Does ACS Provide Full-Panel Testing for Hemp-Derived Cosmetics?
ACS Laboratory leads the nation in cannabis testing, including hemp-derived cosmetics. The lab’s scientific team analyzes hemp beauty formulas for everything from CBD and THC potency, to contaminants to shelf-life and stability. ACS tests all topical hemp formulas, including skincare creams, serums, oils, cleansers, lip balms, haircare so brands can guarantee a top quality product.
The article examines the hemp and CBD cosmetics market and the importance of lab tested formulas with ACS Laboratory.
What Are Hemp-Derived Cosmetics?
Hemp-derived cosmetics encompass skincare, hair care, and topical products containing hemp plants and seed extracts. Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa, legally defined as containing less than 0.3% THC by dry product weight.
Hemp skincare formulas typically contain:
- Cold-pressed hemp seed oil, rich in moisturizing properties that soften and smooth the skin.
- CBD isolates, which deliver targeted benefits like reducing redness, soothing irritation, and supporting overall skin health.
Other minor cannabinoids derived from hemp used in cosmetic products include:
- Cannabigerol (CBG): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, CBG may help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
- Cannabinol (CBN): CBN exhibits calming properties and may help soothe sensitive or stressed skin.
- Cannabichromene (CBC): CBC has potential antibacterial and antifungal effects, which could help maintain clearer skin.
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): THCV might help regulate oil production, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV): CBDV can help balance oil production and calm irritated skin.
Popular hemp cosmetic products
Legal and naturally-derived hemp cannabinoids come in popular products including:
The Science Behind Hemp Skincare
Scientific research into hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids shows multiple pharmacological mechanisms that can enhance skincare and haircare products.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and skin health
Hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBDV, and THCV show promising cosmetic and therapeutic benefits for skin and hair through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other cellular receptors.
The ECS contains CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body, including the skin. This system helps balance many of the skin’s key functions, including:
- Cell regeneration
- Cell differentiation
- Oil production
- Immune and inflammatory responses
Cannabinoids activate CB1 and CB2 receptors in skin cells. They also stimulate TRP and PPAR receptors to enhance cellular repair and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress (antioxidants).
For the skin, CB1 and CB2 interaction helps counteract UV exposure and pollution damage to support anti-aging, clarity, and regeneration.
For hair, CBD and THCV block CB1 receptors to extend the active growth phase (anagen), reduce scalp inflammation, and improve follicle function, creating an environment conducive to robust hair growth.
Benefits of Hemp Compounds in Cosmetics
Hemp components display numerous benefits for skincare products, from fighting inflammation and free radicals to hydration and wound-healing capabilities.
Reduce inflammation
CBD is the most promising anti-inflammatory substance in hemp. It can help reduce swelling, pain, and redness from breakouts and irritation from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Regulate oil production
According to a 2014 study, CBD may have an anti-inflammatory effect on sebocytes, the skin cells that produce sebum, a waxy, oily substance thought to contribute to acne. This mechanism helps prevent clogged pores and the formation of acne lesions.
Hydrate dry skin
For dry skin, CBD can help improve hydration by stimulating natural oil production.
It can also reduce inflammation and support barrier function, helping the skin retain moisture better.
Heal wounds
Research shows that CBD and THC can increase cell growth in skin fibroblasts, demonstrating wound-healing abilities. Additionally, CBN is the subject of a clinical trial for potential wound healing functions.
Antibacterial
Research conducted 60 years ago found that CBD can act against Gram-positive bacteria. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and CBG are also linked to antibacterial activity.
State of the Market for Hemp Cosmetic Products
The hemp skincare market is trendy and has experienced rapid growth. A recent analysis by Allied Market Research showed hemp cosmetics products topped the market in 2023 with a 63.5% share. Projections indicate that CBD skincare will be worth $3.5 billion globally by 2026, expanding to $8.9 billion by 2033.
Several factors have converged to make hemp skincare appealing to consumers.
01. Increasing consumer demand for natural and organic beauty products
Hemp-based CBD products often contain fewer additives and preservatives than other skin care products, and consumers view them as more natural and eco-friendly, aligning with the growing preference for sustainable and organic skincare.
02. Rising awareness of CBD’s therapeutic benefits
CBD is known for its potent, effective, and versatile effects, especially in providing concentrated, calming benefits in various applications.
03. Legalization and acceptance of hemp-derived products
Hemp, which contains low levels of THC, is legal and widely available in many regions. CBD skincare products appear in many retail channels, including online stores, specialty beauty shops, and health stores, attracting customers seeking quality assurance and brand credibility.
Emerging hemp-derived cosmetics trends
New hemp cosmetics product launches continue to attract consumers and expand the market, including THC-infused CBD creams, CBG cosmetics, and minor cannabinoid infusions.
- CBD cream with THC: Medical topicals containing equal amounts of THC and CBD are popular for targeted inflammatory relief. CBD THC cream utilizes CBD to help with inflammation, while the THC targets pain receptors.
- CBG cosmetics: Cannabigerol (CBG) has received considerable attention for its ability to target bacterial infections. Consequently, CBG has become a prevalent substance in face creams and other cosmetics designed to prevent transmissible illness and in anti-acne topicals.
- Minor cannabinoids: Minor cannabinoid-based cosmetics, including CBN and CBC blends with CBD, are appearing more in serums, oils, and creams as the market becomes educated about their anti-aging and skin protective benefits.
Hemp Testing for Topical Cosmetics
Lab testing for hemp cosmetics is not legally mandated but is essential to ensure these products are safe and effective. Hemp testing topical formulas for potency and contaminants also provides brands with marketing material and consumers with critical education to choose the bestproduct to match their skin and hair care goals.
Potency testing: Potency testing measures the levels of cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, and CBN, in hemp-derived cosmetics. CBD testing, for example, ensures that the product contains the advertised concentration of this cannabinoid in effective doses.
Contaminant screening: Contaminant screening identifies the presence of harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, microbial contaminants, mycotoxins, and residual solvents in hemp cosmetics and CBD skincare. Testing ensures these harmful substances do not make their way into the final product and protects consumers from potential health risks.
Shelf life and stability testing: Shelf life and stability tests provide the best usage instructions and show how to package cosmetics to maintain optimal potency before degrading. Brands can use this critical data to determine expiration dates and ensure the product remains effective and safe under different storage conditions.
Working with ACS Laboratory on Hemp Cosmetics Testing
ACS Laboratory is a leader in hemp testing with 82 Emerald Badges for accuracy in purity and potency, more than any lab in the USA. It has extensive experience testing numerous hemp and CBD skincare formulas, including nanoemulsions, lotions, oils, and transdermal patches,
Other ACS benefits:
- ACS Laboratory is a DEA-registered laboratory that is also USDA-approved to test hemp products.
- ACS uses sophisticated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment for hemp testing. This method is preferred for topical testing because it works at room temperature without adding heat.
Brands looking to guarantee high-quality, pure hemp cosmetics with 100% label accuracy can contact ACS about testing today.
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