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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