Skin Applications of Cannabidiol: Sources, Effects, Delivery Systems, Marketed Formulations and Safety

March 2023 in “ Phytochemistry Reviews ”

Béatriz Ferreira, Gustavo Costa, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Patrícia C. Pires, Fariba Heidarizadeh, Prabhanjan Giram, Priscila Gava Mazzola, Célia Cabral, Francisco Veiga, Ana Cláudia Paiva‐Santos

cannabidiol CBD hair growth modulation alopecia androgenetic alopecia penetration enhancers nanotechnology

TLDR CBD may improve skin and hair health, but its effective use and safety need more research.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound in cannabis, has shown potential benefits for skin and hair health, including hydration, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound healing, and hair growth modulation. It has potential applications in treating skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and alopecia. A study involving adults with androgenetic alopecia showed a 93.5% increase in hair count after applying 3-4 mg of CBD daily for 6 months. However, the delivery of CBD to the skin is challenging due to its high lipophilicity. Various delivery systems and formulation strategies, including the use of penetration enhancers and nanotechnology, are being developed to improve its application. Despite the potential benefits, there are still many gaps in understanding CBD's therapeutic mechanisms, effective doses, and safety regulations.

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research Nanostructured Drug Delivery Systems for Targeting 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors to the Hair Follicle

3 citations , January 2022 in “Pharmaceutics”

Nanostructured delivery systems could potentially improve hair loss treatment by targeting drugs to hair follicles, reducing side effects and dosage, but the best size, charge, and materials for these systems need further investigation.

research Hair Growth-Promotion Effects at the Cellular Level and Antioxidant Activity of the Plant-Based Extract Phyllotex

7 citations , September 2021 in “Heliyon”

Phyllotex™ extract was found to significantly promote hair growth and protect against hair loss.

research Hair Regrowth with Cannabidiol (CBD)-Rich Hemp Extract – A Case Series

7 citations , April 2021 in “Cannabis”

CBD-rich hemp oil can significantly increase hair regrowth in people with common hair loss, with no reported side effects.

research Screening of Hair Growth Promoting Activity of Punica Granatum L. (Pomegranate) Leaves Extracts and Its Potential to Exhibit Antidandruff and Anti-Lice Effect

14 citations , April 2021 in “Heliyon”

Pomegranate leaf extract may help with hair growth, dandruff, and lice.

research The Phytocannabinoid (–)-Cannabidiol Operates as a Complex, Differential Modulator of Human Hair Growth: Anti-Inflammatory Submicromolar Versus Hair Growth Inhibitory Micromolar Effects

15 citations , February 2020 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

CBD can either reduce inflammation and not affect hair growth at low levels or inhibit hair growth at high levels.

research Efficacy and Tolerability of a Shampoo Containing Broad-Spectrum Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Scalp Inflammation in Patients with Mild to Moderate Scalp Psoriasis or Seborrheic Dermatitis

14 citations , January 2020 in “Skin appendage disorders”

A shampoo with cannabidiol can significantly reduce scalp inflammation and symptoms in people with mild to moderate psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

research Hair Growth-Promoting Activities of Chitosan and Surface-Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibers

30 citations , April 2019 in “International Journal of Biological Macromolecules”

Chitosan and surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers may help treat hair loss.

research The Endocannabinoid System of the Skin: A Potential Approach for the Treatment of Skin Disorders

75 citations , November 2018 in “Biochemical pharmacology”

Targeting the skin's endocannabinoid system could help treat skin disorders.

research (-)-Cannabidiol Differentially Influences Hair Growth

3 citations , October 2017 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

CBD can either promote or inhibit hair growth depending on the concentration used.

research Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-3 Inhibits Human Hair Growth

105 citations , August 2011 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Activating TRPV3 stops human hair growth.

research Adenosine Stimulates Fibroblast Growth Factor-7 Gene Expression Via Adenosine A2b Receptor Signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells

66 citations , June 2007 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Adenosine may promote hair growth by increasing FGF-7 levels in dermal papilla cells.

research A Hot New Twist to Hair Biology: The Role of TRPV1 in Human Hair Growth Control

174 citations , April 2005 in “The American journal of pathology (Print)”

Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, can slow down hair growth by affecting skin cells and hair follicles.