By: Mia Davis, Director of Environmental and Social Responsibility

There is a good chance you’re either already using CBD or you’re wondering about CBD. We get a lot of questions about this “buzzy” ingredient, so we prepared this digest for you.

First things first: what is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids which are natural compounds, found in the hemp (or cannabis) plant. It is the second most abundant cannabinoid in the plant after THC. CBD is not psychoactive like the cannabinoid THC is. That is, CBD cannot get anyone high, no matter how much you use. 

People often use the term “CBD” as though it is interchangeable with “hemp,” or as shorthand for “hemp.” For clarification, CBD is not the same thing as hemp or cannabis --it is a compound found within these plants.  It is also important to note that hemp seed oil, a common ingredient in consumer products, does not contain CBD.  CBD and other cannabinoids are from the plant’s flowers, not from the seeds.

CBD is used in hemp products in different forms:

1) as a part of a full-spectrum or a broad-spectrum oil, meaning that the oil is extracted from the plant and the CBD and other cannabinoids are all there hanging out together (with THC always being less than 0.3% of the mixture in hemp oil), or

2) as CBD isolate. An isolate means that the chemical compound has been isolated-- pulled out of-- its original “home” in the plant.  CBD is not the only natural compound people isolate; this happens in pharmaceutical medicine, street drugs, and yes, in beauty. For example, “natural” fragrances commonly used in clean beauty are physically extracted from plants and then mixed together to create a new fragrance. (A strawberry scent is the result of dozens of isolated chemicals that came from plants other than a strawberry.)

And what about the relationship between hemp and marijuana?

Hemp and marijuana are both “cannabis sativa,” and both contain CBD and dozens of other cannabinoids, but at different levels. There are many hybrids and strains of cannabis too, which is why a person can experience very different effects using different plants. Due to federal and state laws, the only cannabis compounds you will find at Credo come from hemp plants.  These plants have been bred of contain less than 0.3% THC.

What are the effects and benefits of using hemp oil?

Studies have shown that cannabinoids (like CBD) can interact with the body's own endocannabinoid system, which may help to ease pain and anxiety, and to soothe and balance skin. The effects of hemp oil/cannabinoids are actively being researched. Studies show that there are cannabinoid receptors in the dermis, and cannabinoids like CBD may play roles in homeostasis, and might be useful for calming the skin and treating acne.

And of course, it is worth noting that this plant is not really new at all! Hemp oil has been used by people for thousands of years, and is known to be rich in essential fatty acids and phytonutrients. Its use as an ingredient in skincare and beauty products like lotion, serum and lip balm is what is relatively new... and so far, users have glowing reviews.

As always, the Credo Clean Standard applies to all ingredients and products, including this exciting plant ingredient.  We will ensure brands are sourcing high quality hemp-derived products and using terminology that is accurate and understandable to the consumer.