What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant (more specifically from hemp) that has numerous positive effects in skincare. CBD is a different compound from THC, the intoxicating substance in cannabis. The CBD used in our products is a legal cosmetic ingredient and is listed in the EU’s CosIng cosmetic ingredient database.
CBD is a relatively new addition to cosmetics, having long suffered from the bad reputation of cannabis. When cannabis was criminalized in the 1960´s, the reputation of hemp was tarnished as well, and even today many people mistakenly believe that CBD causes intoxication. In reality, the intoxicating properties come from marijuana, a different strain within the cannabis family.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from hemp, while the intoxicating effects (THC) come from cannabis. Both plants belong to the hemp family, but they should not be confused with one another. CBD is not a psychoactive compound, and using it externally (or internally) does not cause intoxication.
We want to bring CBD into the spotlight because it is an excellent cosmetic ingredient that can benefit nearly every skin type. In the following, we aim to clarify a) the difference between marijuana and hemp, and b) the benefits of CBD in skincare.
CBD and Legislation
CBD can be used both as a dietary supplement and as a cosmetic ingredient, and legislation varies between markets. In other words, in some countries CBD oil is sold for internal use, while in others it is not. However, the EU’s free trade agreement allows for the legal ordering of products between EU countries, so even if CBD cannot be sold as a dietary supplement in your country, you can still legally order it for supplement use from another EU country.
In most parts of Europe, CBD can be sold as a dietary supplement (e.g., in France, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Ireland), and people use CBD oil to help relieve stress, aid in falling or staying asleep, enhance concentration, or alleviate pain. CBD oil may provide relief for conditions like chronic pain, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), endometriosis symptoms, or joint pain. CBD oil comes in different strengths, and the appropriate dosage depends on a person’s physical size and individual needs.
Finland is one of the last EU countries where dietary supplement approval has not yet been granted, and is currently acting against a ruling by the EU Court of Justice.
In Finland, CBD is regulated by Fimea (medicinal substances), the Finnish Food Authority (dietary supplements), and Tukes (cosmetics). At present, CBD can legally be sold in Finland only as a cosmetic.
CBD in cosmetics
Almost all skin types can benefit from the positive effects of CBD. It is suitable even for sensitive skin, as well as for those with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. In Finland, atopic skin is especially common, and more and more people require skincare products tailored for sensitive skin. CBD is particularly beneficial for stressed and irritated skin. It helps reduce itching and redness, and for example, after shaving or along the bikini line, CBD soothes the pores quickly and without stinging.
CBD effectively repairs small skin injuries and can be used as a first aid treatment for various skin concerns. It helps balance sebum production, making it ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin, and is also well-suited for acne-prone skin. Its antioxidant properties help aging skin appear more youthful.
CBD helps the skin look healthier, more balanced, and more hydrated. New and exciting research on CBD continues to emerge—you can find links at the bottom of the page.
Benefits of CBD
CBD IN BLANK& PRODUCTS
Our Chief Operating Officer, Miro Koliseva, has worked with CBD for many years and has sourced the best ingredients used in Blank& products. The CBD in our facial oils comes from the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia and is derived from organic hemp grown without pesticides. The CBD we use is of food-grade quality and is also used in CBD dietary supplements.
Blank& products contain no intoxicating THC. The EU’s legal limit is 0.2%, but our products contain either 0.01% or 0%.
We maintain strict quality control and are committed to transparency with our customers. Every batch of our CBD is tested by our supplier and by the University of Turku. You can find the compiled test results below.
