Interest in CBD is booming, and consumers are seeking out this non-intoxicating ingredient in rapidly increasing numbers. CBD product sales reached $390 million in 2018, and are on track to triple in the next four years. Early research indicates many possible benefits of adding CBD to skin care products. Major brands and distributors like Unilever, Estée Lauder, CVS and Walgreens have plans to enter the CBD market in the coming year, while independent manufacturers continued to provide products to their targeted markets. As a private label skin care manufacturer, you can take advantage of the public demand for CBD by adding it to your line based on its potential in the following areas:

Inflammation Treatment

In its rightful place, inflammation can benefit your health, such as when your skin swells and heats up around a scratch to protect and heal the tissue. However, too much inflammation at the wrong time is linked with many illnesses in all parts of the body, including the skin. CDB has shown effectiveness in reducing skin inflammation through its ability to bind to the TRPV-1 receptors in the skin, where it can then help provide relief to ailments caused by inflammation.

Pain and Itching Reduction

Many people seek out CBD products for pain relief, often based on word-of-mouth testimony from friends and celebrities. One area of research is in the form of cannabinoids produced in our own bodies (known as endocannabinoids), which are connected to our feelings of pain. Studies suggest that CBD helps your body use its own endocannabinoids more efficiently, which will encourage ongoing research in possible treatments for muscle aches, arthritis and other forms of acute pain.

The anti-itching potential of CBD was highlighted in a recent study where participants using a product containing the oil reported up to an 86.4% decrease in their itching. In addition, the terpenes present in broad-spectrum CBD have demonstrated antibacterial and antioxidant properties in some recent research. This opens up the possibility for formulations that can help provide relief for poison ivy, bug bites and other skin irritations.

Anti-Aging and Skin Protection

CBD has been shown to be an effective antioxidant, helping reduce the effect of free radicals on the skin. This in turn can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The lipids in CBD – which include essential fatty acids (EFAs) like omega-3 and omega-6 – also help keep skin hydrated while providing a protective barrier against harmful environmental factors like sun exposure, while providing relief to people with eczema. The research is so promising that the National Institute of Health has a patent related to the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of CBD, which are key components in anti-aging treatments.

Acne Management

A recent study found that CBD helped reduce acne breakouts by regulating the oil production of sebaceous glands. This combined with the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of CBD raise hopes that it can become an effective, non-steroidal treatment for acne. Consumers are particularly interested in finding acne treatments that avoid retinoids, which can cause dryness and peeling when first used. As the research continues to advance, skin care manufacturers are meeting the demand for skin-soothing, acne-fighting treatments by offering products based on this preliminary research.

Getting Started

If you are ready to begin incorporating CBD into your private label skin care line, remember to take some of the following steps to provide your customers with the best product possible:

Check your sources. CBD-mania has grown to the point where it has been touted as a cure-all for nearly every possible ailment, but in truth the research is still in its early stages. Before you make any specific claims in your marketing, check reputable sources and don’t overpromise the benefits. Especially avoid making medical claims now while research is still on-going.

Partner with a reputable manufacturer. In 2015, the FDA found that most CBD products were mislabeled, with many containing very little of the substance. Avoid these errors by working with a manufacturer who can test that the product your customers get is what they are paying for.

Opt for Broad-Spectrum CBD. Compared with CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD has the advantages of superior efficacy, longer-lasting effects and additional vitamins, minerals and EFAs. CBD Isolate can still be useful in many applications as well. Choosing a manufacturer that is skilled in both types can help you choose which is right for your niche.

The early research on CBD shows encouraging potential in treating many skin conditions, and consumers are taking note and seeking it out in their skin care routine. With careful research and a good manufacturing partner, you can adapt your product line to meet this growing demand.