The healing benefits of cannabis when used in beauty products are no secret, with big-name brands like The Body Shop and Dr. Bronner’s using it as an ingredient long before legalization.
The cannabis sativa plant — be it marijuana or hemp — is most commonly processed for two potent active ingredients: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol); oil produced from hemp seed is a common component in many products. (Legal definitions of what’s considered marijuana and what’s hemp are definitely cause for consumer confusion.)
Beauty buzz
Fresh take: Give patchouli a chance — 10 top scents to try
Hemp parade: Product reviews for people — and pets
Just for women: Whoopi Goldberg hopes her new weed line will offer menstrual cramp relief
Weed news and interviews: Get podcasts of The Cannabist Show.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.
Watch The Cannabist Show.
Peruse our Cannabist-themed merchandise (T’s, hats, hoodies) at Cannabist Shop.
Let’s dispel a couple of other common misconceptions: No, using reefer in your regimen will not get you high or make you test positive on a drug test. Instead, non-psychoactive, cannabis-infused lotions and potions are absorbed directly through the skin (not into the bloodstream) — and even hair. The body soaks up the antioxidant properties of cannabis, which is also a source of vitamins A, C and E.
While it seems like “cannabis beauty” is a sudden trend, it’s nothing new, with Eastern cultures using the effective ingredients for hundreds of years. Established and new companies alike are embracing it now more than ever, so we’ve rounded up the best of what’s out there to try — some new to the shelves and others that are staples among the all-natural beauty set.
Please note that these cannabis products are listed alphabetically by brand, not ranked; prices may vary dependent upon dispensary; and shipping restrictions might be based on legality, so check all websites for details.
1. Apothecanna Cherry Balm, $18
These pot-product pioneers have put a cherry on top of their best-selling “Lip Buzz” formula for a special collaboration with The Gift Shop at Red Bull Studios New York. Packed with 20mg of CBD and cherry, mango, peppermint and ylang ylang extracts, it doubles as a spot treatment for irritated skin.
Shop: thegiftshop.redbullstudiosnewyork.com
2. Body Shop Limited Edition Hemp Hand Protector, $20
One of the original big-name brands to embrace help seed oil — they’re Community Fair Trade sourced from England — the ultimate dry-skin savior gets a limited edition this year, introducing The Body Shop Foundation’s new program: Enrich Not Exploit™. With each purchase, $2.20 is donated to your cause of choice: planet, people, animals or oceans.
Shop: thebodyshop-usa.com
3. Dr. Bronner’s Shaving Soap, $8.99
Blended with Dr. Bronner’s traditional hemp castile base used in the legendary 18-in-1 soap, their shave-specific soap works wonders on legs and the face. Go for the Tea Tree formula, which naturally soothes and protects the skin from razor burn.
Shop: drbronner.com
4. Fresh Cannabis Rose Eau De Parfum, $90
I’ve been wearing Fresh Cannabis Santal since 2006 when it was first introduced … for men. There’s now a counterpart for the ladies, which blends white musk, patchouli and oolong tea with raw cannabis, dark chocolate and Bulgarian rose. Both are housed in an artisanal glass bottle.
Shop: fresh.com
5. Hempz Yuzu & Starfruit Daily Herbal Moisturizing Dry Oil Body Spray, $20
Say hello to your new summer SPF spray. Infused with 100 percent pure natural hemp seed oil and Hempz’s signature fruit complex, this lightly scented, weightless daily moisturizer will help hydrate while protecting against the damaging UVA/UVB rays from sun exposure with broad-spectrum SPF 30.
Shop: hempz.com
6. Kush Creams Aloe-Based Face and Eye Cream, $40
The anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabis apply to the face too, helping to heal acne, reduce wrinkles and smooth the skin. This rich, aloe-based cream works both during the day under makeup and at night and is so soothing, you’ll wish it was available in a giant jar to lather it all over your body. Formulated with premium organic cannabis-infused emu oil and full cannabis extract to work with your natural pH, it’s scent-free and hypoallergenic for the most sensitive of skin types.
Shop: kushcreams.com
7. Malin + Goetz Hair Pomade, $22
This all-natural styling aid uses cannabis sativa seed for moisture, definition and texture blended with yucca and aloe plant extracts to help prevent damage and protect. It works well with all hair types to hold any style and is great for on-the-go grooming.
Shop: malinandgoetz.com
8. Marley Natural Hemp Seed Body Wash, $25 & Body Lotion, $25
Marley Natural’s Body Care products launched earlier this year, and I love everything in the lineup. All formulas are made using an extraction process utilizing cold-pressed hemp and cannabis sativa seed oil, which captures the purest form of its nourishing, nutrient-rich benefits. This is a perfect pair to add to your shower sesh to daydream of days on a Jamaican beach.
Shop: marleynaturalshop.com
9. Whoopi & Maya Soak, $15
Celebrity vape enthusiast Whoopi Goldberg made a splash last month with the introduction of her very own medical marijuana company focused on menstrual pain relief. Combating cramps aside, the THC-infused bath soak (available in lavender, rose and unscented) is so relaxing, you’ll use it anytime of the month. Whoopi & Maya products are currently sold in California dispensaries with more markets coming soon.
Shop: whoopiandmaya.com
