CBD oils combine hemp extract and a carrier oil like MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil that's designed as an oral supplement, but you can technically use CBD oils on your skin—it's not the best use of the product and there are better CBD topicals available to suit a variety of skin concerns.
CBD topicals, such as balms, lotions & salveswork by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors on the skin to support the skin organ's function, and it won't enter the bloodstream through topical application—so it only provides localized muscle support.Benefits of CBD Oil On The Skin
Cannabinoids like CBD interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to exert their effects for supporting the homeostasis of many of our vital systems and organs—the skin being one of them.
As the largest organ, the skin has a significant role in regulating the immune response and temperature and protecting us from our environment. The endocannabinoid system has receptors in our skin tissue that CBD can interact with to support its function.
Many people will use CBD muscle balm for muscle recovery, discomfort, minor skin irritation, and anti-aging—depending on the product's formulation [1].
When CBD is applied to the skin, it doesn't enter the bloodstream to exert its effects throughout the body. Instead, it supports the endocannabinoid system in the skin to provide localized relief quickly.
Difference Between Topical & Oral CBD Products?
The main difference between CBD tinctures and topical CBD products is the formulation.
They're both made from hemp extracts derived via supercritical CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction before formulating into a specific CBD product.
Pure hemp extract applied to the skin has an abysmal absorption rate, resulting in a waste product, so it's mixed in with other oils to improve its use.
Pure CBD oil for oral consumption are pretty simple and only made with one to two ingredients—depending on the product's intended purpose. At the same time, topical CBD involves a long list of ingredients to improve its absorption into the skin and nourish and condition the skin.
Some CBD topicals like CBD rubs and pain creams may have heating or cooling agents that help to relax the muscles and alleviate pain.
You can find topical CBD products in the forms of massage oils, gels, creams, balms, salves, and lotions—make sure you read the entire ingredient list and understand the purpose of the product to ensure you get the best use out of it.
Commonly supporting ingredients in CBD topicals are jojoba oil, essential oils, menthol (for cooling), capsaicin extract (for heating), and vitamins.
Before applying CBD lotions or balms to a larger area of your body, always patch-test it to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction to the ingredients.
Should I Use Oral CBD Oil Topically?
Technically, yes you can use oral CBD but preferably its better to use High potency CBD oil sublingually & then opt for a CBD product designed for topical use.
A CBD topical will have additional ingredients that aid the cannabinoid absorption into the skin and may offer more benefits for conditioning the skin texture or improving comfort over plain oral CBD oil.
Since there are many different CBD topicals on the market, it's best to find a formula that addresses your concerns. If you have trouble choosing, you can always opt to review the best cbd for back pain and inflammation.
What Is Oral CBD Oil?
Oral CBD oil is a blend of hemp extract and a carrier oil like hemp seed oil or MCT coconut oil. They're available in a wide range of strengths indicated by the MG of CBD told on the bottle.
The carrier oils help the fat-soluble cannabinoids absorb into the body efficiently, and it allows you to have more control over precise dosing. While smoking cannabis products is many people's favorite way to leverage the benefits of cannabinoids—it's not ideal for everyone, which is why oral CBD products like hemp infused oil have become very popular as a smoke-free THC alternative.
Side Effects of Topical CBD Oil?
CBD applied to the skin is generally well-tolerated. Still, there are instances of some people developing allergies to terpenes (the scent in the cannabis plant) and other ingredients in the formula.
The side effects may include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Sensitivity
- Itching
It's always important that you patch test the product on a small area before massaging it onto joint and muscle pain or on your face to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction to the formula.
The Takeaway: Can I Use Oral CBD Oils On The Skin?
You can use sublingual CBD oils on the skin, but it's not the best use of the product as products are available that will be better suited for a wide range of wellness goals.
CBD tincture or oil typically consists of a CBD extract and carrier oil for ease of use and better aboral absorption in the gut.
Many carrier oils like MCT coconut oil have fat molecules that are far too large to absorb well into the skin on the face, which is why we don't recommend using CBD tinctures as part of your facial skincare routine.
Instead, look for formulas with non-comedogenic ingredients and a potent CBD content to support a wide range of skin concerns and muscle aches.
FAQ
What is oral CBD oil?
Oral CBD oil, also known as tincture, is a combination of hemp extract and a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or MCT coconut oil. They come in a variety of strengths, as indicated by the MG of CBD on the bottle. The carrier oils aid in the efficient absorption of fat-soluble cannabinoids into the body, giving you more control over precise dosing.
What are the benefits of CBD Oil on the skin?
The skin, as the largest organ, plays an important function in controlling immunological response and temperature, as well as insulating us from our surroundings. CBD can interact with endocannabinoid receptors in our skin tissue to support its function. Depending on the product's formulation, many people will utilize topical CBD products for muscle recovery, pain, minor skin irritation, and anti-aging.
Can I use oral CBD Oils on the skin?
You can apply sublingual CBD oils to your skin, but this is not the greatest way to use the product. CBD tincture or oil is often made up of a CBD extract plus a carrier oil for ease of administration and improved aboral absorption in the intestines. Because many carrier oils, such as MCT coconut oil, have fat molecules that are far too big to enter properly into the skin on the face, we do not advocate utilizing CBD tinctures as part of your facial hygiene routine. Look for products with non-comedogenic components and a high CBD content to help with a variety of skin issues and muscular aches.
What are the potential side effects of CBD Oil topically?
CBD is generally well tolerated when applied to the skin. Nonetheless, some people have developed reactions to terpenes (the aroma of the cannabis plant) and other chemicals in the solution. Swelling, redness, sensitivity, and itching are possible adverse effects. To guarantee you don't have an adverse reaction to the formula, always patch test the product on a tiny area before massaging it onto joint and muscle discomfort or on your face.
Resources:
- Oláh, A., Tóth, B. I., Borbíró, I., Sugawara, K., Szöllõsi, A. G., Czifra, G., ... & Bíró, T. (2014). Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes. The Journal of clinical investigation, 124(9), 3713-3724.
