin-friendly fragrance or essential oil at safe dermal limits
- Weigh lotion into a bowl.
- Sprinkle in CBD isolate. Whisk thoroughly until fully dissolved and uniform.
- Blend in optional scent. Mix again until smooth.
- Jar it, label with date and CBD per ounce. Use within the base’s shelf life.
Tip: If your isolate clumps, warm the lotion jar in a warm-water bath (not over 40–45°C / 104–113°F) and stir.
Keyword note: This is an easy way to make an infused lotion without advanced equipment.
Recipe 2: Silky CBD Balm (Beeswax + Shea)
A water-free balm that seals in moisture and adds glide for dry elbows, cuticles, or feet.
- Sweet almond oil: 60 g
- Shea butter: 25 g
- Beeswax: 13 g (for a medium-firm balm)
- CBD isolate: 500 mg (0.5 g)
- Optional: Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) 1 g
- Add almond oil, shea butter, and beeswax to a heat-safe beaker. Melt in a double boiler until clear.
- Remove from heat. Cool to about 60°C (140°F).
- Stir in CBD isolate and vitamin E until fully dissolved.
- Pour into tins. Let set with lids ajar. Label potency and date.
Adjust texture: Use more wax for a firmer balm; less for a salve-like feel.
Recipe 3: Lightweight CBD Face/Body Cream (Beginner Emulsion)
Feels professional and absorbs quickly. Requires an emulsifier and preservative.
- Phase A (Water): Distilled water 70 g; Glycerin 3 g
- Phase B (Oil): Jojoba 12 g; Emulsifying wax NF 6 g; Shea butter 5 g
- Cool-down: Preservative (per supplier rate, e.g., 1 g); CBD isolate 500 mg (0.5 g)
- Heat Phase A and Phase B separately to 70–75°C (158–167°F).
- Combine Phase A into Phase B. Stick-blend 1–2 minutes, rest 1 minute, repeat until trace forms.
- Cool to 40–45°C (104–113°F). Add preservative and CBD isolate. Blend briefly.
- Jar, label, and store cool and dark. Use within 3–6 months.
If you prefer scent-free natural skincare, skip fragrance and keep formulas simple.
Potency Math Made Easy
Know how much CBD you’re delivering per jar or per ounce.
- CBD isolate is typically 1,000 mg per gram. So 0.5 g = 500 mg CBD.
- 100 g batch with 500 mg CBD = 5 mg CBD per gram of product.
- There are ~28.35 g in 1 oz. So 5 mg/g × 28.35 ≈ 142 mg CBD per ounce.
Using CBD oil (tincture)? Check the label:
- Example: 1,000 mg CBD in 30 mL = ~33 mg/mL. To add 300 mg CBD, use ~9 mL of that tincture.
- Avoid flavored or sweetened tinctures for creams—they can destabilize emulsions.
Texture, Stability, and Shelf Life
- Water-free balms last 6–12 months. Keep lids tight and avoid heat.
- Emulsions (creams/lotions) need a preservative. Without it, they can spoil quickly.
- Grainy butters? Temper shea by melting fully, then cool quickly in the fridge.
- Separation? Increase emulsifying wax slightly or blend longer during emulsification.
- Color/scent shifts? Store in opaque jars away from sunlight and humidity.
Real-Life Experience: From Redness to Routine
When I first tried a cbd skincare diy balm on my winter-chapped hands, I started simple: almond oil, shea, beeswax, and a low dose of CBD isolate. After a week of nightly use and wearing cotton gloves to lock it in, the tight, flaky feeling eased and my cuticles stopped snagging. That success led me to formulate the lightweight cream above for daytime. Now, I keep both on my sink—balm at night, cream in the morning. Simple, consistent, and effective for my routine.
Pro Tips for Quality and Consistency
- Document every batch: ingredient grams, CBD amount, date, and observations.
- Scale potency gradually. Start low (100–200 mg per ounce) and adjust based on preference.
- If adding essential oils, respect dermal maximums and keep facial formulas gentler.
- For diy beauty gifts, include an ingredient list and usage/safety note on the label.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the preservative in water-based products
- Overheating CBD—add during cool-down for creams when below 45°C (113°F)
- Using culinary tinctures with sugar/flavor
- Ignoring patch tests or potential allergies
- Guessing potency—always do the math
FAQs
Will a CBD topical make me feel “high”?
No. CBD is non-intoxicating, and topicals are applied to skin rather than taken internally. Formulas using hemp-derived CBD with compliant THC levels should not produce a “high.”
How do I choose a quality CBD for skincare?
Look for third-party lab results (COA), confirm the CBD type (isolate, broad-, or full-spectrum), check THC level compliance, and avoid added flavors or sweeteners in topical formulas.
Can I use CBD cream on my face?
Yes, with care. Choose lighter oils, avoid strong fragrances, and patch test first. Keep essential oil levels low and stop use if irritation occurs.
How much CBD should I put in a jar?
Beginners often start around 100–200 mg per ounce of product and adjust. Use isolate for precise dosing. Always calculate total mg and label your batch.
What’s the shelf life of homemade CBD products?
Balms (no water) can last 6–12 months if stored cool and dry. Creams/lotions need a preservative and typically last 3–6 months. Discard if odor, color, or texture changes.
Conclusion
With safe sourcing, clear potency math, and simple formulas, cbd skincare diy can be both effective and enjoyable. Start with the infused lotion or balm, take notes, and customize textures and scents to your preference. Ready to craft your first batch?