We’ve been inundated of late with new beauty launches proclaiming the benefits of CBD, yet how many of us actually know what it is?
While we do know that CBD-infused skincare is the latest Hollywood trend, with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston singing its praises and Instagram users going mad for the #CBDBeauty hashtag, the powers of CBD are still somewhat murky. Is it cannabis? Is it hemp? What is it?
The latest launch, however, see the ingredient arrive in stylish fashion on to the UK high street, courtesy of health brand Holland & Barrett. Its new new five-piece skincare line, will not only debunk some of the myths surrounding the ingredient, but will revolutionise your skincare routine.
Firstly, let’s start at the beginning, CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It can be extracted and turned into oils, which have become the latest ‘must-have’ ingredient in beauty products due to its antioxidant powers. (This is miles away from the the psychoactive extract of cannabis that is taken as a drug.) Our bodies have native receptors for ‘cannabinoids’ so that they can be set to work straight away, healing irritation, balancing oil, minimising signs of ageing and moisturising.
The five-piece skincare range harness the ingredient and it also has been formulated with 100% natural ingredients, combining the powerful antioxidant properties of Hemp seed extract and cannabidiol to tackle dryness, oiliness, inflammation and tired muscles. The two ingredients also work together to retain moisture in the skin, regulate sebum production and act as an antioxidant to help reduce the signs of ageing.
The CBD Serum, £19.99, is a good place to start. It is super concentrated yet has a light texture which sinks into skin nicely. It adds moisture and preps the skin as the first step in your skincare routine. CBD and Hemp seed oils power together to help regulate the skin’s oil production and correct balance for the skin. The serum also helps soothe skin and is suitable for use on problem skin.
Next, follow up with the CBD Day Cream, £14.99, which gives the complexion a dose of the antioxidant properties of CBD, to help to reduce free-radicals and slow the ageing process. It has a lovely rich texture and skin looks glowing and plumped up after use. The two oils work together to help regulate the skin’s oil production giving you the correct balance for your skin type.
The moisture-boosting CBD Night Cream, which also contains Shea Butter, CBD and Hemp seed oils, goes to work while you slumber. The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in Shea Butter and CBD oil makes this cream super nourishing and moisturising for skin and does all the hard work while you sleep. Shea Butter is also known to aid the skin’s natural collagen production and it protects against dryness. The result is that you wake up looking youthful, rested and radiant.
Finally comes the CBD Muscle Balm, £14.99, which, for exercise fiends, will become your latest must-have. Formulated with Capsicum, this light balm helps to relieve painful and tired muscles. Rub it on after exercising and the slight warming formulation helps blood circulation in affected areas when applied during massage and helps aching muscles to recover.
There’s also an Extra Strength Muscle Balm, £19.99, aimed at those that work just a little bit harder or have a mild injury to care for. Together the CBD and Hemp seed extract, it is the perfect post-workout essential. Throw it in your gym bag and rub on tired limbs and muscle for a swift recovery.
While the range captures the latest 21st century ingredient in beauty development, I love the way it also marries this with an age-old aesthetic. The products give a nod to the Victorian apothecaries of old with its green-hued design and curlicued font. Wonderfully of the moment.
Holland & Barrett CBD Beauty is available in stores and online
*This review is based on press samples
