Powerful non-controversial CBD alternative : COSSMA

With fast-paced lifestyles, consumers are looking at new strategies to disconnect from the stress of daily life. This is why it is not surprising that yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, among other things, are becoming increasingly popular. According to consumer insight studies, 75% of global consumers are likely to buy products or services that will enhance their sense of emotional well-being in the next 12 years.

With the legalisation of cannabis in some countries, consumers now have greater access to cannabis-based products that offer health and wellness benefits. Indeed, from cannabis-active nutrition to cannabis-infused drinks or cannabis-friendly fitness activities, cannabis is found everywhere, across product categories.

The beauty industry has been relatively quick to jump on the CBD bandwagon, primarily through anti-ageing, antioxidant and corrective skin care. The use of cannabis derivatives is found in numerous products marketed as oils, balms, soaps, creams, lotions, and serums for face care and now for hair care. For a category that didn’t even exist just five years ago, CBD beauty products have become a phenomenon, making media headlines and turning cannabis and CBD into industry buzzwords. Cannabis research estimates CBD product growth exceeded 80% in 2018 alone. An analysis of social media from 2015 to 2018 confirmed the trend, but also revealed an increase in the negative sentiment posts, reaching 30% in December 2018.

What is CBD and why is it controversial?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant that is reported to help bring balance to the body and the mind by complementing the endocannabinoid system which may be unable to create enough endocannabinoids, therefore causing imbalance. CBD is found in both hemp and marijuana, two different strains of the cannabis plant. Hemp doesn’t contain enough tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to produce marijuana’s euphoric high, a distinction that has fuelled the growing acceptance of hemp. Hemp seed oil used in cosmetics, however, contains very little CBD.

The use of CBD oil remains controversial as it is not Food and Drug Administration-approved for its health benefits. The FDA issued warning letters to some companies selling products containing cannabidiol and promoting the health benefits of their products. Many products were found to not contain the levels of CBD they claimed to contain.

A non-controversial alternative to CBD oil

Our company has developed a premium patchouli oil that is a non-controversial alternative to CBD oil or hemp oil with effective skin benefits associated with the skin endocannabinoid system. This patchouli oil does not contain cannabis-derived cannabinoids. This extract has been shown to deliver calming, soothing and age-defying benefits mediated by CB2 receptors in skin, with superior benefits compared to hemp oil. A hippie chic patchouli extract associated with beauty and luxury.

Patchouli is an iconic plant of the hippie or flower power generation of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Patchouli oil and incenses were brought by hippies into Western countries as a reminder of their Asian travels. Patchouli was said to cover the smell of marijuana. Therefore, cannabis and patchouli were used for their complementary benefits during the hippie period. Today however, cannabis conveys an image somehow negative for some beauty brands.

In the contrast to this, patchouli has a positive image associated with luxury, youth and beauty. It is also one of the most prestigious ingredients in modern perfumery, with a musky, spicy aroma that provides fragrances with a unique, alluring scent. The hippie chic movement, also referred to as the boho chic trend, is gaining momentum in the luxury segment. Patchouli is a privileged ingredient to capture this trend in cosmetics.

Use in traditional Asian medicine

Patchouli was introduced into China in 500 BC, then brought into the Middle East along the silk route. In the 19th century, it was widely used in India for its insect-repellent properties to protect silk or linen shawls from moths and to mask unpleasant odours. In Victorian Britain, Indian patchouli-scented shawls exported to Europe became a main indicator of true oriental fabric, the height of sophistication and a symbol of luxury. Patchouli finds its roots deeply vested in traditional Chinese medicine, where its acrid, warm, aromatic, and dry properties nourish the yin and calm the mind. It is considered to be a great balancer, a relaxing yet stimulating herb that is particularly relevant for conditions of weak immunity. Also known as Korean mint, patchouli is one of the fundamental herbs in traditional Korean medicine and is used locally for its numerous health benefits. However, patchouli gained most of its popularity from Ayurveda. In India the name patchouli means green leaf (Patch – green and ilia – leaf). It is known for its benefits on skin cells’ regeneration, improving the skin’s self-repair processes.

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