Green Gold

Known as “green gold” in the cosmetics industry, cannabis is a trend that has spread from the US, the first country where it was legalized for cosmetics, to Europe and numerous other countries. The hemp used for beauty is high in CBD,

a natural compound with excellent nutritional and medicinal properties. It is already legal in many countries.

Beneficial properties for the skin

• Wrinkles and anti-ageing: CBD has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant, and a very effective free radical collector which makes it very effective in protecting the skin from the harmful action that these produce on it, visibly reducing signs of ageing such as wrinkles, skin opacity or the reddish and aged tone of the skin
• Sensitive skin: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, CBD helps reduce skin irritations and infections. Its significant soothing and normalizing effects help minimize sensitivity- related problems, including redness and reactivity. Since all skin types are subjected to multiple aggressions caused by daily environmental stressors, the soothing properties of CBD can be beneficial for any skin type.
• Anti-acne: CBD is also recommended in acne-prone skin for its anti-inflammatory and sebo-regulating properties. Acne is an inflammatory problem and although there are multiple factors that can trigger this skin imbalance, the use of products capable of reducing inflammation helps to visibly reduce breakouts, especially those with internal pimples accompanied by redness and often pain. Studies have shown the anti-inflammatory action of CBD, together with its soothing properties and its potential to decrease the excess production of sebum, make it a highly recommended ingredient in the care and well-being of reactive and acne prone skin.
• Dry skin: CBD is a highly moisturizing and nutritive active ingredient that regulates fat production, helping to maintain the hydro-lipid balance in the epidermis, thus maintaining water levels and proper hydration. It helps seal moisture in the skin in order to protect it from external agents and has a high content of essential fatty acids which also helps to defend it. CBD is rich in omega 3, 6 and 9, which defend it. It is also a natural source of gamma- linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid essential for preserving the health of skin and hair and one which our body of generating. Stressed skin: CBD’s relaxing and soothing properties help reduce anxiety and give the skin a younger an

Cannabidiol receptors

Our skin has natural cannabinoid receptors, which means that the body quickly recognizes CBD and uses it accordingly in a beneficial way thanks to the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a signalling network in the human body that is responsible for regulating various bodily functions. It reacts through the proliferation of natural cannabinoids – produced by the body – as well as by those from external sources such as CBD, and there is found the effectiveness of this natural ingredient. At the topical level, the product goes through the epidermis until reaching the dermis where the CB1 and CB2 receptors are located. Once stimulated, these receptors cause a healthier

and nourished skin, often accompanied by a pleasant feeling of well-being. There are two types of receptors identified, CB1 and CB2, both located at different levels of the skin.

CBD cosmetic products and legislation

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, CBD is a trend that emerged in the US, the first country where its effectiveness in skin care was seen and the first country where its use for beauty products was legalized. It has taken a while to get to Europe. The delay is mainly due to the European countries who wanted to be cautious with this ingredient before accepting it in cosmetics. Today CBD is a legal ingredient although its use is legislated in a stricter way than that of some other actives. The presentation is also more strictly regulated. All packaging must fulfill the functions of protecting the contents, and providing dispensing. The package must be sealed, be compatible with the contents, conserve the contents, and be transportable. On top of this, packaging of formulation containing CBD must also comply with some security measures, especially when it comes to protecting children. In the US, the country of origin of this global trend, a child resistant packaging is required as a specially legislated safety measure. Not surprisingly, it is precisely the North American market which has a child-resistant package certification, highly recommended for CBD cosmetics.

Safe packaging

When we think of any type of serum for skin care, facial or hair oil, shock treatments, high concentration formulas or specific products that require a dosed and localized application, the dropper is the first dispensing system that comes to mind. Droppers allow to dose and dispense the product drop by drop, with precision, applying it only where it is needed and using only the amount of product that is needed. Droppers are also a packaging that ensures the formula is not contaminated since only the drop that is applied has contact with the outside, leaving the rest intact inside the bottle. There is also an emotional componen of consumer interaction with the dropper and a clear association with the pharmacies and medicines. In addition to the high level of design and high quality finishes that some manufacturers offer, it is easy to understand why here the dropper is a clear market trend. Virospack presented a special CBD Dropper even when the active ingredient was not even legal in Europe, receiving certification as child-resistant packaging for the beauty industry.

CBD, a cosmetic boom to consider

Now, CBD prevails in cosmetics as serums, moisturizers, shampoos, lip balms and more. It´s an active ingredient with excellent properties for skincare that must be formulated safely and in compliance with all the regulations required by the beauty market. An active ingredient that will still give a lot to talk about.